Case by case approval for drones

Drone operators will need to apply to our Council for approval on a case-by-case basis when planning to fly UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft systems) over Council land.

New Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules on flying drones and model aircraft came into force in August, directing operators to contact local authorities for approval.

Typically, professional drone users such as real estate photographers, already register their flights with www.airshare.co.nz, even if they are only operating short flights. The CAA released its new direction in August.

Our Council has decided to hold off making decisions about specific Council public parks or reserves until we develop a new Parks and Reserves bylaw in 2016.

Until then, approval will be given on a case-by-case basis once the following three conditions are also met:

1. Permission is obtained from any other affected landowner if the vehicle or aircraft will also enter or cross over other people's private property.

2. Permission is obtained to film a person or persons.

3. The operator of the radio controlled vehicle or aircraft operates in a manner that does not contravene the Council's Public Places Bylaw:

a) In any street or public place where operation makes or causes to be made noise or activity which is likely to cause annoyance or nuisance to persons in the street or public place or resident in the vicinity thereof;

or b) In or upon any land or buildings where such operation makes or causes to be made, noise or activity which is likely to cause annoyance or nuisance to persons in any street or public place or resident in the vicinity of that land or those buildings.

Applications may also need a Reserve Concession Form or Traffic Management Plan. Give our customer service team a call to check at 07 868 0200.

ENDS

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