Arms Act 1993 (New Zealand)

Arms Act 1983

Parliament of New Zealand
Long title/
Purpose		 An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to firearms and to promote both the safe use and the control of firearms and other weapons
Administered by New Zealand Police
Dates
Date of Royal Assent 29 November 1983
Commencement 1 June 1984
Other legislation
Status: Current legislation

The Arms Act 1983 is the primary statute controlling the possession and use of firearms in New Zealand.

Contents

Basic principles of the Act

The basic premise of the New Zealand arms control regime is the licensing of individuals as being fit and proper persons to possess firearms. Firearms themselves are not generally registered or licensed, although exceptions exist for pistols, restricted weapons and military-style semi-automatic firearms (MSSAs).

History of the Act

The act came into force on 1 June 1984, replacing the Arms Act 1958 (1958 No 21).

It has subsequently been amended by the following statutes:

Operation of the Act

The Act is administered by the New Zealand Police. The full legislative framework of the arms control regime is defined by the Act in conjunction with:

The act grants the police considerable discretion in the administration of the arms control regime. Police policy in respect of the arms regime is documented in the Police Arms Manual.

Provisions of the Act

The act contains provisions for the following:

See also

External links