On 19 September 2022, Cabinet noted that the demand for firearms licences was outstripping the ability of Police to process applications. It agreed to amend the Arms Act to enable a previously held firearms licence to be considered current until a decision is made on an application, provided that application is made before the previous licence expires.

Cabinet invited the Minister of Police to report back to Cabinet in March 2023 on progress in processing licensing applications, including where improvements can be made.

On 29 November 2022, the Arms (Licence Holders’ Applications for New Licences) Amendment Act 2022 was passed, allowing firearms licences to be treated as current where applications are made but cannot be processed before expiry. This report back is included below.