This week the New Zealand Parliament passed a bill to repeal and replace the Arms Act 1983, completing a comprehensive rewrite of New Zealand’s firearms laws.
SSAA had the privilege of speaking to Minister Nicole McKee, The New Zealand Minister for Courts and Associate Justice Minister, this week in relation to the immense achievement of passing this new legislation and how she ensured the firearms community was listened to.
Minister McKee, who is the former spokesperson for the Council of Licenced Firearms Owners (COLFO) in New Zealand, was deeply committed to meaningful consultation in relation to this legislation with government received 8,500 submissions and went through the longest select committee process that was available to them.
This means the government were able to consider information, feedback and potential changes over a six-month committee process to inform the creation of safe and practical laws. This is distinctly different from recent processes seen in Australia.
The new Arms Act 2026 in New Zealand supports the safe possession and use of firearms and other weapons for legitimate purposes, such as sports, hunting, collecting, and pest control, while also putting place measures that protect individuals and the public from firearms related harm.
Minister McKee stated that “the new law replaces a complex and confusing patchwork with legislation that is more logically structured, easier to understand, and focused on the areas that matter most for public safety.
“The Bill keeps firearms out of criminals’ hands, while making compliance easier for licenced firearm owners.”
“It strengthens penalties and enforcement against unlawful firearms activity while removing unnecessary rules and improving the way the firearms system operates.”
Beyond this, one of the most significant changes is the creation of a new arms regulator, Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand, that will operate independently of the Police.
This new regulator will replace the Firearm Safety Authority within New Zealand Police and will be headed by an independent chief executive appointed by the Governor-General who will report to the Minister.
This legislation will also be of benefit to eligible Australian shooters as it allows for multi-entry visitor licences of up to 18 months.
The majority of the new Act and regulations will come into force on 23 September 2026.