Commercial Drone Association of New Zealand

Connect with other commercial drone operators and stay informed.

Our Purpose

  • Advocacy

    Champion the interests of New Zealand’s commercial drone operators, giving the industry a unified and influential voice.

  • Safety

    Promote safe, responsible, and professional drone operations across all commercial sectors, while fostering collaboration throughout the industry.

  • Knowledge

    Support ongoing learning by enabling operators to share insights, skills, and real-world experience with one another.
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    CDANZ 12 Month Membership

    $398.00 NZD
    $398.00 NZD
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    A CDANZ membership gives commercial drone operators access to industry guidance, regulatory updates, operator resources, peer knowledge, and opportunities to shape the future of the sector. It’s your annual pass to a stronger voice, sharper skills, and a more aligned commercial drone community.

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    Our Objectives

    1. Promote safe, responsible operations across all areas of commercial drone use.
    2. Advocate for clear, future-ready policies and regulations that enable sustainable growth of New Zealand’s commercial drone sector.
    3. Provide a space for operators to share ideas, experience, and proven best practices.
    4. Encourage the adoption of emerging technologies and operational methods that improve efficiency and broaden the scope of commercial drone applications.
    5. Deliver training opportunities, workshops, and educational resources that lift capability and confidence across the industry.
    6. Work with regulators, industry bodies, and other stakeholders to navigate challenges and unlock opportunities within the commercial drone ecosystem.
    7. Offer steady, informed guidance to help stakeholders apply a consistent, risk-based approach when developing safety standards and operational codes.

    Executive Committee

    • Craig Simpson - President

      Craig Simpson is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for technological innovation and positive societal impact, evident from his ventures in rural off-grid solar solutions to advanced agricultural drones. As the founder of Aerolab and the CEO of Drone Trust he is a major player in the industry.

      As a proven dynamic leader, Craig upholds the values of good governance and prioritises the well-being of his teams, reflecting his commitment not just to innovation but also to safe and ethical leadership.

    • Simon Conroy - Vice President

      Simon spent his corporate career running IT and Analytics functions for some of NZ’s largest organisation including Spark, Air New Zealand and Flight Centre. He then transitioned into freelance consulting before founding Data agency Decisive and Innovation consultancy Joots.

      For the past three years Simon has deployed his technical skills as a Director of Aerolab, spearheading the Agricultural analytics programmes of work. He is also a respected consultant for 102 Exposition creation.

    • Peter Conroy - Secretary

      Peter is an experienced executive leader with a strong background in commercial strategy, insurance, sales, risk management, and compliance, particularly in settings undergoing significant change.

      Peter’s deep corporate experience is now being leveraged to provide compliance and risk management frameworks for the agricultural drone sector. As Operations Manager at Drone Trust, he is well immersed in the day to day challenges of a commercial drone operator.