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

About the firearms safety course

The course is delivered by firearms safety specialists at venues across the country. 

The course is free, but you must have paid for your firearms licence application. 

The course has 2 parts.

1. Firearms theory test

Duration: 30 minutes

Language: English, Simplified Chinese, Te Reo Māori

Format: 30 multiple choice questions

Support: You are welcome to bring a reader/writer or interpreter with you.

This test confirms your understanding of the Firearms Safety Code, firearms safety practices and legislation requirements.

You sit the theory test before doing the firearms practical training session.

Everything you need to know to pass the firearms theory test is in the Firearms Safety Code.

It's not difficult to pass the firearms theory test if you study the Firearms Safety Code thoroughly – do not just read it once.

If you do not pass the firearms theory test on your first attempt, you will be given a second opportunity to sit the test after the practical session. If you do not pass the firearms theory test on your second attempt, we will let you know what will happen next.

2. Firearms practical training session

The firearms practical training session covers safe handling and use of firearms.

You must demonstrate safe handling of a deactivated firearm during your practical training session in accordance with the Firearms Safety Code. If you act in an unsafe way, you'll be removed from the session and we will reconsider your status as a fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence.

Your firearms instructor will work with you during the course to help you with any firearms handling or safety concerns.

During the session, you'll have an opportunity to practice the following:

  • State and apply the 7 basic rules of firearms safety.
  • Identify the main components of a firearm.
  • Demonstrate safety precautions and states of readiness on various firearm types.
  • Know how to safely cross a fence and how to safely use a transit case/bag to transport firearms.

Available safety courses

Safety courses are displayed up-to 10 weeks ahead: 

RegionCityDayDateTimeLocation
Northland  Pakaraka  Wed08/10/259:00AM-3:00PMPakaraka Hall  
Northland  Whangarei  Thu09/10/259:00AM-3:00PMKaurihohore Public Hall  
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Thu09/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSt John Whakatāne
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tue14/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSalvation Army Community  
West CoastGreymouthThu16/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSt Johns Greymouth
Waikato  Paeroa  Fri17/10/259:00AM-3:00PMThames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Otago  Oamaru  Fri17/10/259:00AM-3:00PMNorth Otago Deerstalkers Branch
Otago  Dunedin  Fri17/10/259:00AM-3:00PMDunedin Community House  
Waikato  Hamilton  Wed22/10/259:00AM-3:00PMWaikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Wed22/10/259:00AM-3:00PMRotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiTaihape  Wed22/10/259:00AM-3:00PMKokako Street Hall  
CanterburyWigramWed22/10/259:00AM-3:00PMHarvard Lounge Hall
CanterburyChristchurch Thu23/10/259:00AM-3:00PMNorth Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Fri24/10/259:00AM-3:00PMDrury Rugby Club  
Bay of Plenty  Te PukeFri24/10/259:00AM-3:00PMTe Puke Baptist Church
CanterburyAshburtonFri24/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSt John Ashburton  
Southland  GoreFri24/10/259:00AM-3:00PMGore RSA
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Sat25/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSalvation Army Community  
Manawatū-WhanganuiPalmerston North  Thu30/10/259:00AM-3:00PMBunnythorpe Community Centre  
Wellington   Masterton  Fri31/10/259:00AM-3:00PMREAP House Rangitumau Room  
Nelson - Tasman  BlenheimFri31/10/259:00AM-3:00PMRenwick Sports & Events Centre
Otago  Dunedin  Fri31/10/259:00AM-3:00PMDunedin Community House  
AucklandWhangaparāoaTue11/04/259:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Waikato  Hamilton  Wed11/05/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
MarlboroughBlenheimWed11/05/259:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
CanterburyWigramWed11/05/259:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Lounge Hall
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Thu11/06/259:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Wellington   Waikanae  Thu11/06/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikanae Community Hall  
CanterburyChristchurch Thu11/06/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Bay of Plenty  Te PukeFri11/07/259:00AM-3:00PM  Te Puke Baptist Church
Otago MosgielFri11/07/259:00AM-3:00PM  Mosgiel RSA
Wellington   Johnsonville  Tue11/11/258:00AM-2:00PM Johnsonville Community Centre  
CanterburyChristchurch Wed11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Southland  Invercargill  Wed11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
Bay of Plenty  ŌmokoroaThu13/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall  
Gisborne  Gisborne  Tue11/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Manawatū-WhanganuiPalmerston North  Thu13/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Thu13/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. The Granary Room  
Southland  GoreThu13/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Gore RSA
Auckland (West)Auckland  Fri14/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Auckland Branch Deerstalkers  
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri14/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Otago  Alexandra  Fri14/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Alexandra  
Northland  Kaitaia  Wed19/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Far North REAP Centre (Kauri Room)  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Wed19/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Wed19/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
CanterburyTimaru  Wed19/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  South Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers  
Northland  Whangarei  Thu20/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Kaurihohore Public Hall  
Manawatū-WhanganuiTaumaranui  Thu20/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Miriama Street Hall  
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Thu20/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Hawke’s Bay  NapierThu20/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
CanterburyChristchurch Fri21/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
CanterburyAshburtonFri21/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Ashburton  
Otago MosgielFri21/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Mosgiel RSA
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Sat22/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Community  
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Sat22/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tue25/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Community  
Manawatū-WhanganuiPalmerston North  Tue25/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Manawatu Branch Deerstalkers
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Wed26/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Waikato  TaupōWed26/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Taupo Event Centre Clubroom
CanterburyChristchurch Wed26/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
AucklandWhangaparāoaThu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Waikato  Paeroa  Thu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Manawatū-WhanganuiFeilding  Thu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Colyton Hall Feilding  
CanterburyHei HeiThu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Hei Hei Community Centre Hall
Southland  ArrowtownThu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall  
AucklandBrowns BayFri28/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Wellington   Masterton  Fri28/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  REAP House Rangitumau Room  
CanterburyChristchurch Fri28/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Waikato  Hamilton  Sat29/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Waikato  Hamilton  Tue02/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
CanterburyWigramTue02/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Lounge Hall
Northland  PorotiWed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Mangakahia Sports Complex
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Wed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Bay of Plenty  Te PukeWed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Te Puke Baptist Church
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Wed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
Otago  Alexandra  Wed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Alexandra  
Northland  Whangarei  Thu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Kaurihohore Public Hall  
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Thu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
Hawke’s Bay  NapierThu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
CanterburyChristchurch Thu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Southland  Invercargill  Thu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
Bay of Plenty  ŌmokoroaFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall  
Hawke’s Bay  NapierFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
Wellington   Johnsonville  Fri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Johnsonville Community Centre  
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
CanterburyAshburtonFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Ashburton  
Southland  GoreFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Gore RSA
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Sat06/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Community  
CanterburyChristchurch Sat06/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Gisborne  Gisborne  Mon08/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tue09/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Community  
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Tue09/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
Wellington   Waikanae  Tue09/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikanae Community Hall  
CanterburyChristchurch Tue09/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeWed10/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
CanterburyWigramWed10/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Hall Lounge
AucklandWhangaparoaThu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Waikato  Paeroa  Thu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Thu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
CanterburyChristchurch Thu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Southland  ArrowtownFri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall  
AucklandBrowns BayFri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiFeilding  Fri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Colyton Hall Feilding  
Wellington   Masterton  Fri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  REAP House Rangitumau Room  
CanterburyTimaru  Fri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  South Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers  
Otago  MosgielFri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Mosgiel RSA
AucklandRaroaTue16/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall

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

If you cannot attend the firearms safety course

If you’re applying for a firearms licence for the first time and live in a remote or isolated area, you can apply for the community-based Whakatūpato Programme.

Before you take the course

Study

You’ll need to review:

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.

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
Northland  Pakaraka  Wed08/10/259:00AM-3:00PMPakaraka Hall  
Northland  Whangarei  Thu09/10/259:00AM-3:00PMKaurihohore Public Hall  
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Thu09/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSt John Whakatāne
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tue14/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSalvation Army Community  
West CoastGreymouthThu16/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSt Johns Greymouth
Waikato  Paeroa  Fri17/10/259:00AM-3:00PMThames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Otago  Oamaru  Fri17/10/259:00AM-3:00PMNorth Otago Deerstalkers Branch
Otago  Dunedin  Fri17/10/259:00AM-3:00PMDunedin Community House  
Waikato  Hamilton  Wed22/10/259:00AM-3:00PMWaikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Wed22/10/259:00AM-3:00PMRotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiTaihape  Wed22/10/259:00AM-3:00PMKokako Street Hall  
CanterburyWigramWed22/10/259:00AM-3:00PMHarvard Lounge Hall
CanterburyChristchurch Thu23/10/259:00AM-3:00PMNorth Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Fri24/10/259:00AM-3:00PMDrury Rugby Club  
Bay of Plenty  Te PukeFri24/10/259:00AM-3:00PMTe Puke Baptist Church
CanterburyAshburtonFri24/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSt John Ashburton  
Southland  GoreFri24/10/259:00AM-3:00PMGore RSA
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Sat25/10/259:00AM-3:00PMSalvation Army Community  
Manawatū-WhanganuiPalmerston North  Thu30/10/259:00AM-3:00PMBunnythorpe Community Centre  
Wellington   Masterton  Fri31/10/259:00AM-3:00PMREAP House Rangitumau Room  
Nelson - Tasman  BlenheimFri31/10/259:00AM-3:00PMRenwick Sports & Events Centre
Otago  Dunedin  Fri31/10/259:00AM-3:00PMDunedin Community House  
AucklandWhangaparāoaTue11/04/259:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Waikato  Hamilton  Wed11/05/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
MarlboroughBlenheimWed11/05/259:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
CanterburyWigramWed11/05/259:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Lounge Hall
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Thu11/06/259:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Wellington   Waikanae  Thu11/06/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikanae Community Hall  
CanterburyChristchurch Thu11/06/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Bay of Plenty  Te PukeFri11/07/259:00AM-3:00PM  Te Puke Baptist Church
Otago MosgielFri11/07/259:00AM-3:00PM  Mosgiel RSA
Wellington   Johnsonville  Tue11/11/258:00AM-2:00PM Johnsonville Community Centre  
CanterburyChristchurch Wed11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Southland  Invercargill  Wed11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
Bay of Plenty  ŌmokoroaThu13/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall  
Gisborne  Gisborne  Tue11/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Manawatū-WhanganuiPalmerston North  Thu13/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Thu13/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. The Granary Room  
Southland  GoreThu13/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Gore RSA
Auckland (West)Auckland  Fri14/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Auckland Branch Deerstalkers  
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri14/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Otago  Alexandra  Fri14/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Alexandra  
Northland  Kaitaia  Wed19/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Far North REAP Centre (Kauri Room)  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Wed19/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Wed19/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
CanterburyTimaru  Wed19/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  South Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers  
Northland  Whangarei  Thu20/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Kaurihohore Public Hall  
Manawatū-WhanganuiTaumaranui  Thu20/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Miriama Street Hall  
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Thu20/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Hawke’s Bay  NapierThu20/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
CanterburyChristchurch Fri21/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
CanterburyAshburtonFri21/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Ashburton  
Otago MosgielFri21/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Mosgiel RSA
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Sat22/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Community  
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Sat22/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tue25/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Community  
Manawatū-WhanganuiPalmerston North  Tue25/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Manawatu Branch Deerstalkers
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Wed26/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Waikato  TaupōWed26/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Taupo Event Centre Clubroom
CanterburyChristchurch Wed26/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
AucklandWhangaparāoaThu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Waikato  Paeroa  Thu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Manawatū-WhanganuiFeilding  Thu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Colyton Hall Feilding  
CanterburyHei HeiThu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Hei Hei Community Centre Hall
Southland  ArrowtownThu27/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall  
AucklandBrowns BayFri28/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Wellington   Masterton  Fri28/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  REAP House Rangitumau Room  
CanterburyChristchurch Fri28/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Waikato  Hamilton  Sat29/11/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Waikato  Hamilton  Tue02/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
CanterburyWigramTue02/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Lounge Hall
Northland  PorotiWed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Mangakahia Sports Complex
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Wed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Bay of Plenty  Te PukeWed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Te Puke Baptist Church
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Wed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
Otago  Alexandra  Wed03/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Alexandra  
Northland  Whangarei  Thu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Kaurihohore Public Hall  
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Thu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
Hawke’s Bay  NapierThu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
CanterburyChristchurch Thu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Southland  Invercargill  Thu04/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
Bay of Plenty  ŌmokoroaFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall  
Hawke’s Bay  NapierFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
Wellington   Johnsonville  Fri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Johnsonville Community Centre  
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
CanterburyAshburtonFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Ashburton  
Southland  GoreFri05/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Gore RSA
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Sat06/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Community  
CanterburyChristchurch Sat06/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Gisborne  Gisborne  Mon08/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tue09/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Community  
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Tue09/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
Wellington   Waikanae  Tue09/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikanae Community Hall  
CanterburyChristchurch Tue09/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeWed10/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
CanterburyWigramWed10/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Hall Lounge
AucklandWhangaparoaThu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Waikato  Paeroa  Thu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Thu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
CanterburyChristchurch Thu11/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  North Canterbury Branch Fish & Game  
Southland  ArrowtownFri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall  
AucklandBrowns BayFri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiFeilding  Fri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Colyton Hall Feilding  
Wellington   Masterton  Fri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  REAP House Rangitumau Room  
CanterburyTimaru  Fri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  South Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers  
Otago  MosgielFri12/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Mosgiel RSA
AucklandRaroaTue16/12/259:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall

What to bring

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

Last updated
1 July 2025

 

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