New Zealand Police is encouraging public submissions on proposals for new regulations for shooting clubs and ranges, to help support community safety from firearms harm.

On 24 June 2022, a new part of the Arms Act 1983 comes into force to strengthen the oversight of shooting clubs and ranges. The new laws create requirements for all shooting clubs to be approved, and all shooting ranges to be certified, by the Police Commissioner.

Proposals for the new regulations are being shared with the public so those affected can submit views on the practical details and help shape the final form of the regulations. Public consultation on the proposals for new regulations for shooting clubs and ranges is now open, and will run for six weeks, until 4 May 2022.

The consultation document and further information can be found on the Police website here: consultation-shooting-clubs-ranges-regulations.

Further information on Clubs and Ranges can be found here: Clubs and ranges

Police acknowledges the early feedback received on the proposals for shooting clubs, and will continue to work closely and iteratively with firearms community representatives to understand their concerns and take them into account. This will be considered along with the wider feedback on the consultation’s proposals to support development of the regulations for both shooting clubs and ranges. Police encourages all interested parties to make a submission on the proposals over the six week consultation period.