My home club in Nelson, the Cable Bay Pistol Club, was honoured to host Associate Minister of Justice, Nicole McKee during an interclub competition recently.
Her visit reflects the respect she has for licensed firearm owners. It also gave those in attendance the opportunity to speak with her and ask questions. As we all know, she has faced criticism for engaging with various groups but why should it be seen as a bad thing when a Minister takes the time to meet citizens face-to-face? After all, their job is to serve the people of this country.
Knowledge on any subject must be developed and expanded. While the Minister brings a great deal of experience, she’s not hesitant to ask questions of her own — and she listens to the answers.
At our club, we have many experienced members with extensive firearm knowledge and skills. We’re happy to share what we know because we all want a safer New Zealand. We understand the vital roles firearms play for farmers managing stock and pest control, and for hunters providing food for their families and friends.
For clubs like ours, it’s about sport, testing our skills, and helping others improve theirs. Safe handling doesn’t just happen, it requires training. Fit-for-purpose laws support that goal.
Far too often, media and government officials irresponsibly link licensed firearms owners with criminals. That is both unfair and offensive. In this, Minister McKee is working hard to strike the right balance — creating safe, practical rules that achieve what they are meant to. Allowing responsible, vetted individuals to use firearms.
A firearms licence should mean you are ‘fit and proper.’ In short, a valued member of society, not someone to be feared.
We all have a role to play in educating our communities and elected representatives. Make appointments to meet with your local National, NZ First or any other local MP’s and explain the value of thoughtful, effective legislation. The last government rushed through changes that largely punished law-abiding citizens rather than criminals.
Range shooting is a very safe activity and one of the best ways for people to learn from experienced shooters. What rational person would want to make it harder or more expensive for volunteer-run clubs to do what they do best? These clubs often operate without any council or government funding.
How many sports in New Zealand give so much and ask for so little? Think about that the next time you drive past a well-maintained sports field — who’s paying for its upkeep?
Minister Nicole McKee and the ACT Party need support. They can’t do it alone. Help educate others — we are 230,000 licence holders, plus our partners, families, friends, and workmates. That’s a lot of voices, and a lot of voters.
