Yes, blank firing guns are legal in New Zealand under strict conditions.
Blank firing guns are permitted if they meet New Zealand Police’s 2023 specifications, excluding live-fire capability. The Firearms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2023 does not explicitly ban blanks but requires compliance with licensing and safe storage rules. Recent amendments reinforce oversight by the New Zealand Police Arms Act 1983, with enforcement tightening ahead of 2026 compliance deadlines for prohibited component tracking.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in New Zealand
- Licensing Requirement: Users must hold a valid firearms licence issued by New Zealand Police, which includes background checks and safety training under the Arms Act 1983.
- Prohibited Features: Blank firing guns must not be modified to accept live ammunition or include prohibited parts (e.g., pistol grips on rifles) as defined in the 2023 amendment.
- Safe Storage Obligations: Firearms, including blank-firing models, must be stored in a locked container meeting Police-approved standards, with inspections possible under the Arms (Storage) Regulations 2023.