Who is UAVNZ?
Who We Are
UAVNZ is the industry body representing commercial and professional uncrewed aviation in New Zealand.
We exist to support the safe, credible, and sustainable development of the uncrewed aviation sector — by advocating for industry, shaping regulation, raising professional standards, and building trust with regulators and the public.
UAVNZ represents organisations and individuals working across the commercial uncrewed aviation ecosystem, including:
Commercial drone operators
Manufacturers and system integrators
Engineering, R&D, and technology developers
Training and capability providers
Support services and specialist suppliers
Research institutions and government stakeholders
Our focus is on professional and commercial use of uncrewed aircraft, rather than recreational or hobby flying.
Our Purpose
Uncrewed aircraft are now a permanent and growing part of New Zealand’s aviation system.
UAVNZ exists to ensure that growth happens responsibly, professionally, and in a way that enables innovation rather than restricts it.
We provide a unified, informed voice for the commercial drone sector — helping ensure policy, regulation, and public understanding keep pace with real-world operations and technology.
What We Do
UAVNZ focuses on six core areas:
Industry Advocacy
Representing the commercial uncrewed aviation sector in discussions with regulators, government agencies, and aviation stakeholders.Regulatory Engagement
Contributing practical industry insight into the development and evolution of aviation rules and policy.Professional Standards
Promoting safe, ethical, and professional operating practices across the sector.Public Trust & Understanding
Supporting informed public discussion about the role, benefits, and responsibilities of commercial drone operations.Industry Connection
Bringing together operators, manufacturers, engineers, service providers, researchers, and educators.Sector Development
Supporting the long-term capability, credibility, and global competitiveness of New Zealand’s uncrewed aviation industry.
Who We Represent
How We Work
UAVNZ operates through collaboration, evidence-based input, and industry consensus.
We:
Engage early in regulatory and policy processes
Gather input from members and subject-matter experts
Provide clear, practical perspectives grounded in operational reality
Work constructively with regulators and the wider aviation community
Our approach is deliberately calm, credible, and solutions-focused.
Why UAVNZ Matters
A fragmented industry struggles to be heard. A unified industry is taken seriously.
By bringing the sector together under a shared professional framework, UAVNZ helps ensure New Zealand’s commercial uncrewed aviation industry can:
Operate safely and responsibly
Adapt to regulatory change
Build public confidence
Innovate and grow sustainably
Interested in being part of the industry voice?
