In August, the ministry advertised a procurement process for the lawnmowers, which was met with bemusement by several small country Otago schools.
However, it has since readvertised the tender after it became apparent that it could not source autonomous lawnmowers that could cover an area of 1ha.
"We have become aware that a requirement we specified in our Request for Proposal (RFP) Autonomous Lawnmowers for Schools is not an achievable requirement.
"Therefore, we are modifying the requirement, and providing additional time over which this RFP is openly advertised, and any interested suppliers may submit a response to us for it."
The requirement removed pertained to the autonomous lawnmowers having a high mow-range per-charge (10,000sqm minimum).
The document said autonomous lawnmowers with a small or medium area of coverage would not meet the maintenance needs of the in-scope school grounds, as regular charging would be required, resulting in the lawnmower "completing its mow of the school grounds in a piecemeal approach spread across multiple sessions, resulting in uneven grass growth, unkempt appearance and potential safety hazards [undermining the purpose of lawn maintenance]".
The ministry is looking to supply the autonomous lawnmowers to 30 schools, with an average lawn area of 1.94ha.
"The procurement and use of autonomous lawnmowers is intended to deliver a streamlined facilities maintenance service to reduce the burden of property management on principals for small and rural schools, and to improve the maintenance of the ministry’s assets."
The machines would have to have built-in theft protection and safety features, an easy setup process, high reliability and comprehensive warranty coverage and warranty period.
"We are seeking a supplier that takes steps to reduce their environmental impact during the production of their proposed ALMs, and the impact of their autonomous lawnmowers on the environment after their product lifespan."
The ministry oversees and supports property management at more than 2100 schools, and its property portfolio is the second largest social property portfolio in New Zealand with about 8000ha of land.
Lee Stream School principal Kate Martin questioned the need for these autonomous lawnmowers when there were so many more pressing issues, such as resourcing the new school curriculum and sourcing reliever teachers.
Applications for the tender close at the end of this month.
