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Rules & Policy » Obtaining a Firearms Licence
Obtaining a Firearms Licence
In order to possess and transport a rifle or other firearm in New Zealand you will need to be granted a Firearms Licence from the New Zealand Police.
NZ Nationals
Licences are issued at the sole discretion of the police, and are usually valid for 10 years. To be granted a licence, you must:
- Be over 16;
- Be a "fit and proper person" to possess and use firearms;
- Attend a safety lecture given by a volunteer from the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council;
- Pass a written test based on the material in the Arms Code;
- Undergo an interview with a police officer who will inspect your security provisions for firearms and ammunition storage;
- Provide two referees to vouch for you (they must be over 20, one of them a relative);
- Provide a photo and pay the fee.
You can get full details from the firearms section of the NZ Police Website.
NOTE: You do not necessarily need a firearms licence to 'have a go' at full bore rifle shooting - but you will at all times need to be closely supervised by a licence holder.
International Visitors
Visitors to New Zealand with their own firearms licence can apply for a permit to import and a visitors' firearms licence at the Police Online Form here. You will need to produce your passport and current firearms licence from your own country. The fee is currently NZD $25.00.
You can find out more about importing your rifle here.