iTWire - Dryad Networks partners with Spark New Zealand to deliver life-saving wildfire detection technology across New Zealand (2025)

The partnership combines Dryad’s world-leading ultra-early wildfire detection systems with Spark’s nationwide telecommunications network for rapid, reliable emergency alerts even in remote locations. This will let Dryad’s innovative sensor networks operate effectively and deliver timely fire warnings to emergency services.

Sohan Domingo, VP of sales, technology, and operations, Dryad Networks, said, “Partnering with Spark will help deliver immediate, tangible safety benefits to New Zealand. Spark’s IoT connectivity expertise, combined with Dryad’s technology, will detect wildfires at their earliest stages, providing emergency responders with vital extra minutes to act. This collaboration is a proactive step towards improving wildfire preparedness and protecting lives, communities, and ecosystems across the country.”

Matt McLay, IoT Sales Lead, Spark New Zealand, said, “Spark is proud to partner with Dryad Networks to deploy this life-saving technology across the country. Wildfires present an escalating threat to New Zealand communities, and Spark is committed to deploying innovative solutions that deliver immediate, meaningful impact. Combining Dryad’s pioneering detection capabilities with national IoT connectivity equips communities with the tools they need to respond quickly and effectively.”

Spark’s robust network infrastructure supports Dryad’s AI-driven sensors, which detect fires during the critical smouldering phase, often before flames become visible. The sensors are powered by solar cells and designed for rugged conditions, meaning they can monitor environmental conditions continuously and transmit precise fire location data rapidly to emergency services without disruption, leading to faster response times for emergency services.

Dryad’s sensor network offers significant improvements over traditional wildfire detection methods such as fire towers, infrared cameras, and satellite imaging. Spark’s involvement provides the reliability, coverage, and speed necessary for Dryad’s sensors to deliver real-time fire mapping and notifications directly to local emergency services.

The initiative aligns with Spark’s broader commitment to enabling positive environmental outcomes through technology. Supporting Dryad’s ultra-early detection system will help Spark to strengthen the nation’s resilience against the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires linked to climate change, providing greater protection for New Zealand communities ahead of fire season.

Sohan Domingo said, “Working alongside Spark positions Dryad to reduce wildfire risks significantly and build greater resilience across New Zealand. This partnership exemplifies the companies’ joint commitment to innovation and preparedness, helping to prepare communities to face an increasingly volatile climate future.”

About Spark New Zealand

Spark New Zealand is New Zealand’s largest telecommunications and digital services company. Its customers range from individual New Zealanders and households to small businesses, not-for-profits, government, and large enterprise clients. Spark New Zealand’s services range from mobile, broadband, entertainment, and cloud services, all the way through to high-tech solutions such as AI, IoT, and 5G.

About Dryad Networks

Dryad provides ultra-early detection of wildfires and health and growth-monitoring of forests through the Silvanet solution, which includes solar-powered gas sensors deployed in a large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) sensor network. Dryad reduces unwanted wildfires, which cause up to 20 per cent of global CO2 emissions and have a devastating impact on biodiversity. By 2030, Dryad aims to prevent 3.9 million hectares (9.6 million acres) of forest from burning, preventing 1.7 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions.