New Arms Act
The “red tape” of rifle and shotgun ownership will be cut away this year. Under the new Arms Act which comes into force in June there will be licences for people with firearms, rather like a driving licence. The focus is on the person rather than on the firearm and firearm registration certificates and permits to procure will no longer be needed. There are advantages in this law to the public who want more stringent control.
There are also advantages to the law abiding shooter who wants freedom to pursue his sport. And there are advantages to the police in dealing with any unlawful use of firearms. By having licences for persons considered fit and proper and by having computer records of the licences the police can see immediately who should or should not have firearms. This will save administrative time and free the police for more useful work in the community. The change from registering firearms to licensing people will involve a lot of work. There are 600,000 rifles and shotguns in New Zealand and 350,000 owners.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/TUTANG19840401.2.29
Bibliographic details
Tu Tangata, Issue 17, 1 April 1984, Page 27
Word Count
181New Arms Act Tu Tangata, Issue 17, 1 April 1984, Page 27
Using This Item
Material in this publication is subject to Crown copyright. Te Puni Kōkiri has granted permission to the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa to develop and maintain this content online. You can search, browse, print and download for research and personal study. Permission must be obtained from Te Puni Kōkiri for any other use.
Log in