Firearms Community Advisory Forum (FCAF)

The purpose of the Forum is to:

• provide a formal mechanism for representatives from the firearms community to input on regulatory policy settings relating to the Arms Act 2026 or the Arms Regulations 2026; and
• review and make recommendations for consideration by Firearms Safety and Education on firearms-related matters.

Membership of the Forum comprises both FSE employees and firearms user community members. The community members are selected for their:

• broad skills, knowledge and understanding of firearms and issues/legislation relating to firearms
• relevant practical experience and networks within the firearms community
• ability to represent a diversity of perspectives within the firearms community
• personal attributes and ability to work constructively with, and make a contribution to the Forum
• being a representative of an incorporated group (who can represent the views of the group rather than their individual view).

FCAF membership

FCAF members represent the following groups and organisations.

1. Council of Licensed Firearm Owners Inc.
2. Business Representative
3. Department of Conservation
4. Federated Farmers of NZ
5. Firearms Safety Council of Aotearoa
6. Game Animal Council
7. Retail Representative
8. Handloaders Association
9. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
10. Mountain Safety Council
11. National Rifle Association of NZ
12. New Zealand Antique and Historical Arms Association 
13. New Zealand Clay Target Association (NZCTA)
14. New Zealand Customs Service
15. New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association
16. New Zealand Service Rifle Association
17. Pistol New Zealand
18. Professional Guides Association
19. Rural Women of New Zealand
20. Target Shooting NZ
21. Whakatūpato Representative
22. Youth Representative

Forum meetings occur on a regular basis to support ongoing engagement and confirm that developments and changes to processes, procedures and published guidance make it easier for the user community to understand, engage and comply with their obligations.

Minutes from Forum meetings will be published on this website. Any recommendations the Forum makes will also be published. As the Forum is a consultative and advisory body, any recommendations will be considered by the regulator, but they are not binding.