One NZ turns toilet humour into conservation action

AUCKLAND, Today: One New Zealand has temporarily changed its name to Twos NZ for Conservation Week, using a cheeky nod to “ones and twos” to spotlight its new conservation tech partnership with DOC.

The rebrand is appearing across One NZ stores, offices, digital platforms and even its network banner.

It supports the launch of Connected Conservation, a pilot programme using smart sensors in around 50 remote DOC toilets, huts and wastewater systems.

The name change is playful, but the technology behind it is doing some serious work. Delivered through the One NZ satellite network and other connectivity options, the sensors provide real-time data on wastewater levels, facility use, animal interactions with traps and pest monitoring.

For DOC, which manages around 2,000 toilets nationwide, many beyond traditional cell coverage, the programme means rangers can monitor facilities remotely, plan maintenance better and identify issues earlier.

“This is a really exciting step forward in how we’re working alongside DOC as one of their National Conservation Partners.” – Jane King, One NZs Brand Lead

It also means less time spent on routine checks, helicopter flights and vehicle travel, and more time focused on frontline conservation work.

One NZs Brand Lead Jane King says, “This is a really exciting step forward in how we’re working alongside DOC as one of their National Conservation Partners – bringing innovation and industry-leading technology right to the frontline of conservation in a practical, on-the-ground way.

“For Conservation Week, we wanted to get people thinking a bit differently about nature – including the parts we usually overlook or don’t talk about. Remote DOC toilets might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they’re essential infrastructure, and looking after them properly plays a real role in protecting these environments.

“Our name change to Twos NZ is a light-hearted way to draw attention to that. It might start with something people would normally dismiss, but it opens the door to a much bigger story about how technology can help DOC work smarter, reduce impact, and protect nature in ways we’re only just beginning to explore.”

The programme marks a shift for DOC from fixed maintenance schedules to a more responsive, needs-based model.

“By combining our network with smart sensor technology, we’re opening up entirely new ways of working in some of the country’s most remote environments.” – Kieran Byrne, Chief Technology Officer at One NZ

Beyond toilets, the pilot will also trial smart traps and trail cameras to remotely control and monitor pests in areas where some of New Zealand’s most precious species live.

On some of DOC’s busiest tracks, the programme could deliver more than $ 1 million in savings over six years and around 30 tonnes of avoided CO₂ emissions.

Kieran Byrne, Chief Technology Officer at One NZ says, bringing innovation and industry-leading technology to the frontline of conservation is exactly what they want to be doing with this partnership.

“By combining our network with smart sensor technology, we’re opening up entirely new ways of working in some of the country’s most remote environments. With One NZ Satellite we have extended coverage into the 40% of New Zealand with no traditional signal – that’s what makes programmes like this possible.

“Together, we’re supporting smarter, tech-enabled conservation, while also helping build a stronger connection between people and the natural environment. It’s connectivity with purpose, and it’s just the beginning of how our network can be used to support DOC’s important work across the motu.”

The first sensors were installed earlier this month, with rollout focused on Mt Aspiring, Fiordland and Tongariro National Parks.

One NZ returns to its original name after Conservation Week, but the technology and partnership are here to stay.