New rules surrounding the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – better known as drones – aim to enable innovation and put New Zealand at the forefront of regulating a rapidly evolving industry.

Tauranga MP and Transport Minister Simon Bridges says they accommodate ongoing development while ensuring the safety of the public, property and other airspace users, and come into effect on August 1.

Today Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Associate Transport Minister Craig Voss announced new rules on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, effective as of August 1. Photo: Craig Foss/Twitter.

'UAVs are increasingly popular in a wide variety of operations,” says Simon, 'including scientific research, agriculture, fire-fighting, film and video production, as well as search and rescue.

'One key way the Government can help promote the uptake of new technologies is to ensure there are no unnecessary regulatory barriers.”

'We are committed to regulation flexible enough to accommodate the growth of new technologies — and that's evident in the rules we're announcing today.”

UAVs are currently regulated under Civil Aviation Rule Part 101, which is designed for model aircraft.

This new rule – Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 – requires anyone who wants to operate a UAV at night, beyond the line of sight or above 400 feet to get certification from the Civil Aviation Authority.

The CAA consulted widely on the new rules and incorporated feedback from various stakeholders.

'These changes bring a clear, responsive process that ensures no unnecessary red tape,” adds Simon. 'They provide certainty for users that hasn't previously been there”.

An updated version of Rule Part 101 will still apply to lower risk UAV operations, including recreational model aircraft. Users operating under this rule will not require certification.

ACT Leader David Seymour is praising the government's attitude to liberalising drone laws.

He believes it is positive to see a government that understands the role of technology in transport.

'While our political opponents have a pathological obsession with trains, and making us live closer together, I'm proud to support a government that is future focused when it comes to transport,” says David.

He is also encouraging the Transport Minister to go hard on transport liberalisation.

'Hopefully this is only the beginning of liberalised transport regulations,” he adds. 'We need to do better with car sharing and driverless cars.

'New Zealand should aim to lead the world in transport technology friendliness.”

For more information about the new UAV rules visit: www.airshare.co.nz or www.caa.govt.nz/rpas

Photo: Simon Bridges/Twitter.