Govt Introduces Arms Bill to Modernise Firearms Laws and Strengthen Public Safety

McKee says the Bill builds on earlier reforms that strengthened Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPOs) and improved oversight of shooting clubs and ranges.

The Government has introduced the Arms Bill to Parliament, taking a major step toward modernising New Zealand’s firearms laws and delivering what Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee calls a fairer, more effective regulatory system. The Bill represents the culmination of several years of reform aimed at strengthening public safety while reducing unnecessary burdens on responsible firearm owners.

A Comprehensive Overhaul of Firearms Legislation

McKee says the Bill builds on earlier reforms that strengthened Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPOs) and improved oversight of shooting clubs and ranges. This latest legislation brings together more than 50 policy changes, making it the most significant update to the Arms Act since its introduction in 1983.

“These reforms strengthen public safety while also reducing regulatory burdens on licensed firearm owners,” McKee said.

Key components of the Bill include:

Major Policy Changes in the Arms Bill

1. Updates to Existing Offences and New Offences Introduced

• Over 60 current offences will be updated to reflect modern risks and enforcement needs.

• Eight new offences will be created, closing gaps in existing law and providing clearer tools for compliance and enforcement.

2. Automatic Licence Disqualification for Gang Members

• Anyone confirmed as a member of a criminal gang will be automatically disqualified from holding a firearms licence, strengthening protections against firearms misuse.

3. More Flexible and Secure Firearms Storage Rules

• Firearms can be stored at any regulator-approved location, allowing for more practical arrangements while maintaining strict security standards.

4. Creation of an Independent Firearms Regulatory Agency

• The new agency will operate independently from Police, with its chief executive reporting directly to the responsible Minister.

• Sworn Police officers will no longer administer the firearms regulatory system, separating enforcement from regulation.

This change responds to long-standing calls from firearm stakeholders for a specialised, transparent regulatory body.

5. Improvements for Specialist and Commercial Users

The Bill will streamline processes for:

• Firearms dealers

• Pest controllers

• Gunsmiths

• Collectors and museums

• Sporting and professional shooting organisations

These groups will benefit from clearer rules, reduced compliance complexity, and more consistent decision-making.

6. Closing Loopholes and Clarifying Legislation

McKee says the Bill removes outdated provisions and clarifies ambiguous sections of the Arms Act to improve compliance and enforcement.

7. New Firearms Licensing Review Committee

• An independent committee will review licensing decisions, providing fair oversight and ensuring consistent treatment of applicants.

8. Limits on Additional Registry Requirements

• The regulator will no longer be able to demand extra information outside what is prescribed in regulation, preventing scope creep and protecting firearm owners from unnecessary data collection.

9. Updating the Law for Emerging Technologies

• The Bill includes provisions to manage risks associated with 3D-printed firearms and other technological developments impacting firearms manufacturing and modification.

Fulfilling the Coalition Commitment

The Arms Bill delivers on the ACT–National coalition agreement, which promised to rewrite the Arms Act to:

• Strengthen public safety

• Simplify regulatory requirements

• Support better compliance

• Pass the full reform package during the current parliamentary term

McKee says the Bill achieves the balance of safeguarding communities while treating licensed firearm owners reasonably and respectfully.

Public to Have Six Months to Submit Feedback

The legislation will undergo a full six-month Select Committee process, giving firearm owners, community groups, safety advocates, iwi, and the wider public an opportunity to present their views.

“I look forward to seeing the Bill progress through Parliament where all New Zealanders can have their say,” McKee said.