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Locally Owned. Professionally Certified. Built for the Land.

Combining rural experience with drone technology to deliver smarter land management solutions across the Lower North Island.
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About Kāhu Drone Services

Our Story

Kāhu Drone Services is a family-run business based in Foxton, founded by Colin Rider and operated alongside his two sons. With years of hands-on experience in farming and rural contracting, we saw an opportunity to bring drone technology into everyday land management.

Kāhu was created to offer safer, smarter aerial spraying and mapping services for farmers, iwi, contractors, and councils across the Lower North Island.

We’re proud to combine local knowledge, practical experience, and advanced drone systems to help others work more efficiently — whether it’s clearing gorse from steep hills, scanning crop health, or preparing land for native planting.

What We Do

Kāhu Drone Services is a locally owned and operated aerial spraying and mapping business based in Foxton, serving the wider Manawatū, Horowhenua, and lower North Island regions.
We use cutting-edge DJI agricultural drones to deliver accurate, eco-friendly solutions for:

  • Farm management
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Property maintenance

From targeted weed spraying to multispectral crop health analysis, we work with farmers, councils, and conservation groups to get better results from the air — saving time, reducing chemical use, and reaching areas other methods can’t.
We’re also experienced in preparing land for native replanting, inspecting erosion-prone zones, and supporting river and wetland restoration.

Our mission:
Smarter spraying. Cleaner land. Better outcomes.

Meet the Team

Colin Rider

Founder, Lead Pilot & Ground Support

Certified under CAA Part 101 & 102, with an Advanced UAS Pilot Certificate and Educhem Chemical Rating (CAA Rule Part 61 compliant).
With decades of experience in farming and horticulture, Colin leads field operations both in the air and on the ground. He manages spraying, chemical mixing, and logistics, ensuring every job is safe and efficient.
Colin has extensive farming and horticultural experience across New Zealand.

Zac McKean

Pilot & Operations

Certified under CAA Part 101 & 102, with an Advanced UAS Pilot Certificate and Educhem Chemical Rating (CAA Rule Part 61 compliant).
Zac brings years of hands-on farming and rural contracting experience. He handles flight planning, mission execution, and day-to-day operations, while coordinating with clients to get the job done right.
Zac has hands-on experience with farming and contracting in both New Zealand and Australia, including drone-based spraying and seeding.

Locky McKean

Pilot & Surveyor

Certified under CAA Part 101 & 102, with an Advanced UAS Pilot Certificate.
Locky supports flight operations and specialises in mapping and survey work. With a strong background in on-farm work and land development, he handles NDVI crop scans, paddock planning, and multispectral analysis with a sharp eye for detail.
Locky brings practical farm and contracting experience from both New Zealand and Australia.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether it’s one paddock or a full-scale land project, we’re here to help. Get in touch today for a free quote — we’ll work around your schedule and the weather to get the job done right.
Request a Quote
(or) Contact Colin Rider

Call: 021 434 894
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.