Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Bill
This bill changes the rules for shooting clubs and gun ranges in New Zealand. It splits them into two groups: pistol clubs and ranges (which keep strict rules), and non-pistol clubs and ranges like rifle and shotgun clubs (which get lighter rules). Non-pistol clubs and ranges would sign up through a simpler 'enrolment' system instead of the current approval process. Police can still inspect ranges but less often for non-pistol ones. The bill also shifts some decision-making powers from the Police Minister to whichever minister is responsible for the Arms Act.
What this affects
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The bill changes how gun clubs and shooting ranges are checked and approved by Police, with lighter oversight for non-pistol clubs and ranges.
Unless there is a change of circumstances that may affect its safety, an inspection under subsection (1) may only be undertaken… in respect of a non-pistol shooting range, when the Commissioner is considering an application for enrolment, and then at intervals of not less than 5 years.
A person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 if the person, without reasonable excuse, establishes or operates a non-pistol shooting club without the club being enrolled.
A member of the Police may, by notice in writing to a pistol shooting club, temporarily suspend the operations of the shooting club if the member is satisfied that the shooting club has failed to comply with an improvement notice.
Progress through Parliament
Have your say
This bill is open for public submissions to the Justice Committee. Anyone can tell the committee what they think, and you don’t need to be an expert. Submissions close 28 October 2024.
Bill text sourced from legislation.govt.nz (Parliamentary Counsel Office). Arapono’s summary and breakdown are drafted with AI grounded in that official text and reviewed by an Arapono editor for accuracy and neutrality before publishing. Arapono is non-partisan and takes no position on this bill.