Advocacy Update: Shooting Clubs and Ranges (Arms Ammendment) Passes Second Reading

We are pleased to inform you that the Clubs and Ranges Amendment Bill has successfully passed its Second Reading in Parliament following three debates held on 11th, 12th, and 18th February (late last night).

The debates were largely positive for lawful firearms owners, with speeches from National and ACT reflecting the realities of our community rather than focusing on politics. Unfortunately, some rhetoric from other parties continued to unfairly demonise hunters, shooters, and lawful firearms owners. 

Notably NZDA was mentioned within the debates, this underscores the significant impact our members and NZDA submissions are having. Our collective voice is being heard and influencing the future of firearms legislation.

Highlights from the Debates: 

Nicole McKee (ACT) delivered a strong opening speech, highlighting the importance of practical, safety-focused reforms that acknowledge the rights and responsibilities of lawful firearms owners.

James Meager (National), it is encouraging to see the new Minister for Hunting and Fishing, demonstrating an understanding of and support for the hunting and firearms community.

Carl Bates (National—Whanganui) emphasised the importance of safe, regulated spaces for hunters and shooters to sight their firearms, instead of relying on private or unsafe locations. 

“Hunting is also an important recreational and social pastime in this country. It's important that those who wish to go and hunt and bring home their own meals or who use guns for pest control are able to do that in a safe and appropriately regulated environment. It is better to have a safe and regulated place for them to sight their guns versus, for example, them going out and doing that on farm or down by the river. Because of that and because this is a bill that will ensure safety at the heart of it while making these appropriate changes, I commend it to the House.” - Carl Bates

Miles Anderson (National—Waitaki) highlighted the misunderstanding and misrepresentation that licensed firearms owners often face. He echoed NZDA CEO Gwyn Thurlow’s call for fact-based decision-making and stressed the low-risk profile of shooting clubs and their members. 

“There are around 200,000 licensed people in New Zealand, which means that there are 5 million that don't have a licence. The debate around this issue has been dominated by people who really don't understand, and have a total anathema, I guess, to firearms at all. Unfortunately, firearms owners have been demonised a little bit. Now, I'd like to go through a statement from Gwyn Thurlow, who is the CEO of New Zealand Deerstalkers Association. Now, Gwyn Thurlow addressed concerns over parliamentary rhetoric, which he described as "occasionally misguided".

"Debate is an essential pillar of [your] democracy, but it must be grounded in fact. Some of the views expressed recently risk misrepresenting the safety records of our ranges and the responsible nature of our members and the licensed firearms community who use shooting ranges.", he added. Thurlow emphasised the need for decisions to be grounded in solid evidence and factual data. As the bill progresses, we urge lawmakers to rely on facts and the demonstrably low risk profile of New Zealand shooting clubs and their members.” - Miles Anderson

Read the Debates Here: 

• 11th February Debate: View Hansard 

• 12th February Debate: View Hansard 

• 18th February Debate and Outcome: View Hansard 
   

What's Next

The changes outlined in the Clubs and Ranges Amendment Bill will take effect around May-June 2025, three months after Royal Assent. This short period of time allows for: 

• Administrative processes and forms to be finalised. 

• Amendments to the Arms Regulations 1992 to be brought into force concurrently. 

Clubs and members should prepare for upcoming consultations that will be led by the Ministry of Justice. More details will be shared as they become available. 

Keep track of the current timeline, we are expected to have the Third Reading and Royal Assent shortly:

As noted by Nicole McKee: “Clubs and ranges play a crucial role in public safety. They offer supervised spaces where people can learn to use firearms safely, while serving as the eyes and ears of the firearms community.”

Thank you for your ongoing support in advocating for responsible and practical 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/