New Zealand appoints inaugural Firearms Licensing Review Committee

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has announced the appointment of the eight inaugural members of the Firearms Licensing Review Committee. Established under the Arms Act 2026, the committee is designed to provide independent scrutiny of regulatory decisions regarding firearm licenses, including refusals, revocations, or the imposition of conditions.

Previously, licensing decisions could only be reviewed internally by the same organization that issued them. The new committee aims to restore trust in the regulatory system by offering a mechanism for independent review, allowing license holders to challenge decisions without immediately entering costly District Court proceedings. The right to further appeal to the District Court remains preserved.

The committee will be chaired by Hamilton-based District Court Judge Robert Spear. The eight members, appointed by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith for 18-month terms starting August 31, include Louise Christensen, Gordon Davis, Joe Green, Mike Keefe QSM, Melissa Jackson, Digby Livingston, and Tracey Wakeford. The group was selected for a combination of firearms experience and expertise in legal, regulatory, public safety, clinical, and community sectors.