At Programmed Facility Management New Zealand, we are always looking at practical ways to improve how we deliver for our customers, including supporting open space maintenance for Auckland Council and in this instance, the Albert-Eden Local Board.
Recently, our Auckland team completed a spray drone automation trial at Anderson Park using a DJI T50. The objective was straightforward: test whether this technology could support safer, more efficient and more controlled chemical application across open spaces.
While drone technology itself is not new, our approach has always been to view it through a commercial safety lens from day one. What began several years ago as an exploration into how drones could improve site visualisation and risk management has since evolved into a structured aviation capability embedded within our operations across New Zealand and Australia.
Today, Programmed operates with years of experience, thousands of flight hours and national pilot coverage, supported by a progressive team continuing to drive innovation and responsible adoption.
The Anderson Park trial, spraying water only, simulated a typical agricultural chemical application rate, similar to products such as dicamba.
Results from the trial:
• 0.52 hectares covered
• 100.6 litres applied
• 40 litre spray tank
• 2.5 tank loads used
• Average flight time of 2.5 minutes per tank
• Total flight time of approximately 7 minutes
• Autonomous flight height of 3 metres
• Average application rate of 16 litres per minute
The field was digitally mapped on site and the drone executed a fully autonomous flight path. The mapped route allowed for consistent coverage and controlled application across the area.
Why this matters
Councils and local boards managing large networks of parks and reserves are under constant pressure to improve safety, efficiency and environmental performance while delivering value for ratepayers. Technology like this has the potential to support these priorities across council managed open spaces.
Time efficiency
Covering just over half a hectare in seven minutes demonstrates how quickly targeted areas can be treated. Across larger programmes of work, this could reduce labour time and improve productivity across multiple sites.
Ground impact
Inevitably, any use of equipment on a sports surface can add it compaction. Safely moving above the surface, the drone spray has zero impact on the valuable sports playing surface.
Precision and environmental control
Operating on a pre mapped flight path allows for consistent application rates and even coverage. This helps reduce overspray and supports responsible chemical use.
Data and traceability
Autonomous mapping enables recorded flight paths and measurable application rates. This improves transparency and strengthens reporting capability for council stakeholders.
Continuing to test and improve
The Anderson Park trial forms part of a broader focus on innovation within our open space operations supporting Auckland Council and its local boards.
We are also progressing the adoption of additional drone platforms to expand capability across inspection, asset monitoring and specialist applications. Our aviation programme continues to mature as we build capability designed specifically for commercial environments, not as a standalone or hobby function, but as a structured operational service.
Any technology we introduce must meet the same standard we expect across all our work: safe, practical and delivering measurable value.
The trial results are encouraging and we look forward to further assessing how this technology could support Auckland Council and Albert-Eden Local Board operations in the future.
