Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

This page is about a bill. That means that it's not the law yet, but some people want it to be the law. It could change quickly, and some of the information is just a draft.

Arms Bill

Licences and approvals - Firearms licences - Applying for firearms licence

70: Issue of firearms licence

You could also call this:

"Getting a licence to own a firearm in New Zealand"

Illustration for Arms Bill

The chief executive will give you a firearms licence if they think you are suitable. They must be satisfied that you are not disqualified from having a licence and you are a fit and proper person to have one. They also need to know your storage facilities for firearms and ammunition meet the requirements. If the chief executive thinks someone who is not allowed to have a firearms licence might get access to your firearms, they will not give you a licence. This includes people who are disqualified under section 68, have had their licence revoked, or are not a fit and proper person. The chief executive will decide this. When you get a firearms licence, the chief executive will tell your health practitioner as soon as they can.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1533655.

This page was last updated on — View changes

Topics:
Crime and justice > Police and safetyGovernment and voting > Government departments
Previous

69: Fit and proper persons to hold firearms licence, or

"Who can get a firearms licence: being a fit and proper person"

Next

71: Certain information to be provided to applicant if licence application not granted, or

"What happens if your gun licence application is declined"

Part 3Licences and approvals
Firearms licences: Applying for firearms licence

70Issue of firearms licence

  1. The chief executive must issue a firearms licence to an applicant if the chief executive is satisfied—

  2. that the applicant—
    1. is not disqualified from holding a firearms licence; and
      1. is a fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence; and
      2. that the applicant’s storage facilities for their firearms and ammunition are compliant with the requirements for the secure storage of firearms and ammunition.

        1. However, a firearms licence must not be issued to an applicant if, in the opinion of the chief executive, access to any firearm or an airgun in possession of the applicant is reasonably likely to be obtained by any person who—

        2. is disqualified under section 68 from holding a firearms licence; or
          1. has had their firearms licence revoked; or
            1. is not a fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence.

              1. As soon as is reasonably practicable after issuing a firearms licence to an applicant, the chief executive must notify the applicant’s health practitioner that the applicant has been issued with a firearms licence.