Bryan Ward - Standard firearms licence: Who needs one?

Anyone can use a sporting firearm without a licence if they are under the immediate supervision of a licence holder. 'Immediate supervision' means the licensed person is within reach and can control the firearm. The supervisor must not be using another firearm at the same time.

If you are 16 years old or over you can apply for a standard firearms licence. This will allow you to have and use unsupervised:

• Sporting type shotguns and rifles
• Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles.

You need a special addition to your licence (called an endorsement) to:

• Possess or use pistols for target shooting (B endorsement)
• Collect pistols and restricted weapons or stage theatrical performances involving pistols and restricted weapons (C endorsement)
• Possess or use military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) rifles or shotguns (E endorsement).

Using airguns
If you are 18 or older you do not need a licence to own or use an airgun unsupervised. You do need a standard firearms licence to use pre-charged pneumatic air rifles, except those used in airsoft/MilSim and paintball sports.

If you are 16 or 17 years old and wish to buy or use an airgun unsupervised, you need a standard firearms licence.

Find out more at http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/firearms/standard-new-zealand-firearms-licence.