A smart LED lighting project for South Waikato District Council (SWDC) will be featured by Auckland business NB SmartCities at the IoT half-day conference on Thursday 3 October in Auckland.

The second annual IoT Conference event, hosted by the New Zealand IoT Alliance, will showcase how Internet of Things (IoT) applications are creating smart cities in New Zealand and improving industrial productivity.

IoT Alliance Executive Council member John McDermott says the project for South Waikato District Council demonstrates how IoT technology provides multiple benefits for councils and the public.

“The South Waikato District installation is a standout example of how IoT solutions can provide long-lasting advantages and create new opportunities,” McDermott says.

“The new system is using less than half the power of the legacy street lamps and is providing better lighting for many more local roads. Also important for the council is that maintenance calls have more than halved, underlining the reliability and lower maintenance costs of the new technology.”

The system, which uses open network standard technology, can also support future applications such as air pollution monitoring, traffic analysis, smart parking, and remote water metering.

“South Waikato District Council has received very positive feedback from our community on this improved street lighting,” says Ted Anderson, SWDC’s Group Manager Assets.

“Tangible benefits include people being able to exercise and participate in other outdoor activities, like walking the dog, much later in the evenings especially during winter; and the safety improvements have been highlighted by many of our residents.”

In addition to the SWDC case study, McDermott says the IoT Half-Day conference event will showcase a variety of IoT solutions focused on Smart City and Industrial use cases. “The conference is featuring applications that help deliver better public services, improve health and safety, and enhance manufacturing performance”.

Spark is the gold sponsor for the IoT Conference and Spark Future of Connectivity Lead Renee Mateparae says the company is thrilled to be sponsoring an event that will bring the tangible benefits of IoT to the forefront so businesses can realise what it could do for them.

“The benefits that new Internet of Things technologies deliver are compelling when implemented correctly. They deliver better services, greater value and improve efficiency. Spark is pleased to support the New Zealand IoT Alliance in connecting the people and businesses that are implementing and deploying IoT applications with the decision makers and leaders that need to understand the impact and value that can be achieved”.

Also speaking at the event is Melissa Lee, National MP for Mount Albert, and National spokesperson for Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media & Ethnic Communities

The event is supported by gold sponsor Spark and silver sponsor LEAP Australia.

The IoT Half Day Conference is taking place at 12 Madden St, Viaduct, Auckland from 8.30am on Thursday 3 October. For more information and tickets, visit the NZ IoT Alliance website.