Drone manufacturers will no longer need approval for small changes to their technology. File photo. Photo: 123rf.com
A new government rule aims to reduce hurdles for businesses developing new drones and other aviation technology.
It is part of a set of regulatory changes intended to cut red tape and help with setting up 'sandboxes' for rapid testing.
The government says strong safeguards will stay in place, but firms will no longer need approval for small changes to their technology from the Civil Aviation Authority.
"This will provide clearer pathways for the sector to test, trial, and grow, while ensuring strong safeguards remain in place," Space Minister Judith Collins said in a statement on Wednesday.
It would directly benefit Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, which set up Special Use Airspace south of Christchurch earlier this year.
Other changes to regulations aimed to make it clearer when drones and similar technology can and can not be used.
For instance, some night operations would shift to a lower-risk category from a higher-risk one.
"They clarify that drones can be used for low-risk work like surveying and mapping without certification, and they provide clarity and certainty for technical and higher-risk activities like agricultural spraying and top dressing," said Associate Transport Minister James Meager.
The rules comes into effect next month.
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