There has been a continued push to tighten restrictions on our rights. During the submissions in Wellington, there were comments about ensuring that no one uses a firearm to harm others.
I take issue with that line of thinking, particularly in how it may shape the new Act.
I fully support firearm safety. I spend many hours training and helping others improve, always with safety as the top priority. This matters not only for those present but also for the future, as there are always people watching and expecting us to make mistakes.
When you consider how many hours are spent and how many rounds are fired across the country every week, whether on ranges or while hunting, you have to ask: if firearms owners were so dangerous, why aren’t there more incidents? Why are we treated so poorly? The number of licence holders who face criminal charges for arms matters is extremely low, significantly lower than many other groups. I once read a line that stuck with me:
“There is no gun crime, only criminals who use guns.”
The vast majority of firearms in New Zealand are used responsibly, not by gangs or criminals.
Farmers rely on them for animal welfare and pest control, both of which are essential for our country.
For others, like myself, shooting is a sport. I have competed at both national and international levels, and many of us pass on what we’ve learned to new shooters. This is how clubs continue to operate and grow. One of the strengths of shooting sports is that improvement is always possible, and age is less of a barrier than in many other sports.
However, the licence renewal process is ridiculous. The requirements for renewal are nearly identical to those for a first-time application. After 10 years, we are expected to go through the entire process again. Why is this necessary? It feels excessive and discouraging.
As a result, some people are choosing to give up their licences altogether, I know several who have already done this. This is not a positive outcome. In my view, having more licensed firearm owners is better for everyone. It benefits both the Firearms Safety Authority and the Police when people remain within the system, but I’m not convinced that is reflected in current policies.
The process for renewing a firearms licence, particularly when compared to renewing a driver’s licence, appears disproportionate. The requirements are extensive, especially given that vehicle-related accidents far outnumber firearm incidents.
Stay safe out there.
