Licensing
If you are between the ages of 16 and 18 and own (or want to own) a paintball marker, you are required by NZ Law to obtain a Firearms License.

If you are a field operator in NZ, you will require a dealers license in order to 'hire' your paintball markers out to members of the public.

The following is an information sheet to assist you in determining how to obtain a firearms license. Please visit the NZ Police Website for further information.

Types of Licenses

 A Category A Firearms licence allows you to have and use sporting type shotguns and rifles. You also need this licence if you are aged 16 and 17 years and wish to buy or use an airgun. Category A licences are valid for 10 years. This is required by people between the ages of 16 and 18 who own, or wish to own, a paintball marker in New Zealand.

A Category D Licence is for arms dealers who buy, sell or make firearms by way of business. This licence is valid for one year. This is required by field operators.

How to obtain a License

 If you are 16 years or over, you can apply for or renew a licence at your local police station. You must apply in person.

Bring with you:
  • Your old licence (if you have one)
  • Two recent passport style photos
  • Three documents that prove your identity (passport, birth certificate, drivers licence, Photo ID, credit card/bank card)
  • Contact details of two referees. One referee must be your spouse or next of kin, the other must be someone who is over 20 years and not related to you. You will need to provide their full name, address, date of birth and phone number.
  • Post Shop receipt for fees.
    • Application fees payable at a Post Shop (incl GST) are:
  • A Category - $123.75
  • D Category - $200
    • The Firearms Officer that you speak to at the police station will be able to arrange for you to attend a lecture, and sit the Arms Code and Firearms Safety Test.

    The Arms Code is a firearms safety manual compiled by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council and the New Zealand Police. It is available free at Police stations. The Arms Code forms the basis of the Firearms Safety Test which must be sat by all firearms licence applicants.
    A copy of the Arms Code can be located on the NZ Police Resources Page. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view these files. This can be obtained at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/main.html.

    Once you have sat, and passed the test, you are considered eligible to obtain the appropriate license.

    If you have any further questions relating to obtaining a firearms license, please visit http://www.police.govt.nz for more information.