Talk:Firearms licence (New Zealand)

Apparent contradictions in language
Under the section "Granting of Licences" there appear to be 2 contradictions. "Licences are issued at the discretion of the police" seems to contradict "this is directive not discretionary" and "the licences are issued - not granted" seems to contradict "To be granted a licence, the applicant must ..." — Preceding unsigned comment added by 121.99.39.238 (talk) 05:51, 30 November 2013 (UTC)
 * Changed granted to issued where it appears in the article. The words have different meanings: to grant implies giving some one a right or permanent gift that will not be demanded back or incur a debt or obligation. E.g. a land grant or food grant. to issue implies the act of making an announcement, producing a document, or supply the ability to use or do something for a period of time. E.g. issue a proclamation or press release. issue a library book to a borrower. - 210.86.82.145 (talk) 02:00, 28 January 2019 (UTC)

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Irrelevant statement in lead
The statement in the lead section that says:
 * Self-defence is not a valid reason to possess firearms in New Zealand.

seems to be irrelevant in that section without it also being explained in the body of the article. The article is about the New Zealand Firearms Licence so this statement should be discussing licences rather than firearms. Because licences are issued to a person, rather than for a firearm, having this statement in the lead could imply that licences were issued for firearms, which would be misleading. So it should be removed. - 210.86.69.177 (talk) 09:21, 21 February 2019 (UTC)

Dubious that a firearms licence is required
It is dubious say that "a firearms licence is required ... to possess or use a firearm, ... " etc. Quite frankly, its not a requirement, as criminals do it all the time. However it is necessary to be issued with a firearms licence if one wants to do things lawfully. Once one has been issued with a Firearms Licence then one can also lawfully supervise other people who have possession of a firearm. Considering the other problems with the lead section, I think it needs a good rewrite.

First, I think the lead should say that a New Zealand Firearms Licence is personally issued to the licence holder, whether or not they intend to purchase, own, possess or use any firearms, and expires 10 years after it has been issued, unless it is earlier surrendered or revoked. Dealers also need to hold a personal firearms licence and hold their dealers licence, which are valid for only one year, for only one place of business, personally, as well. The dealer's employees also need to hold both personal and dealers licences in order to deal in firearms themselves. Then explain that having a firearms licence entitles one to purchase, own, possess or use long guns (rifles and shot guns) or specially dangerous airguns. But not hand guns or assault weapons, which need special endorsements and require registration of individual weapons owned. That special endorsements are required for pistol club members, collectors, museums, people who hold heirloom firearms or own or collect restricted weapons, theatrical users and people who own or use MSSA's, such as pest controllers. Also explain a Firearms licence entitles a person aged 16 or 17 to purchase, own, possess or use an air-gun, although people over the age of 18 do not need to have a firearms licence to use an air gun, or that a firearms licence is not required for certain types of firearms that have safety features to stop them firing projectiles in a dangerous way. Firearms licence holders can also supervise another person, who does not hold a firearms licences, to use a firearm. Explain that applicants need to be 16 years or older, be a fit and proper person to own or use a firearm and have secure storage at home for all the firearms they own. Also that they need to attend an approved firearms safety course and sit and pass an examination on firearms safety, firearms law, and a practical examination that demonstrates they know how to safely use and operate a firearm. Pistol club members also need to demonstrate they are attending club shoot meetings regularly to maintain their endorsement. Go on to explain that Police and Defence force personnel who use weapons in their jobs also need to apply for and hold a firearms licence if they want to use firearms in a personal capacity outside of their employment. And lastly explain how the licencing system is administered. - 210.86.69.177 (talk) 11:22, 21 February 2019 (UTC)