New Shooting Clubs and Ranges Regulations Now Live
As of 29 June 2025, The Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Act has now become law and the operating regulations have been published. This legislation brings into effect changes that directly impact how NZDA branches and other shooting clubs and ranges operate across New Zealand.
There are many new changes so we encourage club committees and range officers to familiarize themselves with the Act and regulations. We have provided a high-level summary for you below.
Key Changes Now in Effect:
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NZDA clubs automatically enrolled and certified: All existing NZDA clubs are who were certified by Police are now considered ENROLLED under the new framework, and any pending range or club applications will be carried forward. If your club is not registered you will now follow the enrolment process.
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Regulation shifts to Ministry of Justice: Oversight of shooting clubs and ranges remains with Police, but policy development has been transferred to the Ministry of Justice.
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Temporary ranges are now permitted: The most exciting aspect of this new regime is the flexibility it now gives to clubs that don’t have access to a range facility. Clubs without ranges may now hold up to two shooting events per year at a temporary range.
This gives all clubs an avenue to run HUNTS courses and target shooting competitions on a suitable piece of land i.e. forestry block or farm paddock. Each such event may run for up to four days. This supports training and one-off competitions in areas without permanent range access.
Important Regulation Details for NZDA Branches
You can read about the changes to the Arms Act and the changes to the regulations via these two links below.
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Your Branch must notify the Commissioner of any change in the contact person for the range within 28 days after the change.
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Branches must continue to maintain a log book of range officers on range days, including their name, firearms license number, and that they are a certified range officer. These records must be kept for up to 2 years.
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Branches may now store firearms and ammunition overnight so long as they meet the requirements under 28GZX and 28GZY.
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Maintain and adhere to range standing orders which can be approved by NZDA National Office.
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Range inspections for non-pistol ranges can be expected once every 5 years. Seven days notice notice must be given prior to an inspection taking place.
Join and Support NZDA
Find and join a branch to get involved with promoting and protecting hunting in New Zealand! Search here.
https://www.deerstalkers.org.nz/join-and-support-us/branch-finder/