First-time firearms licence applicants must attend and pass a firearms safety course. Find out what you need to do and how to book.

Who is the course for?

You must attend and pass a firearms safety course before your vetting interview if:

  • this is the first time you have applied for a firearms licence, or
  • your licence expired more than 1 year ago.

You'll be tested on your knowledge of current firearms safety requirements during your vetting interview if:

  • your licence is still valid, or
  • your licence expired less than 1 year ago.

Your obligations as a licence holder may have changed since you last applied, so you should familiarise yourself with any new requirements. You can do this by reading the Firearms Safety Code.

Firearms Safety Code

If your Whakatūpato certificate was issued less than 1 year ago, you do not need to do the firearms safety course before you apply for a firearms licence.

Whakatūpato Programme

Firearms safety course options

 
How to become a Community Firearms Safety Trainer 

Before you take the course

You’ll need to review and study:

Apply for your firearms licence. For information on how to apply, visit:

Firearms licence

Book your safety course

Step 1: Find your unique ID number

After applying for a firearms licence, you'll receive a letter or email from Te Tari Pūreke to confirm you can register to attend a firearms safety course.

The letter will include a unique ID just for booking into the safety course.

You must use this unique ID to make your booking. Do not use your licence application submission number.

If you lose your ID number, email firearmslicence.applications@police.govt.nz 

Step 2: Check dates and locations

Find out where and when a firearms safety course is happening near you by checking the available safety courses below, under Available safety courses.

Step 3: Book your course

Theory tests and practical training are booked together as the firearms safety course.

To book a course, you'll need to email us with the following information:

- unique ID,
- first and last name,
- mobile phone number,
- if you intend to bring a reader, writer, or interpreter with you,
- whether you have any access or mobility requirements,
- the course time, date, and location that you want to attend - please provide a first and second choice option.

Book your course by emailing our team the above information to our team: supportfirearmsafety@police.govt.nz 

By emailing us, you confirm that:

- you are aware that your place is not confirmed until you receive an email from Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority confirming course details and study requirements, and
- you are aware you must bring a valid photo ID to the course, and
- that any cancellation or change to your booking must be notified as soon as possible to Te Tari Pūreke.

We will contact you to confirm your booking as soon as possible.

Your submitted data will be held, used and protected in line with the provisions of the Privacy Act 2020. You can read more about our privacy policy. 

Available safety courses

Safety courses are displayed up-to 10 weeks ahead: 

RegionCityDayDateTimeLocation
Waikato  TūrangiThurs16/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Te Mataapuna
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Fri17/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Fri17/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Sat18/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimWeds22/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
Manawatū-WhanganuiTaihape  Weds29/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Taihape REAP
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeThurs30/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Manawatū-WhanganuiTaumarunuiThurs30/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Taumarunui Rugby & Sports Club
West Coast  Greymouth  Thurs30/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Greymouth  
West Coast  Greymouth  Fri31/07/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Greymouth  
Otago  Dunedin  Weds5/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs6/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeThurs6/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri7/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Fri7/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Wellington   MastertonFri7/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Reap House (Rangitumau room)
Otago  Dunedin  Fri7/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Weds12/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs13/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Hawke’s Bay  NapierThurs13/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
Wellington   Upper HuttThurs13/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Maidstone Sports Hub  
Hawke’s Bay  NapierFri14/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimFri14/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Fri14/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
Wellington   Johnsonville  Sat15/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Johnsonville Community Hall
Otago  Dunedin  Sat15/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Sat15/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
Gisborne  Gisborne  Mon17/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeTues18/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland Weds19/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club
Waikato  Paeroa  Weds19/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Weds19/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Weds19/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Granary Room
CanterburyChristchurch Weds19/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers
Otago  Alexandra  Weds19/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Alexandra District Club
Northland  WhangāreiThurs20/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Kaurihohore Public Hall  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs20/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeThurs20/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Manawatū-WhanganuiWhanganuiThurs20/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Whanganui Function Centre
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Thurs20/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Granary Room
CanterburyAshburtonThurs20/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Ashburton  
Southland  GoreThurs20/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Gore RSA
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri21/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  Te PukeFri21/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Te Puke Baptist Church
CanterburyChristchurch Fri21/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers
Waikato  Paeroa  Weds26/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
CanterburyWigramWeds26/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Hall Lounge
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs27/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
CanterburyChristchurch Thurs27/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers
Southland  Invercargill  Thurs27/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
AucklandWhangaparoaFri28/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri28/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Fri28/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeFri28/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Wellington   Waikanae  Fri28/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikanae Community Centre
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimFri28/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
Southland  Invercargill  Fri28/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Sat29/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Pukekohe Corps
Wellington   Johnsonville  Sat29/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Johnsonville Community Hall
Otago  ArrowtownMon31/08/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Arrowtown Community Centre
Waikato  Hamilton  Tues1/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeTues1/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Auckland (West)Auckland  Wed2/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Auckland Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  ŌmokoroaWed2/09/20268:00AM-2:00PM  Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall  
CanterburyWigramWed2/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Hall Lounge
Otago  Dunedin  Wed2/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs3/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Waikato  Paeroa  Thurs3/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Wellington   Upper HuttThurs3/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Maidstone Sports Hub  
West Coast  Greymouth  Thurs3/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Greymouth  
AucklandBrowns BayFri4/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Manawatū-WhanganuiFeilding  Fri4/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Colyton Hall Feilding  
CanterburyChristchurch Fri4/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers
Gisborne  Gisborne  Mon7/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Otago  Alexandra  Tues8/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Alexandra District Club
AucklandBrowns BayWed9/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Waikato  TaupōWed9/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Taupo Event Centre Clubroom
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimWed9/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
CanterburyWigramWed9/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Hall Lounge
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs10/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Waikato  TūrangiThurs10/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Te Mataapuna
Hawke’s Bay  NapierThurs10/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
Wellington   Johnsonville  Thurs10/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Johnsonville Community Hall
Southland  Invercargill  Thurs10/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
Waikato  Paeroa  Fri11/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Hawke’s Bay  NapierFri11/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
Wellington   Waikanae  Fri11/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikanae Community Hall  
CanterburyAshburtonFri11/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Ashburton  
Southland  Invercargill  Fri11/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
AucklandWhangaparoaTuesday15/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tues15/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Pukekohe Corps
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Tues15/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Wed16/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
CanterburyTimaru  Wed16/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  South Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers  
Northland  WhangāreiThurs17/09/20268:30AM-2:30PM  Kaurihohore Public Hall  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs17/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Wellington   MastertonThurs17/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Reap House (Rangitumau room)
AucklandWhangaparoaFri18/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri18/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeFri18/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
CanterburyChristchurch Fri18/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers
Otago  Dunedin  Fri18/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre
CanterburyWigramWed23/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Hall Lounge
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs24/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeThurs24/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Southland  GoreThurs24/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Gore RSA
Northland  Kaitaia  Fri25/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Far North REAP Centre (Kauri Room)  
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Fri25/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiPalmerston North  Fri25/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Manawatu Branch Deerstalkers
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimFri25/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
CanterburyAshburtonFri25/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Ashburton  
Otago  ArrowtownFri25/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Arrowtown Community Centre
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Tues29/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
CanterburyChristchurch Tues29/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers
AucklandWhangaparoaWed30/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Otago  Dunedin  Wed30/09/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre

What to bring

Please arrive at your course at the scheduled start time

You must bring valid (current) photo ID with you to the course.

The name on your ID must exactly match the name printed on your firearms safety course confirmation. If they do not match, contact Te Tari Pūreke immediately to request a replacement confirmation with the correct details. 

Bring packed refreshments as there will be a short break for lunch. There are no cooking facilities available.  

You must not bring any firearms or ammunition with you. Deactivated firearms for safety demonstration will be provided by your firearms instructor.

What kind of ID to bring

You can bring any one of the following current forms of ID: 

- New Zealand passport
- Overseas passport
- New Zealand driver licence
- Police identity card
- New Zealand Defence Force photo identification
- Kiwi Access Card (18+ card)
- Identity document issued by the New Zealand government 

If you are aged 16 or 17 and do not have the required photo ID for the course, you must bring one of the following non-photo IDs:

- Birth certificate
- Citizenship certificate
- Permanent resident document
- Identity document issued by a secondary or tertiary institution
- Card issued by a New Zealand bank with your full name and signature
- Educational record or certificate
- Professional or trade association membership certificate

After you've passed the course

You do not need to let us know that you’ve attended the course as we are automatically notified of your attendance and the results.

It’s a good idea for new firearms users to find a mentor. You can join a shooting or hunting club, an association, or partner with an experienced shooter to build on knowledge and skills. 

Find a mentor

Related links

Firearms safety course options
Firearms Safety Code
7 rules of firearm safety
Firearms safety e-learning
Last updated
13 July 2026

 

Need help?
phone Phone 0800 844 431 (04 499 2870)
8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday