Drone Consent Request

Commercial and recreational users of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS or 'Drones') no longer need consent to operate on Council owned or operated land.

Drones or model aircraft can be launched and landed and flown above Nelson City Council-owned parks and reserves but that they come under the control of the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) and the Civil Aviation Rules Part 101.

For example, if drones are flown over private property, the owner or occupier’s permission must be obtained first. Drone use within 4km of an airport is also subject to a number of rules developed by the Civil Aviation Authority. Sighting of a drone hazard near Nelson airport will result in an emergency call to police as well as close the aerodrome and require aircraft to divert to another location. Please be aware of these rules when choosing where to fly your drone.

For more information on drone use in New Zealand are www.flyyourdrone.nz and www.airshare.co.nz.”