New Zealand has announced plans for a major overhaul of its gun laws. The government says the reforms will introduce a new firearms regulator and tighter licensing rules to strengthen public safety and modernise outdated legislation.
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the current system is confusing and more than 40 years old. She says the new framework will be clearer, easier to follow and better aligned with today’s risks. The proposal creates an independent firearms regulator that will operate inside the police structure but without sworn police officers. An independent chief executive will lead the agency and report only to the firearms minister.
The government also plans to introduce new firearms regulator and tighter licensing rules to ensure stronger checks on gun owners. A new “red flag” process will allow agencies to share information more quickly when concerns arise. Officials will use this process to assess whether a licence holder remains fit to own firearms.
Gang members will face automatic disqualification from holding a licence. The proposal also expands approved storage locations so gun owners can store firearms at more than just their main residence.
The reform package introduces several new firearms offences. These include unsafe storage, failing to report a lost licence and possessing blueprints for illegal weapon manufacturing. Penalties for many existing offences will also increase.
The proposal does not change rules for military-style semi-automatic firearms. These weapons remain heavily restricted under laws passed after the 2019 Christchurch attacks. Gun-control groups welcomed the decision, while some firearm owners expressed frustration.
The government says the new firearms regulator and tighter licensing rules will help create a clearer and more effective system. The draft bill is expected to reach Parliament by the end of the year, followed by a public consultation process.
