Drone rule changes could cause spray mayhem, aviation group says, but Govt says red tape must be cut
The New Zealand government is planning to simplify drone regulations to boost agricultural productivity, despite concerns from aviation groups regarding safety. The proposed changes would remove the need for lengthy certification processes for routine agricultural drone operations.
Why it matters
This reflects a global tension between government efforts to reduce bureaucratic red tape and industry concerns over safety and environmental risks in emerging technology sectors.
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New Zealand is falling behind overseas rivals because of cumbersome drone rules, the Government says. But some local industry groups say the risks of uncontrollable drones are too high. Photo / IC photo, Imaginechina via AFP
An aviation industry group is angry about proposed new drone rules, saying farms, the environment and public safety could be at risk.
The Government says it’s slashing red tape and the changes will boost farming productivity.
Regulation Minister David Seymour said the Government received complaints about rules stopping farmers from using agricultural drones for spraying.
He said overseas farmers could already spray crops precisely by using drones at a fraction of the cost Kiwi farmers had to pay.
“In Australia, drones up to 150kg operate on farmland under simple licensing.”
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