Arms Code

Updated Version of the Arms Code

The Arms Code has been revised and rewritten into an easy-to-read, informative booklet by a professional writer. The first New Zealand Arms Code was written in 1975 by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council and NZ Police. Back then, MSC took on responsibility for training firearms licence applicants, using the Arms Code as their training resource.

Volunteer instructors with Mountain Safety remain significant and strategic partners in promoting both the safe use and control of firearms. Manager Licensing and Vetting Service Centre, Inspector Joe Green, PNHQ, says the Arms Code is central to firearms safety training. 'It's used by schools as a motivational reader for boys in the 10 to 13 age group.'

Joe says since the introduction of the Arms Code, and subsequent training, non-intentional deaths and injuries have dropped from an average of one a week to an average of one a month. 'The message to secure firearms has also seen suicide by firearm drop significantly,' he said.

While the Code has been amended several time since 1975, the content has been reviewed completely and rewritten. Many of the line drawings have been replaced by photographs. The revised Code is still produced in the handy DLE size - making it cheap to mail out and easy to carry. It's provided free to every licence applicant and can be ordered through the FMIS system. 'It should also be made freely available to schools, libraries, shooting clubs - to any person seeking to upskill in the safe use and control of firearms,' says Joe.

The Arms Code can be downloaded from the MSC website, www.mountainsafety.org.nz and from the Police website, www.police.govt.nz