Background

The Government is rewriting The Arms Act 1983, with Associate Justice Minister, Nicole McKee opening consultation on 14 January 2025 until 28 February 2025. This rewrite is part of the Government Coalition Agreement between the National Party and the ACT Party to reform the firearms system.

Public submissions will inform draft policy proposals presented to the Associate Minister of Justice. These proposals will shape the bill, which will be drafted and introduced to Parliament. Once the bill is introduced, the public will have another opportunity to provide feedback through the select committee process. The bill is expected to be introduced in late 2025.

Position Statement

Read the Museums Aotearoa Arms Act Rewrite Submission here

1. We support amendment to the current legislation which is not fit for purpose and place an unfair and unnecessary burden on the resources of museums and galleries.
2. A new class of licence for museum and gallery institutions that reflects their role in society as collectors, not dealers.
3. This licence should be for the institution, not individuals; treating museum staff as dealers is illogical and inappropriate.
4. This institutional licence should be renewed every five years after reviewing the institution’s policies and practices.
5. The new licence should be exempt from fees as these institutions hold the firearms for the benefit of the nation, not for sale. The cost of the current fees for license and dealers licenses are very high (for some museum they are prohibitively high) especially if they are required to renew the dealer’s license annually.
6. The Act should include the definition of a museum and gallery as:

A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, museums foster diversity and sustainability. They operate and communicate ethically, professionally and with the participation of communities, offering varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing

Current firearms legislation and regulations

Arms Act 1983(external link)

Arms Regulations 1992(external link)

Arms (Prohibited Ammunition Order) 2019(external link)

Arms (Prohibited Magazine) Order 2019(external link)

Arms (Military Style Semi-automatic Firearms–Pistol Grips) Order 2013(external link)

Arms (Restricted Weapons and Specially Dangerous Airguns) Order 1984(external link)

Useful links

New Zealand Firearms Safety Authority – Te Tari Pūreke(external link)

History of firearms regulation in New Zealand(external link) (New Zealand Police website)

Changes to the firearms laws since 2019(external link) (FSA website)