What is the legality of guns and firearms in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, owning a gun is considered a privilege rather than a right. The country has strict gun control laws, and individuals must go through a rigorous process to obtain a firearms license. Private citizens are not allowed to carry concealed weapons or possess military-style semi-automatic firearms without a special endorsement on their license.
How can one obtain a gun licence in New Zealand?
To obtain a gun license in New Zealand, applicants must meet several requirements, including:
- Being at least 16 years old (for a standard firearms license) or 18 years old (for a pistol license)
- Completing a firearms safety course
- Passing a background check, which includes criminal history, mental health, and domestic violence considerations
- Having two character references, one of whom must be a close relative and the other unrelated
- Passing an in-person interview with a police officer
- Having secure storage facilities for firearms and ammunition at home
Once these requirements are met, the police will issue a firearms license that is valid for 10 years. License holders must renew their license before it expires and notify the police of any changes in their circumstances that may affect their eligibility to possess firearms.
New Zealand has strict laws governing the possession, use, and sale of firearms. Some key aspects of these laws include:
- Requiring a firearms license to possess or use guns
- Restricting the sale of firearms and ammunition to licensed dealers
- Prohibiting the possession of military-style semi-automatic firearms without a special endorsement
- Requiring secure storage of firearms and ammunition
- Restricting the transport of firearms
- Prohibiting the use of firearms for self-defense purposes
Violating these laws can result in penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. New Zealand police are responsible for enforcing firearms laws and conducting regular inspections of firearms storage facilities to ensure compliance.
What is the public opinion on guns/firearms in New Zealand?
Public opinion on guns in New Zealand is generally in favor of strict gun control. The country’s gun laws have been praised for their effectiveness in preventing mass shootings and reducing gun-related crime. However, there are still some who advocate for looser regulations, particularly in rural areas where firearms are often used for pest control and hunting.
What kind of guns can be found in New Zealand?
While military-style semi-automatic firearms are heavily restricted, various types of guns can still be found in New Zealand, including:
- Bolt-action rifles
- Shotguns
- Air rifles
- Pistols (with a special license)
These firearms are primarily used for hunting, sport shooting, and pest control purposes.
What are the rules regarding air rifles and airsoft guns in New Zealand?
Air rifles and airsoft guns are subject to some of the same regulations as other firearms in New Zealand. While low-powered air rifles do not require a firearms license, higher-powered air rifles do. Airsoft guns, which fire plastic pellets, are generally considered to be firearms and require a license to possess and use. The sale of airsoft guns is also restricted to licensed dealers.
What is the firearm ownership per capita and what are other gun statistics in New Zealand?
According to the GunPolicy.org, New Zealand has a rate of approximately 29.8 firearms per 100 people, placing it 17th in the world for civilian firearm ownership. However, gun-related crime rates are relatively low, with only 0.26 gun-related homicides per 100,000 people in 2017.
For more information on gun control laws in New Zealand, visit the following government resources:
- New Zealand Police – Firearms and Safety
- Arms Act 1983
- Arms Act 1983 – Guidelines for Police