Arms Act (New Zealand)

Arms Act 1983
New Zealand Parliament
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
Date of Royal Assent	29 November 1983
Date commenced	1 June 1984
Administered by	New Zealand Police
Status: Current legislation

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

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).

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:

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.

The act contains provisions for the following:

...
Wikipedia