Numbers Of Drones/RPAS
Allen Reynolds made this Official Information request to Ministry of Transport
Response to this request is long overdue. By law Ministry of Transport should have responded by now (details and exceptions). The requester can complain to the Ombudsman.
From: Allen Reynolds
hello
In July 2019, at the ‘unveiling’ of the Government's "Taking Flight" plan, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford was reported as saying “77,000 drones are in use nationally” – source below
Firstly – did Minister of Transport Phil Twyford say this?
What was the source for the number “77,000”?
What was the definition of “drones”? – the correct term is RPAS; the types are highly varied
In the context of the event, was Minister of Transport Phil Twyford referring to just multirotor RPAS?
What is the latest total? Source?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various types of RPAS? Including, but not limited to – gliders, powered fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, multirotors, others
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various size categories of RPAS?
by weight, by dimension, by other measure(s)
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various use categories of RPAS?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for the location(s) of RPAS?
by Island, by region, by city/town, by other geographic division
If the MOT has any of these numbers, what are they? Is there also an online site the numbers can be accessed?
If the MOT does not have these numbers, does it plan to begin gathering them?
Does any other government agency have any numbers, or plan to begin gathering them, for RPAS, for RPAS types, and/or for RPAS size categories?
Source for quote –
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/innovat...
Drone taxis in your city: How NZ could be world leader in multi-billion dollar industry
JOHN WEEKES 19:02, Jul 17 2019
“77,000 drones are in use nationally, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford says”
thank you
Allen Reynolds
From: Info
Ministry of Transport
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your email. We aim to provide responses to enquiries within
10 working days. Responses to complex queries may take longer, if this is
the case we will get in touch to let you know when you can expect a reply.
If you want to make an Official Information Act request, please refer to
our [1]guidance.
Kind regards,
Business Support Team
show quoted sections
References
Visible links
1. https://www.transport.govt.nz/about/gove...
From: OCU
Ministry of Transport
Kia ora Allen,
On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, I acknowledge your Official
Information Act request of 28 February 2020 seeking:
“In July 2019, at the ‘unveiling’ of the Government's "Taking Flight"
plan, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford was reported as saying “77,000
drones are in use nationally” – source below
Firstly – did Minister of Transport Phil Twyford say this?
What was the source for the number “77,000”?
What was the definition of “drones”? – the correct term is RPAS; the types
are highly varied
In the context of the event, was Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
referring to just multirotor RPAS?
What is the latest total? Source?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various types of RPAS?
Including, but not limited to – gliders, powered fixed wing aircraft,
helicopters, multirotors, others
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various size categories of
RPAS?
by weight, by dimension, by other measure(s)
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various use categories of
RPAS?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for the location(s) of RPAS?
by Island, by region, by city/town, by other geographic division
If the MOT has any of these numbers, what are they? Is there also an
online site the numbers can be accessed?
If the MOT does not have these numbers, does it plan to begin gathering
them?
Does any other government agency have any numbers, or plan to begin
gathering them, for RPAS, for RPAS types, and/or for RPAS size categories?
Source for quote –
[1]https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/innovat...
Drone taxis in your city: How NZ could be world leader in multi-billion
dollar industry
JOHN WEEKES 19:02, Jul 17 2019
“77,000 drones are in use nationally, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
says.”
We will consider your request and respond appropriately as set out in the
Official Information Act 1982.
The Ministry publishes Official Information Act responses on our website
when there may be wider interest in the information released. This means
the information provided to you might be published after you have received
it.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Shields
Team Leader – Official Correspondence, Engagement & Communications
Ministry of Transport – Te Manatū Waka
M: 022 014 7454 | E: [2][email address] |
[3]www.transport.govt.nz
He whakamana i a Aotearoa kia momoho | Enabling New Zealanders to flourish
show quoted sections
From: OCU
Ministry of Transport
Kia ora Allen,
Following on from our email dated 28 February, I would like to let you
know the first five questions you have submitted fall within the remit of
the Minister of Transport, Hon Phil Twyford. Therefore I have forwarded
those five questions from your request onto his office for their
consideration. The remainder of your OIA request will be responded to by
the Ministry of Transport.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Shields
Team Leader – Official Correspondence, Engagement & Communications
Ministry of Transport – Te Manatū Waka
M: 022 014 7454 | E: [1][email address] |
[2]www.transport.govt.nz
He whakamana i a Aotearoa kia momoho | Enabling New Zealanders to flourish
_____________________________________________
From: OCU
Sent: Friday, 28 February 2020 4:47 PM
To: [FOI #12332 email]
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Numbers Of Drones/RPAS
Kia ora Allen,
On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, I acknowledge your Official
Information Act request of 28 February 2020 seeking:
“In July 2019, at the ‘unveiling’ of the Government's "Taking Flight"
plan, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford was reported as saying “77,000
drones are in use nationally” – source below
Firstly – did Minister of Transport Phil Twyford say this?
What was the source for the number “77,000”?
What was the definition of “drones”? – the correct term is RPAS; the types
are highly varied
In the context of the event, was Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
referring to just multirotor RPAS?
What is the latest total? Source?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various types of RPAS?
Including, but not limited to – gliders, powered fixed wing aircraft,
helicopters, multirotors, others
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various size categories of
RPAS?
by weight, by dimension, by other measure(s)
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various use categories of
RPAS?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for the location(s) of RPAS?
by Island, by region, by city/town, by other geographic division
If the MOT has any of these numbers, what are they? Is there also an
online site the numbers can be accessed?
If the MOT does not have these numbers, does it plan to begin gathering
them?
Does any other government agency have any numbers, or plan to begin
gathering them, for RPAS, for RPAS types, and/or for RPAS size categories?
Source for quote –
[3]https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/innovat...
Drone taxis in your city: How NZ could be world leader in multi-billion
dollar industry
JOHN WEEKES 19:02, Jul 17 2019
“77,000 drones are in use nationally, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
says.”
We will consider your request and respond appropriately as set out in the
Official Information Act 1982.
The Ministry publishes Official Information Act responses on our website
when there may be wider interest in the information released. This means
the information provided to you might be published after you have received
it.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Shields
Team Leader – Official Correspondence, Engagement & Communications
Ministry of Transport – Te Manatū Waka
M: 022 014 7454 | E: [4][email address] |
[5]www.transport.govt.nz
He whakamana i a Aotearoa kia momoho | Enabling New Zealanders to flourish
show quoted sections
From: Sarah Royle
Dear Allen,
Thank you for your email of 28 February 2020 in which you submitted an
Official Information Act request for the below via the Ministry of
Transport:
In July 2019, at the ‘unveiling’ of the Government's "Taking Flight" plan,
Minister of Transport Phil Twyford was reported as saying “77,000 drones
are in use nationally” – source below
Firstly – did Minister of Transport Phil Twyford say this?
What was the source for the number “77,000”?
What was the definition of “drones”? – the correct term is RPAS; the types
are highly varied
In the context of the event, was Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
referring to just multirotor RPAS?
What is the latest total? Source?
Minister Twyford is considering your request in accordance with the Act,
and will respond in due course.
Kind regards
Sarah Royle
Office of Hon Phil Twyford
Minister of Transport | Minister for Economic Development | Minister for
Urban Development
Private Bag 18041 | Parliament Buildings | Wellington 6160 | New Zealand
Office Phone: +64 4 817 8704 Email:
[1][email address]
From: OCU [mailto:[email address]]
Sent: Monday, 2 March 2020 11:29 AM
To: '[FOI #12332 email]'
<[FOI #12332 email]>
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Numbers Of Drones/RPAS
Kia ora Allen,
Following on from our email dated 28 February, I would like to let you
know the first five questions you have submitted fall within the remit of
the Minister of Transport, Hon Phil Twyford. Therefore I have forwarded
those five questions from your request onto his office for their
consideration. The remainder of your OIA request will be responded to by
the Ministry of Transport.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Shields
Team Leader – Official Correspondence, Engagement & Communications
Ministry of Transport – Te Manatū Waka
M: 022 014 7454 | E: [2][email address] |
[3]www.transport.govt.nz
He whakamana i a Aotearoa kia momoho | Enabling New Zealanders to flourish
_____________________________________________
From: OCU
Sent: Friday, 28 February 2020 4:47 PM
To: [4][FOI #12332 email]
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Numbers Of Drones/RPAS
Kia ora Allen,
On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, I acknowledge your Official
Information Act request of 28 February 2020 seeking:
“In July 2019, at the ‘unveiling’ of the Government's "Taking Flight"
plan, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford was reported as saying “77,000
drones are in use nationally” – source below
Firstly – did Minister of Transport Phil Twyford say this?
What was the source for the number “77,000”?
What was the definition of “drones”? – the correct term is RPAS; the types
are highly varied
In the context of the event, was Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
referring to just multirotor RPAS?
What is the latest total? Source?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various types of RPAS?
Including, but not limited to – gliders, powered fixed wing aircraft,
helicopters, multirotors, others
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various size categories of
RPAS?
by weight, by dimension, by other measure(s)
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various use categories of
RPAS?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for the location(s) of RPAS?
by Island, by region, by city/town, by other geographic division
If the MOT has any of these numbers, what are they? Is there also an
online site the numbers can be accessed?
If the MOT does not have these numbers, does it plan to begin gathering
them?
Does any other government agency have any numbers, or plan to begin
gathering them, for RPAS, for RPAS types, and/or for RPAS size categories?
Source for quote –
[5]https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/innovat...
Drone taxis in your city: How NZ could be world leader in multi-billion
dollar industry
JOHN WEEKES 19:02, Jul 17 2019
“77,000 drones are in use nationally, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
says.”
We will consider your request and respond appropriately as set out in the
Official Information Act 1982.
The Ministry publishes Official Information Act responses on our website
when there may be wider interest in the information released. This means
the information provided to you might be published after you have received
it.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Shields
Team Leader – Official Correspondence, Engagement & Communications
Ministry of Transport – Te Manatū Waka
M: 022 014 7454 | E: [6][email address] |
[7]www.transport.govt.nz
He whakamana i a Aotearoa kia momoho | Enabling New Zealanders to flourish
show quoted sections
From: Kirill Kruger
Ministry of Transport
2017 RPAS Users Report Colmar Brunton 2017.pdf
1.9M
Download
View as HTML
Allen Reynolds OIA.pdf
1.7M
Download
View as HTML
Hello Allen
Please find attached the response to your questions below. Please note
that this response only covers the portions of the request which was not
transferred to the Minister’s office, as was outlined in an email to you
on 2 March 2020.
Also, I would like to acknowledge the delay in this reply, which was
caused by the disruptions arising from the escalating COVID-19 situation.
We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Kirill Kruger
Adviser, Strategic Policy and Innovation
Ministry of Transport – Te Manatū Waka
[1][email address] | [2]www.transport.govt.nz
Enabling New Zealanders to flourish
_____________________________________________
From: OCU
Sent: Friday, 28 February 2020 4:47 PM
To: [FOI #12332 email]
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Numbers Of Drones/RPAS
Kia ora Allen,
On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, I acknowledge your Official
Information Act request of 28 February 2020 seeking:
“In July 2019, at the ‘unveiling’ of the Government's "Taking Flight"
plan, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford was reported as saying “77,000
drones are in use nationally” – source below
Firstly – did Minister of Transport Phil Twyford say this?
What was the source for the number “77,000”?
What was the definition of “drones”? – the correct term is RPAS; the types
are highly varied
In the context of the event, was Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
referring to just multirotor RPAS?
What is the latest total? Source?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various types of RPAS?
Including, but not limited to – gliders, powered fixed wing aircraft,
helicopters, multirotors, others
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various size categories of
RPAS?
by weight, by dimension, by other measure(s)
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various use categories of
RPAS?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for the location(s) of RPAS?
by Island, by region, by city/town, by other geographic division
If the MOT has any of these numbers, what are they? Is there also an
online site the numbers can be accessed?
If the MOT does not have these numbers, does it plan to begin gathering
them?
Does any other government agency have any numbers, or plan to begin
gathering them, for RPAS, for RPAS types, and/or for RPAS size categories?
Source for quote –
[3]https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/innovat...
Drone taxis in your city: How NZ could be world leader in multi-billion
dollar industry
JOHN WEEKES 19:02, Jul 17 2019
“77,000 drones are in use nationally, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
says.”
We will consider your request and respond appropriately as set out in the
Official Information Act 1982.
The Ministry publishes Official Information Act responses on our website
when there may be wider interest in the information released. This means
the information provided to you might be published after you have received
it.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Shields
Team Leader – Official Correspondence, Engagement & Communications
Ministry of Transport – Te Manatū Waka
M: 022 014 7454 | E: [4][email address] |
[5]www.transport.govt.nz
He whakamana i a Aotearoa kia momoho | Enabling New Zealanders to flourish
show quoted sections
From: Hugh Mazey
Dear Allen,
Please find attached a response to your OIA request.
Ngā mihi
Hugh Mazey | Private Secretary (Transport)
[1][email address] |
Office of Hon Phil Twyford
Minister for Economic Development | Minister of Transport | Minister for
Urban Development
Private Bag 18041 | Parliament Buildings | Wellington 6160 | New Zealand
Office Phone: +64 4 817 8704 Email:
[2][email address]
From: Sarah Royle
Sent: Monday, 2 March 2020 1:41 PM
To: [FOI #12332 email]
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Numbers Of Drones/RPAS
Dear Allen,
Thank you for your email of 28 February 2020 in which you submitted an
Official Information Act request for the below via the Ministry of
Transport:
In July 2019, at the ‘unveiling’ of the Government's "Taking Flight" plan,
Minister of Transport Phil Twyford was reported as saying “77,000 drones
are in use nationally” – source below
Firstly – did Minister of Transport Phil Twyford say this?
What was the source for the number “77,000”?
What was the definition of “drones”? – the correct term is RPAS; the types
are highly varied
In the context of the event, was Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
referring to just multirotor RPAS?
What is the latest total? Source?
Minister Twyford is considering your request in accordance with the Act,
and will respond in due course.
Kind regards
Sarah Royle
Office of Hon Phil Twyford
Minister of Transport | Minister for Economic Development | Minister for
Urban Development
Private Bag 18041 | Parliament Buildings | Wellington 6160 | New Zealand
Office Phone: +64 4 817 8704 Email:
[3][email address]
From: OCU [[4]mailto:[email address]]
Sent: Monday, 2 March 2020 11:29 AM
To: '[FOI #12332 email]'
<[5][FOI #12332 email]>
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Numbers Of Drones/RPAS
Kia ora Allen,
Following on from our email dated 28 February, I would like to let you
know the first five questions you have submitted fall within the remit of
the Minister of Transport, Hon Phil Twyford. Therefore I have forwarded
those five questions from your request onto his office for their
consideration. The remainder of your OIA request will be responded to by
the Ministry of Transport.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Shields
Team Leader – Official Correspondence, Engagement & Communications
Ministry of Transport – Te Manatū Waka
M: 022 014 7454 | E: [6][email address] |
[7]www.transport.govt.nz
He whakamana i a Aotearoa kia momoho | Enabling New Zealanders to flourish
_____________________________________________
From: OCU
Sent: Friday, 28 February 2020 4:47 PM
To: [8][FOI #12332 email]
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Numbers Of Drones/RPAS
Kia ora Allen,
On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, I acknowledge your Official
Information Act request of 28 February 2020 seeking:
“In July 2019, at the ‘unveiling’ of the Government's "Taking Flight"
plan, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford was reported as saying “77,000
drones are in use nationally” – source below
Firstly – did Minister of Transport Phil Twyford say this?
What was the source for the number “77,000”?
What was the definition of “drones”? – the correct term is RPAS; the types
are highly varied
In the context of the event, was Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
referring to just multirotor RPAS?
What is the latest total? Source?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various types of RPAS?
Including, but not limited to – gliders, powered fixed wing aircraft,
helicopters, multirotors, others
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various size categories of
RPAS?
by weight, by dimension, by other measure(s)
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for various use categories of
RPAS?
Does the Ministry of Transport have numbers for the location(s) of RPAS?
by Island, by region, by city/town, by other geographic division
If the MOT has any of these numbers, what are they? Is there also an
online site the numbers can be accessed?
If the MOT does not have these numbers, does it plan to begin gathering
them?
Does any other government agency have any numbers, or plan to begin
gathering them, for RPAS, for RPAS types, and/or for RPAS size categories?
Source for quote –
[9]https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/innovat...
Drone taxis in your city: How NZ could be world leader in multi-billion
dollar industry
JOHN WEEKES 19:02, Jul 17 2019
“77,000 drones are in use nationally, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
says.”
We will consider your request and respond appropriately as set out in the
Official Information Act 1982.
The Ministry publishes Official Information Act responses on our website
when there may be wider interest in the information released. This means
the information provided to you might be published after you have received
it.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Shields
Team Leader – Official Correspondence, Engagement & Communications
Ministry of Transport – Te Manatū Waka
M: 022 014 7454 | E: [10][email address] |
[11]www.transport.govt.nz
He whakamana i a Aotearoa kia momoho | Enabling New Zealanders to flourish
show quoted sections
From: Allen Reynolds
Dear Ministry of Transport,
To K Kruger & R Cross
many thanks for your helpful and informative reply, and the pointer to up-coming information
I look forward to the publication, altho, I suspect it will be on hold in the short term...
kia kaha
however, the reply illustrates the nonsense of the term 'drone'
ask many demographics, and you'll get many definitions - bagpipe player, beekeeper, Afghan refugee, etc...
even model flyers can't agree
you seemingly dismiss 'gliders, fixed wings and helicopters' from consideration
yet these categories were model aircraft (RPAS) long before multirotors became viable
the Ministry should know that these RPAS types do not require registration, and CAA will have no records of numbers
a recent Model Flying NZ survey of members indicated some 20 models per member!, with several thousand members
covering more diverse types than just multirotors
so... add some 40,000 more 'drones'?
but... in order to provide rigor in any analysis I suggest the use of the official terms and definitions
the popular term 'drone' is too vague, and emotionally loaded (don't start me on the bloke who shot one!)
thank you
Allen Reynolds
From: Info
Ministry of Transport
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your email. We aim to provide responses to enquiries within
10 working days. Responses to complex queries may take longer, if this is
the case we will get in touch to let you know when you can expect a reply.
If you want to make an Official Information Act request, please refer to
our [1]guidance.
Kind regards,
Business Support Team
show quoted sections
References
Visible links
1. https://www.transport.govt.nz/about/gove...
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