Parliament has recently updated and modernised New Zealand’s firearms laws. Firearms oversight has changed.
From 23 September 2026, Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand (FSE) is the new autonomous firearms regulator. It replaces Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority.
The new firearms regulator will focus on community safety, while providing simpler and smarter services for firearms licence holders.
Working with the firearms community we will be focused on keeping our families and communities safe from harm through our regulatory efforts:
- engaging and educating licence holders on the safe use and possession of firearms
- effective and timely management of firearms licensing
- overseeing the registration of firearms through the Firearms Registry, and
- regulatory interventions, where necessary.
These changes are designed to deliver:
- Better compliance and stronger safety measures
- Faster, more reliable digital services
- Reduced compliance costs
- A more modern, user‑friendly system for firearms owners
Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand (FSE) is led by its own Chief Executive who is accountable to a responsible Minister.
From 23 September 2026, FSE is responsible for decisions under the Arms Act in areas including licensing; the sale, supply, manufacture, transport and storage of firearms, parts and ammunition; training and education to promote firearms safety and compliance; certifying or enrolling shooting clubs and ranges; and maintaining the Firearms Registry.
NZ Police retain responsibility for law enforcement, prosecution of offences, and immediate public-safety responses.
NZ Police is the host agency for FSE, which means NZ Police provides a range of corporate support including IT, finance, human resources and other shared services where operational responsibilities overlap. This is set out in an agreed Working Arrangement.
An Information-Sharing Agreement has also been developed to allow NZ Police and FSE to lawfully share and access information that each agency needs to carry out its law enforcement, compliance, and regulatory functions under relevant legislation.
In our regulatory role, we monitor ongoing performance and work collaboratively with others to enable us to respond to future changes in the firearms system.
Working Arrangement and Information Sharing Agreement between FSE and NZ Police
Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand (FSE) and New Zealand Police have a Working Arrangement and an Information Sharing Agreement to guide the relationship between the agencies from 23 September 2026.
Under the Arms Act 2026, the Commissioner of Police must provide certain services and support to FSE to enable it to carry out its functions as the firearms regulator, because of the Police role as the host agency.
The Agencies also require a clear framework for when information can be shared, who can access it, and what safeguards apply.
The Working Arrangement is authorised by section 315 of the Arms Act 2026, which also requires the document to be published.
The Working Arrangement is divided into three parts or Header Agreements, and two Schedules:
• Operational Services;
• Regulatory Services; and
• Corporate Services.
• A Schedule for Operational and Regulatory Services, and
• A Schedule for Corporate Services.
The Information Sharing Agreement (ISA) sets out how FSE and NZ Police will lawfully share and access information that each agency needs to carry out its own functions.
Both agencies hold or need information that may be relevant to public safety. The ISA provides a clear framework for when info can be shared, who can access it, and what safeguards apply.
The intent of these two agreements is to support continuity of services by both agencies, while they exercise separate statutory responsibilities.
