As we reach the year’s end, the team of dedicated Council of Licenced Firearms Owners (COLFO) volunteers reflects on a long year of advocacy. It’s been a challenging period, marked by media narratives that often cast a negative light on licenced firearms owners. In many instances, expert voices have been reduced to the catch-all label of ‘the gun lobby’, caught in broader political debates.

This shift in perspective aligns with Minister Nicole McKee’s recent appointment as Associate Justice Minister (Firearms), a role that has seen its share of scrutiny. While some of her decisions, such as using Orders in Council, have invited criticism, she’s consistently shown the resolve to represent our community publicly – even in tough interviews.

Before this year, we noticed media were increasingly open to balanced perspectives. However, the dynamics have shifted, and the coverage has felt one-sided. In discussions with colleagues across Wellington, we find that while the average citizen may not be deeply invested in firearms politics, the increased attention on firearms issues has made them a broader political target.

Submission on Section 6 Clubs and Ranges Law Changes

COLFO recently submitted feedback on proposed changes to Section 6 concerning clubs and ranges. Our submission was generally supportive, though we sought clarity on requirements for clubs and ranges to ‘register with police’, which remains vaguely defined.

We apologise if further guidance from us on this was limited; resources were prioritised for the coroner’s inquiry into the Christchurch tragedy and the lapses that allowed the attacker to obtain a firearms licence. We thank those who made both written or verbal submissions and represented licenced firearms owners to the select committee.

The Coroner’s Inquiry

The coroner’s inquiry took an in-depth look at the procedural failures that enabled the Christchurch terrorist access to firearms.

COLFO was represented by legal counsel Grant Fletcher, with former COLFO chair, Michael Dowling, providing expert testimony on behalf of licenced firearms owners.

The inquiry featured testimony from various experts, including some – like Phillipa Yasbek of Gun Control NZ – whose credentials were subject to rigorous examination. Much of Yasbek’s testimony, deemed hearsay, highlighted the critical importance of grounding policy discussions in factual, legally sound evidence.

This inquiry has been a significant commitment for COLFO, reflecting its importance for New Zealand’s licenced firearms owners. The coroner’s findings, expected in 2025, will coincide with Nicole McKee’s efforts to build coalition support for a new Arms Act.

We sought to ensure that licenced firearms owners were fairly represented and that accountability for past oversights, such as the ‘MSSA loophole’ in magazine licensing, was accurately attributed.

Know Your Rights, Stay Respectful

Many licenced firearms owners have reached out to COLFO for assistance after police visits, often due to social media activity or anonymous online comments. One recent case involved a firearms licence seizure following anonymous, non-threatening social media comments. Although the individual was later exonerated, this incident is a reminder that online anonymity has limits. In this case, the man’s home surveillance footage helped demonstrate that the police response was disproportionate.

It’s essential for firearms owners to be mindful of their rights. If law enforcement interacts with you regarding your licence, it’s wise to keep documentation. Request written records and, if necessary, follow calls up with an email summary. Consider investing in home surveillance for additional peace of mind, particularly near firearm storage areas. COLFO also maintains a list of firearm attorneys on our website, www.colfo.org, who provide discounted rates for members.

As we enter the holiday season, we hope you stay informed, protect your rights and remember that COLFO is here to support our community.

Important Update: Arms Act Rewrite by 2026

The Government has committed to rewriting the Arms Act with new laws expected by 2026. This will bring significant, long-lasting changes for all licenced firearms owners. It’s crucial to stay informed on these political developments that will shape the next 50+ years of firearm legislation.

To ensure you’re up to date on these critical changes, visit colfo.org.nz to join our FREE mailing list. If you can, consider investing $28 to become a financial member of COLFO and support the fight for the rights of licenced firearms owners.