The future is here – and it's brought pizza.

Domino's Pizza has announced its joined forces with unmanned aerial vehicle leader Flirtey to launch the first commercial drone delivery service in the world right her in little ol' New Zealand.

New Zealand will host the first drone delivery service trial in the world. From left: Flirtey chief executive Matt Sweeny, Domino's Group chief executive and managing director Don Meij and Transport Minister Simon Bridges. Photos: Domino's NZ

It follows in the wake of new aviation rules which came into force in August 2015 to regulate and enable the use of UAVs – more commonly known as ‘drones' – for recreational and commercial purposes in New Zealand.

During the initial phase of the trial, drones will operate at a speed of 30km/h and at a radius of 1.5 kilometres from select stores. Over time, the aim is to increase the radius incrementally up to 10km from stores.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has welcomed this week's announcement, saying New Zealand is the perfect country to host the trial because of its 'forward-thinking aviation regulations” which encourages innovation, while protecting safety.

'As Transport Minister I have been actively 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,” he says.

'The announcement of this trial confirms that New Zealand's framework for UAVs is world-class. In addition, the Government has reviewed the laws for driverless vehicles and small passenger service operators, to ensure New Zealand stays at the forefront of transport innovation.”

Simon also believes the trial is a valuable opportunity for the Civil Aviation Authority, which is making sure appropriate safety precautions are taken.

The Government is also continuing to work with Domino's on the possibility of testing a driverless pizza delivery unit on land, adds Simon.

Domino's Group chief executive and managing director Don Meij says the trial flights are set to commence later this year following the beginning of daylight savings in New Zealand.

'What drones allow us to do is to extend that delivery area by removing barriers such as traffic and access, as well as offering a much faster, safer delivery option,” says Don.

'This means we can deliver further afield than we currently do to our rural customers while reaching our urban customers in a much more efficient time.”

While Flirtey chief executive Matt Sweeny says launching the first commercial drone delivery service in the world is a landmark achievement and heralds a new frontier of on-demand delivery for customers across New Zealand and around the globe.

'We are getting closer to the time where you can push a button on your smartphone and have Domino's delivered by drone to your home.”