Advocacy Alert: Make Your Submission on the Rewrite of the Arms Act

Advocacy Alert: Consultation now open for Firearms Law Reform

Submissions close on the 28th of February 2025.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR SUBMISSION

We have long awaited this news and for the opportunity to give feedback to make the views of recreational hunters and shooters known to government. Nicole McKee, Associate Justice Minister has attended many club nights and NZDA conferences over the years and all her hard work has come to this point.

NZDA, along with other arms interest groups, like our colleagues at COLFO, are busy reading all of the documentation and information - which is a lot to read. More information will come out in time.

Fortunately, unlike previous consultations run by Police, the Justice team have given us a reasonable period of time to give feedback. Most importantly, unlike the previous few years, the hunting and shooting community are not being asked to write submissions over long weekends, public holidays, the roar, or the duck shooting opening weekend!

As you know, this coalition government is committed to rewriting the Arms Act 1983 and updating the Arms Regulations 1992 to enhance public safety and make firearms rules easier to understand. These changes will shape the laws that all firearms users, including hunters, will need to follow in the foreseeable future.

If you have ever had a complaint, or have seen something in the arms law that was not practical, grounded in common-sense, or inherently related to safety, then make sure you have your say.

Your Individual Submission Matters

It is a numbers game. It is licenced firearm owners and users vs the anti-gun lobby groups. Most New Zealanders see the value of lawful firearms use, so will not be submitting. However, it is up to hunters to have a say.

NZDA’s Position and What we are Doing Now

We’re actively reviewing the discussion documents and will provide detailed guidance soon. We understand COLFO will also provide guidance. In the meantime, we encourage all members to review the documents and plan to make their own submissions. Your input as a hunter and firearms license holder is vital in shaping these laws.

Key Documents to Review

To help you navigate this consultation, here are the three key documents in the recommended order of review:

• Summary Discussion Document – A concise overview of the Arms Act rewrite and the areas under consultation. Note that topics like the Firearms Register and the removal of licensing from Police are excluded from this consultation.

• Submission Form Pages – Structured questions where you can directly provide your feedback.

• Discussion Document – A detailed reference to help answer specific questions or clarify any uncertainties.

Have Your Say

• Start with the Submission Form Pages to focus on the areas that matter most to you. Use the Discussion Document to support and structure your responses as needed.

• You don’t need to be an expert, your experience as a hunter and firearms license holder is enough to provide meaningful input.

• Avoid copying answers from others; identical submissions may be counted as a single response. Instead, rephrase core ideas in your own words.

Why It’s Significant

While we trust Minister Nicole McKee to advocate for fair firearms laws, strong support is crucial to convince coalition partners. Gun Control NZ and others are pushing for laws modelled after Australia’s, which could significantly impact hunting and shooting communities. Your voice matters in preventing this outcome.

Take Action Now

Make your submission today to ensure your perspective is heard. If you have questions about the submission process or specific areas of the consultation, reach out to us.

Stay engaged and help shape the future of New Zealand’s firearms laws.

Join and Support NZDA

Find and join a branch to get involved with promoting and protecting hunting in New Zealand! Search here.

https://www.deerstalkers.org.nz/join-and-support-us/branch-finder/