Police have today opened public submissions on proposed regulations for the new Firearms Registry, which is set to be in place by June 2023.
Hunting rifles. Photo: 123RF
The public can now have a say on proposed rules for the new Firearms Registry.
It involves information that will be recorded, the obligations of licence holders to provide information and a timeframe for when licence holders must register their items.
The registry will link firearms to licence holders and track the sales of firearms, parts and ammunition.
Police say over time this will enable greater oversight of the number and location of firearms items in New Zealand and who holds them.
Executive director firearms Angela Brazier said the registry would give firearms licence holders certainty that the person they were buying or selling arms to or from was a current licence holder and the firearm was legally held and identified in the registry.
"A stringent certification and accreditation process will be followed to ensure the highest standards of privacy protections and security of personal data and information are met," Brazier said.
"The new regulations will clarify the requirements for firearms licence holders and dealers to provide information for the Firearms Registry and specify how the information is provided."
The submissions cover the obligations of licence holders and those in possession of firearms along with the deadline by which licence holders must have all of lawfully held firearms registered.
The information recorded in the registry would help police ensure only fit and proper people had access to firearms, Brazier said.
"We want to ensure the regulations are fit for purpose, and give interested people the opportunity to understand and shape the proposed regulations," she said.
Police said the new registry would help keep communities safe and ensure firearms were used safely and for legitimate purposes.
The registry would offer free online transactions, similar to the system used with driver licensing, but paper-based services for firearms licence holders would also continue to be offered, Brazier said.
There are three ways to send in your submission:
- Use the online submission form located here and either:
- Attach it to an email to consultation@police.govt.nz
- Post it to the Policy Group, Police National Headquarters, PO Box 3017 Wellington, or use the online submission platform
The public submissions will be analysed and the final proposals developed for consideration by Cabinet.
Public consultation will be open for six weeks and the registry will be in place by June next year.