Monday, 26 October 2015 11:04

Drone rule changes bring opportunity

Written by Mark Daniel

font size decrease font size increase font size

Rules governing the flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) changed on August 1 with the introduction of Civil Aviation Authority Rule 102.

Yamaha Motors NZ wasted no time in getting the new certification, clearing the way for the company to fly its R-Max helicopter UAV. The test flights were done near Auckland.

The R-Max is powered by a 246cc engine and has a 28kg payload. It was designed in Japan at the request of the country's Ministry of Agriculture Forest and Fisheries, which sought an unmanned vehicle for crop spraying. It should suit the widely varying topography of NZ.

"We have developed a robust safety policy for the operation of the R-Max," says Yamaha NZ general manager Daryl Lovegrove.

More like this

Grape Days 2026: AI Adoption and Vineyard Research Insights

Generative AI in the workplace, trials in the field, and industry-relevant research took centre stage at this year’s Grape Days events in Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.

Croplands & Yamaha Launch Autonomous Herbicide Attachment

Croplands Equipment, in partnership with Yamaha Agriculture, has released a new herbicide spray attachment designed for seamless integration with Prospr, Yamaha Agriculture’s autonomous vehicle platform, to further the progress of automation in horticultural weed control.

Croplands and Yamaha Agriculture Unveil Autonomous Herbicide Sprayer for Prospr Platform

Croplands Equipment, in partnership with Yamaha Agriculture, has released a new herbicide spray attachment designed for seamless integration with Prospr, Yamaha Agriculture’s autonomous vehicle platform, marking the next phase of automation in horticultural weed control.

Drone Deregulation Plans for Farmers Draw Mixed Response from Industry

Government plans to reduce the regulations relating to drones that farmers use on their own properties has drawn a mixed reaction from commercial drone operators.

Wairarapa’s Bradley Wadsworth blends farming and technology

Bradley Wadsworth lives on the family farm – Omega Station – in the Wairarapa about 30 minutes’ drive east from Masterton.

Featured

NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2026: Supreme Champions Named

An Auckland gelato shop and an established New Zealand ice cream maker have both been named Supreme Champions at the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2026.

Pork Remains Among NZ's Most Affordable Meats: Stats NZ

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on household grocery budgets, new figures show pork remains one of the most affordable fresh meat options for New Zealand families.

Editorial: The Value of Credibility

OPINION: In politics, credibility is and should be big. It must surely rank higher than charisma, which is quite trite and superficial. Yet, voters nowadays are often wooed and influenced by how someone looks or talks at a superficial level. TV plays a huge role in this.

DairyBase and MINDA Link Up to Cut Farmer Paperwork

Farmers can spend less time on paperwork, thanks to a new data sharing agreement between DairyNZ’s DairyBase and LIC’s MINDA software.

Kaikōura Families Get School Run Lifeline After Storm

Kaikōura families affected by July's severe storm have found a practical solution to a problem that's kept some children away from regular schooling for weeks: a washed-out section of Inland Kaikōura Road, which has stopped the local school bus from running its usual route.