OIA Response: Arms Bill and Firearms Regulator Establishment Reports
Response dated 3 September 2026
An Official Information Act request originally sent to New Zealand Police on 15 July 2026 asked for copies of all reports Police had received since January 2026 on the Establishment Programme for the new firearms regulator, and on preparation for implementing provisions in the Arms Bill. Police transferred the request in full to the Ministry of Justice on 21 July 2026 under section 14. The Ministry replied on 3 September 2026 (OIA 134511).
Justice released four Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand Status Reports covering March to June 2026. Some material was withheld under sections 9(2)(f)(iv) (confidentiality of advice), 9(2)(g)(i) (free and frank opinions) and 9(2)(j) (negotiations). The pack covers establishment of the regulator, legislative and regulatory workstreams, digitisation and related programme status. The requester's personal details were withheld under section 9(2)(a).
