Do You Need a Firearms Licence? New Zealand Legal Guide
1. Standard Air Rifles (Break-Barrel & Gas Piston)
- No licence required if you are 18 years of age or older.
- You can legally purchase and use standard break-barrel, under-lever, or CO2-powered air guns without a firearms licence.
- Individuals aged 16 or 17 may also purchase standard air rifles, provided they hold a valid NZ Firearms Licence.
2. PCP Air Rifles & Shotguns
- A valid NZ Firearms Licence is strictly required to purchase or possess Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air rifles.
- The New Zealand Police classify PCP air guns as "Specially Dangerous Airguns" due to their high velocity and power output.
- A valid NZ Firearms Licence is strictly required to purchase any shotgun.
3. Important Rules for Unlicensed Shooters (Immediate Supervision)
Anyone without a licence (including those under 18) may temporarily use a non-prohibited firearm or standard air rifle under the immediate supervision of a current NZ Firearms Licence holder.
According to the Firearms Safety Authority (Te Tari Pureke), "immediate supervision" means the licence holder:
- Is physically present and actively supervising the unlicensed shooter at all times.
- Is close enough to instantly take control of the firearm if necessary.
- Must not be handling or using another firearm at the same time.
Official Police Mail-Order Procurement Links
To purchase firearms or airguns through online mail order, you must complete the official police verification process:
- Download and complete your FRM43A Mail Order Form (Note: Replace the # with your actual PDF link).
- Take the form alongside your photo ID to your nearest station. Use the NZ Police Station Finder to find your local branch.
- For the complete framework of local shooting laws, read the official Te Tari Pureke Airgun Safety Guide or review our own online Terms & Conditions.