Rotorua Lakes Council have banned the use of flying drones in specific area of the city.

In a statement the Council says unmanned aircrafts commonly known as UAVs or drones will need to follow the new Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules which came into effect in August this year.

Rotorua Lakes Council has banned the use of drones from certain areas of the city. Photo: Supplied.

The Council says providing CAA rules were followed Council would permit the use of drones over their parks and reserves, except in specified parks located close to registered aerodromes.

Areas prohibited to fly drones include Kuirau Park, close to the Rotorua Hospital helipad, the Rotorua Lakefront Reserve, Village Green and Motutara (Sulphur) Point and Hannah's Bay Reserve.

Many of Rotorua's parks and reserves are within controlled airspace so operators must stay below tree or building heights.

All drone operators must follow the CAA safety guidelines which can be found at https://www.airshare.co.nz/rules

Drone operators require permission to operate in an unshielded manner (above trees or buildings) in controlled airspace or within 4km of an aerodrome.

To obtain permission to operate a drone in these restricted areas contact; Lakefront Aerodrome 07 3489984, Rotorua Hospital Helipad 027 6535697, Rotorua Aerodrome and Airport 07 345 8807 or Airways - https://www.airshare.co.nz/my-flights

Some key rules to remember include:

• Do not fly over people and stay away from reserves on which organised events are being held
• if not flying above a Council park have the consent of the property owner
• be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes (eg. not via binoculars) at all times
• fly only in daylight

understand the height restrictions that apply in the area you want to operate.