"Having a conversation with a property owner beforehand is an effective means of risk management because they are likely to have the best knowledge of the risks."
People with drones who intend to fly over public spaces will also need to get permission from the land owner. For example, if an operator wants to fly over a park, they will need permission from the local council.
"We are encouraging public land owners to be proactive. This could involve erecting signs indicating if unmanned aircraft flights are allowed or not at the park entrance."
Anyone who flies without consent can receive a fine, a written warning or prosecution by CAA.
Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 - Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certification will also come into force on August 1 and will enable people who want to operate outside the existing rules for unmanned aircraft to do so if they have in place a plan to manage the safety risks.
"This new rule part gives operators greater freedom while maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety," Mr Moore said.
Those who cannot get consent from a landowner or individuals can still fly a drone if they get an operating certificate from the CAA under Rule Part 102.
"These changes strike a balance between safety and enabling operations," he says.
The changes are part of the CAA's interim approach to regulating drones.
The exact number of unmanned aircraft operations in New Zealand is unknown but CAA believe the number is small compared to conventional aircraft operations.
The CAA receives up to 50 enquiries a week relating to drones. This compares to around 20-30 enquiries weekly at the beginning of 2014, and the CAA says this number is likely to increase with the growing popularity of unmanned aircraft operations.
The number of aviation incidents involving unmanned aircraft has grown significantly since 2011.
Unmanned aircraft incidents
Year - Total
• 2007 - 2
• 2008 - 1
• 2010 - 1
• 2011 - 1
• 2012 - 3
• 2013 - 9
• 2014 - 27
• 2015 (to end June) - 53
