What an operator needs depends on the job. For most everyday work under Part 101, New Zealand has no general drone licence. For work outside Part 101, including agricultural spraying (currently), the business needs a CAA Part 102 certificate, and spray pilots need specific qualifications and ratings. Regional councils add their own rules for agrichemicals.
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).
New Zealand doesn’t have separate commercial and recreational drone rules. Everyone flies under the same rules, and the job decides which rules apply (CAA).
At a glance
| Type of work | What the operator needs |
|---|---|
| Photos, video, inspections or mapping within Part 101 limits | No licence, but they must follow Part 101: consent, under 120 m, line of sight, airspace rules |
| Drones of 15–25 kg under Part 101 | The drone built, or inspected and approved, by an approved person or organisation, and flown under its authority |
| Night flying, or flying within 4 km of an aerodrome | Extra training or qualification conditions under the Part 101 transport instrument |
| Over people or property without consent, over 25 kg, or other work outside Part 101 | A Part 102 certificate for the organisation |
| Spraying agrichemicals or dropping toxic baits | Currently Part 102, plus a qualified pilot with a Pilot Chemical Rating and UA Agricultural Rating, plus council rules (a notification regime is planned from mid-2027) |
Part 101: no licence, but rules
Under Part 101 the drone must be under 25 kg and flown below 120 m, in the pilot’s line of sight, in daylight, at least 4 km from aerodromes, and with consent from people and property owners overflown. Some of these limits can be extended under the Part 101 transport instrument if extra conditions are met, such as training for night flying (CAA: Part 101). Flying in controlled airspace needs a clearance from Airways through AirShare.
Part 102: certificating the business
A Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate is issued to an organisation, not just a pilot. The applicant writes an exposition (operations manual) with a risk assessment, nominates a responsible person, and is assessed by the CAA (CAA: Part 102). The CAA charges for its assessment time, and approval can take months. The certificate lists what the operator is approved to do, so it’s worth asking to see it.
Agricultural spraying: the extra requirements
CAA guidance on drone spraying and baiting (revised October 2025) sets out what’s expected:
- The organisation holds a Part 102 certificate that covers agricultural operations.
- The pilot holds a drone pilot qualification from a Part 141 training organisation, to Part 102 standard.
- Pilot Chemical Rating: covers safe agrichemical use, is valid for five years, and is issued through approved providers.
- UA Agricultural Rating: separate ratings for spraying, topdressing and baiting, with an annual competency check.
The same guidance points operators to NZS 8409 (the agrichemical standard), the ACVM Act for product labels, the HSNO Act for hazardous substances, and WorkSafe requirements (CAA guidance). Some older industry pages still say the Pilot Chemical Rating is only for helicopter and aeroplane pilots. The CAA’s 2025 guidance is the current reference.
Regional council rules
Councils control spray discharges through their regional plans, and the rules vary. Examples:
- Bay of Plenty: anyone spraying other than by hand needs GROWSAFE certification or equivalent, and neighbours within 200 m of aerial spraying must be told between 72 and 12 hours beforehand.
- Northland: neighbours must be notified at least 24 hours ahead, and machine or aerial spraying needs an annual spray plan and risk assessment.
- Hawke’s Bay: commercial operators must be qualified, and a property spray plan is needed in some situations near boundaries.
Want an operator who’s already set up?
Tell us about the job and we’ll pass it to operators in your area who do that kind of work.
How to check an operator
- Ask whether the job will be flown under Part 101 or Part 102.
- For Part 102 work, ask to see the certificate and what it covers. The CAA publishes a list of Part 102 operators.
- For spraying, ask for the pilot’s Pilot Chemical Rating and UA Agricultural Rating.
- Ask for proof of public liability insurance.
- Ask how they meet your council’s notification and spray-plan rules.
See also How to choose a drone operator in New Zealand.
Thinking of becoming an operator?
The usual path is Part 101 flying experience, then training with a Part 141 organisation, then either joining a certificated operator or building your own Part 102 exposition. Spray work adds the chemical and agricultural ratings. Dealers and training providers can explain current course options; see Drone training providers.
Key takeaways
- Part 101 work needs no licence, but the rules still apply.
- Part 102 certifies the business, and is required for spraying, heavy drones and work outside Part 101.
- Spray pilots need a Part 141 qualification, a Pilot Chemical Rating and a UA Agricultural Rating.
- Regional councils add notification, spray plan and training rules.
Related: Part 101 vs Part 102 · How drone spraying works
Sources
- CAA: Your drone questions answered
- CAA: Part 101 rules for drones
- CAA: Part 102 certification for drones
- CAA: Operating considerations, agrichemicals and VTA (Rev 1, Oct 2025)
- AirShare: Know the rules
- GROWSAFE: Aerial certification
- NZ Agrichemical Education Trust: Bay of Plenty guide (v3.1, Feb 2023)
- Northland Regional Council: Agrichemical spraying
- Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: Agrichemical use
- 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 and your regional council for current requirements. Checked October 2026.