What do drones mean to us in NZ? Hutt City Libraries hosts lecture series

Drones are becoming a topic for debate in a number of areas, and to open up this debate Hutt City Libraries is set to hold an exclusive lecture series this October.

Experts and local technology leaders will come together to provide insight into the future of drones, and uncover how the technology could soon be part of New Zealanders' everyday lives.

The free series is set to take place on 7, 14 and 21 October at Little Theatre, 2 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt. Sessions run from 7-8pm.

Speakers come from the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University, Aviation New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries and Callaghan Innovation.

Sandra Mann, Libraries divisional manager, says, "Drone technology is a bit of a mystery and a great source of fascination for some, and we're excited to shed a light on the future and provide education.

"The drone series will continue to highlight Libraries as a leader in science and technology," she says.

The topics for the lecture series are:

Drones in international situations, Wednesday 7 October

How are drones used in international military situations? How are they being used by our military? This lecture focuses on how drones are used in deployment overseas.

Airspace, privacy and libaility of drone use, Wednesday 14 October

What are the rules when flying drones? Are there any restrictions about flying a drone in your neighbourhood or in a commercial area? This lecture will look at liability, drone use and what general users need to be aware of before getting behind the controller.

Drones in agriculture and horticulture, Wednesday 21 October

This will look at how the Ministry for Primary Industries is using drones to manage pests and diseases.

Drones and the commercial world, Wednesday 21 October

What are drones being used for commercially in New Zealand and what might the future hold? The final lecture will look at what is happening now in NZ and also forecast where the country is going.