Police is looking forward to providing an enhanced firearms safety training programme that has both a theory and practical component.

"The current theory-based programme has successfully run for many years and Police is grateful for the many hours put in by volunteer instructors in support of their communities. Over the recent years, Police and the firearms community have seen the need for a practical component to contribute towards improved safety outcomes,” says Acting Superintendent Mike McIlraith.

"There has been a desire for a practical component for first-time firearms licence applicants and we are happy this will be delivered from July this year."

Police sought tenders from interested parties to provide the practical training. Following the Government procurement process, Police has signed a two-year trial programme contract with the Mountain Safety Council to provide firearms safety practical training on behalf of Police.

"This enhanced training programme for first-time firearms licence applicants is part of Police’s work towards improved safety outcomes.

"Police wants all people to be safe and feel safe, this is especially important when firearms are being used."

Mountain Safety Council CEO Mike Daisley says they are pleased to have been confirmed as the successful provider.

"We proposed a training framework that was developed after extensive feedback from face-to-face meetings in every region of New Zealand that currently has firearms safety training.

"The new system will deliver higher levels of consistency and bring new firearms users up to speed more effectively.

"We’d like to publicly thank our volunteers for decades of service to their communities. New Zealand is indebted to their tireless work to improve firearms safety."

Acting Superintendent Mike McIIraith says the tender process was competitive.

"As in any process like this, there were other organisations that could have done the job but we believe the Mountain Safety Council will provide the best service based on our requirements."

The criteria were: the proposed solution being fit for purpose, the capability and capacity of the respondent to deliver, and price.

The enhanced programme has a theory component that must be passed and a practical component where the applicant must achieve a required standard. More information on how the theory and practical components will be delivered will be released in May.