New Zealand Firearms Registry Now Live

On 24 June 2023 the Arms Amendment Regulation 2023 (Regulations) introduced changes to the Arms Act 1983 (Act), with the purpose of strengthening the control and regulation of firearms, and to address concerns about a lack of oversight by the police of the number, type, and location of firearms in New Zealand.

The changes include the establishment of a firearms registry (Registry) administered by Te Tari Pūreke | Firearms Safety Authority. The Regulations require all people in possession of arms items (defined in the Regulations as any firearm (including a prohibited firearm), prohibited magazine, major firearm part, restricted weapon, or pistol carbine conversion kit, but excluding antique firearms) (Arms Item) to register with the Registry by 24 June 2028, unless there is an “activating circumstance” that will trigger an earlier engagement with the Registry. An “activating circumstances” applies if you:

• apply for a licence or an endorsement;
• have a change in circumstances, such as a change of address;
• sell or supply, purchase or receive, import, export, manufacture or modify an arms item;
• report the theft, loss or destruction of an Arms Item;
• import ammunition;
• sell ammunition (this applies to dealers and ammunition sellers only);
• purchase ammunition after 24 June 2025; or
• are subject to compliance or enforcement action by Police under the Act or regulations.

In addition to registration of an Arms Item (whether at the time of an “activating circumstance” or prior to the registration deadline) the following information on each Arms Item must be entered in the Registry:

• type of arms (for example rifle or shotgun);
• make and model;
• identifying marking (for example, a serial number);
• action;
• calibre/gauge; and
• if the arms item has a non-detachable magazine, its capacity.

At present, ammunition does not need to be registered unless you are importing it or are a registered dealer. From 24 June 2025 the Regulations will change to require the purchase of all ammunition to be registered.

Registration of Arms Items on the Registry is free and can be done online and over the phone. For more information contact the Registry and Services Team on online at https://www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/ or by freephone at 0800 844 431.

Want to know more?

If you have any questions about these matters please contact our specialist property team.

For the pdf version, click here.