Arms Act (New Zealand)
Encyclopedia
The Arms Act 1983 is the primary statute controlling the possession and use of firearms in New Zealand
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of individuals as being fit and proper persons to possess firearms. Firearms themselves are not generally registered or licensed, although exceptions exist for pistols, restricted weapons and military-style semi-automatic
firearms (MSSAs).
It has subsequently been amended by the following statutes:
. The full legislative framework of the arms control regime is defined by the Act in conjunction with:
The act grants the police considerable discretion in the administration of the arms control regime. Police policy in respect of the arms regime is documented in the Police Arms Manual.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
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Basic principles of the Act
The basic premise of the New Zealand arms control regime is the licensingFirearms licence (New Zealand)
In New Zealand, a firearms licence is required by:* anyone wishing to possess or use firearms,* arms dealers, and their employees, and* anyone between 16 and 18 years wishing to use or possess air guns....
of individuals as being fit and proper persons to possess firearms. Firearms themselves are not generally registered or licensed, although exceptions exist for pistols, restricted weapons and military-style semi-automatic
Military-Style Semi-Automatic
Military-style semi-automatic is a term in New Zealand firearms law. The category was introduced after the 1990 Aramoana massacre, in which firearms fitting this definition were used....
firearms (MSSAs).
History of the Act
The act came into force on 1 June 1984, replacing the Arms Act 1958 (1958 No 21).It has subsequently been amended by the following statutes:
- Crimes Amendment Act (No 2) 1986 (No 71)
- Public Finance Act 1989 (No 44)
- Regulations (Disallowance) Act 1989 (No 143)
- Arms Amendment Act 1992 (No 95)
- Domestic Violence Act 1995 (No 86)
- Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (No 30)
- Crimes Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (No 93)
- Postal Services Act 1998 (No 2)
- Anti-Personnel Mines Prohibition Act 1998 (No 111)
- Arms Amendment Act 1999 (No 23)
- Arms Amendment Act 2000 (No 53)
- Visiting Forces Act 2004 (No 59)
- Policing Act 2008 (No 72)
Operation of the Act
The Act is administered by the New Zealand PoliceNew Zealand Police
The New Zealand Police is the national police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand...
. The full legislative framework of the arms control regime is defined by the Act in conjunction with:
- The Arms (Restricted Weapons and Specially Dangerous Airguns) Order 1984
- The Arms Regulations 1992
The act grants the police considerable discretion in the administration of the arms control regime. Police policy in respect of the arms regime is documented in the Police Arms Manual.
Provisions of the Act
The act contains provisions for the following:- the licensing of dealers
- the importation of firearms
- general restrictions on possession of firearms and airguns
- licensing of those using and possessing firearms
- the procurement and carrying of pistols, MSSAs and restricted weapons
- firearms offences
- police powers of search & seizure in respect of firearms