Central gun holders can give feedback on proposed changes to fees for gun licenses as a consultation opened last week (December 8).

Other than GST adjustments, firearms licencing fees have been unchanged since 1999. 

During that time the cost of delivering arms regulatory services has risen.

NZ Police deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming said a greater contribution toward the cost of providing regulatory services (licences, endorsements, permits, approvals) is being sought.

This contribution will be sought from licence holders whether they use firearms for business, employment, or recreation.

“At the moment, licence holders are paying less than 15 per cent of the true cost of a licence,” Jevon said.

“Even if the current firearms licence fee was doubled, it would fall well short of the actual cost.”

He said increasing the fee for a firearms licence from $126.50 to $242.50 still requires a Crown contribution of 75 percent, and the review will assess different levels of Crown funding and fees for those who use the services of licensing, permitting and approvals.

"We want to make it more equitable for all,” Jevon said.

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Some services of direct commercial and private benefit, such as applications for import permits, are currently delivered for free.

Jevon said he expects the downward trend in processing times for firearms applications to continue.

"With 35 per cent more licence applications completed this year, our pipeline of applications is reducing each month.”

Public submissions can be made until February 16, 2023.

Three options for fees for either a five year or ten year licence period are being consulted on.

The consultation is on the police website.