Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Regulations 2025
2025/120
Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Regulations 2025
Cindy Kiro, Governor-General
Order in Council
At Wellington this 26th day of May 2025
Present:
Her Excellency the Governor-General in Council
These regulations are made under sections 74 and 86 of the Arms Act 1983—
(a)
on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council; and
(b)
on the recommendation of the Minister of Police made after being satisfied of the matter set out in section 74(4) of that Act.
Contents
Regulations
1 Title
These regulations are the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Regulations 2025.
2 Commencement
(1)
These regulations come into force on 29 June 2025.
(2)
However, regulation 6 comes into force on 24 June 2025.
3 Principal regulations
These regulations amend the Arms Regulations 1992.
4 Regulation 22 amended (Conditions of endorsements in respect of pistols and restricted weapons)
(1)
In regulation 22(1)(a), replace “section 38P”
with “section 38V”
.
(2)
Replace regulation 22(1)(b) with:
(b)
on at least 12 days in each year ending on 30 June the person actively participates in—
(i)
scheduled pistol shooting activities that are organised by a pistol shooting club; or
(ii)
international pistol shooting events; and
5 Parts 5 and 6 replaced
Part 5 Shooting clubs
28E Interpretation
In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—
club member, in relation to a shooting club, means a member of the shooting club
committee, in relation to a pistol shooting club or non-pistol shooting club, means the governing body of the club however described (for example, a board)
contact details, in relation to a person, means that person’s—
(a)
physical address; and
(b)
electronic address (if any); and
(c)
telephone number
contact person, in relation to a pistol shooting club or non-pistol shooting club, means a person—
(a)
who is—
(i)
of or over the age of 18 years; and
(ii)
ordinarily resident in New Zealand; and
(b)
whom a member of the Police is able to contact, when needed, about the affairs of the shooting club
endorsement, in relation to a person’s firearms licence, means an endorsement made on a licence under section 30 of the Act permitting the person to possess a pistol in the person’s capacity specified in section 29(2)(a) of the Act
officer, in relation to a pistol shooting club or non-pistol shooting club, means—
(a)
an individual who is a member of the committee of the shooting club; or
(b)
an individual who occupies a position in the shooting club that allows the person to exercise significant influence over the management or administration of the club (for example, a treasurer or a chief executive)
sell includes to supply
stored, in relation to firearms or ammunition, includes firearms or ammunition that are on the premises used by a pistol shooting club or non-pistol shooting club and are not in the physical possession of a firearms licence holder.
Pistol shooting clubs
28F How to apply for certificate approval
(1)
An application for a certificate of approval in respect of a pistol shooting club must be made to the Commissioner—
(a)
in writing in hard copy form; or
(b)
electronically (for example, by email or through an Internet site).
(2)
An application must state—
(a)
the name and contact details of the applicant; and
(b)
the name of the pistol shooting club; and
(c)
the address of the premises used by the pistol shooting club, if any; and
(d)
the name and contact details of at least 1 contact person for the pistol shooting club; and
(e)
an electronic address for service of the club; and
(f)
the names of the officers of the pistol shooting club; and
(g)
the pistol shooting club’s registration number as an incorporated society; and
(h)
the New Zealand Business Number of the pistol shooting club, if the club has a New Zealand Business Number; and
(i)
the shooting discipline or shooting disciplines of the pistol shooting club; and
(j)
the aims, objectives, and proposed activities of the pistol shooting club; and
(k)
the name and address of each shooting range used by the pistol shooting club for its shooting activities; and
(l)
whether firearms or ammunition will be stored overnight at any premises or shooting range used by the pistol shooting club; and
(m)
any other information the Commissioner may reasonably require.
(3)
An application must include a declaration by the applicant that all of the information provided in the application is true and correct.
(4)
The applicant must—
(a)
sign the application form; or
(b)
use an electronic identity credential within the meaning of section 8 of the Electronic Identity Verification Act 2012.
28G Information and documents required to support application for certificate of approval
An application for a certificate of approval that is made in respect of a pistol shooting club must be supported by the following:
(a)
a copy of the club’s constitution or rules; and
(b)
either—
(i)
a copy of the minutes of the club’s last annual general meeting, if the minutes of its last annual general meeting are available; or
(ii)
a copy of the minutes of the club’s inaugural meeting, if the club has not yet had an annual general meeting (because it is newly constituted) and the minutes of its inaugural meeting are available; and
(c)
evidence that the applicant is authorised by the club to make the application on its behalf; and
(d)
the names of all club members; and
(e)
the firearms licence numbers of all club members who hold a firearms licence; and
(f)
details of the process for recording club member and visitor participation in shooting activities organised by the club; and
(g)
if firearms or ammunition (or both) are sold on behalf of the club, a financial report, approved in accordance with the club’s rules, that contains sufficient detail to provide—
(i)
a reconciliation of all firearms and ammunition purchased, held, and sold on behalf of the club; and
(ii)
evidence that the revenue will be used for the benefit of the club.
28GA Publicly available information not required to be provided under regulations 28F and 28G
Despite regulations 28F and 28G, an applicant need not provide the information required by either of those regulations if that information is publicly available on—
(a)
the register of incorporated societies established under section 231 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022; or
(b)
an electronic register kept by the Registrar of Incorporated Societies under section 33 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
28GB Certificate of approval issued subject to conditions
A certificate of approval is issued to a pistol shooting club subject to the conditions set out in regulations 28GC to 28GM.
28GC Certificate of approval: conditions relating to status of pistol shooting club
A pistol shooting club must notify the Commissioner if the club—
(a)
ceases to operate; or
(b)
ceases to be registered as an incorporated society; or
(c)
amalgamates with—
(i)
another pistol shooting club; or
(ii)
a non-pistol shooting club.
28GD Certificate of approval: conditions relating to pistol shooting club membership
(1)
A pistol shooting club must at all times maintain a list of—
(a)
all current club members; and
(b)
the firearms licence numbers of all current club members who hold a firearms licence.
(2)
A pistol shooting club must notify the Police if any of the following events occur:
(a)
a person joins the club as a new member:
(b)
the club declines a person’s membership application:
(c)
a person ceases to be a club member for any reason (for example, the person resigns, has their membership terminated by the club, or has not renewed their club membership within 28 days after the end of the membership year).
(3)
A notification given by a pistol shooting club under subclause (2) must be given not later than 28 days after the event occurred and include the following information:
(a)
if the notification is given under subclause (2)(a), the name of the new member and the new member’s firearms licence number (if the new club member has a firearms licence):
(b)
if the notification is given under subclause (2)(b), the applicant’s name and the reason for declining the applicant’s application:
(c)
if the notification is given under subclause (2)(c), the name of the former member and the date on which the former member’s membership ceased.
28GE Certificate of approval: conditions relating to membership of pistol shooting club committee
A person must not be a member of the committee of a pistol shooting club if the person—
(a)
is disqualified under section 22H of the Act from holding a firearms licence; or
(b)
has had a firearms licence revoked within the previous 5 years; or
(c)
has had an endorsement on their firearms licence revoked within the previous 5 years.
28GF Certificate of approval: conditions relating to notification of change of contact person
(1)
A pistol shooting club must ensure that notice is given to the Commissioner of—
(a)
a change in a contact person for the club:
(b)
a change in the name or the contact details of a contact person for the club.
(2)
The notice must be given to the Commissioner within 28 days after the change.
28GG Certificate of approval: conditions relating to security of premises
(1)
This regulation applies if any firearms or ammunition, or both, are stored overnight on the premises used by a pistol shooting club.
(2)
The pistol shooting club must ensure that the premises—
(a)
are structurally sound; and
(b)
have strong, well-maintained exterior doors with strong locks, bolts, hinges, and other fastenings that are capable of being secured against unlawful entry in a manner approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police; and
(c)
have well-maintained windows and skylights with locks, bolts, hinges, and other fastenings that are maintained in good condition and that are capable of being secured against unlawful entry in a manner approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police.
(3)
The pistol shooting club must ensure that when the premises are unoccupied, all reasonable steps are taken to secure the premises against unlawful entry.
28GH Certificate of approval: conditions relating to secure storage of firearms and ammunition
(1)
This regulation applies if any firearms or ammunition, or both, are stored overnight on the premises used by a pistol shooting club.
(2)
The pistol shooting club must ensure that the premises have storage facilities that enable firearms stored on the premises to be locked up in a steel box, steel cabinet, or steel safe that is secured to the premises, or in a steel and concrete strongroom or secure storeroom, and that the box, cabinet, safe, strongroom, or storeroom is of sound construction and of a type approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police.
(3)
The pistol shooting club must ensure that the premises have storage facilities for ammunition stored on the premises that are approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police, and that the ammunition can be stored in—
(a)
an area not accessible to the public in a steel cabinet or container that is soundly constructed and secured to the premises to prevent its removal; or
(b)
a locked strongroom or storeroom.
(4)
A pistol shooting club must ensure that pistols, pistol magazines, and pistol carbine conversion kits are not stored overnight on premises used by the shooting club without the prior written consent of a member of the Police.
28GI Certificate of approval: conditions relating to ammunition sales
(1)
This regulation applies if—
(a)
ammunition is sold to persons on behalf of a pistol shooting club; and
(b)
the ammunition is—
(i)
not used on the day of sale at a shooting activity organised by the pistol shooting club; and
(ii)
is taken off the premises used by the pistol shooting club.
(2)
The pistol shooting club must keep a record (in hard copy or electronically) of the following details in respect of the sale:
(a)
the name of the person who sold the ammunition (the seller); and
(b)
the seller’s firearms licence number; and
(c)
the name of the person to whom the ammunition was sold (the purchaser); and
(d)
the purchaser’s firearms licence number or, if the ammunition was sold to the purchaser for use under the immediate supervision of another person who holds a firearms licence, the name and firearms licence number of that other person; and
(e)
the quantity and type of ammunition sold.
(3)
However, a pistol shooting club need not comply with subclause (2) if, in accordance with any regulations made for the purpose, the pistol shooting club provides the details specified in subclause (2) to the Police for inclusion in the registry.
(4)
A pistol shooting club that keeps its record under subclause (2) in hard copy form must retain the record for at least 5 years from the date of the last entry in the record.
(5)
A pistol shooting club that keeps its record under subclause (2) electronically must retain each electronic record for at least 5 years from the date on which the record is entered.
(6)
When a pistol shooting club’s certificate of approval is surrendered or cancelled, the pistol shooting club must, within 90 days after the suspension or cancellation, surrender to the Police all records it is required by this regulation to keep that have not been included in the registry.
28GJ Certificate of approval: conditions relating to incidents and safety breaches that occur during shooting activity
(1)
A pistol shooting club must maintain an up-to-date record of any incidents or safety breaches that have occurred during any shooting activity organised by the club and that did not result in injury to, or the death of, any person but had the potential to do so.
(2)
The record may be kept in hard copy or electronic form.
(3)
Each entry in the record must be kept for at least 5 years from the date on which the incident or safety breach occurred.
(4)
However, a pistol shooting club need not comply with this regulation if, in accordance with any regulations made for the purpose, the pistol shooting club provides information about each entry in the record to the Police for inclusion in the registry.
28GK Certificate of approval: conditions relating to participation of young club members in shooting activities
(1)
A person under the age of 17 years who is a club member (A) may be allowed to participate in shooting activities organised by a pistol shooting club on a certified range if, at all times when A is on the certified range participating in the shooting activities and in possession of a pistol, A is under the immediate supervision of another club member who holds a firearms licence bearing an endorsement.
(2)
When A attains the age of 17 years, then, unless A has a firearms licence bearing an endorsement, A may only be allowed to continue to participate in shooting activities organised by a pistol shooting club on a certified range if, at all times when A is on the certified range participating in the shooting activities and in possession of a pistol, A is under the immediate supervision of a club member who holds a firearms licence bearing an endorsement, and—
(a)
A remains a member of the club; and
(b)
A has passed an examination conducted by a member of the Police, or a person approved for the purpose by a member of the Police, that is designed to demonstrate knowledge of—
(i)
the safe possession and use of a pistol; and
(ii)
the obligations of a licence holder whose licence bears an endorsement; and
(c)
A is awaiting the outcome of an application for—
(i)
an endorsement on their firearms licence; or
(ii)
a firearms licence and an endorsement on the licence.
28GL Certificate of approval: conditions relating to participation in shooting activities by persons aged 16 years or over who do not hold firearms licence with pistol endorsement
(1)
Any person aged 16 years or over who is not a member of a pistol shooting club and who does not hold a firearms licence bearing an endorsement (A) may be allowed to participate in no more than 3 shooting activities organised by the pistol shooting club on a certified range over any 6-month period (an initial period) if, at all times when A is on the certified range participating in the shooting activities and in possession of a pistol, A is under the immediate supervision of a club member who holds a firearms licence bearing an endorsement.
(2)
A may be permitted to continue to participate in further shooting activities organised by the pistol shooting club on a certified range without a firearms licence bearing an endorsement for a period of 12 months after the expiry of the initial period (a further period) if A—
(a)
becomes and remains a member of the club; and
(b)
at all times when A is on the certified range participating in the shooting activities and in possession of a pistol, A is under the immediate supervision of a club member who holds a firearms licence bearing an endorsement.
(3)
A may be permitted to continue to participate in further shooting activities organised by the pistol shooting club on a certified range without a firearms licence bearing an endorsement after the expiry of the further period if A—
(a)
remains a club member; and
(b)
at all times when A is on the certified range participating in the shooting activities and in possession of a pistol, A is under the immediate supervision of a club member who holds a firearms licence bearing an endorsement; and
(c)
has passed an examination conducted by a member of the Police, or a person approved for the purpose by a member of the Police, that is designed to demonstrate knowledge of—
(i)
the safe possession and use of a pistol; and
(ii)
the obligations of a licence holder whose licence bears an endorsement; and
(d)
is awaiting the outcome of an application for—
(i)
an endorsement on their firearms licence; or
(ii)
a firearms licence and an endorsement on the licence.
28GM Certificate of approval: conditions relating to records of participation in activities
(1)
A pistol shooting club must keep a record each year of—
(a)
the pistol shooting activities organised by the club during the year; and
(b)
for each member of the club,—
(i)
the scheduled shooting activities organised by the club that the member participated in during the year; and
(ii)
any scheduled shooting activities organised by another pistol shooting club that the member participated in during the year; and
(iii)
any international pistol shooting events that the member participated in during the year.
(2)
The record referred to in subclause (1)(a) must show, for each shooting activity,—
(a)
the type of shooting activity; and
(b)
the date of the shooting activity; and
(c)
the names of all persons (including persons who are not club members) who participated in the shooting activity (the participants); and
(d)
the firearms licence numbers of all participants who hold a firearms licence and that are not club members.
(3)
The record referred to in subclause (1)(b) must show, for each club member, the dates of the shooting activities and international pistol shooting events that they participated in.
(4)
The records referred to in subclause (1) must be included in the shooting club’s annual report.
(5)
However, a pistol shooting club need not comply with subclauses (1) and (4) if, in accordance with any regulations made for the purpose, the club provides the details specified in subclauses (2) and (3) to the Police for inclusion in the registry.
(6)
In this regulation, year means a period of 12 months commencing on 1 July and ending on 30 June.
28GN Content of annual reports of pistol shooting club
(1)
A pistol shooting club’s annual report must include details of any changes to the club’s officers since the later of the date on which the club applied for a certificate of approval and the date of the club’s last annual report or, if no such changes have been made since the later of those dates, a statement to that effect.
(2)
A pistol shooting club’s annual report must, additionally, include the following:
(a)
details of any changes made to the club’s constitution or rules since the later of the date on which the club applied for a certificate of approval and the date of the club’s last annual report or, if no such changes have been made since the later of those dates, a statement to that effect; and
(b)
the minutes of the club’s last annual general meeting; and
(c)
the names of all club members; and
(d)
the firearms licence numbers of all club members who hold a firearms licence; and
(e)
a list of the shooting activities organised by the club that were held during the financial year and the location of those activities; and
(f)
the records kept under regulation 28GM(1); and
(g)
a list of the shooting activities organised by the club that are planned to be held during the following financial year and the location of those activities; and
(h)
if firearms or ammunition, or both, are sold on behalf of the club, a financial report approved in accordance with the club’s rules, containing sufficient detail to provide—
(i)
a reconciliation of all firearms and ammunition purchased on behalf of the club with the firearms and ammunition held or sold on behalf of the club; and
(ii)
evidence that all revenue generated by the sales was used, or is to be used, for the benefit of the club.
(3)
In this regulation and regulation 28GO, annual report, in relation to a shooting club, means the annual report the shooting club is required to provide to the Commissioner under section 38J of the Act.
28GO Publicly available information not required to be provided under regulation 28GN
Despite regulation 28GN, an annual report need not include the information required by that regulation if the information is publicly available on—
(a)
the register of incorporated societies established under section 231 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022; or
(b)
an electronic register kept by the Registrar of Incorporated Societies under section 33 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
28GP When pistol shooting clubs may enter information in registry digitally
Information required by the Act or these regulations to be provided by or on behalf of a pistol shooting club to the Police may be entered in the registry digitally by or on behalf of the club when the Commissioner allows.
Non-pistol shooting clubs
28GQ How to apply for enrolment
(1)
An application for enrolment in respect of a non-pistol shooting club must be made to the Commissioner—
(a)
in writing in hard copy form; or
(b)
electronically (for example, by email or through an Internet site).
(2)
An application must state—
(a)
the name and contact details of the applicant; and
(b)
the name of the non-pistol shooting club; and
(c)
the address of the premises used by the non-pistol shooting club, if any; and
(d)
the name and contact details of at least 1 contact person for the non-pistol shooting club; and
(e)
an electronic address for service of the club; and
(f)
the names of the officers of the non-pistol shooting club; and
(g)
whether the non-pistol shooting club is an incorporated society and, if it is, the club’s registration number of the society; and
(h)
the New Zealand Business Number of the non-pistol shooting club, if the club has a New Zealand Business Number; and
(i)
the shooting discipline or shooting disciplines of the non-pistol shooting club; and
(j)
the aims, objectives, and proposed activities of the non-pistol shooting club; and
(k)
the name and address of each shooting range used by the non-pistol shooting club for its shooting activities; and
(l)
whether firearms or ammunition will be stored overnight at any premises or shooting range used by the non-pistol shooting club; and
(m)
whether the non-pistol shooting club intends to permit firearms, ammunition, or both firearms and ammunition, to be sold to persons on its behalf.
(3)
An application must include a declaration by the applicant that—
(a)
the applicant is authorised to make the application; and
(b)
all of the information provided in the application is true and correct.
(4)
The applicant must—
(a)
sign the application form; or
(b)
use an electronic identity credential within the meaning of section 8 of the Electronic Identity Verification Act 2012.
28GR Publicly available information not required to be provided under regulation 28GQ
Despite regulation 28GQ, an applicant need not provide the information required by that regulation if that information is publicly available on—
(a)
the register of incorporated societies established under section 231 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022; or
(b)
an electronic register kept by the Registrar of Incorporated Societies under section 33 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
28GS Enrolment of non-pistol shooting club subject to conditions
The enrolment of a non-pistol shooting club is subject to the conditions set out in regulations 28GT to 28GY.
28GT Enrolment: conditions relating to status of non-pistol shooting club
A non-pistol shooting club must notify the Commissioner if the club—
(a)
ceases to operate; or
(b)
amalgamates with—
(i)
a pistol shooting club; or
(ii)
another non-pistol shooting club; or
(c)
ceases to be registered as an incorporated society but firearms or ammunition continues to be sold on behalf of the club.
28GU Enrolment: conditions relating to notification of change in application details
(1)
A non-pistol shooting club must ensure that notice is given to the Commissioner of any change in the details provided under regulation 28GQ(2).
(2)
The notice must be given to the Commissioner within 28 days after the change.
28GV Enrolment: conditions relating to security of premises
(1)
This regulation applies if any firearms or ammunition, or both, are stored overnight on the premises used by a non-pistol shooting club.
(2)
The non-pistol shooting club must ensure that the premises—
(a)
are structurally sound; and
(b)
have strong, well-maintained exterior doors with strong locks, bolts, hinges, and other fastenings that are capable of being secured against unlawful entry in a manner approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police; and
(c)
have well-maintained windows and skylights with locks, bolts, hinges, and other fastenings that are maintained in good condition and that are capable of being secured against unlawful entry in a manner approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police.
(3)
The non-pistol shooting club must ensure that when the premises are unoccupied, all reasonable steps are taken to secure the premises against unlawful entry.
28GW Enrolment: conditions relating to secure storage of firearms and ammunition
(1)
This regulation applies if any firearms or ammunition, or both, are stored overnight on the premises used by a non-pistol shooting club.
(2)
The non-pistol shooting club must ensure that the premises have storage facilities that enable firearms stored on the premises to be locked up in a steel box, steel cabinet, or steel safe that is secured to the premises, or in a steel and concrete strongroom or secure storeroom, and that the box, cabinet, safe, strongroom, or storeroom is of sound construction and of a type approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police.
(3)
The non-pistol shooting club must ensure that the premises have storage facilities for ammunition stored on the premises that are approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police, and that the ammunition can be stored in—
(a)
an area not accessible to the public in a steel cabinet or container that is soundly constructed and secured to the premises to prevent its removal; or
(b)
a locked strongroom or storeroom.
28GX Enrolment: conditions relating to ammunition sales
(1)
This regulation applies if—
(a)
ammunition is sold to persons on behalf of a non-pistol shooting club; and
(b)
the ammunition is—
(i)
not used on the day of sale at a shooting activity organised by the non-pistol shooting club; and
(ii)
is taken off the premises used by the non-pistol shooting club.
(2)
The non-pistol shooting club must keep a record (in hard copy or electronically) of the following details in respect of the sale:
(a)
the name of the person to whom the ammunition was sold (the purchaser); and
(b)
the purchaser’s firearms licence number or, if the ammunition was sold to the purchaser for use under the immediate supervision of another person who holds a firearms licence, the name and firearms licence number of that other person; and
(c)
the quantity and type of ammunition sold.
(3)
However, a non-pistol shooting club need not comply with subclause (2) if, in accordance with any regulations made for the purpose, the non-pistol shooting club provides the details specified in subclause (2) to the Police for inclusion in the registry.
(4)
A non-pistol shooting club that keeps its record under subclause (2) in hard copy form must retain the record for at least 5 years from the date of the last entry in the record.
(5)
A non-pistol shooting club that keeps its record under subclause (2) electronically must retain each electronic record for at least 5 years from the date on which the record is entered.
(6)
When a non-pistol shooting club’s enrolment is cancelled, the non-pistol shooting club must, within 90 days after the cancellation, surrender to the Police all records it is required by this regulation to keep that have not been included in the registry.
28GY Enrolment: conditions relating to incidents and safety breaches that occur during shooting activity
(1)
A non-pistol shooting club must maintain an up-to-date record of any incidents or safety breaches that have occurred during any shooting activity organised by the club and that did not result in injury to, or the death of, any person but had the potential to do so.
(2)
The record may be kept in hard copy or electronic form.
(3)
Each entry in the record must be kept for at least 5 years from the date on which the incident or safety breach occurred.
(4)
However, a non-pistol shooting club need not comply with this regulation if, in accordance with any regulations made for the purpose, the shooting club provides information about each entry in the record to the Police for inclusion in the registry.
28GZ When non-pistol shooting clubs may enter information in registry digitally
Information required by the Act or these regulations to be provided by or on behalf of a non-pistol shooting club to the Police may be entered in the registry digitally by or on behalf of the club when the Commissioner allows.
Compliance activities
28GZA Compliance activities
(1)
The annual compliance activities fee prescribed in Schedule 1A must be paid by—
(a)
a pistol shooting club:
(b)
a non-pistol shooting club.
(2)
The compliance activities fee must be paid no later than 30 June in each year.
Part 6 Shooting ranges
28GZB Interpretation
In this Part and Schedule 1A, unless the context otherwise requires,—
contact details, in relation to a person, means that person’s—
(a)
physical address; and
(b)
electronic address (if any); and
(c)
telephone number
contact person, in relation to a pistol shooting range or non-pistol shooting range, means a person—
(a)
who is—
(i)
of or over the age of 18 years; and
(ii)
ordinarily resident in New Zealand; and
(b)
whom a member of the Police is able to contact, when needed, about the affairs of the shooting range
range standing orders, in relation to a pistol shooting range or non-pistol shooting range, means a document that—
(a)
describes the design of the shooting range; and
(b)
sets out the operational detail, and conditions of use, of the shooting range
significant changes to the circumstances of a certified pistol shooting range, in relation to a pistol shooting range, means any changes to the design, construction, or operation of the shooting range that have, or may have, a material impact on the safety or ballistic characteristics of the shooting range
stored, in relation to firearms or ammunition, includes firearms or ammunition that are on the premises of a pistol shooting range or non-pistol shooting range and are not in the physical possession of a firearms licence holder.
Pistol shooting ranges
28GZC How to apply for certification
(1)
An application for the certification in respect of a pistol shooting range must be made to the Commissioner—
(a)
in writing in hard copy form; or
(b)
electronically (for example, by email or through an Internet site).
(2)
An application must state—
(a)
the name and contact details of the applicant; and
(b)
the name and contact details of the pistol shooting range operator, if the range operator is not the applicant; and
(c)
the name of the pistol shooting range; and
(d)
the address of the pistol shooting range; and
(e)
an electronic address for service of the pistol shooting range; and
(f)
the New Zealand topographical map number and co-ordinates on that map of the pistol shooting range; and
(g)
the name and contact details of at least 1 contact person for the pistol shooting range; and
(h)
the New Zealand Business Number of the pistol shooting range officer, if the range officer has a New Zealand Business Number; and
(i)
the firearms licence number of the pistol shooting range operator, if the range operator is an individual; and
(j)
the types of firearms and the maximum calibre to be used at the pistol shooting range; and
(k)
any other information the Commissioner may reasonably require.
(3)
An application must include a declaration by the applicant that—
(a)
all necessary territorial authority and regional council consents in respect of the pistol shooting range have been obtained; and
(b)
all landowners affected, or likely to be affected, by the operation of the pistol shooting range have consented to its operation; and
(c)
all of the information provided in the application is true and correct.
(4)
The applicant must—
(a)
sign the application form; or
(b)
use an electronic identity credential within the meaning of section 8 of the Electronic Identity Verification Act 2012.
28GZD Information and documents required to support application for certification
An application for the certification of a pistol shooting range must be supported by the following:
(a)
a copy of the range standing orders for the shooting range; and
(b)
a copy of an inspection report undertaken in respect of the shooting range by a shooting range inspector recognised by the Commissioner; and
(c)
evidence that the applicant is authorised to make the application, if the applicant is a person authorised to make the application under section 38S(1)(b) or (c) of the Act.
28GZE Application in respect of multiple pistol shooting ranges operated by same range operator
(1)
An application may be made under regulation 28GZC for the certification of multiple pistol shooting ranges that are—
(a)
on the same site; and
(b)
operated by the same range operator.
(2)
Regulations 28GZC and 28GZD apply to an application for the certification of multiple pistol shooting ranges with the modifications set out in subclause (3).
(3)
The application must—
(a)
contain, in respect of each pistol shooting range, the information required by regulation 28GZC(2)(c), (e), (g), (j), and (k); and
(b)
include for each pistol shooting range a declaration of the kind required by regulation 28GZC(3); and
(c)
be supported by a copy of the range standing orders that apply in respect of each pistol shooting range; and
(d)
be supported by a copy of an inspection report undertaken in respect of each shooting range of the kind required by regulation 28GZD(b).
28GZF Certification subject to conditions
The certification of a pistol shooting range is subject to the conditions set out in regulations 28GZG to 28GZL.
28GZG Certification: conditions relating to notification of change of contact person
(1)
The range operator of a certified pistol shooting range must ensure that notice is given to the Commissioner of—
(a)
a change in a contact person for the pistol shooting range:
(b)
a change in the name or the contact details of a contact person for the pistol shooting range.
(2)
The notice must be given to the Commissioner within 28 days after the change.
28GZH Certification: conditions relating to duty officers
(1)
The range operator of a certified pistol shooting range must maintain, for each year ending on 30 June, a record of the officers who—
(a)
are on duty at the pistol shooting range from time to time during the year; and
(b)
satisfy the requirements in section 38W(1) of the Act.
(2)
The record must state—
(a)
the name of the officer; and
(b)
the firearms licence number of the officer; and
(c)
the training that the officer has had in pistol shooting range safety management.
(3)
The record for each year must be retained for a period of 2 years from the end of the year to which the record relates.
28GZI Certification: conditions relating to range standing orders
(1)
The range operator of a certified pistol shooting range must maintain range standing orders for the pistol shooting range that include all information required by the Police.
(2)
The range standing orders for a certified pistol shooting range must be approved by the Police.
(3)
The range operator of a certified pistol shooting range must, at all times while operating the pistol shooting range, comply with the range standing orders for the pistol shooting range approved by the Police.
(4)
Any change to approved range standing orders may only be made with the prior approval of the Police if the change will, or may, affect—
(a)
the ballistic characteristics of the pistol shooting range; or
(b)
the operation or safety of the pistol shooting range.
(5)
The range operator of a certified pistol shooting range must take all reasonable and practicable steps to ensure that all persons using the pistol shooting range—
(a)
have access to the current version of the range standing orders, whether in hard copy or electronic form; and
(b)
are advised of any change that is made to the range standing orders.
28GZJ Certification: conditions relating to security of premises
(1)
This regulation applies if any firearms or ammunition, or both, are stored overnight on the premises of a pistol shooting range.
(2)
The range operator must ensure that the premises—
(a)
are structurally sound; and
(b)
have strong, well-maintained exterior doors with strong locks, bolts, hinges, and other fastenings that are capable of being secured against unlawful entry in a manner approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police; and
(c)
have well-maintained windows and skylights with locks, bolts, hinges, and other fastenings that are maintained in good condition and that are capable of being secured against unlawful entry in a manner approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police.
(3)
The range operator must ensure that when the premises are unoccupied, all reasonable steps are taken to secure the premises against unlawful entry.
28GZK Certification: conditions relating to secure storage of firearms and ammunition
(1)
This regulation applies if any firearms or ammunition, or both, are stored overnight on the premises of a pistol shooting range.
(2)
The range operator must ensure that the premises have storage facilities that enable firearms stored on the premises to be locked up in a steel box, steel cabinet, or steel safe that is secured to the premises, or in a steel and concrete strongroom or secure storeroom, and that the box, cabinet, safe, or strongroom is of sound construction and of a type approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police.
(3)
The range operator must ensure that the premises have storage facilities for ammunition stored on the premises that are approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police and that the ammunition can be stored in—
(a)
an area that is not accessible to the public in a steel cabinet or container that is soundly constructed and secured to the premises to prevent its removal; or
(b)
a locked strongroom or storeroom.
(4)
The range operator of a certified shooting range must ensure that pistols, pistol magazines, and pistol carbine conversion kits are not stored overnight on the premises of the shooting range without the prior written consent of a member of the Police.
28GZL Certification: conditions relating to incidents and safety breaches that occur on shooting range
(1)
A range operator of a pistol shooting range must maintain an up-to-date record of any incidents or safety breaches that have occurred on any shooting range operated by the range operator and that did not result in injury to, or the death of, any person but had the potential to do so.
(2)
The record may be kept in hard copy or electronic form.
(3)
Each entry in the record must be kept for at least 5 years from the date on which the incident or safety breach occurred.
(4)
However, a range operator need not comply with this regulation if, in accordance with any regulations made for the purpose, the range operator provides information about each entry in the record to the Police for inclusion in the registry.
28GZM Renewal of certification of pistol shooting range if significant change to circumstances
If there have been any significant changes to the circumstances of a certified pistol shooting range in the previous 5 years, an application for renewal of certification may be made in accordance with regulations 28GZC to 28GZE.
28GZN Renewal of certification of pistol shooting range if no significant change to circumstances
(1)
If there has been no significant change to the circumstances of a certified pistol shooting range in the previous 5 years, an application may be made for the renewal of the shooting range’s certification in the form approved for the purpose by the Commissioner that contains—
(a)
the name and contact details of the applicant; and
(b)
the name and contact details of the range operator, if the range operator is not the applicant; and
(c)
the name of the pistol shooting range; and
(d)
the address of the pistol shooting range; and
(e)
the New Zealand topographical map number and co-ordinates on that map of the pistol shooting range; and
(f)
the name and contact details of at least 1 contact person for the shooting range; and
(g)
the New Zealand Business Number of the range operator, if the range operator has a New Zealand Business Number; and
(h)
the firearms licence number of the range operator, if the range operator is an individual; and
(i)
the details of any changes to the circumstances of the pistol shooting range in the previous 5 years, if any; and
(j)
any other information the Commissioner may reasonably require.
(2)
An application must be supported by—
(a)
a copy of an inspection report undertaken in respect of the pistol shooting range by a shooting range inspector recognised by the Commissioner; and
(b)
evidence that the applicant is authorised to make the application, if the applicant is a person authorised to make the application under section 38XE(1)(b) or (c) of the Act.
(3)
The applicant must—
(a)
sign the application form; or
(b)
use an electronic identity credential within the meaning of section 8 of the Electronic Identity Verification Act 2012.
28GZO Renewal of certifications of multiple pistol shooting ranges operated by same range operator if no significant change to circumstances
(1)
An application may be made for the renewal of the certification of multiple pistol shooting ranges that are—
(a)
on the same site; and
(b)
operated by the same range operator.
(2)
Regulation 28GZN applies to an application for the certification of multiple pistol shooting ranges with the modifications set out in subclause (3).
(3)
The application must—
(a)
contain, in respect of each shooting range, the information required by regulation 28GZN(1)(c), (e), and (i); and
(b)
be supported by a copy of an inspection report undertaken in respect of each pistol shooting range of the kind required by regulation 28GZN(2)(a).
28GZP When pistol shooting ranges may enter information in registry digitally
Information required by the Act or these regulations to be provided by or on behalf of a pistol shooting range operator to the Police may be entered in the registry digitally by or on behalf of the shooting range operator when the Commissioner allows.
Non-pistol shooting ranges
28GZQ How to apply for enrolment
(1)
An application for the enrolment of a non-pistol shooting range must be made to the Commissioner—
(a)
in writing in hard copy form; or
(b)
electronically (for example, by email or through an Internet site).
(2)
An application must state—
(a)
the name and contact details of the applicant; and
(b)
the name and contact details of the non-pistol shooting range operator, if the range operator is not the applicant; and
(c)
the name of the non-pistol shooting range; and
(d)
the location of the non-pistol shooting range; and
(e)
an electronic address for service of the non-pistol shooting range; and
(f)
the New Zealand topographical map number and co-ordinates on that map of the non-pistol shooting range; and
(g)
the name and contact details of at least 1 contact person for the non-pistol shooting range; and
(h)
the New Zealand Business Number of the non-pistol shooting range operator, if the range operator has a New Zealand Business Number; and
(i)
the association that the non-pistol shooting range is affiliated with, if any; and
(j)
the discipline of the non-pistol shooting range; and
(k)
the firearms licence number of the non-pistol shooting range operator, if the range operator is an individual; and
(l)
the types of firearms and the maximum calibre to be used at the non-pistol shooting range.
(3)
An application must include a declaration by the applicant declaring—
(a)
the matters specified in section 38XE(2)(b) of the Act; and
(b)
that all landowners affected, or likely to be affected, by the operation of the non-pistol shooting range have consented to its operation; and
(c)
that all of the information provided in the application is true and correct.
(4)
The applicant must—
(a)
sign the application form; or
(b)
use an electronic identity credential within the meaning of section 8 of the Electronic Identity Verification Act 2012.
28GZR Information and documents required to support application for enrolment
An application for the enrolment of a non-pistol shooting range must be supported by the following:
(a)
evidence that the applicant is authorised to make the application, if the applicant is a person authorised to make the application under section 38XE(1)(b) or (c) of the Act (if applicable); and
(b)
a copy of the range standing orders for the non-pistol shooting range; and
(c)
evidence that the range standing orders have been approved by—
(i)
the association that the non-pistol shooting range is affiliated with (being an association that, under regulation 28GZZD, may approve the range standing orders of the non-pistol shooting range); or
(ii)
the Police; and
(d)
a copy of an inspection report undertaken in respect of the shooting range by a shooting range inspector recognised by the Commissioner.
28GZS Application in respect of multiple non-pistol shooting ranges operated by same range operator
(1)
An application may be made under regulation 28GZQ for the enrolment of multiple non-pistol shooting ranges that are—
(a)
on the same site; and
(b)
operated by the same range operator.
(2)
Regulations 28GZQ and 28GZR apply to an application for the enrolment of multiple non-pistol shooting ranges with the modifications set out in subclause (3).
(3)
The application must—
(a)
contain, in respect of each non-pistol shooting range, the information required by regulation 28GZQ(2)(c), (e), (f), (j), and (l); and
(b)
include for each non-pistol shooting range a declaration of the kind required by regulation 28GZQ(3); and
(c)
be supported by—
(i)
a copy of the range standing orders for each non-pistol shooting range; and
(ii)
evidence that the range standing orders have been approved by—
(A)
the association that the non-pistol shooting range is affiliated with (being an association that, under regulation 28GZZD, may approve the range standing orders of the non-pistol shooting range); or
(B)
the Police; and
(iii)
a copy of an inspection report undertaken in respect of each non-pistol shooting range of the kind required by regulation 28GZR(d).
28GZT Enrolment subject to conditions
The enrolment of a non-pistol shooting range is subject to the conditions set out in regulations 28GZU to 28GZZ.
28GZU Enrolment: conditions relating to notification of change of contact person
(1)
The range operator of an enrolled non-pistol shooting range must ensure that notice is given to the Commissioner of—
(a)
a change in a contact person for the shooting range:
(b)
a change in the name or the contact details of a contact person for the shooting range.
(2)
The notice must be given to the Commissioner within 28 days after the change.
28GZV Enrolment: conditions relating to duty officers
(1)
At all times while the enrolled non-pistol shooting range is in use, an officer must be on duty who—
(a)
holds a firearms licence; and
(b)
is appropriately trained in non-pistol shooting range safety management.
(2)
The range operator of an enrolled non-pistol shooting range must maintain, for each year ending on 30 June, a record of the officers who—
(a)
are on duty at the non-pistol shooting range from time to time during the year; and
(b)
satisfy the requirements in subclause (1).
(3)
The record must state—
(a)
the name of the officer; and
(b)
the firearms licence number of the officer; and
(c)
the training that the officer has had in non-pistol shooting range safety management.
(4)
The record for each year must be retained for a period of 2 years from the end of the year to which the record relates.
28GZW Enrolment: conditions relating to range standing orders
(1)
The range operator of an enrolled non-pistol shooting range must maintain range standing orders for the non-pistol shooting range.
(2)
The range operator of an enrolled non-pistol shooting range must, at all times while operating the shooting range, comply with the range standing orders for the non-pistol shooting range.
(3)
The range operator of an enrolled non-pistol shooting range must take all reasonable and practicable steps to ensure that all persons using the non-pistol shooting range—
(a)
have access to the current version of the range standing orders, whether in hard copy or electronic form; and
(b)
are advised of any change that is made to the range standing orders.
(4)
Any change to range standing orders for an enrolled non-pistol shooting range may only be made with the prior approval of the association that the non-pistol shooting range is affiliated with (that, under regulation 28GZZD, may approve the range standing orders of the non-pistol shooting range) or the Police if the change will, or may, affect—
(a)
the ballistic characteristics of the non-pistol shooting range; or
(b)
the operation or safety of the non-pistol shooting range.
(5)
The range operator of an enrolled non-pistol shooting range must ensure that notice is given to the Commissioner of any change to the range standing orders for the shooting range, including those made with the prior approval of—
(a)
the association that the non-pistol shooting range is affiliated with (that, under regulation 28GZZD, may approve the range standing orders of the non-pistol shooting range); or
(b)
the Police.
(6)
The notice under subclause (5) must be given to the Commissioner within 28 days after the change.
28GZX Enrolment: conditions relating to security of premises
(1)
This regulation applies if any firearms or ammunition, or both, are stored overnight on the premises of a non-pistol shooting range.
(2)
The range operator must ensure that the premises—
(a)
are structurally sound; and
(b)
have strong, well-maintained exterior doors with strong locks, bolts, hinges, and other fastenings that are capable of being secured against unlawful entry in a manner approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police; and
(c)
have well-maintained windows and skylights with locks, bolts, hinges, and other fastenings that are maintained in good condition and that are capable of being secured against unlawful entry in a manner approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police.
(3)
The range operator must ensure that when the premises are unoccupied, all reasonable steps are taken to secure the premises against unlawful entry.
28GZY Enrolment: conditions relating to secure storage of firearms and ammunition
(1)
This regulation applies if any firearms or ammunition, or both, are stored overnight on the premises of a non-pistol shooting range.
(2)
The range operator must ensure that the premises have storage facilities that enable firearms stored on the premises to be locked up in a steel box, steel cabinet, or steel safe that is secured to the premises, or in a steel and concrete strongroom or secure storeroom, and that the box, cabinet, safe, or strongroom is of sound construction and of a type approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police.
(3)
The range operator must ensure that the premises have storage facilities for ammunition stored on the premises that are approved for the time being either generally or in the particular case by a member of the Police and that the ammunition can be stored in—
(a)
an area that is not accessible to the public in a steel cabinet or container that is soundly constructed and secured to the premises to prevent its removal; or
(b)
a locked strongroom or storeroom.
28GZZ Enrolment: conditions relating to incidents and safety breaches
(1)
A range operator of a non-pistol shooting range must maintain an up-to-date record of any incidents or safety breaches that have occurred on any shooting range operated by the range operator and that did not result in injury to, or the death of, any person but had the potential to do so.
(2)
The record may be kept in hard copy or electronic form.
(3)
Each entry in the record must be kept for at least 5 years from the date on which the incident or safety breach occurred.
(4)
However, a range operator need not comply with this regulation if, in accordance with any regulations made for the purpose, the range operator provides information about each entry in the record to the Police for inclusion in the registry.
28GZZA When non-pistol shooting ranges may enter information in registry digitally
Information required by the Act or these regulations to be provided by or on behalf of a non-pistol shooting range operator to the Police may be entered in the registry digitally by or on behalf of the shooting range operator when the Commissioner allows.
Temporary non-pistol shooting ranges
28GZZB Notice of temporary non-pistol shooting ranges
(1)
Notice to the Commissioner, under section 38XD(2) of the Act, of a temporary non-pistol shooting range must be given by the operator at least 1 week prior to the beginning of the shooting event for which the temporary non-pistol shooting range is to be set up.
(2)
The notice must be given—
(a)
in writing in hard copy form; or
(b)
electronically (for example, by email or through an Internet site).
(3)
The notice must state—
(a)
the name and contact details of the temporary non-pistol range operator; and
(b)
the firearms licence number of the temporary non-pistol shooting range operator, if the range operator is an individual; and
(c)
the location of the temporary non-pistol shooting range; and
(d)
the date of the shooting event; and
(e)
the discipline of the temporary non-pistol shooting range; and
(f)
the types of firearms and the maximum calibre to be used at the temporary non-pistol shooting range.
(4)
The operator of the temporary non-pistol shooting range must—
(a)
sign the notice; or
(b)
use an electronic identity credential within the meaning of section 8 of the Electronic Identity Verification Act 2012.
28GZZC Information and documents required to support notice
A notice referred to in regulation 28GZZB must be supported by the following:
(a)
a copy of the range standing orders being used for the temporary non-pistol shooting range; and
(b)
evidence that the range standing orders have been approved by—
(i)
the association that the non-pistol shooting range is affiliated with (being an association that, under regulation 28GZZD, may approve the range standing orders of the non-pistol shooting range); or
(ii)
the Police.
Associations
28GZZD Associations that may approve range standing orders of non-pistol shooting ranges
An association that a non-pistol shooting range is affiliated with may approve the range standing orders of the non-pistol shooting range only if the association—
(a)
is an incorporated society; and
(b)
is representative of a group of non-pistol shooting clubs across a region or nationally; and
(c)
specialises in the discipline of the non-pistol shooting range or in the shooting activities carried out by the non-pistol shooting range; and
(d)
has oversight of, and the ability to set rules for, at least 1 other non-pistol shooting range.
28GZZE Standards used by associations to approve range standing orders of non-pistol shooting ranges
(1)
The standards used by an association to assess whether to approve the range standing orders of a non-pistol shooting range must be—
(a)
developed by the association; or
(b)
published by the Commissioner.
(2)
If the standards used by an association to assess whether to approve the range standing orders of a non-pistol shooting range are developed by the association, the association must—
(a)
make the standards available for inspection by any person on request; and
(b)
review and update the standards at regular intervals.
6 Regulation 41 amended (Initial obligation to provide information for registry if activating circumstance occurs)
In regulation 41(4), replace “24 June 2025”
with “24 June 2027”
.
7 Schedule 1AA amended
(1)
In Schedule 1AA, clause 4(3), definition of annual report, replace “38K”
with “38J”
.
(2)
In Schedule 1AA, clause 4(3), definition of due date, replace “38K”
with “38J”
.
8 Schedule 1A amended
(1)
In Schedule 1A, after item 1, insert:
| 1A | Application for enrolment | Nil |
(2)
In Schedule 1A, item 4, after “certification”
, insert “or enrolment”
.
(3)
In Schedule 1A, revoke item 4(d).
(4)
In Schedule 1A, revoke item 5(d).
(5)
In Schedule 1A, after item 6, insert:
| Notifications | |||
| 7 | Notice of temporary non-pistol shooting range | Nil | |
Nicola Purvis,
Acting Clerk of the Executive Council.
Explanatory note
This note is not part of the regulations but is intended to indicate their general effect.
These regulations amend the Arms Regulations 1992 (the principal regulations).
Regulations 4, 5, 7, and 8 come into force on 29 June 2025. This is the date on which the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2025 commences, which replaces Part 6 of the Arms Act 1983 (relating to shooting clubs and shooting ranges). Regulation 6 comes into force on 24 June 2025.
Regulation 4 amends regulation 22 of the principal regulations. Regulation 22 provides that an endorsement on a firearms licence permitting the licence holder to possess a pistol is subject to specified conditions. One of those conditions is that the licence holder participates in scheduled shooting activities organised by the pistol shooting club of which the licence holder is a member, on the pistol ranges used by the club, on at least 12 days each year ending on 30 June. This condition is modified so that participation in scheduled pistol shooting activities organised by any pistol shooting club and in international pistol shooting events may be taken into account.
Regulation 5 replaces Part 5 (shooting clubs) and Part 6 (shooting ranges) of the principal regulations.
New Part 5 distinguishes between pistol shooting clubs (new regulations 28E to 28GP) and non-pistol shooting clubs (new regulations 28GQ to 28GZ).
The new regulations relating to pistol shooting clubs specify—
how an application for a certificate of approval may be made in respect of a pistol shooting club, the details required to be stated in an application, and the information and documents required to support an application; and
the conditions that a certificate of approval is subject to; and
the information required to be included in a pistol shooting club’s annual report.
The new regulations relating to non-pistol shooting clubs specify—
how an application for enrolment may be made in respect of a non-pistol shooting club and the details required to be stated in an application; and
the conditions that enrolment is subject to.
New Part 6 distinguishes between pistol shooting ranges (new regulations 28GZC to 28GZP) and non-pistol shooting ranges (new regulations 28GZQ to 28GZZA).
The new regulations relating to pistol shooting ranges specify—
how an application for the certification of a pistol shooting range may be made, the details required to be stated in an application, and the information and documents required to support an application; and
the conditions that a certification is subject to; and
the circumstances in which an application may be made for the renewal of a certification, how a renewal application may be made, the details required to be stated in a renewal application, and the information and documents required to support a renewal application.
The new regulations relating to non-pistol shooting ranges specify—
how an application for enrolment may be made in respect of a non-pistol shooting range, the details required to be stated in an application, and the information and documents required to support an application; and
the conditions that enrolment is subject to.
New Part 6 also includes—
new regulations 28GZZB and 28GZZC, which set out the requirements for a notification given to the Commissioner of Police (the Commissioner) under section 38XD of the Act about temporary non-pistol shooting ranges:
new regulation 28GZZD, which sets out the criteria to be satisfied by an association that approves the range standing orders of a non-pistol shooting range affiliated with that association:
new regulation 28GZZE, which provides that an association may use its own standards to assess whether to approve the range standing orders of a non-pistol shooting range and that, if it does so, it must make those standards available for inspection on request and also review and update the standards regularly. Alternatively, the association may use the standards published by the Commissioner.
Regulation 6 amends regulation 41(4) of the principal regulations. Regulation 41(4) currently requires licensed dealers to register their stock in the firearms registry from a date determined by the Commissioner or 24 June 2025, whichever is the earlier. The latter date is deferred 2 years, to 24 June 2027, to provide sufficient time for the development of technology that will support compliance with this requirement.
Regulation 7 amends Schedule 1AA of the principal regulations to update cross-references.
Regulation 8 amends Schedule 1A of the principal regulations to provide that there is no application fee for the enrolment of a non-pistol shooting club and there is also no fee for giving notice of temporary non-pistol shooting range. The fees relating to one-time-use shooting ranges are also revoked, as these ranges are now treated as temporary non-pistol shooting ranges.
Regulatory impact statement
The Ministry of Justice produced a regulatory impact statement on 24 July 2024 to help inform the decisions taken by the Government in relation to the amendments arising from the legislative changes to shooting clubs and shooting ranges.
A copy of this regulatory impact statement can be found at—
The Ministry for Regulation has determined that the amendment to regulation 41(4) of the principal regulations, relating to the deferral of the date for licensed dealers to register their stock in the firearms registry, is exempt from the requirement to provide a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS). This determination was made on the grounds that the amendment has no or only minor impacts on businesses, individuals, and not-for-profit entities.
Date of notification in Gazette: 29 May 2025.
These regulations are administered by the Ministry of Justice.