Using a firearm under supervision without a licence

Everyone who possesses or uses a firearm needs to have a firearms licence, although standard firearms can be possessed and used under the immediate supervision of a licence holder in most circumstances.

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When you can use a standard firearm without a licence

Shooting under the supervision of an experienced licence holder is how most people first learn how to safely use a firearm, before they apply for their own licence.

Immediate supervision means that the licence holder is:

  • physically present and actively supervising the shooter
  • close enough to be able to take control of the firearm being used by the shooter if necessary, and
  • not using another firearm while providing supervision.

Requirement for possession of standard firearm | Arms Act 2026, Part 2, Section 14 | New Zealand Legislation website

When this does not apply

There are situations where you cannot possess or shoot under immediate supervision, for example:

  • if it is contrary to specific bail conditions (which would still be a breach of bail) 
  • if it is contrary to a protection order (which would still be a breach of the protection order) 
  • if you are the subject of a firearms prohibition order (which would still be a breach of the firearms prohibition order). 

 

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