The Arms Legislation Act 2020 introduced new powers and obligations on Police and health practitioners to prevent harm caused by the possession and use of firearms in the community. These changes come in to force on 24 December 2020.

The Act introduces:

 

•    a requirement for firearms licence applicants to provide details of their health practitioner;

•    a requirement for Police to notify the health practitioner when a firearms licence has been issued; and

•    new provisions for health practitioners to consider notifying Police where they have concerns regarding the medical fitness of a licence holder.

 

The Act provides a definition of health practitioner that includes:

 

•    a health practitioner registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand,

•    a nurse practitioner registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand,

•    a psychologist registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board, or

•    a duly authorised officer under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992

 

Police has prepared information for health practitioners, to explain their obligations. This information will be made available on the Police website in due course. A copy is attached in advance.

 

I would be grateful if you could please ensure your staff are aware of these new obligations, so that they understand how the changes impact them.

 

We expect our relationship with the health sector to evolve and mature over time and look forward to continuing to work with you to reduce the risk of harm from firearms in our communities.

 

Kind regards,

 

Mike

 

Mike McIlraith

Officer in Charge
Arms Safety and Control

Police National Headquarters