So you're heading on your dream trip to NZ but you don't know where to start?
Don't stress, I'm going to break it down for you step by step on all the things you need to do before travelling with or without your firearm to the land on the long white cloud.
I am unsure if this applies to all states in Australia but this was my experience from Victoria. So please check with your local Firearms Registry if you have the correct forms.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You are expected to allow up to 4 months for your application to be processed prior to your trip.
Example: if you're heading over in June you would apply start of March
Applying for your NZ firearms license as a visitor.
Step 1: Create a RealMe account via this link: https://www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/manage-and-apply/visitors
Step 2:
- From the top menu select "Manage and Apply"
- Click apply with my firearms
- Then select "Visitors Firearms License and import permits"
- Select apply online
- Select Login with RealMe
Once you're in, you will have to put all the details of your trip. It is important to be specific with all the details to avoid back and forth emails clarifying storage, transport etc of your firearm.
An example would be something like "After I land in Queenstown or Christchurch I will be picked up by my guide (insert their company name). I will be spending 5 days on a backpack hunt where I will have my rifle securely stored with the bolt in a separate locked box to the ammunition to ensure that firearm is inoperable and safe when camping out. Once my hunt is complete my guide will take me back to the airport where I will fly back to Australia (insert date)."
When transiting between locations, the firearm will be stored in a locked box with the magazine and bolt removed and the ammunition will also be stored in a separate locked box.
They will also ask you for a storage address, my last trip I booked with a guide so I was able to use their address. I'm unsure whether you can use your motel address or you might be able to use the local gun shops address.
You will need to know your flight details before applying for your license.
If you are taking your firearm with you, you will need your registration paper to upload with the application as well as a photo of yourself. I used a left over passport photo I had from the post office. It explains the kind of image they need.
You will need to list your firearm details as well as your magazine. If you have a drop out mag this is classed as a "spare part" if you have a floor plate mag you wont need to list it.
If you are taking ammunition you will need to know all the details and they have to be in their factory box for transit.
Step 3:
You will do an online safety course for NZ. This is part of the application and is a multiple choice test. They will provide the link to the safety hand book if you get stuck on any questions.
Step 4:
Complete the application and pay. You will get an email receipt. The from here, its a waiting game. All I can say is be patient. If you're two weeks out and still haven't received anything email them ASAP. I received my license 2 days before my trip, so fair to say I was peaking!!
Alright, so that's the New Zealand part of the application. Now for your Aussie paperwork.
Step 1:
If you have never flown with a firearm before you will have to register with Boarder force. This form is called " Registering as a client in the integrated cargo system" B319.
Link: https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/b319.pdf
If you have flown international before with a firearm you will already be in the system and have a client ID.
Step 2:
To export a firearm you will need the following documents:
1. B957 Export Declaration Application
2. DEC07 RGP Application
3. A copy a current Passport
4. A copy of a current Shooter’s Licence
5. A copy of your Registration of Firearms Certificate
Fill out a B957 export permit and restricted goods permit. You will be able to good these forms online, or alternately email boarder force for the documents.
The declaration is confusing but the back page that you print out indicates what each number means.
On the Export declaration – Reporting Party ID (4.) will be your client ID and same with Goods owner party (10.) That’s the one you will receive once you’re registered.
Commodity Classification code (28.) will be 99030010 – this is the code for travelling with firearms and explosives.
https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/b957.pdf
Once complete you will email this through to: clientservicestullamarine@abf.gov.au
This process takes around 2 weeks for them to complete. Once received you will need to print it out to take to the airport.
Airport Check in:
When you head to the airport you will need to head straight to boarder force to have your paperwork ticked off. This is where they will check the serial number of your firearm and ammunition. You will need to lock your bolt separate to your firearm, I locked mine in my ammunition box. You will need to present your Boarder force paperwork, your firearms license and your registration paper (This needs to be your original).
From there they will escort you to check in.
Landing in New Zealand:
NZ police will be waiting for you once you pass through the gates. Collect your bags first. They will take you into a room to give you your firearm license and check your serial number again and ammunition. Then off you go!
Flying home:
Once you're back at the airport head to the "police office" in the airport. They will go back through your paperwork again and check your gun in. Don't turn up to early because you cant do this until your flight is ready for check in. Once checked in they will take your NZ license and destroy it.
When you land back in Australia this is where you will need to present your original boarder force paper again.
Now, this was my personal experience. Please understand that things may have changed by the time you apply for your license so its important for you to check up with authorities to confirm that you have the correct paperwork.
Happy Hunting - Mel Kirley