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

Endorsements and permits - Permits to possess

204: Permits to possess

You could also call this:

"Getting a permit to have a certain firearm"

If you want to get a permit to possess a certain firearm, you must apply to the chief executive. You have to fill out a form that the chief executive approves and include the required details. You also need to give any necessary information and documents, and pay a fee if required. The chief executive can give you a permit to possess a specific firearm, like a pistol or restricted weapon. This permit will let you have the firearm for a certain time, which will be stated on the permit. The permit can last for up to one month, but it can be cancelled at any time by the chief executive. The chief executive has the power to cancel your permit at any time. You will be told how long your permit is valid for when you get it. The chief executive decides who gets a permit and for how long.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1533854.

This page was last updated on 8 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Crime and justice > Police and safety

203: Seizure of illegally imported items, or

"What happens to items brought into New Zealand without a permit"

205: Issue of permit to possess pistol or restricted weapon, or

"Getting a permit to own a pistol or restricted weapon"

Part 4Endorsements and permits
Permits to possess

204Permits to possess

An application for the issue of a permit to possess must be made to the chief executive in the prescribed manner and must—
be in a form approved by the chief executive; and
include the prescribed details (if any); and
be supported by any information and documents that are prescribed; and
be accompanied by the prescribed application fee (if any).

The chief executive may issue a permit to possess a specific pistol, pistol carbine conversion kit, restricted firearm, restricted magazine, or restricted weapon.
Unless sooner revoked, a permit to possess remains in force for the period specified in the permit not exceeding 1 month.
A permit to possess may be revoked at any time by the chief executive.