Whakatūpato is a community-based safety training programme for people who live in isolated rural locations and may not be able to attend the Firearms Safety Course.

About the course

The Whakatūpato firearms course is designed to promote firearms safety and awareness in rural and isolated communities across New Zealand. Targeting areas where access to formal education and licensing opportunities can be limited, this course provides hands-on, culturally sensitive instruction on the responsible use, safe handling, and storage of firearms.

It empowers participants by fostering a deeper understanding of safety practices, while also ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

For rural communities, where firearms are often used as essential tools for hunting and farming, Whakatūpato offers a vital resource that not only enhances personal and community safety but also supports sustainable and responsible firearms use across generations.

Contact 

For more information about Whakatūpato, contact our Māori Partnerships Group on MPG@police.govt.nz

The Schools Based Firearms Safety Programme benefits students, schools, and communities by fostering a culture of safety, respect, and accountability around firearms.

About the course

Our schools-based firearms safety course equips secondary students (16+) with the knowledge and skills to handle firearms safely and responsibly. Developed with schools and the wider firearms community, the program teaches practical safety practices while also ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Firearms are part of life for many New Zealanders whether through farming, hunting, or sport. This course is not designed to introduce young people to firearms but is aimed at those who are already involved in their use and ensures a safe, structured environment, where we build confidence, reduce risk, and promote lifelong responsibility.

Bringing firearms safety training into schools encourages early learning in a setting where good habits can be formed. By teaching respect for firearms alongside clear safety principles, we can help reduce risks, prevent accidents, and ensure that the next generation of New Zealanders who go on to become firearms licence holders, grow up with the skills and understanding to be safe, responsible, and confident around firearms.

Contact

For more information about the Schools Based Firearms Safety Programme, contact our Firearms Safety Coordinators on SupportFirearmsSafety@police.govt.nz