An aviation expert says people who buy hi-tech drones and don't follow the rules are the ones causing problems.

Aviation New Zealand is appalled with the number of reckless drone users flying close to planes.

New Zealand Chairman Andy Grant told Mike Hosking drone technology has evolved a lot in the past years.

"Its possible to go an buy a drone now, out of the shop and it can fly thousands of feet and a couple of km's no problem.

One drone came to within a metre of an Air New Zealand plane.

Mr Grant says there's nothing wrong with drone rules and regulations.

He says it's people not following them that's the problem.

"It everyone followed them we would simply have no issues. The rules are sensible, easy to interpret and very available as well."

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE