If you’re applying for a firearms licence for the first time and live in a remote or isolated area, you can apply for the community-based Whakatūpato Programme.
First-time firearms licence applicants must attend and pass a firearms safety course. Find out what you need to do and how to book.
About the firearms safety course
The course is delivered by firearms safety specialists at venues across the country.
The course is free, but you must have paid for your firearms licence application.
The course has 2 parts.
1. Firearms theory test
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: English, Simplified Chinese, Te Reo Māori
Format: 30 multiple choice questions
Support: You are welcome to bring a reader/writer or interpreter with you.
This test confirms your understanding of the Firearms Safety Code, firearms safety practices and legislation requirements.
You sit the theory test before doing the firearms practical training session.
Everything you need to know to pass the firearms theory test is in the Firearms Safety Code.
It's not difficult to pass the firearms theory test if you study the Firearms Safety Code thoroughly – do not just read it once.
If you do not pass the firearms theory test on your first attempt, you will be given a second opportunity to sit the test after the practical session. If you do not pass the firearms theory test on your second attempt, we will let you know what will happen next.
2. Firearms practical training session
The firearms practical training session covers safe handling and use of firearms.
You must demonstrate safe handling of a deactivated firearm during your practical training session in accordance with the Firearms Safety Code. If you act in an unsafe way, you'll be removed from the session and we will reconsider your status as a fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence.
Your firearms instructor will work with you during the course to help you with any firearms handling or safety concerns.
During the session, you'll have an opportunity to practice the following:
- State and apply the 7 basic rules of firearms safety.
- Identify the main components of a firearm.
- Demonstrate safety precautions and states of readiness on various firearm types.
- Know how to safely cross a fence and how to safely use a transit case/bag to transport firearms.
Available safety courses
Safety courses are displayed up-to 10 weeks ahead:
| Region | City | Day | Date | Time | Location |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Tue | 02/12/25 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Lounge Hall |
| Canterbury | Ashburton | Fri | 05/12/25 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Ashburton |
| Canterbury | Ashburton | Wed | 14/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Ashburton |
| Canterbury | Timaru | Thu | 15/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | South Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers |
| Auckland | Browns Bay | Fri | 16/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Browns Bay Marine Centre |
| Auckland (South) | Drury Auckland | Wed | 21/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Drury Rugby Club |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Wed | 21/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Waikato | Paeroa | Thu | 22/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Thu | 22/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Hall Lounge |
| Nelson - Tasman | Blenheim | Fri | 23/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Renwick Sports & Events Centre |
| Auckland (West) | Auckland | Wed | 28/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Auckland Branch Deerstalkers |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Wed | 28/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Hall Lounge |
| West Coast | Greymouth | Thu | 29/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Greymouth |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Thu | 29/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Southland | Invercargill | Thu | 29/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | The Scottish Hall |
| Auckland | Whangaparoa | Fri | 30/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Raroa Guide Hall |
| West Coast | Greymouth | Fri | 30/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Greymouth |
| Southland | Gore | Fri | 30/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Gore RSA |
| Auckland (South) | Pukekohe | Sat | 31/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Salvation Army Community |
| Auckland (South) | Pukekohe | Tue | 3/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Salvation Army Community |
| Otago | Dunedin | Tue | 3/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Mosgiel RSA |
| Waikato | Hamilton | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Waikato Branch Deerstalkers |
| Bay of Plenty | Whakatāne | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Whakatāne |
| Nelson - Tasman | Blenheim | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Renwick Sports & Events Centre |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Hall Lounge |
| Gisborne | Gisborne | Mon | 9/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room |
| Auckland (South) | Drury Auckland | Wed | 11/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Drury Rugby Club |
| Otago | Alexandra | Wed | 11/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Alexandra District Club |
| Bay of Plenty | Ōmokoroa | Thu | 12/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall |
| Hawke’s Bay | Napier | Thu | 12/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game |
| Auckland | Whangaparoa | Fri | 13/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Raroa Guide Hall |
| Hawke’s Bay | Napier | Fri | 13/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game |
| Taranaki | New Plymouth | Fri | 13/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers |
| Southland | Te Anau | Fri | 13/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Marakura Yacht Club |
| Auckland (South) | Pukekohe | Sat | 14/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Salvation Army Corps Pukekohe |
| Wellington | Masterton | Sat | 14/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | REAP House Rangitumau Room |
| Waikato | Hamilton | Tue | 17/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Waikato Branch Deerstalkers |
| Otago | Dunedin | Tue | 17/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Mosgiel RSA |
| Auckland (South) | Drury Auckland | Wed | 18/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Drury Rugby Club |
| Waikato | Hamilton | Wed | 18/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Waikato Branch Deerstalkers |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Bunnythorpe | Wed | 18/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Bunnythorpe Community Centre |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Wed | 18/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Northland | Whangarei | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Kaurihohore Public Hall |
| Bay of Plenty | Te Puke | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Te Puke Baptist Church |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Whanganui | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Whanganui Function Centre |
| West Coast | Greymouth | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Greymouth |
| Otago | Oamaru | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | North Otago Deerstalkers Branch |
| Otago | Arrowtown | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Arrowtown Community Centre |
| Northland | Pakaraka | Fri | 20/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Pakaraka Hall |
| Waikato | Paeroa | Fri | 20/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Feilding | Fri | 20/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Colyton Hall Feilding |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Fri | 20/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Auckland | Whangaparoa | Tue | 24/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Raroa Guide Hall |
| Bay of Plenty | Rotorua | Wed | 25/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers |
| Nelson - Tasman | Nelson | Wed | 25/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Wed | 25/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Hall Lounge |
| Auckland | Browns Bay | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Browns Bay Marine Centre |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Taumaranui | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Taumarunui Rugby & Sports Club |
| Waikato | Tūrangi | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Te Mataapuna |
| Wellington | Upper Hutt | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Maidstone Sports Hub |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Southland | Invercargill | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | The Scottish Hall |
| Auckland (South) | Drury Auckland | Fri | 27/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Drury Rugby Club |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Taihape | Fri | 27/02/2026 | 8:30AM-2:30PM | Kokako Street Hall |
| Waikato | Taupō | Fri | 27/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Taupo Event Centre Clubroom |
| Southland | Gore | Fri | 27/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Gore RSA |
| Auckland (South) | Pukekohe | Sat | 28/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Salvation Army Corps Pukekohe |
Who is the course for?
You must attend and pass a firearms safety course before your vetting interview if:
- this is the first time you have applied for a firearms licence, or
- your licence expired more than 1 year ago.
You'll be tested on your knowledge of current firearms safety requirements during your vetting interview if:
- your licence is still valid, or
- your licence expired less than 1 year ago.
Your obligations as a licence holder may have changed since you last applied, so you should familiarise yourself with any new requirements. You can do this by reading the Firearms Safety Code.
If your Whakatūpato certificate was issued less than 1 year ago, you do not need to do the firearms safety course before you apply for a firearms licence.
If you cannot attend the firearms safety course
Before you take the course
Study
You’ll need to review:
Apply for your firearms licence
For information on how to apply, visit:
Book your safety course
Step 1: Find your unique ID number
After applying for a firearms licence, you'll receive a letter or email from Te Tari Pūreke to confirm you can register to attend a firearms safety course.
The letter will include a unique ID just for booking into the safety course.
You must use this unique ID to make your booking. Do not use your licence application submission number.
If you lose your ID number, email firearmslicence.applications@police.govt.nz
Step 2: Check dates and locations
Find out where and when a firearms safety course is happening near you by checking the available safety courses below.
Step 3: Book your course
Theory tests and practical training are booked together as the firearms safety course.
To book a course, you'll need to email us with the following information:
- unique ID,
- first and last name,
- mobile phone number,
- if you intend to bring a reader, writer, or interpreter with you,
- whether you have any access or mobility requirements,
- the course time, date, and location that you want to attend - please provide a first and second choice option.
Book your course by emailing our team the above information to our team: supportfirearmsafety@police.govt.nz
By emailing us, you confirm that:
- you are aware that your place is not confirmed until you receive an email from Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority confirming course details and study requirements, and
- you are aware you must bring a valid photo ID to the course, and
- that any cancellation or change to your booking must be notified as soon as possible to Te Tari Pūreke.
We will contact you to confirm your booking as soon as possible.
Your submitted data will be held, used and protected in line with the provisions of the Privacy Act 2020. You can read more about our privacy policy.
Available safety courses
Safety courses are displayed up-to 10 weeks ahead:
| Region | City | Day | Date | Time | Location |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Tue | 02/12/25 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Lounge Hall |
| Canterbury | Ashburton | Fri | 05/12/25 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Ashburton |
| Canterbury | Ashburton | Wed | 14/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Ashburton |
| Canterbury | Timaru | Thu | 15/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | South Canterbury Branch Deerstalkers |
| Auckland | Browns Bay | Fri | 16/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Browns Bay Marine Centre |
| Auckland (South) | Drury Auckland | Wed | 21/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Drury Rugby Club |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Wed | 21/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Waikato | Paeroa | Thu | 22/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Thu | 22/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Hall Lounge |
| Nelson - Tasman | Blenheim | Fri | 23/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Renwick Sports & Events Centre |
| Auckland (West) | Auckland | Wed | 28/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Auckland Branch Deerstalkers |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Wed | 28/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Hall Lounge |
| West Coast | Greymouth | Thu | 29/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Greymouth |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Thu | 29/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Southland | Invercargill | Thu | 29/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | The Scottish Hall |
| Auckland | Whangaparoa | Fri | 30/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Raroa Guide Hall |
| West Coast | Greymouth | Fri | 30/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Greymouth |
| Southland | Gore | Fri | 30/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Gore RSA |
| Auckland (South) | Pukekohe | Sat | 31/01/26 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Salvation Army Community |
| Auckland (South) | Pukekohe | Tue | 3/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Salvation Army Community |
| Otago | Dunedin | Tue | 3/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Mosgiel RSA |
| Waikato | Hamilton | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Waikato Branch Deerstalkers |
| Bay of Plenty | Whakatāne | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Whakatāne |
| Nelson - Tasman | Blenheim | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Renwick Sports & Events Centre |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Wed | 4/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Hall Lounge |
| Gisborne | Gisborne | Mon | 9/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Lawson Field Theatre – Rose Room |
| Auckland (South) | Drury Auckland | Wed | 11/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Drury Rugby Club |
| Otago | Alexandra | Wed | 11/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Alexandra District Club |
| Bay of Plenty | Ōmokoroa | Thu | 12/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall |
| Hawke’s Bay | Napier | Thu | 12/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game |
| Auckland | Whangaparoa | Fri | 13/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Raroa Guide Hall |
| Hawke’s Bay | Napier | Fri | 13/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Hawke’s Bay Branch Fish & Game |
| Taranaki | New Plymouth | Fri | 13/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | North Taranaki Branch Deerstalkers |
| Southland | Te Anau | Fri | 13/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Marakura Yacht Club |
| Auckland (South) | Pukekohe | Sat | 14/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Salvation Army Corps Pukekohe |
| Wellington | Masterton | Sat | 14/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | REAP House Rangitumau Room |
| Waikato | Hamilton | Tue | 17/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Waikato Branch Deerstalkers |
| Otago | Dunedin | Tue | 17/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Mosgiel RSA |
| Auckland (South) | Drury Auckland | Wed | 18/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Drury Rugby Club |
| Waikato | Hamilton | Wed | 18/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Waikato Branch Deerstalkers |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Bunnythorpe | Wed | 18/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Bunnythorpe Community Centre |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Wed | 18/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Northland | Whangarei | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Kaurihohore Public Hall |
| Bay of Plenty | Te Puke | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Te Puke Baptist Church |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Whanganui | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Whanganui Function Centre |
| West Coast | Greymouth | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | St John Greymouth |
| Otago | Oamaru | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | North Otago Deerstalkers Branch |
| Otago | Arrowtown | Thu | 19/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Arrowtown Community Centre |
| Northland | Pakaraka | Fri | 20/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Pakaraka Hall |
| Waikato | Paeroa | Fri | 20/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Thames Valley Branch Deerstalkers |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Feilding | Fri | 20/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Colyton Hall Feilding |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Fri | 20/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Auckland | Whangaparoa | Tue | 24/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Raroa Guide Hall |
| Bay of Plenty | Rotorua | Wed | 25/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Rotorua Branch Deerstalkers |
| Nelson - Tasman | Nelson | Wed | 25/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Founders Heritage Park. Jaycee Room |
| Canterbury | Wigram | Wed | 25/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Harvard Hall Lounge |
| Auckland | Browns Bay | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Browns Bay Marine Centre |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Taumaranui | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Taumarunui Rugby & Sports Club |
| Waikato | Tūrangi | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Te Mataapuna |
| Wellington | Upper Hutt | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Maidstone Sports Hub |
| Canterbury | Christchurch | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | NZ Handloaders Association |
| Southland | Invercargill | Thu | 26/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | The Scottish Hall |
| Auckland (South) | Drury Auckland | Fri | 27/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Drury Rugby Club |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Taihape | Fri | 27/02/2026 | 8:30AM-2:30PM | Kokako Street Hall |
| Waikato | Taupō | Fri | 27/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Taupo Event Centre Clubroom |
| Southland | Gore | Fri | 27/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Gore RSA |
| Auckland (South) | Pukekohe | Sat | 28/02/2026 | 9:00AM-3:00PM | Salvation Army Corps Pukekohe |
What to bring
You must bring valid (current) photo ID with you to the course.
The name on your ID must exactly match the name printed on your firearms safety course confirmation. If they do not match, contact Te Tari Pūreke immediately to request a replacement confirmation with the correct details.
Bring packed refreshments as there will be a short break for lunch. There are no cooking facilities available.
You must not bring any firearms or ammunition with you. Deactivated firearms for safety demonstration will be provided by your firearms instructor.
What kind of ID to bring
You can bring any one of the following current forms of ID:
- New Zealand passport
- Overseas passport
- New Zealand driver licence
- Police identity card
- New Zealand Defence Force photo identification
- Kiwi Access Card (18+ card)
- Identity document issued by the New Zealand government
If you are aged 16 or 17 and do not have the required photo ID for the course, you must bring one of the following non-photo IDs:
- Birth certificate
- Citizenship certificate
- Permanent resident document
- Identity document issued by a secondary or tertiary institution
- Card issued by a New Zealand bank with your full name and signature
- Educational record or certificate
- Professional or trade association membership certificate
After you've passed the course
You do not need to let us know that you’ve attended the course as we are automatically notified of your attendance and the results.
It’s a good idea for new firearms users to find a mentor. You can join a shooting or hunting club, an association, or partner with an experienced shooter to build on knowledge and skills.
Last updated
1 July 2025
| Need help? | |
 |
Phone 0800 844 431 (04 499 2870) 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday |