You need a criminal history check from any country you have been in for over 6 months in total (not necessarily consecutively) in the last 10 years.
We need this information so we can assess if you are a fit and proper person to have a firearms licence.
If you immigrated to New Zealand less than 10 years ago
You can use the same document you used in your immigration application – but only if you have not been back to the country it was issued from. If you have, you need to re-apply for the document.
What you need to provide
The name of the document you need to provide depends on the country it comes from.
Tip: It can take a long time to get the document. Give yourself enough time to apply for the criminal history check before you apply for a New Zealand firearms licence.
Australia
You need to apply for a National Police Check.
National Police Checks – Australian Federal Police website
Canada
You need to apply for a Name-based Criminal Record Check.
Criminal record checks – Royal Canadian Mounted Police website
United Kingdom
You need to apply for a Police Certificate.
Criminal Records Office
United States
You need to apply for a Local Police Check.
However, you can only apply for this in person, at a local police station in the United States.
Criminal Record Checks – Travel.State.Gov website
If you are already in New Zealand, you can contact the U.S. Embassy & Consulate for advice.
U.S. Embassy & Consulate
Other countries
If you are from any other country, check with the embassy.
Embassies – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website
Tip: Use the ‘Foreign representatives to New Zealand’ tab.