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Govt changes civil aviation rules to help farmers use drones

But the aviation industry has concerns that rules may become too relaxed, endangering the public and neighbouring crops.

An agricultural drone.

NBR Staff Thu, 30 Apr 2026
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.

The Government has announced a series of changes to civil aviation rules, including further enabling drone use in agricultural operations. However, the aviation industry has warned that relaxing the regulations too much is risky without further mitigation.

Associate Transport Minister James Meager

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NBR Staff Thu, 30 Apr 2026
Contact the Writer: editor@nbr.co.nz
News tip? Question? Typo? Let us know: editor@nbr.co.nz
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.

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Govt changes civil aviation rules to help farmers use drones
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