Licence holders in New Zealand are required to provide information for the Firearms Registry. Find out when you must do this for the first time, and when to update your information.

Providing information for the first time

If you got your firearms licence on or after 24 June 2023

If you became a firearms licence holder for the first time on or after 24 June 2023, you’re already required to provide information for the Registry.

If you already held a firearms licence at 24 June 2023

If you were already a firearms licence holder when the Arms Amendment Regulations came into force on 24 June 2023, you’re required to provide information for the Registry the first time certain situations happen. These situations are called ‘activating circumstances’.

You can choose to provide information for the Registry before an activating circumstance happens if you want.

If no activating circumstance applies to you before 24 June 2028, you’re required to provide information for the Registry by 31 August 2028.

Arms Regulations 1992, Regulation 41 | New Zealand Legislation website

What the Firearms Registry means for dealers

Activating circumstances

If you held a firearms licence at 24 June 2023, you're required to provide information for the Registry the first time an activating circumstance happens. This includes recording all arms items in your possession and checking your firearms licence holder details are complete and up to date.

You may receive an email, letter or phone call from us to remind you what to do.

What information to provide when registering

How to register or update your information

When dealer's licence holders are required to provide information for the Registry

Dealers will need to provide information about their stock of arms items for the Registry by 24 June 2027.

The exact date you’ll be required to do this will depend on when the Commissioner decides you should be brought into the Registry, and the type and frequency of your dealer activities.

If you hold a dealer's licence, you can expect Te Tari Pūreke to contact you with more information about what you need to do.

What the Firearms Registry means for dealers

Updating the Registry

Once you have provided information for the Registry, you must update it every time something changes – for example, if you buy a new firearm or move house.

How to register or update your information

If you do not have any arms items in your possession

If you do not have any arms items in your possession when an activating circumstance happens, you can make a No Arms Items Declaration. 

You can do this online through MyFirearms or over the phone by calling 0800 844 431 between 8:30am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. 

Make sure you have your firearms licence number handy when you call.

If you do not meet your obligations

It’s your responsibility as a firearms licence holder to provide information for the Firearms Registry when required and keep it up to date.

Failing to provide information, without reasonable excuse, is an offence under section 58A of the Arms Act 1983, and you could receive a $10,000 fine.

If you do not comply with your obligations to provide information for the Registry on time, that behaviour indicates you may not be ‘fit and proper’ to possess firearms. Your firearms licence could be revoked.

Arms Act 1983, section 58A – Offences relating to the registry | New Zealand Legislation website

Arms Act 1983, section 24A – Fit and proper person to possess firearms or airgun

Last updated
7 June 2024

 

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