New law simplifies rules for clubs and ranges.
New Zealand's Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed the passage of the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2025. The legislation aims to modernise firearms laws by providing regulatory relief to shooting club and range operators while maintaining public safety.
The Act introduces a new simpler enrolment system for non-pistol shooting clubs and ranges, reduces barriers to operating temporary non-pistol ranges, clarifies the timing of inspections, and makes minor changes to reduce compliance burdens. According to McKee, these changes will provide relief to struggling club and range operators who have faced unnecessary regulatory requirements.
The law was developed following consultation with stakeholders, including members of the clubs and ranges community, firearms safety experts, and the wider public through the Select Committee process. Updates to the Arms Regulations 1992 are expected to come into effect in three months' time as part of the Government's four-phase approach to firearms reform.