The Council of Licensed Firearm Owners (COLFO) expresses deep sorrow over the tragic police shooting in Christchurch’s Bryndwr suburb, where a woman lost her life and a man was critically injured. Our thoughts are with the families affected and the officers who were placed in this challenging situation with inadequate firearms training. 

“This incident is a serious reminder of the risks when police are not sufficiently trained to handle firearms in high-pressure situations,” said COLFO spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack

“We extend our sympathies to the families and the officers involved, who faced a dynamic and dangerous scenario without the robust training needed to ensure the safest possible outcome.” 

COLFO has long warned that current police firearms training falls short of what is necessary to protect public safety. Data obtained through the Official Information Act reveals 30 accidental police firearm discharges between 2019 and 2023, excluding training incidents, with two resulting in non-fatal injuries requiring hospitalisation. 

In contrast, licensed firearm owners, who undergo significantly more training and range time, recorded just one unintentional discharge at a range over the same period. Police officers train with firearms like pistols only twice a year, while civilian pistol endorsement holders are required to attend 12 range sessions annually. 

“The disparity is stark,” Devereux-Mack said. “Police officers, who may point firearms at individuals an average of 65 times a month, receive six times less training than civilians with similar firearms. This is unacceptable when public and officer safety is at stake.” 

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To obtain a standard firearms licence in New Zealand, civilians aged 16 or older must prove they are a “fit and proper person” through police vetting, including criminal and mental health checks, provide two referees, attend a mandatory safety course, pass a written test based on the Arms Code, and have secure storage inspected by police. For a B Category pistol endorsement, applicants must join a recognised pistol club, complete a six-month probation period, attend at least 12 supervised training sessions, and secure a higher-standard safe, with each pistol requiring a police-issued permit to procure. 

COLFO sources within the Police have shared their concerns regarding colleagues who, due to their personal struggles with anxiety and depression, would likely not be eligible to hold a firearms license if they were civilians. 

"Mental health issues combined with firearms may pose a significant public safety issue, which is why doctors may choose to report their concerns about licensed firearm owners to the Firearm Safety Authority for action."

"Because Police officers are unlicensed, COLFO's understanding is that no such reporting requirement exists currently, and the officers are not obligated to report private medical information to their employer. We must ask; who watches the watchers?" said Devereux-Mack. 

As the Arms Act 1983 is being rewritten, COLFO urges the government to end the exemption that allows police to carry firearms without a licence. Section 3(2)(ii) of the Act currently exempts police from needing a firearms licence, unlike civilians who face stringent requirements. In contrast, police must hold a driver’s licence to operate vehicles, with no equivalent blanket exemption under the Land Transport Act 1998. 

“If police need a driver’s licence to drive, they should need a firearms licence to carry and use firearms,” Devereux-Mack stated. “One law must apply to everyone, no one should be above it. Licensing police would ensure they meet the same safety and competency standards we demand of civilians.” 

Requiring police to obtain firearms licences would enhance public and officer safety by mandating regular training, improving familiarity with firearms laws, and fostering accountability. It would also provide funding to improve New Zealand’s range infrastructure, benefiting both police and civilian firearm owners. 

“The rewrite of the Arms Act is a chance to set a higher standard,” Devereux-Mack concluded. “Licensing police is not just about fairness; it’s about ensuring those entrusted with lethal force are equipped to use it safely and responsibly. The public deserves nothing less.”

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