Drones
Fire-fighting effort hampered by drone sightings
Efforts to put out a large fire in Christchurch were hampered by reports of a drone being flown in the area. Two helicopters battling the fire near the township of Omarama were held up because of the… Audio
Two drones come dangerously close to airports every week
Drones are coming dangerously close to New Zealand airports twice a week and the aviation industry is taking action.
Two drones a week found dangerously close to airports
An average of two drones a week are coming dangerously close to New Zealand's airports, according to the national air traffic control agency, putting the flying public at risk. Airways New Zealand is… Audio
UK introduces more stringent drone rules
Rule changes being introduced in the United Kingdom will give the police new powers to tackle the illegal use of drones. Several countries are also considering requiring registration of drones above… Audio
'No repercussions': Drone maker says no enforcement for flying rules
Pilots and lobbyists want tighter rules for drone use, but those flying them say that first, the rules that already exist need to be imposed.
Gatwick and Heathrow airports order military-grade anti-drone equipment
After three days of disruption due to drones at Gatwick airport before Christmas, the UK's largest airports are taking precautions.
No new rules needed for drones, enthusiasts say
Drone hobbyists are playing down calls for further flying regulations, saying the existing rules are tough enough.
Vanuatu's vaccine drone flight 'a big leap for global health'
A baby on a remote Pacific island has become the first person given a vaccine delivered by a commercial drone.
Spying drones
Following our drones discussion over the last few days, we look into the problem of drones being used to spy on people and to scout out properties for thieves to burgle. Audio
Drones causing issues for wildlife as well as aircraft
Drones are being blamed for scaring wildlife as well as being a nuisance for aircraft after a video went viral of a baby bear and its mother scrambling up a steep cliff face to get away from a drone.
…Pilots call for drone user registration
Pilots want the laws around drone use beefed up to force users to register their aircrafts. They say compulsory registration would make flying safer as the number of near miss incidents between… Audio
Drone disruption
Airspace around Wellington Airport was closed for 40 minutes last after a drone was seen dangerously close the runway. Instances like this are being reported more and more. Audio
Drones to be trialed for vaccine transport in Vanuatu
Two companies have been contracted to trial drones that could one day fly vaccines to children in remote parts of Vanuatu. Audio
Peter Griffin: why I love flying my drone
As drone technology gets cheaper, more and more New Zealanders are buying and launching their own little hand-controlled flying cameras. RNZ tech correspondent Peter Griffin talks to a drone-dubious… Audio
Rescue helicopter pilot pleas with drone users after near-miss
A rescue helicopter pilot is pleading with drone users to follow the rules after a near-miss on their way to a serious car crash in Northland. Audio
Airborne innovation excites impatient media
The media seized on the prospect of Jetsons-style Uber-in-the-air, but another airborne innovation that hit the headlines over-promised and under-delivered. Audio
Kiwi drone company sets sights on rhino poachers
A Raglan drone company hopes manufacturers can band together so their long-flying heat detection design can be used to protect rhinoceroses from poachers across Africa. Audio
Dr Nick Munn: technology raising ethical questions in farming
Rapid advances in technology on farms are creating ethical dilemmas for farmers. Dr Nick Munn from Waikato University says there are big ethical implications in using hi-tech tools to help on a farm.
…CAA considers new rules for recreational drones
Drones are being so heavily used in tourist hotspots like Queenstown and Tekapo that the Civil Aviation Authority is looking at tougher rules for recreational drone operators. Audio
Tourists launch drones left right and centre
The Civil Aviation Authority says tourists are the worst offenders when it come to launching drones illegally. So what are they doing about it? Audio