banner image

Unmanned aircraft (Drones)

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) manages all civil aviation in New Zealand. The CAA set the rules for the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), which includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), model aircraft and drones.

All unmanned aircraft (drone) operations, regardless of size, weight, or performance of the aircraft are required to operate in compliance with the Civil Aviation Rules. When flying unmanned aircraft (drones) you must follow Part 101 Rules. If you need to fly outside of the Part 101 unmanned aircraft rules, you will need to hold a Part 102 unmanned aircraft operator certificate granted by the CAA.

Civil Aviation Authority Rules Part 101 state that you must:

  • ensure the aircraft does NOT exceed 25kg and must always be safe to operate and well maintained
  • take steps to minimise hazards to people, property and other aircraft
  • only fly during the day, unless you are doing a shielded operation
  • give way to, and remain clear to all manned aircraft on the ground and in flight. If you see an aircraft near you, it may be safest to land.
  • be able to see your unmanned aircraft with your own eyes at all time, Do not fly it behind objects or through or above fog and cloud.
  • fly below 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level
  • have consent before flying over people and property
  • have knowledge of airspace restriction that apply in the area you are wanting to fly
  • NOT operate within the 4km radius restricted flight zone of all aerodromes (this includes the Ashburton Airport, Ashburton Domain Hospital Helipad and Methven HEMS Helipad).

For more information from the CAA regarding unmanned aircraft, please refer to the link here.

If you plan to operate a drone over Council-owned land or within the 4 km restricted airspace surrounding the Ashburton Hospital helipad or Ashburton Airport (as shown in blue below), you must obtain permission from both Council as landowner, aerodrome operator and the relevant aviation operators.

To request permission, please email airport@adc.govt.nz with all relevant flight details, including:

  • Date
  • Location
  • Start and Finish Time
  • Height AGL
  • Pilot
  • Spotter
  • Company
  • Are you operating under a CAA Part 101 or 102 operation?
  • Will this be a shielded operation?

Please allow a minimum of three working days for all requests.

4km radius

Drones and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

  • Remotely piloted aircraft systems, such as drones, may only be operated in Council reserve, in accordance with the Open Spaces Bylaw
  • Drones and remotely piloted aircraft systems may be used by Council (and persons authorised by Council) for reserve operations and management purposes
  • Flying of RPAS for commercial purposes requires permission from Council in line with the Approvals and Authorisations Policy outline in Councils Reserve Management Plan (Volume 1 section 3.3.5)

Explanation

Unmanned aircraft, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or also referred to as drones can be flown for fun or operated commercially, for example for filming. They can also have a number of applications for the management of reserves including aerial photography, plant and animal pest control, asset and tree inspections, etc. Semi-automated maintenance equipment may also be a future possibility.

Currently, rules or conditions for the use of unmanned aircraft are set out in:

* Civil Aviation Authority rules, and

* Open Spaces Bylaw 2021.

Under the Open Spaces Bylaw 2021, drones cannot operate in a number of reserve areas, including: over the Ashburton Domain sports field area, any other sports fields in use by others, within the ‘No Fly Zone’ in the Ashburton Domain specified in the bylaw, within 50m of any playground or paddling pools, and in Council cemeteries and campground areas. Any person proposing to use a RPAS for commercial purposes, such as filming, must state this in their application and obtain the appropriate permission from the Council.

no fly zone

Please read section 15 of the Open Spaces Bylaw to ensure you comply with requirements.

You are able to fly a kite in Councils Open Spaces as long as the kite is moored  (i.e. you have it on a string) and kept under 120m.

You can fly unmanned aircraft on your own private property. If you wish to fly over any other privately-owned or crown-owned land, you will need to seek permission from the affected property owner.

More information

For more information, visit the CAA Flying your drone safely brochure

There is also information regarding drones in Council’s Open Spaces Bylaw.