[TheLanes]

I am a keen sporting gun in Blightly and would like to bring my shot-guns out to NZ in the near future - is my English license any good (ie legal in NZ) or do I need to get an international licence - can anyone throw any light on this subject.

Mark Lane

[Oregonkiwi]

welcome to the forum!
try this:
http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/

[Smiler]

Hi Mark

OH is just going through the process right now. He doesn't have a UK license and we've been here just over a year.

It's pretty simple, just slow. He took the application form into the police station after paying the fee at the post shop $125.00 approx. They then pass it to the firearms officer who checks you out and interview your 2 referees.

This was the weird bit as he came to interview me and just basically put all the answers in my mouth and wrote them on the form before I could agree really. :confused: Like "Is he a gang member? No? good". The FO also checked the gun storage but really only briefly, nothing about separate storage for cartridges or the key to the gun safe being in a different place, not in the door lock.

Everything is still hand written and the form was about 10 double sides and he was here for 90 mins or so. OH has passed all that and now has to attend a safety lecture/test at the police station (this is run by our neighbour :D) and then finally gets his license.

He started the application back in September, they lost the paperwork once and we've moved, so had to transfer areas.

So all very straightforward, just slow for us. HTH.

[Ana&Steve]

Just thought I'd add questions :D Do you need a license for a BB gun or 22? Are there general populace who carry handguns?
Thanks,
Ana

[Hannah]

Ana, you don't need licence for BB gun or 22 (air rifle/gun) but you do need to list it on your inventory of goods being shipped. If you inform your local firearms officer when you arrive he could come along and be present at the unloading of your container and inspect the gun, and inform customs that it does not need a licence. If the firearms officer is not present, it will be confiscated by customs and you will need to apply to the police to have it returned.
We rang our local firearms officer in new plymouth and found him to be very helpful. He has suggested we contact him when we fly in, inform him of when our goods are due to arrive, and he will book in an appointment to attend the unloading if he can.
Regarding the first query, if you have any specific questions about guns I'd suggest you find out the local police dept telephone no. and ring them, asking for name/contact details of the local firearms officer.

I'm not aware of people carrying around handguns, i think guns are mainly used for hunting (possums etc) and target practice/firing tin cans (as my hubby likes doing for some bizarre reason)

hannah

[Ana&Steve]

Thanks, Hannah! We don't have guns (but I'm a pretty good shot! :D ) but from what smiler said on another thread, I thought a BB gun or 22 would be good for possum control. About the hand guns I was just curious about what was out there. :)
Ana

[Smiler]

Hannah

Do you know where you saw that a license isn't required for .22 please? :D

The FAO told OH he needs a license for one and we've applied, and I'm now confused? :confused:

Fiddle! Forget that, you're probably on the plane right now. Ignore me, I'll get me coat! :o

[Dozzer]

I think a licence is required for a firearm... but not for an air rifle (.22 calibre or .177) - a .22 rifle with "real" cartridges requires a licence.

There is an age limit for unsupervised air rifle usage. 16yo I think.