TOKOROA, New Zealand – An elderly man diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in Tokoroa, New Zealand, is facing adversity as he fights against what he calls discriminatory and bullying tactics by the South Waikato District Council. Bruce Simpson, a passionate YouTuber and drone enthusiast, has been ordered to cease flying his RC planes and drones in a local park after purportedly violating special, undisclosed rules that allegedly solely apply to him.
Simpson, a 70-year-old man who has been flying his remote-controlled aircraft safely for nearly two decades without incident, had been enjoying his hobby at the local flying field until the council intervened. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Xjet, he passionately calls on the South Waikato District Council to “put-up or shut-up” regarding their unjust restrictions.
According to the council, Simpson is required to possess a pilot’s license or be supervised by a person with MFNZ “wings” in order to fly his drone at the park. Defiantly, Simpson flew his drone without adhering to these alleged regulations, in an attempt to challenge the council’s stance. He argues that he is in full compliance with the council’s published drone policy, pointing to Part 101.205 of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules, which allows for individuals to fly under “direct supervision.”
Simpson accuses the South Waikato District Council of deliberate misinterpretation of the aviation regulations to make his life difficult, suggesting that this is a conscious effort by the council to unfairly target him. He asserts that the council’s strict regulations, which have not been made known to the general public, render it impossible for compliant RC plane flyers to adhere to them.
In his video, Simpson urges viewers not to succumb to bullying tactics and encourages them to call out unjust treatment by those in power. He also calls for greater accountability of bureaucrats and politicians who abuse their authority for personal agendas.
Support for Simpson’s cause has been pouring in from various quarters, with many showing solidarity and highlighting the need for the council to reassess its position. Simpson has garnered substantial backing from the community, and his YouTube channel’s community tab provides additional information about the ongoing situation.
As this battle of wills unfolds, the local community anxiously awaits a response from the South Waikato District Council. Whether they choose to rectify what Simpson claims to be a breach of his rights or double down on their stance will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the outcome of this confrontation.
The case of Bruce Simpson underscores the importance of upholding fairness and equality in the enforcement of rules and regulations. It is a stark reminder that even seemingly trivial matters can become critical battlegrounds against discrimination and abuse of power.
Just an update: I've still not been censured in any way for daring to fly my drone in the face of bullying by the SWDC. As I said, when you stand up to a bully they become powerless and taking no action is a clear admission on their part that they are bullies.
— xjet (@xjet) November 8, 2023