Gun licence holders can now see how the new digital firearms registry will work following the release of the Arms Amendment Regulations on May 11. 

Licence holders will need to begin providing information from June 24, 2023. 

Te Tari Pūreke (Firearms Safety Authority) executive director Angela Brazier said most firearms owners will have up to five years to record all firearms and other relevant arms items in their possession into the new registry. 

However, in some circumstances, licence holders will need to provide information for the registry in a shorter timeframe than five years.  

For example, if they buy a firearm, that activity will require them to register that firearm as soon as is practicable, within 30 days; and register all remaining arms items in their possession within 30 days. 

“The registry will give licence holders more confidence when buying or selling firearms, as it will let them know if they are dealing with a current licence holder and if the firearm they are looking to buy has been reported stolen,” Angela said.

“There is no fee charged to register their firearms. The fastest and easiest way licence holders [can] register when the new system activates… is through the MyFirearms portal from our website homepage.”

People can also call the call centre if they do not have access to the internet. 

Angela said Te Tari Pūreke will be sharing information with the licensed firearms community about the operation of the registry, and what they need to know.

 From June 24 firearms dealers will be required to record transactions with individual firearms licence holders at the time of sale, using the online dealer transaction form on Te Tari Pūreke website. 

The requirement for dealers to register all stock in their possession and provide transfer information will come later; and ammunition sellers will continue to record ammunition sales to licence holders in their record books.  

“We will be working closely with dealers over the coming weeks so they know what they will need to do from 24 June,” Angela said. 

The security and privacy of personal information has been factored into planning.

Angela said great effort and investment is going into the firearms registry to ensure that people’s information is protected at every step.

“The design and build of the registry meets or exceeds government security and privacy controls.”