Drones
Flying a drone in Stratford District
There are a number of situations in which you would need to gain permission from the Council before flying your drone, these include:
- If you are within 4km of an Aerodrome, which is a controlled airspace. Unfortunately for drone users, this includes most of the Stratford Urban area. Permission would be needed before you fly anywhere in Stratford Urban area, this includes your own backyard.
- If you want to fly a drone in any of the public parks or reserves throughout the district.
To gain permission to fly your drone, please contact Council on (06)765 6099 email stratforddc@stratford.govt.nz. If you intend to fly your drone over people’s private property, you need their permission first. This should be a conversation you have directly with the property owner.
Flying a drone over the National Park
If you plan to fly over any conservation lands, including Mount Taranaki, you will need to get permission from the Department of Conservation (DOC). As a general rule, recreation drone or aircraft use are not permitted in Egmont National Park.
Things to know before you fly your drone
- Do not fly a drone that is more than 25kg.
- Do not fly a drone higher than 120 meters.
- Always ensure that your drone is safe to fly.
- Only fly your drone in daylight.
- Give way to all crewed aircraft eg planes and helicopters
- Make sure your drone is within eyesight, without help of binoculars, monitors or smartphones.
- Ensure you have permission from property owners before you fly over their land.
- Avoid all special use airspace’s eg military operating areas, low flying zones or restricted areas.
For more information about flying drones, visit the CAA website https://www.caa.govt.nz/unmanned-aircraft/drones/
