Let’s encourage drone technology, not stifle it

Media release: (For immediate release)

Let’s encourage drone technology, not stifle it

Recreational drone flyer Max Whitehead says the proposed new laws on drone technology will stifle New Zealand’s progress.

The Civil Aviation Authority expects to consider new regulations with the Ministry of Transport by the end of March. New rules for drones are likely to be in place by the middle of the year.

Steve Moore, Civil Aviation Authority’s head of general aviation, says that the current laws date back to before drones were readily available. He says people without backgrounds in aviation can now purchase them easily without realising there are rules they have to adhere to.

Max Whitehead, of Forrest Hill, Auckland, agrees that certain laws, like staying clear of airports, should be imposed; however, he says the current proposed law goes too far.

“If drone technology was embraced like cell phone technology, civilization will take another step forward,” says Mr Whitehead. “The likelihood of accidents occurring is less than what cyclists pose, and we don't impose laws on them."

Mr Whitehead says that farmers, firefighters and the police are already using drones to save lives and property. He believes that the proposed new laws will put a stop to this.

“Drones are being used more and more for news footage — we get the benefit of seeing our planet in a completely different dimension from the sky,” he says.

Mr Whitehead says drones could be highly effective for delivering small goods. He says that we’d no longer need to rely on dirty vans that burn fossil fuels.

“If the law allowed it, we could order an item online and have it in our hands within 30 minutes,” he says.

Mr Whitehead says that, due to its small population, New Zealand is recognised as an ideal location to introduce new technology. He says we should encourage drone technology, not stifle it.

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