If you’re applying for a firearms licence for the first time and live in a remote, isolated area, you can apply for the community-based Whakatūpato Programme.
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 firearms safety course is a 3.5-hour session.
It is delivered by firearms instructors from the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) at venues across the country.
The course is free, but you need to have paid for your firearms licence application.
The course has 2 parts.
1. Firearms theory test
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: English
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, Police 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 Police 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.
Who is the course for?
First-time firearms licence applicants
You must attend and pass the firearms safety course before you are interviewed for your licence application.
You may also be asked further questions about safe possession and use of firearms during your interview.
If it has been more than 1 year since your licence expired
You must attend and pass the firearms safety course before you're interviewed for your licence application.
You may also be asked further questions about safe possession and use of firearms during your interview.
If it has been less than 1 year since your licence expired
You do not have to attend the firearms safety course.
Instead, you will be asked a series of questions during your interview to ensure you still have knowledge of safe possession and handling.
If it has been less than 1 year since your Whakatūpato certificate was issued
You do not need to do the firearms safety course before you apply for a firearms licence.
For more information, visit:
If you cannot attend the firearms safety course
Requirements – what you need before you take the course
Study
You’ll need to review:
Apply for your firearms licence
For information on how to apply, visit:
How to book
The booking service is run by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.
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 includes a unique ID just for booking into the safety course. It is 1 letter followed by 6 digits.
You must use this to make your booking. Do not use your licence application submission number.
If you lose your ID number, email firearms.safety.programme@police.govt.nz
Step 2: Check dates and locations
Find out where and when a firearms safety course is happening near you:
Theory test and practical training – Firearms safety programme website
Step 3: Book online or by email
Book online:
You will book your theory test and practical training together as the firearms safety course.
Theory test and practical training – Firearms safety programme website
Book by email:
You can send an email to book a course that’s convenient for you: firearms@mountainsafety.org.nz
What to bring
You must not bring any firearms or ammunition with you. Deactivated firearms will be provided by your firearms instructor.
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 letter. If they do not match, contact Te Tari Pūreke immediately to request a replacement letter with the correct details.
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.
Last updated
13 October 2023
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