Under the Arms Licencing Act 2020 New Zealand museums are now required to hold a ‘Dealer’s Licence’ to collect, hold and display arms items. Arms items are held in many public collections in New Zealand because they are objects of historic significance to our communities.

High standards of security, documentation, and the responsibilities that come with the care, handling and display of arms items will continue to be a priority for museums and the change to licencing requirements further supports these practices.

Museums Aotearoa, National Services Te Paerangi Te Papa and specialists within our sector are working pro-actively with the New Zealand Police to work through the detail of the impact and requirements of the licencing changes within our sector. 

Our shared priority is to ensure that all museums receive the advice and support they need to ensure they can continue to hold and display firearms in their collections in compliance with the Arms Licencing Act.

Sector meetings have already been held with New Zealand Police representatives and the Q&A sheet below has been developed to provide specific sector support and guidance. 

Read: NZ Police - Dealer's Licence Changes Q & A for Museum Directors and Curators

View: Zui with NZ Police 1 July recording