6.
Extending the permit to procure process to cover the sale or transfer of all
firearms was one of the recommendations arising from the Law and Order Inquiry
into the Illegal Possession of Firearms in New Zealand. The Inquiry report
acknowledged that the process would impose an administrative burden on
buyers and sellers and that Police was planning to allow for permits to procure
to be obtained online.
7.
8.
You have requested advice on a comprehensive set of proposed amendments
to the Arms Act.
9.
10. There are two significant weaknesses in the Bill.
11. Firstly, there is no logic to extending the permit to procure process to only a sub-
set of A category firearms.
12. Secondly no provision has been made for transitioning lawfully held, shortened
firearms. This risks causing a significant move of firearms into the grey market
and then onto the illegal market. The drafter of the Bill has not recognised that,
in order to protect against hearing loss, many hunters are adding suppressors to
their rifles. When adding a suppressor many typically shorten the barrel so that
the overall length remains the same with the suppressor attached.
Prepared by
, Principal Strategic Adviser
Approved by
Jeremy Wood, Director Policy and Partnerships
Proactive Information
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