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
Gisborne  Gisborne  Tuesday19/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Manawatū-WhanganuiTaumarunuiThurs21/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Taumarunui Rugby & Sports Club
Waikato  TūrangiThurs21/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Te Mataapuna
West Coast  Greymouth  Wed27/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Greymouth  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Fri29/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeWed3/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
AucklandWhangaparoaThurs4/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimThurs4/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
AucklandBrowns BayFri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Fri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Fri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiFeilding  Fri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Colyton Hall Feilding  
Otago  Dunedin  Fri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tues9/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Pukekohe Corps
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Tues9/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
CanterburyTimaru  Wed10/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  South Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers  
Waikato  Hamilton  Thurs11/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  ŌmokoroaThurs11/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall  
Manawatū-WhanganuiPalmerston North  Thurs11/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Manawatū Branch Deerstalkers
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Thurs11/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
Waikato  Paeroa  Fri12/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Hawke’s Bay  NapierFri12/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Fri12/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
Gisborne  Gisborne  Mon15/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Wed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Manawatū-WhanganuiFeilding  Wed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Colyton Hall Feilding  
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimWed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
CanterburyChristchurch Wed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Otago  Dunedin  Wed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre
Auckland (West)Auckland  Thurs18/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Auckland Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  Te PukeThurs18/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Te Puke Baptist Church
Wellington   Waikanae  Thurs18/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikanae Community Hall  
CanterburyAshburtonThurs18/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Ashburton  
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Fri19/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeFri19/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Sat20/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Pukekohe Corps
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Sat20/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
CanterburyChristchurch Sat20/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tues23/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Pukekohe Corps
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Tues23/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Waikato  Hamilton  Wed24/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Southland  Invercargill  Wed24/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
Otago  ArrowtownWed24/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Arrowtown Community Centre
AucklandWhangaparoaThurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Thurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
Wellington   Upper HuttThurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Maidstone Sports Hub  
CanterburyChristchurch Thurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
CanterburyWigramThurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Hall Lounge
Southland  GoreThurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Gore RSA
AucklandBrowns BayFri26/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri26/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Wellington   MastertonFri26/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Reap House (Rangitumau room)

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
Gisborne  Gisborne  Tuesday19/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Manawatū-WhanganuiTaumarunuiThurs21/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Taumarunui Rugby & Sports Club
Waikato  TūrangiThurs21/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Te Mataapuna
West Coast  Greymouth  Wed27/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Greymouth  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Fri29/05/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeWed3/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
AucklandWhangaparoaThurs4/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimThurs4/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
AucklandBrowns BayFri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Fri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Fri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiFeilding  Fri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Colyton Hall Feilding  
Otago  Dunedin  Fri5/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tues9/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Pukekohe Corps
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Tues9/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
CanterburyTimaru  Wed10/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  South Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers  
Waikato  Hamilton  Thurs11/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  ŌmokoroaThurs11/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall  
Manawatū-WhanganuiPalmerston North  Thurs11/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Manawatū Branch Deerstalkers
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Thurs11/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
Waikato  Paeroa  Fri12/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers
Hawke’s Bay  NapierFri12/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game  
Nelson - Tasman Nelson  Fri12/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room
Gisborne  Gisborne  Mon15/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room  
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Wed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Manawatū-WhanganuiFeilding  Wed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Colyton Hall Feilding  
Nelson - Tasman BlenheimWed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Renwick Sports & Events Centre
CanterburyChristchurch Wed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Otago  Dunedin  Wed17/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Edgar Centre
Auckland (West)Auckland  Thurs18/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Auckland Branch Deerstalkers  
Bay of Plenty  Te PukeThurs18/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Te Puke Baptist Church
Wellington   Waikanae  Thurs18/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikanae Community Hall  
CanterburyAshburtonThurs18/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Ashburton  
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Fri19/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
Manawatū-WhanganuiBunnythorpeFri19/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Bunnythorpe Community Centre  
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Sat20/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Pukekohe Corps
Taranaki  New Plymouth  Sat20/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers  
CanterburyChristchurch Sat20/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
Auckland (South)  Pukekohe  Tues23/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Salvation Army Pukekohe Corps
Bay of Plenty  Rotorua  Tues23/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers  
Waikato  Hamilton  Wed24/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Southland  Invercargill  Wed24/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  The Scottish Hall  
Otago  ArrowtownWed24/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Arrowtown Community Centre
AucklandWhangaparoaThurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Raroa Guide Hall
Auckland (South)  Drury Auckland  Thurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Drury Rugby Club  
Bay of Plenty  Whakatāne  Thurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  St John Whakatāne
Wellington   Upper HuttThurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Maidstone Sports Hub  
CanterburyChristchurch Thurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  NZ Handloaders Association  
CanterburyWigramThurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Harvard Hall Lounge
Southland  GoreThurs25/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Gore RSA
AucklandBrowns BayFri26/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Browns Bay Marine Centre
Waikato  Hamilton  Fri26/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Waikato Branch Deerstalkers  
Wellington   MastertonFri26/06/20269:00AM-3:00PM  Reap House (Rangitumau room)

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

Related links

Whakatūpato and Schools Based Firearms Safety Courses
Firearms Safety Code
7 rules of firearm safety
Firearms safety e-learning
Last updated
1 July 2025

 

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