Firearms: Support for members of teams representing New Zealand overseas

Are you participating in a competitive shooting event off shore in the near future?

There are some changes that you need to familiarise yourself with.

Firearms Safety Authority:

A short update on support available to target shooting discipline competitors selected to represent New Zealand at overseas events.

1. Firearms licence renewal falling due close to the time of travelling for competition purposes
   
   We are aware that some team members may have their firearms licence renewal falling due close to the time they are travelling for competition purposes. This will not affect their application for a permit to import when they return to NZ. However, it may impact their ability to enter an international competition, enter the overseas country and to take firearms on international airlines (i.e. if they still have a firearms licence card with a past or soon to occur expiry date).
   
   We expect licence holders to apply with plenty of time from date of applying to the licence expiry date.  New Zealand Legislation allows licence holders to continue to possess and use firearms while waiting the decision on their re-application.  However, this may not be sufficient for authorities overseas. In these cases, team members can ask the Firearms Safety Authority to prioritise their application. 
   
   To do this the individual must provide
   1. their name,
   2. licence number,
   3. details of the competition they are entered to compete in,
   4. competition dates, and
   5. confirmation of proof of entry (e.g. receipt of entry fee payment or confirmation of NZ team selection). 

The request should be emailed to firearmslicence.applications@police.govt.nz.

It will also help to state in the email if the licence re-application has been done through MyFirearms (add the FLA application reference number) or delivered by email / post.

1. Applications for Permits to Import (PTI) to return firearms, parts, and ammunition to New Zealand after competitions.
   
   To help understand demand for PTI services I am now tracking overseas target shooting events that are being attended by NZ teams and individuals in our events calendar.  To ensure we are aware of all these events where New Zealanders will compete, and can anticipate work volumes, can I ask you for details of overseas events occurring over the next 6 to 9 months. 
   
   Competitors or team managers should submit their PTI applications as early as possible. Details of members of teams selected would be helpful to understand future workload.  We can then group PTI applications by team and ensure they are processed together. Please ensure competitors provide all details in the PTI application including ammunition and detachable magazines that will be returning with them.

If you have any questions, please contact us via firearms@police.govt.nz or firearmspartnerships@police.govt.nz.