Petdirect Reveals New Zealand's Fast-Growing Love Affair With Pet Tech
Press Release: Petdirect
Auckland, NZ, 10 June 2025
Petdirect reports surge in pet tech as owners seek smarter ways to stay connected with their pets
Golden retrievers might not know what an AI-powered smart feeder is, but their humans certainly do. Across Aotearoa, pet parents are embracing smart technology, from automated feeders with built-in cameras to interactive robot companions and GPS trackers, all designed to help them stay connected with their pets even when they are not at home.
'I recently tested the PETKIT Yumshare Smart Feeder with Camera so I could keep an eye on my dog and feed her when I'm not home,' says Taylor Jones, Head of Marketing & Customer at Petdirect. 'What I didn't expect was a total routine reset. Now my lunch breaks are spent flinging treats to my golden retriever from the office and giving a full commentary on her every move—like a baby monitor. I'm a new and admittedly anxious pet parent, and this thing has become my new obsession.'
It turns out, she's not alone. Recent insights from the Petdirect Pet Census 2024 reveal the growing emotional and financial investment Kiwi pet parents are making:
66% celebrate their pet's birthday, rising to 84% among Gen Z — a generation redefining modern pet parenting
84% of pet owners have specific concerns about their pet's health, with 30% citing anxiety as a top issue
Over one-third of respondents (37%) spend more than $2,000 annually on their pets.
These figures highlight the increasing focus on personalised care, routine and emotional connection.
According to research by Fortune Business Insights, the global pet tech market is projected to surpass USD $3 billion (NZD $5.1 billion) by 2027, with demand soaring for smart feeders, GPS trackers to wellness-monitoring devices.
Petdirect has also observed a marked rise in customer interest across tech-enabled pet products, particularly in treat cams, interactive toys and smart feeders.
'We've seen more than 50% growth in the pet tech category over the past year, with smart water fountains and automatic feeders driving much of that demand,' says Dean Kippenberger, Head of Merchandise at Petdirect. 'Feeders are giving pet parents more freedom in their day, whether they're out running errands or working from the office. Features like built-in cameras and two-way audio help people stay connected and reassured that their pet is OK. Water fountains are also becoming a must-have, particularly for cat owners, as they encourage better hydration and support overall health.'
Popular pet tech trends include:
Robot companions like Enabot that let you check in on your pet and interact remotely
Smart feeders that dispense meals or treats on schedule or on demand, all via app
Pet cameras with HD video and two-way audio so you can monitor and talk to your pet from anywhere
GPS trackers and wearable devices designed to help you keep tabs on your pet's location, activity and safety
Robot litter boxes that clean themselves — taking the mess (and the smell) out of pet ownership
As a proudly Kiwi-owned brand, Petdirect is leaning into this shift by curating a growing range of pet tech solutions that reflect how people want to care for their pets today.
About Petdirect
Petdirect is New Zealand's leading online destination for dog and cat essentials. Proudly Kiwi-owned, we help pet parents give their furry family members the best, with quality products, trusted advice and a customer care team that speaks fluent pet. Visit petdirect.co.nz.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
35 minutes ago
- Scoop
Australian Foreign Buyer Ban Creates Vacuum For NZ To Attract Billions In Investment
Press Release – Paterson Luxury An Australian ban on foreign buyers purchasing residential property will create a unique opportunity for New Zealand to secure billions in investment, according to a property expert. Under legislation introduced by the Australian Government, foreign buyers will be prohibited from purchasing established residential dwellings from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027. Caleb Paterson, founder of Paterson Luxury Real Estate, says new regulations will create a vacuum for foreign buyers which New Zealand is perfectly placed to fill. He says New Zealand is at risk of missing out on billions in foreign investment as uncertainty lingers around changes to residential property rules for overseas buyers. Paterson warns that international investors are already shifting their focus to countries with clearer pathways like the UAE due to a lack of commitment from the New Zealand Government. 'We've had deals collapse because investors couldn't buy a home to settle here first. That's an avoidable failure of policy. Meanwhile, in places like Dubai, capital is being welcomed and economies are booming because of it.' 'New Zealand has a unique combination of political stability, natural beauty and a lifestyle that's incredibly appealing to global investors. They're not just looking to park capital, they want a safe, long-term base for their families and their businesses. What's missing is a clear pathway for them to invest and if we don't act they'll go elsewhere. We are talking about an investment in the billions right when the economy needs it most. 'I'm dealing with ultra-high-net-worth clients from China, Canada, the US and the UK who are currently sitting on the fence. They want to invest here not just in homes, but in businesses, developments, the tech sector and other industries but they're not going to do that while the rules remain unclear.' According to Paterson, New Zealand's current foreign buyer restrictions are holding back an estimated hundreds of millions in immediate capital. He says potential buyers are ready to move fast if the Government opens the door to offshore investment in the high-end residential sector. 'We're talking about people with serious capital including a $4 billion syndicate from Taiwan, developers with $70 million commercial projects sitting ready and expats and migrants waiting to buy homes, set up companies and inject money into our economy,' he says. 'I recently had someone trying to bring in a major international coffee roasting brand, but they couldn't get a foothold here because they couldn't buy a family home first to get settled,' he says. Paterson says Canada's proposed wealth tax and political uncertainty in the US are further accelerating interest in New Zealand as a safe haven but with countries like the UAE offering clearer visa and investment pathways, many would-be Kiwi investors are going elsewhere. 'I've got clients telling me they'll take their money to Dubai where they know what the rules are. There's no shortage of appealing alternatives,' he says. Paterson says last year, 40% of luxury listings were withdrawn from the market often because vendors were waiting for regulatory changes that never came. He says the result is a stagnant high-end market that's hurting not only vendors, but the broader economy. The consequences stretch beyond real estate. Paterson says baby boomers trying to downsize are unable to sell, holding up cash that could be reinvested into retirement, small business or intergenerational wealth transfer. 'Everyone's being impacted, even high-net-worth individuals who are less agile right now. This winter will be our coldest yet, metaphorically. People can't keep borrowing to stay afloat and we're going to see more financial strain. 'This isn't about pitying someone in a $15 million home. It's about what happens when they can't sell, builders aren't contracted and tradespeople sit idle. The wealth isn't circulating and the economy suffers. 'I'm probably one of the few people in the country who speaks to around 20 high-net-worth individuals a day. These people are worth $4 to $5 million or more on paper but right now every single one of them is feeling pressure. It's not just one or two outliers; across the board, I'm hearing stories of business strain, stalled investments and uncertainty. 'Unless you're a billionaire, people are navigating real challenges. We need a solution that gets capital flowing again, not just for their sake, but for the broader economy that depends on that investment.' 'Outside of Auckland and Queenstown, opening the door to high-value international buyers would also unlock stalled developments in regions like Northland, the Bay of Plenty, and Central Otago. These are areas where investment could mean hundreds of new homes, jobs for local tradies, and real economic momentum outside the main centres.' Paterson says if the Budget introduces a clear minimum threshold for foreign residential investment, there would be a flood of listings and a spike in transactions within days. 'Even if international buyers were allowed back into the market tomorrow, we wouldn't see a spike in prices straight away. There's a significant backlog of unsold high-end stock, it could take 12 to 18 months just to clear that. What we'd see first is volume returning, not price pressure. And that's exactly what the market needs right now – movement. 'I could quadruple my sales volume in a month. We have listings ready to go, marketing prepared, and global agents waiting. 'The economic impact would be almost immediate with millions of dollars in real estate value unlocked we just need the green light,' he says. Without that certainty, Paterson warns the country risks not just missing out on capital but undermining its appeal as a long-term investment destination. 'We've got the lifestyle and the stability investors want. Now we just need to show them that we're open for business before they go elsewhere.'
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Scoop
Australian Foreign Buyer Ban Creates Vacuum For NZ To Attract Billions In Investment
An Australian ban on foreign buyers purchasing residential property will create a unique opportunity for New Zealand to secure billions in investment, according to a property expert. Under legislation introduced by the Australian Government, foreign buyers will be prohibited from purchasing established residential dwellings from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027. Caleb Paterson, founder of Paterson Luxury Real Estate, says new regulations will create a vacuum for foreign buyers which New Zealand is perfectly placed to fill. He says New Zealand is at risk of missing out on billions in foreign investment as uncertainty lingers around changes to residential property rules for overseas buyers. Paterson warns that international investors are already shifting their focus to countries with clearer pathways like the UAE due to a lack of commitment from the New Zealand Government. 'We've had deals collapse because investors couldn't buy a home to settle here first. That's an avoidable failure of policy. Meanwhile, in places like Dubai, capital is being welcomed and economies are booming because of it.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'New Zealand has a unique combination of political stability, natural beauty and a lifestyle that's incredibly appealing to global investors. They're not just looking to park capital, they want a safe, long-term base for their families and their businesses. What's missing is a clear pathway for them to invest and if we don't act they'll go elsewhere. We are talking about an investment in the billions right when the economy needs it most. 'I'm dealing with ultra-high-net-worth clients from China, Canada, the US and the UK who are currently sitting on the fence. They want to invest here not just in homes, but in businesses, developments, the tech sector and other industries but they're not going to do that while the rules remain unclear.' According to Paterson, New Zealand's current foreign buyer restrictions are holding back an estimated hundreds of millions in immediate capital. He says potential buyers are ready to move fast if the Government opens the door to offshore investment in the high-end residential sector. 'We're talking about people with serious capital including a $4 billion syndicate from Taiwan, developers with $70 million commercial projects sitting ready and expats and migrants waiting to buy homes, set up companies and inject money into our economy,' he says. 'I recently had someone trying to bring in a major international coffee roasting brand, but they couldn't get a foothold here because they couldn't buy a family home first to get settled,' he says. Paterson says Canada's proposed wealth tax and political uncertainty in the US are further accelerating interest in New Zealand as a safe haven but with countries like the UAE offering clearer visa and investment pathways, many would-be Kiwi investors are going elsewhere. 'I've got clients telling me they'll take their money to Dubai where they know what the rules are. There's no shortage of appealing alternatives,' he says. Paterson says last year, 40% of luxury listings were withdrawn from the market often because vendors were waiting for regulatory changes that never came. He says the result is a stagnant high-end market that's hurting not only vendors, but the broader economy. The consequences stretch beyond real estate. Paterson says baby boomers trying to downsize are unable to sell, holding up cash that could be reinvested into retirement, small business or intergenerational wealth transfer. 'Everyone's being impacted, even high-net-worth individuals who are less agile right now. This winter will be our coldest yet, metaphorically. People can't keep borrowing to stay afloat and we're going to see more financial strain. 'This isn't about pitying someone in a $15 million home. It's about what happens when they can't sell, builders aren't contracted and tradespeople sit idle. The wealth isn't circulating and the economy suffers. 'I'm probably one of the few people in the country who speaks to around 20 high-net-worth individuals a day. These people are worth $4 to $5 million or more on paper but right now every single one of them is feeling pressure. It's not just one or two outliers; across the board, I'm hearing stories of business strain, stalled investments and uncertainty. 'Unless you're a billionaire, people are navigating real challenges. We need a solution that gets capital flowing again, not just for their sake, but for the broader economy that depends on that investment.' 'Outside of Auckland and Queenstown, opening the door to high-value international buyers would also unlock stalled developments in regions like Northland, the Bay of Plenty, and Central Otago. These are areas where investment could mean hundreds of new homes, jobs for local tradies, and real economic momentum outside the main centres.' Paterson says if the Budget introduces a clear minimum threshold for foreign residential investment, there would be a flood of listings and a spike in transactions within days. 'Even if international buyers were allowed back into the market tomorrow, we wouldn't see a spike in prices straight away. There's a significant backlog of unsold high-end stock, it could take 12 to 18 months just to clear that. What we'd see first is volume returning, not price pressure. And that's exactly what the market needs right now - movement. 'I could quadruple my sales volume in a month. We have listings ready to go, marketing prepared, and global agents waiting. 'The economic impact would be almost immediate with millions of dollars in real estate value unlocked we just need the green light,' he says. Without that certainty, Paterson warns the country risks not just missing out on capital but undermining its appeal as a long-term investment destination. 'We've got the lifestyle and the stability investors want. Now we just need to show them that we're open for business before they go elsewhere.'
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
USD 8.9 Million Approved For Climate-Resilient Agriculture In Solomon Islands
Press Release – FAO Resilient Rural Economic Growth and Food Security project aims to transform how food is grown, accessed, and sustained in the Solomons promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing national policies, strengthening local governance, improving … Bangkok, 10 June 2025 – The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) has approved USD 8.9 million in grant funding for an FAO-led initiative to strengthen food security and climate resilience in the Solomon Islands. With rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and a large rural population dependent on agriculture and fisheries for livelihoods and food, the Solomon Islands is among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. Bolstered by over USD 29 million in co-financing, the Resilient Rural Economic Growth and Food Security project aims to transform how food is grown, accessed, and sustained in the Solomons – promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing national policies, strengthening local governance, and improving availability and access to climate information. GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodríguez said that the project was a powerful example of how locally led action can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for transformation. 'By combining scientific knowledge with traditional practices and anticipating future environmental risks, this collaboration with the Government of Solomon Islands will equip communities to adapt not only their crops and coastlines, but their entire way of life,' Rodríguez said. 'This is adaptation action that is inclusive, anticipatory, and deeply rooted in local leadership.' The project will improve the management of more than 36 000 hectares of land and coastal areas for climate resilience, train more than 60 000 people, and directly benefit more than 75 000 people. The project targets five provinces – Malaita, Guadalcanal, Choiseul, Temotu, and Rennel/Bellona – that underpin national food security, face heightened climate change hazards, and hold high potential as models for scalable, community-led adaptation. Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces are key agricultural hubs with high exposure to climate-induced crop losses. Choiseul, Temotu, and Rennell/Bellona are remote provinces with limited market access and infrastructure, where communities are highly dependent on natural resources and traditional food systems. Working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, this project will integrate climate adaptation into national and local food systems policies and create a 'one-stop shop' for climate information, advisory services, innovative practices, and mechanisms to attract public and private investment. In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, the project will enhance community-level planning and conflict management capacities. It also seeks to safeguard traditional knowledge and governance systems, ensuring that adaptation measures are socially inclusive and culturally appropriate. The project will also promote diversified livelihoods and train farmers to interpret and apply climate information in their agricultural practices. The project aims to scale out these innovations across the Solomon Islands through strengthened research institutions and dissemination of best practices. By integrating climate resilience into the Solomon Island's agrifood system from national policy to on-farm practices, the project will support rural livelihoods, improve food security, and promote sustainable income opportunities. Managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the LDCF is the only global fund dedicated to helping Least Developed Countries adapt to climate change. It supports locally led solutions across agriculture, water, health, infrastructure, and more – strengthening systems, scaling finance, and building resilience where it's needed most. The LDCF has delivered more than $2.35 billion in grants to date – supporting the transition from incremental to transformational adaptation across 51 countries.
