Background

The Government is rewriting The Arms Act 1983, with Associate Justice Minister, Nicole McKee opening consultation on 14 January 2025. This rewrite is part of the Government Coalition Agreement between the National Party and the ACT Party to reform the firearms system.

Public submissions will inform draft policy proposals presented to the Associate Minister of Justice. These proposals will shape the bill, which will be drafted and introduced to Parliament. Once the bill is introduced, the public will have another opportunity to provide feedback through the select committee process. The bill is expected to be introduced in late 2025.

Submissions close 28 February 2025.

Consultation Page

Position Statement

Museums Aotearoa's position statement which is open to member feedback notes the burdensome and cost prohibitive requirements put on museums who collect and display firearms.

1. DEALER LICENCE REQUIREMENT: Museums should be included in the exception/exempt from the requirement to hold a Dealers licence. Treating Museums as dealers is illogical and inappropriate – museums do not buy and sell firearms on a regular basis and do not 'deal' in firearm. Finding referees for the dealer application that meet Te Tari Pūreke requirements is difficult as museums do not usually associate with the firearm holding community and the forms are overly long, complex and repetitive
2. FEES: Museums should be exempt from paying the fees as they hold the firearms for the benefit of the nation, not for sale or profit.

Current firearms legislation and regulations

Arms Act 1983(external link)

Arms Regulations 1992(external link)

Arms (Prohibited Ammunition Order) 2019(external link)

Arms (Prohibited Magazine) Order 2019(external link)

Arms (Military Style Semi-automatic Firearms–Pistol Grips) Order 2013(external link)

Arms (Restricted Weapons and Specially Dangerous Airguns) Order 1984(external link)

Useful links

New Zealand Firearms Safety Authority – Te Tari Pūreke(external link)

History of firearms regulation in New Zealand(external link) (New Zealand Police website)

Changes to the firearms laws since 2019(external link) (FSA website)