Firearms law in New Zealand
Last reviewed: 2026-05-06 · editorial review
New Zealand operates a single Firearms Licence (administered by the Te Tari Pūreke / Firearms Safety Authority) plus endorsements for restricted classes. After the March 2019 Christchurch attack, the Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act removed almost all military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) firearms from civilian ownership through a buy-back.
To apply you must be 16+, complete a safety course, sit a written test, pass an interview, provide referees, and show a secure home safe.
Key laws
- Arms Act 1983 + Arms Amendment Acts 2019, 2020.
- Te Tari Pūreke / Firearms Safety Authority — administers licensing.
- Endorsements: A (standard), B (pistols, club only), C (collector), E (now extremely limited), G (theatrical).
Licences in New Zealand
- Standard Firearms Licence (A) · 16+ · training required
- B endorsement (pistols) · 18+ · training required
- C endorsement (collector) · 18+ · training required
Licence → what you can own
Quick-glance matrix. Click a licence for the full conditions.
| Licence | Standard sporting firearms (A-cat) | Pistols | Military-style semi-automatic | Collectors items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Firearms Licence (A) | ✓ | ✗ | — | ✗ |
| B endorsement (pistols) | ✓ | Club use only | — | ✗ |
| C endorsement (collector) | ✓ | ✗ | — | ✓ |
Key: ✓ permitted (often with conditions) · ✗ not permitted under this licence · — class is prohibited in New Zealand
Regional differences
- Northland
- Auckland
- Waikato
- Bay of Plenty
- Gisborne
- Hawkes Bay
- Taranaki
- Manawatu-Whanganui
- Wellington
- Tasman
- Nelson
- Marlborough
- West Coast
- Canterbury
- Otago
- Southland
Sources
This is general information, not legal advice. Always check with your local firearms registry or a lawyer for your specific situation.