Survey Reveals Almost One in Four Firearm Register Users Report Errors – COLFO Calls for Auditor-General Investigation
- COLFO PR
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Press Release | 17 June 2026 | Christchurch
New data from COLFO’s 2026 Trust and Confidence Survey has exposed serious and systemic flaws in the Firearms Register, with almost one in four users reporting errors in their personal or firearms details. The findings confirm COLFO’s longstanding concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the register.
Of the 1,575 licensed firearm owners who responded to the survey, approximately 75% had used the register, and ~24% of those reported errors — including incorrect serial numbers, duplicate entries, missing or untransferred firearms, wrong models and descriptions, and address issues.
COLFO Spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack said: “This is precisely what we predicted. The register is already plagued with inaccuracies that create unnecessary risk and frustration for law-abiding owners while delivering little to no benefit for public safety. With nearly a quarter of users identifying errors in their own records, the scale of the problem is now clear.”
Mr Devereux-Mack added: “This situation mirrors the failed experience in Canada, where their national firearms registry became a costly disaster, with taxpayers spending approximately $2 billion on a system that was ultimately scrapped as ineffective. New Zealand cannot afford to repeat the same mistake.”
COLFO is calling on the Auditor-General to conduct an independent review of the Firearms Register to accurately assess the true error rate, overall data integrity, and value for money. Such a review is essential to determine whether the register can ever function as intended or whether it represents an expensive and ineffective use of public resources.
The survey also shows the register itself scores poorly on usability (average 3.13/10 for ease of online use), despite moderate staff helpfulness scores. Persistent errors and administrative burdens distract from the real priority: targeting illegal firearms and criminal activity.
Hugh Devereux-Mack concluded: “We need evidence-based policy that actually enhances public safety. COLFO urges the Auditor-General to investigate this matter urgently so that policymakers have clear, independent data on which to base decisions about the future of firearms administration in New Zealand.”
/ENDS
For further information, contact COLFO Spokesperson:
Hugh Devereux-Mack
Email: hugh@colfo.org.nz
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Sadly I only see them doubling down on failure. They need the registry for what I and many others I know believe: total gun confiscation. It will be done slowly as we have already seen with one MP now "push buttons" are the new semi-auto. "Just 2 weeks to slow the spread!" In 5 years my 90 year old double barrel 12 gauge will be labeled a high capacity instrument of death. They can't go full WEF like the UK yet because for a Commonwealth country NZ is pretty well armed. Don't think Kiwi's will put up with it? This country gleefully rolled up its sleeve for an experimental gene therapy vax. NZ will do what it always does, bend…