Source: New Zealand Government
Agricultural sector productivity is set to soar through common-sense reforms to drone regulations, Regulation Minister David Seymour and Associate Transport Minister James Meager have today announced.
“The Ministry for Regulation heard red-tape was getting in the way of farmers using agricultural drones for spraying, and other tasks which suck up time and energy,” Mr Seymour says.
“The Ministry investigated, made recommendations to Government on how to increase accessibility, and has worked alongside Minister Meager to progress reforms as part of his Civil Aviation Rules Update Programme.”
Mr Meager says the changes will slash burdensome red tape and make agricultural drone use for spraying cheaper, faster, and more efficient.
“Drones have become an everyday tool in modern agricultural spraying, offering precise application of pesticides and fertiliser that helps minimise product wastage, while also reaching tricky terrain safely and efficiently,” Mr Meager says.
“However, farmers, growers and foresters have been clear that the current certification process is impractical and no longer fit-for-purpose. Existing rules have not kept pace with the evolving technological landscape.
“Farmers have told us about routine spraying operations being held up due to costly and complex regulatory roadblocks. This must change.
“We will scrap requirements for lower-risk routine drone operations to apply and wait for certification before starting work, which can take up to nine months and cost thousands of dollars. Only a notification to the Civil Aviation Authority ahead of time will be needed.
“This will cover routine activities such as spraying of pesticides and herbicides and the distribution of fertiliser, lime, seeds and manures across cropland, pasture, orchards, vineyards, market gardens and forests.”
Mr Meager has directed officials to overhaul the rules and create a simpler pathway, while maintaining critical public safety and environmental protections. This will come into effect mid-2027, following detailed design and engagement.
“Overseas farmers, who compete with New Zealand farmers, can spray crops with precise and targeted application of chemicals using drones, at a fraction of the cost compared to Kiwi farmers,” Mr Seymour says.
“In Australia, drones up to 150 kilograms operate on farmland under simple licensing. Today’s announcement will take Kiwi farmers closer to the frontier of innovation and make them more competitive of the global stage.”
“These reforms build on earlier changes allowing drones under 25kg to be used for mapping, monitoring and stock shifting without certification or notification. We are now looking at ways to extend that flexibility to larger drones,” Mr Meager says.
High-risk or complex drone operations, and spraying from planes and helicopters, will remain subject to existing requirements.
“I am confident this will strike the correct balance, so regulation is right-sized and proportionate to risk. Public consultation will also provide another layer of certainty,” Mr Meager says.
“This reform will reduce costs, improve efficiency and unlock regional growth. It is yet another common-sense change from the Government’s ambitious programme to fix the basics and modernise New Zealand’s civil aviation rules.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/agricultural-productivity-to-soar-with-drone-reform/