Can anyone become a community firearms safety trainer?

We’re looking for people who are passionate about firearms safety in their communities.
 
To support the delivery of high-quality firearms safety education, all community firearms safety trainers will meet the following minimum criteria:

- substantial firearms experience 
- skills and experience in delivering training to diverse audiences 
- strong communication skills and the ability to connect with learners  
- confidence in using digital tools to manage course information and data securely.

Community firearms safety trainers will need access to digital information sharing tools, such as a computer, as well as proficiency in using Microsoft365 applications.

All trainers will be supported to meet our firearms safety and information sharing policies. 

I’m interested in finding out more, who can I talk to? 

We welcome all those who are interested in this volunteer role. Our team will journey with you to help you understand in detail what is required to be successful. 

As we learn more about each other, you may be invited to observe a current, standard firearms safety course to see if being an approved community firearms safety trainer is right for you. 

To start the conversation, email us at SupportFirearmSafety@police.govt.nz. 

How do I become a community firearms safety trainer? 

Becoming a Community Firearms Safety Trainer involves several steps to ensure you have the skills, knowledge, and capability to deliver high-quality firearms safety education.

1. Submit an application

Applications open in October 2026.

Complete and submit the application pack, including information about your firearms experience, facilitation and training background, and relevant skills.

As part of your application, you will need to provide:

- references from a recognised figure in your community (firearms community preferred) and a firearms licence holder who has observed you operating firearms
- an unedited video demonstrating your presentation skills, firearm handling and firearm safety knowledge. 

2. Vetting and assessment 

Applications that meet the minimum criteria will progress through a Police vetting process and be reviewed by the Community Education Review Panel. The panel are a collective of community members and Te Tari Pūreke staff and will assess each application against the required criteria and determine which applicants will progress to the next stage of the process. 

3. Complete the community education training programme

Applicants selected by the Community Education Review Panel will then be supported through a mixture of online and in person structured training. This will be delivered from February 2027, concluding in April 2027. Training includes:

- observation of a standard firearms safety course
- self-directed learning and online workshops  
- two days of face-to-face training
- delivering the standard firearms safety course with support from our Firearms Safety Officers
- quality assurance review to confirm readiness to deliver independently.

4. Become an approved Community Firearms Safety Trainer

Once you have successfully completed the community trainer education programme and successfully meet our quality assurance standards, you will be approved to deliver Community Firearms Safety Courses.

Your onboarding will include support to:

- understand and meet data security requirements
- manage course participant records and administration
- strengthen your familiarity with course resources and training materials
- receive your trainer resource kit and access to the systems and tools needed to deliver courses
- access support for connections within Te Tari Pūreke and other community trainers. 

 

How much time do I need to commit to this process? 

When you have submitted your interest to SupportFirearmsSafety@police.govt.nz you will be supported to understand the process and what commitments are required.  

How much does it cost to become a community firearms safety trainer?

There is no charge to apply or attend the train-the-trainer course. You will need to arrange your own travel and accommodation to attend a two-day course, with location options being positioned on both the North Island and South Island. 

Do I get paid as a community firearms safety trainer?  

No - a community firearms safety trainer is a voluntary position therefore is not a paid role.

Can I charge people to attend a firearms safety course if I become an approved trainer?

No – the firearms safety course is paid for by a firearms licence applicant through the firearms licence application fee. There is no separate charge for the course.