Public consultation on the Arms Act rewrite

Overview

We are rewriting the Arms Act to ensure it provides for greater protection of public safety, reflects best regulatory practice, and is fit for purpose. The rewrite is a key part of the commitment made by the Government in the Coalition Agreement between the National Party and ACT Party to reform New Zealand’s firearms system. Visit the Firearms reform webpage for more information.

Firearms reform

Why your views matter

Every community has a role in shaping the rewrite of the Act. We want to hear your thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change. Your submission will help the Government identify where the Act is and isn’t working.

Discussion document

We have developed a discussion document to assist with your submission. This document divides the Act into seven key themes and includes a glossary to explain technical terms. The glossary can also be downloaded as a separate document. 

• Arms Act rewrite discussion document
• Glossary of firearms terms for the Arms Act rewrite consultation 

Summary version of the discussion document

We have also created a summary version of the discussion document that is shorter, less technical and available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Somali, Urdu, New Zealand Sign Language, as well as in large print, e-braille and audio.

• Arms Act rewrite summary version of the discussion document – English
• Arms Act rewrite summary version of the discussion document – Arabic
• Arms Act rewrite summary version of the discussion document – Bengali
• Arms Act rewrite summary version of the discussion document – Somali
• Arms Act rewrite summary version of the discussion document – Urdu
• Arms Act rewrite summary version of the discussion document – Easy Read
• Arms Act rewrite summary version of the discussion document - large print
• Arms Act rewrite summary version of the discussion document - e-braille
• Arms Act rewrite summary version of the discussion document - audio

Video presentation - a quick guide to making a submission

To help people understand how to make a submission, we've created a short six-minute video presentation.

Closing date

Submissions must be received by midnight 28 February. Due to expected high interest, we encourage early submissions.

Other ways to make your submission

If you prefer not to use Citizen Space, you can email or post your submission. 

What happens next

Your submission will help the Government understand where the Act is and isn't working. Your thoughts and ideas will feed into an analysis process where all suggestions will be considered.

Submissions received through this consultation will support the developement of policy proposals for the rewrite of the Act.

After this, the Government will rewrite the Act and introduce it to Parliament as a bill. You will have an oppurtunity to provide further feedback on specific policy proposals when the bill goes through the Select Committee process. This is expected to occur in late 2025.