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Multinational jewellery broker Sotheby's will auction the largest and most valuable blue diamond of all time on April 27 in Hong Kong.

The 15.10-carat De Beers Cullinan Blue diamond was mined in 2021 at South Africa's Cullinan Mine and is predicted to sell for more than US$48 million ($66.5 million).

Sotheby's senior vice president and sales director for jewellery Frank Everett said the jewel is remarkable on many levels.

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"It's rare because of the size," he said.

"It's over 15 carats.

"It's a vivid blue. It's internally flawless.

"And really one of the most rare aspects of it is the cut.

"I think we're going to see tremendous interest in this stone when it finally comes to auction.

"The market is very strong for jewellery at the moment, has been really for the last several years, but one of the strongest segments is coloured diamonds.

"And one of the strongest colours is blue."

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According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the stone has been graded fancy vivid blue – the highest possible colour grading, awarded to no more than one per cent of blue diamonds submitted to the GIA.

It also boasts exceptional clarity, having been declared internally flawless by the GIA.

The diamond is bigger than the Oppenheimer Blue, a 14.62-carat stone that set the world record price for a blue diamond at auction in May 2016 when it sold for US$57.5 million ($79.7 million).

Earlier this month, Sotheby's in London sold the Enigma – the largest cut diamond ever to come to auction 555.55 carats – for £3.16 million ($5.9 million).

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Test your brains with the Herald’s afternoon quiz. Be sure to check back on nzherald.co.nz for the morning quiz tomorrow. To challenge yourself with more quizzes, CLICK HERE.

Drones have soared in popularity in Australia in the past four years, with many people using them for enjoyment and work.

But as a still fairly new trend, the rules around drone-use are not yet common knowledge, leaving people wondering things like: "Is that drone allowed to be flown over my house like that?"

We spoke to a safety advisor from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Rob Whittle, to clear up some commonly asked questions.

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CASA is responsible for regulating and monitoring drone-use across the country.

What are the basic rules for flying a drone?

• Drones must not be flown higher that 120 metres above the ground
• Drones must be kept at least 30 metres away from other people
• The drone operator has to be able to see the drone with their own eyes at all time
• Drones that weigh more than 250 grams must be kept at least 5.5 kilometres away from a controlled airport

Do I need a licence to fly a drone?

Not if you're just flying for fun.

You must get a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operator accreditation to fly a drone for all other reasons.

Can I fly a drone over someone's house?

No. You are not legally allowed to fly over homes and private property including backyards and pools.

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Mr Whittle said the rule was to maintain people's privacy and safety and protecting property.

"If something on the drone was to fail, and caused it to fall out of the sky, it could pose a risk to the property or a person in that particular area," he said.

"When a drone has an issue, you don't know exactly where it's going to go."

Mr Whittle said failing drones had been known to smash roof tiles, while he had also heard of people being injured after being hit by falling drones.

What about down my street?

You technically can fly a drone down the road, however Mr Whittle has warned you could quickly come across hazards.

"You've got to realise though that there are sidewalks," he said.

Mr Whittle said flying down the street would likely put the drone operator at risk of the drone coming within 30 metres of a person.

Can I fly a drone at the beach or at the park?

Only if there are not people around.

You have to keep the drone 30 metres away from people, so deserted beaches and parks are the only option.

If you come across a person, for example while hiking and using a drone in a national park, you must safely lower the drone as soon as possible.

What can I do if someone is flying a drone too close to me or my house?

You can report the drone and the drone operator to CASA here.

CASA will investigate the report and do its best to contact the drone operator.

Mr Whittle said while complainants do not necessarily have to know who the drone operator is, they should do their best to provide any available information such as the address where the drone has come from and the operator's appearance.

Fines of up to $1110 can be issued per offence to drone operators breaking the laws.

If the matter is taken to court, fines of up to $11,100 can be imposed.

Drone operators who interfere with an aircraft can be fined up to $26,000 or could face two years in prison.

Can I fly a drone at night?

You need to get a a remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate or a remote pilot licence to fly a drone at night.

For anyone who wants to be especially sure about where they are allowed to fly a drone, CASA has recommend a list of applications that allow users to see areas around their location where flying is permitted and banned.

For more information on flying a drone, visit www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone.

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