Media – Drone Application Process 

Use of drones:

A great tool for unique footage, drones must be pre-approved with final sign-off by the Clerk of Course.

We accept there are significant barriers to easy approval. If you have suggestions to improve this process between all the entities involved, we would be keen to assist.
It is essential we collate and have this information approved. Other aviation users depend on its accuracy.

Drone use is also conditional on:

• Flight is restricted to daylight hours only,
• The presence of any manned aircraft requires the drone be brought to the ground immediately,
• Any other nearby approved operators are to collaborate on flight paths,
• Any non-approved operators/drones are to be notified and their drone brought to the ground.

All applications for use within the Whangarei District are to be made to the Whangarei District Council directly.

1. First; submit your flight plan to the CAA via the Airshare platform: https://www.airshare.co.nz/
2. Once you receive an approval, use that information to apply here: http://www.wdc.govt.nz/FacilitiesandRecreation/Drones/Pages/Drones.aspx
3. Following approval, the following services are to be notified of your plans: Mike Chubb, Manager Whangarei Airport:
   aviation@xtra.co.nz and Northland Emergency Services Trust safetyofficer@nest.org.nz
4. Forward all documentation to lance@comtechnology.co.nz with the following information:
   – Drone description (make/model/distinguishing features)
   – Locations approved (as a list)

This will be collated into a letter and once approved and signed by the Clerk-of-Course, will be returned to you as a letter as evidence to marshals of each approved location.

All applications for use within the Far North region are to be made to the Media Office.

1. First; submit your flight plan to the CAA via the Airshare platform: https://www.airshare.co.nz/
2. Once you receive an approval the following services are to be notified of your plans: Mike Chubb, Manager Whangarei Airport:
   aviation@xtra.co.nz and Northland Emergency Services Trust safetyofficer@nest.org.nz
3. Forward all documentation to lance@comtechnology.co.nz with the following information:
   – Drone description (make/model/distinguishing features)
   – Locations approved (as a list)

This will be collated into a letter and once approved and signed by the Clerk-of-Course, will be returned to you as a letter as evidence to marshals of each approved location.

Further information from the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, can be found at

https://www.caa.govt.nz/unmanned-aircraft/drones/