Hon Simon Bridges
Minister of Transport

18 March 2016

NZ in the running for innovative pizza delivery trial

The Government is working with Domino’s to explore the possibility of testing a driverless pizza delivery unit in New Zealand, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world being considered for testing the autonomous pizza delivery unit named DRU.

“This is an exciting opportunity for New Zealand. DRU is an early prototype, but the fact that New Zealand is being considered as a test site shows we have the right settings to attract innovation,” Mr Bridges says.

Mr Bridges says supporting new technologies and encouraging innovation is a Government priority.

“New Zealanders are keen and early adopters of new technological innovation.

“Over the last 12 months I’ve been actively and aggressively promoting New Zealand as a test bed for new transport technology trials. Our enabling laws and regulation means we have the ideal environment to trial all forms of technology.

“Last year we put in place a new world-class framework for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), we’ve reviewed the laws for driverless vehicles and we are currently reviewing Small Passenger Services settings to put New Zealand at the forefront of transport innovation.

“If successful, this driverless vehicle trial could open the door to many more commercial opportunities.

“Officials from the Ministry of Transport and the New Zealand Transport Agency will continue to work with Domino’s about the possibility of trialling DRU in New Zealand,” Mr Bridges says.

ENDS

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