New Zealand’s drone rules are set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Most everyday flying happens under Part 101, a set of standard operating limits. Anything outside those limits, including agricultural spraying (currently) and drones over 25 kg, needs a Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate.
This guide explains both in plain English, and what it means if you’re hiring an operator.
Currently: Part 102 still applies. Spraying agrichemicals from a drone can’t be done under the standard Part 101 rules. The operator needs a CAA Part 102 certificate (CAA).
Planned reform: the Government announced in August 2026 that routine drone spraying is intended to move to a notification regime, where operators tell CAA in advance instead of holding a certificate. Implementation is expected from mid-2027, after detailed design and engagement. Higher-risk or complex drone operations, and spraying from planes and helicopters, are to stay under existing requirements (NZ Government, 20 August 2026). It is an announcement, not a rule in force. Chemical-handling competency and regional council spray rules still apply (Agricultural Drone Association).
What changed in December 2025
Amended Part 101 and Part 102 rules took effect on 22 December 2025 (CAA, 27 November 2025). The main changes:
- Many of the detailed limits (height, aerodromes, line of sight, night flying and consent) now sit in a Civil Aviation Transport Instrument referenced by the rules, rather than in the rule text itself.
- The rules aim to give clearer boundaries between what can be done under Part 101 and what needs Part 102 certification.
- A new Part 107 creates a certification pathway for research and development organisations.
The familiar default limits still apply. There is no drone registration or remote ID requirement in New Zealand.
Part 101: the standard rules
According to the CAA’s Part 101 guidance, under Part 101 you must:
- fly an aircraft under 25 kg, with extra requirements for aircraft between 15 and 25 kg
- stay below 120 metres (400 ft) above ground level, unless the transport instrument’s conditions are met
- keep the drone in your own line of sight, unless using first-person view with a trained observer or another permitted arrangement
- fly in daylight, unless flying at night under the transport instrument’s conditions
- stay at least 4 km from any aerodrome boundary, unless the specified conditions are met, such as an agreement with the aerodrome operator
- get air traffic control clearance (through AirShare) before flying in controlled airspace
- get permission before flying in restricted or military airspace
- get consent before flying over people and property, for example from farm owners or homeowners
Basic Part 101 flying doesn’t need a licence, but some extended operations require a recognised pilot qualification.
Part 102: operator certification
A Part 102 certificate is needed “if you want to fly an unmanned aircraft outside of the Part 101 rules”, for example (CAA):
- spraying agrichemicals or dispersing vertebrate toxic agents
- flying over people or property without their prior consent
- operating an aircraft that weighs more than 25 kg
How an operator gets certified
The operator applies to the CAA with an application form, a fit and proper person questionnaire, a compliance matrix and an exposition: an operations manual setting out how they’ll fly safely, including a hazard register and risk assessment. A CAA inspector assesses the application and interviews the applicant, and the certificate can carry conditions specific to the operation (CAA: Applying for a Part 102 certificate).
CAA charges for its assessment time at its standard hourly rate, $312.40 including GST from 1 July 2025, with two hours charged up front (CAA fees). The total depends on how complex the operation is. Processing can take months.
Agricultural spraying and spreading
Drone spraying, topdressing and baiting are treated as agricultural aircraft operations. The CAA says operators still need a Part 102 certificate, and the activity also falls under Part 137 (Agricultural Aircraft Operations) (CAA FAQ). CAA guidance expects pilots to hold a Pilot Chemical Rating and a UA Agricultural Rating. Regional council rules on notification and spray drift apply on top.
The December 2025 changes did not bring drone spraying under Part 101.
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What this means when you hire a drone operator
| Type of job | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Real estate or event photos over a client’s own property | Often possible under Part 101, with consent from the property owner and anyone flown over |
| Roof or building inspections in town | Part 101 with consent and airspace checks, or Part 102 if consent isn’t practical |
| Mapping a farm or site | Usually Part 101 with the landowner’s consent, depending on location and airspace |
| Spraying, spreading or baiting | Always Part 102, plus pilot ratings and regional council rules |
| Drones over 25 kg (e.g. large spray drones) | Always Part 102 |
If an operator will be working under Part 102, it’s reasonable to ask to see their certificate. The CAA publishes a list of Part 102 certificated operators.
Penalties
Breaching the rules can lead to fines or prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act 2023 and the Civil Aviation (Offences) Regulations 2025. Check current penalty amounts with the CAA.
Key takeaways
- Part 101 covers most everyday flying, within set limits.
- Part 102 certification is required for spraying, drones over 25 kg, and other work outside Part 101.
- The rules were updated on 22 December 2025, and many detailed limits now sit in a transport instrument.
- When hiring, ask which rules the job will be flown under.
Related: How to Choose a Drone Operator in New Zealand · How Much Does Drone Spraying Cost? · Drone training providers · Video: Part 101 vs Part 102 in plain English
Sources
- CAA: Clearer rules and a new pathway to support innovation (27 Nov 2025)
- CAA: Part 101 rules for drones
- CAA: Part 102 certification for drones
- CAA: Can I use my drone for agricultural spraying or top dressing?
- CAA: Fees, levies and charges
- AirShare: Know the rules
- NZ Government: Agricultural productivity to soar with drone reform (20 August 2026)
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the CAA website for the current requirements. Checked October 2026.