New Zealand Firearms Authority and Lobby Clash Over Police Regulation

New Zealand's Firearms Safety Authority (FSA) publicly rebuked the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) after the lobby group alleged police bullying and a loss of trust among licensed firearm owners. FSA Acting Director Superintendent Bruce Bird defended the agency, noting COLFO’s membership represents less than 5 % of the country’s 220,000 licence holders and accusing the group of using a “non‑scientific questionnaire” that consistently favours fewer police controls.

COLFO countered, citing its Trust and Confidence Survey of 1,575 respondents, which found licensed owners do not trust police to administer the Arms Act and that the FSA itself is marginally more trusted. The debate coincides with the creation of an independent regulator, Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand, slated to operate from September and to be hosted by the police but without sworn officers handling day‑to‑day decisions. Both sides reference the Justice Select Committee’s recommendation to remove police from daily regulatory duties.

The dispute reflects broader concerns about police‑community relations in New Zealand since 2019 and sets the stage for the upcoming structural changes to firearms oversight.