The Firearms Regulatory System

Key statutes 

  • Arms Act 1983 
  • Search and Surveillance Act 2012
  • Crimes Act 1961
  • Family Violence Act 2018
  • Intelligence and Security Act 2017

Key secondary legislation

  • Arms Regulations 1992
  • Arms (Restricted Weapons and Specially Dangerous Airguns) Order 1984
  • Arms (Military Style Semi-automatic Firearms—Pistol Grips) Order 2013
  • Arms (Prohibited Magazine) Order 2019
  • Arms (Prohibited Ammunition) Order 2019
  • Privacy (Information Sharing Agreement between New Zealand Gang Intelligence Centre Activities) Order 2018

Forward work

Firearms Registry review

The Government has committed to undertaking a review of the Firearms Registry, starting by June 2024.

Review of the Firearms Registry - Terms of Reference [PDF, 198 KB]

Cabinet papers and further information can be found:

Firearms Reform Programme [PDF, 1.6 MB]

Appointments - Ministers Arms Advisory Panel [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Phase 3 of the firearm reforms: Registry Review Terms of Reference [PDF, 3.5 MB]

Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill [PDF, 1.6 MB]