Drone safety

Introduction

Understand how to use a drone safely, while respecting other aircraft operators, the public, and wildlife.

Drones are aircraft. All aircraft taking off, landing, or hovering on public conservation land requires a concession under the Conservation Act 1987. For more information on how to apply for a concession see Drone use on conservation land: Apply for permits.

Drones can have adverse effects on people and wildlife. To manage these adverse effects we have developed DOC's drone operating conditions.

Any drone user must comply with these conditions when operating their drone, unless they have given express approval not to. Such approval will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

DOC’s standardised drone operating conditions

In summary these conditions require:

  • drone operators have read, understood, and comply with the New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules for drone operators
  • drone operators have identified the type of airspace they are operating in and comply with any additional rules for operating in that airspace
  • before flying their drone, drone operators have logged their flight via the AirShare app or website. This allows drone operators to identify other aircraft users operating in the area
  • drone operators keep a safe and reasonable distance from people and/or wildlife
  • drones are not used to pursue, harass, or intimidate any person, wildlife and/or marine mammal.

For more information see DOC's drone operating conditions.

Reporting inappropriate or dangerous drone use

Inappropriate drone use can consist of:

  • flying over you without your permission
  • operating at night
  • operating out of sight (i.e., you can see the drone but not the drone operator)
  • operating in a no-fly zone or controlled airspace
  • operating the drone in a manner that is dangerous or unacceptable. This can include:
    • the drone is used to pursue, harass, or intimidate other aircraft/aircraft users
    • the drone is used to pursue, harass, or intimidate people and/or wildlife.

If you see or experience inappropriate drone use report you can report this to your local DOC office or call our emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

You can also report inappropriate drone use to the Civil Aviation Authority. See Report a drone safety concern.

If you feel endangered by the drone, or believe the drone presents a risk to human life or safety, contact the police on 105 or 111.