Nicole McKee Urges Public Input as Submission Period Extended for New Arms Bill

The Minister emphasised that broad input is crucial to developing legislation that enhances safety while ensuring responsible firearm users are treated fairly.

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed the Justice Select Committee’s decision to extend the submission period for the Arms Bill, describing the move as essential to ensuring meaningful public participation in shaping New Zealand’s future firearms laws.

McKee said the Bill will have far-reaching implications for every licensed firearm owner in the country, and it is vital that lawmakers hear directly from the people who use firearms responsibly. “My goal is for the final law to make it easier for responsible people to safely use and possess firearms,” she said. “To achieve that, the Committee needs to hear from the people on the ground.”

The Minister is urging New Zealanders—hunters, sport shooters, collectors, rural users, and anyone with an interest in safe and practical firearms regulation—to share their views. Submissions can outline what the public supports in the Bill, what needs clarification or improvement, and what additional changes should be considered.

Addressing Barriers to Participation

McKee noted that many licensed firearm owners spend summer in remote outdoor areas where internet access is limited, making it difficult for them to engage within tight submission timeframes. She wrote to the Justice Committee asking them to take this into account and consider an extension.

“I’m pleased the Committee recognised the issue and extended submissions by nearly four weeks,” she said. “This gives people more time to make their voices heard and ensures the process is genuinely accessible.”

A Chance to Fix Long-Standing Issues

The Minister described the review as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to rebuild public trust and create firearms law that is fair, workable, and effective. She said New Zealand had once been a global leader in firearms regulation but that poorly consulted reforms in recent years had undermined confidence among law-abiding firearm owners.

“For too long, major changes to firearms law have been rushed through with little to no consultation,” McKee said. “I’m proud to be part of a Government delivering a fair, fit-for-purpose law that will receive a full six-month select committee process.”

Strong Public Engagement Already Evident

McKee highlighted earlier public engagement as proof of the appetite for meaningful input. More than 8,500 people submitted during the initial consultation on rewriting the Arms Act earlier this year, offering over 700,000 points of feedback—a level of engagement she said demonstrates both public interest and sector expertise.

The Minister emphasised that broad input is crucial to developing legislation that enhances safety while ensuring responsible firearm users are treated fairly.

“This process is how we arrive at better, more practical law. I’m encouraging everyone with knowledge, experience, or interest to take part.”

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