On Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 12:33:52 PM UTC+13, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
Hmmmm....... I wonder if having a private pilot certificate (any class/type) covers the need to fly a drone?

Yes.

There's nothing in the law about it, but in a practical sense a licensed pilot standing on the ground and monitoring the appropriate local radio frequency for other traffic (and announcing their model's/drone's position & intentions) should do a pretty defensable job of ensuring everyone's safety.