A Call to Action: Fighting for Fairness in New Zealand’s Firearm Laws

A now illegal Remington .22 Pump Action rifle similar to the one described below.

We recently heard from a distressed firearm owner facing an unnecessary and heartbreaking situation—one that will likely affect hundreds of responsible gun owners as firearm registration continues to roll out.

A member of the firearms community was devastated to learn that his father’s .22 pump-action rifle, a firearm of immense sentimental value, must be destroyed due to a technical prohibition on its magazine capacity. He had already complied with the 2019 legislative changes by surrendering a prohibited .223 semi-automatic rifle for compensation. Like many others, he believed the restrictions applied only to semi-autos. He even checked with multiple sources, including Police, and was reassured that his .22 pump-action was compliant.

As a responsible and law-abiding citizen, he registered his firearms in good faith, trusting the system. However, after doing the right thing, he received a call from the Firearms Safety Authority (FSA), informing him that his rifle was classified as prohibited and had to be surrendered for destruction.

This decision defies logic. A simple modification to the magazine—taking mere minutes—would have made the firearm compliant, yet he was told that option was no longer available. The bureaucracy had shut the door on a reasonable solution.

A selection of what could be prohibited firearms if mag capacity exceeds ten rounds, exceeding ten rounds turns them into an AR15, increases velocity, and puts the public at risk (part of this caption is sarcasm)

In an attempt to preserve his family heirloom, he applied for a Heirloom Endorsement, investing time, money, and effort into meeting all compliance requirements, including upgrading his firearm storage to meet the strictest security standards. Yet, even after successfully obtaining the necessary endorsement, the Police and FSA reneged on their earlier assurances, informing him the rifle must still be destroyed.

This is an appalling example of how current firearm policies are failing New Zealanders. Here we have a responsible, law-abiding firearm owner who followed every rule, complied with every directive, and acted in good faith—only to be met with broken promises and inflexible bureaucracy.

Does this decision enhance public safety? No. It does, however, erode trust between Police and licensed firearm owners, who continue to be treated as criminals-in-waiting rather than responsible citizens. The Government and FSA have missed an opportunity to foster goodwill and demonstrate fair, evidence-based policy-making. Instead, they have needlessly punished a law-abiding New Zealander for doing the right thing.

This is exactly why COLFO exists—to stand up for New Zealand’s responsible firearm owners and push back against unjust, impractical laws.

We need your help.

1. Make a Submission – The Government is consulting on further changes to the Arms Act, and now is the time to speak out. Make your voice heard and demand sensible, evidence-based firearm laws.

2. Donate to COLFO – Your support helps us fight for fairness, accountability, and policies that actually improve public safety. Every dollar strengthens our ability to challenge unjust legislation and protect the rights of responsible firearm owners.

This case is not an isolated incident—it’s part of a growing pattern of unjust firearm policy that affects everyday New Zealanders. Please support us as we work tirelessly to ensure that common sense prevails.