Airsoft Auckland

Public => ASA Rules and Laws and Other Info => Topic started by: Smidthy on August 29, 2017, 02:11:32 PM

Title: NZ Firearms Law - And Airsoft
Post by: Smidthy on August 29, 2017, 02:11:32 PM
This section needs updating and is basically a place holder. To move information from fixed web pages into the forum so they can be easily managed by current and future club committees.

There is potential changes to the arms act that need to be considered, and police interpretation.

The following is a quoted section from an older part of the website.

Quote
The following is taken from the New Zealand Police Arms code document.
Airguns
An airgun is any air rifle, pistol or weapon that has a gas or compressed air firing mechanism. Under the Arms Act 1983, "airgun" includes air rifles, air pistols, BB guns, soft air pellet guns and paintball guns. Some more powerful airguns are defined in the Arms Act 1983 as firearms; check the Arms Act or with your Arms Officer.
Who may use airguns?
Anyone 18 years of age or older can possess and use an airgun. Anyone under 18 years of age may use an airgun if: They hold a New Zealand Firearms Licence* or they are under the immediate supervision of a firearms licence holder or a person 18 years of age or older. Anyone under 16 years of age must always be under the immediate supervision of a firearms licence holder or a person 18 years of age or older. * Note: You must be 16 years of age or older to apply for a New Zealand Firearms Licence. Immediate supervision means that the licensed or older person is within reach and in control of the person using the airgun. The person providing the supervision must be able to take control of the airgun. They cannot be in possession or control of another firearm or airgun. On a range or paintball field: the rules in place, fenced field and supervision of umpires, referees or Range Officer go toward immediate supervision. That means for all members and guest players of ASA they are required by law to be 18 years old or 16 with a firearm licence.
Young airgun owners
If you are 16 or 17 you can see the Arms Officer at a Police station about getting a firearms licence. The Arms Officer will give you a free copy of the Arms Code for you to study. You will be asked to give the names of 2 people, one a close relative. The Police will ask these people if you are a suitable person to use and possess firearms. You will also be asked to attend a firearms safety lecture run by the NZMSC. Next, you sit a written test and are issued a certificate when you pass. The results of your test will be passed on to the Arms Officer. If the Arms Officer considers you a fit and proper person you will be issued with a firearms licence. You can be arrested and fined and/or imprisoned:
If you possess or carry an airgun without a lawful purpose.
If you carelessly use of an airgun.
For firing an airgun in a way that may endanger, annoy or frighten anyone or harm property.
For unlawfully pointing an airgun at someone.
If you sell or supply an airgun to an unlicensed person under 18. This could happen if an adult buys an airgun as a gift for a child.
Fully automatic airguns
Fully automatic airguns are legal as of 11/12/13.
Paintball airguns
Police do not advocate shooting at any person with an airgun. However, in the case of paintball marker games the object is to shoot your opponents. Organised games and competitions are available in New Zealand, usually at commercial game fields. The operators of these fields adhere to a voluntary code of practice, including the application of strict safety measures. Contact the New Zealand Paintball Players Association Incorporated for more details. info@paintball.gen.nz Airsoft falls under this same category and also complies and adhere to a voluntary code of practice, see other threads on safety requirements.
For more information visit
[url]http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms[/url] ([url]http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms[/url]) [url]http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/arms-code.pdf[/url] ([url]http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/arms-code.pdf[/url])