A 44-year-old Auckland man is facing prosecution after allegedly failing to register seven of his firearms, despite having previously registered five.

Police say the case highlights the serious consequences of non-compliance with the Firearms Registry, which became law in 2023.

The man has been summonsed to appear at Waitakere District Court next month.

He faces charges under section 53A of the Arms Act for intentionally failing to provide required information for the Registry.

Police seized 12 firearms from his property earlier this week.

Detective Inspector Albie Alexander confirmed that five of the seized firearms had been registered, while seven—comprising standard shotguns and rifles—were not.

“Failure to register firearms has consequences,” said Detective Inspector Alexander.

“In this case, the man initially told Police he assumed the law was going to change in future, and when questioned further, claimed he forgot to register them.”

The Firearms Registry, managed by the Firearms Safety Authority-Te Tari Pūreke, is a key part of New Zealand’s firearms safety system.

It allows Police to have real-time information about who owns what firearms, helping them assess risks during critical incidents.

Superintendent Richard Wilson, Operations Director at the Firearms Safety Authority, says the case demonstrates that the law will be enforced.

“It is an offence punishable by up to two years’ jail or a fine of NZD 20,000 for intentionally failing to register a firearm,” he said. “People who choose not to comply are not fit and proper licence holders.”

The man’s firearms licence has been suspended while Police consider permanent revocation.

Superintendent Wilson encouraged licence holders who need help with the Registry to contact 0800 844 431.

“The message is simple—don’t risk losing your licence and ending up in court. We’re here to help.”

Since its launch in June 2023, more than a third of New Zealand’s licence holders have registered their firearms—over 370,000 in total.

The Registry was established to close long-standing gaps in the Arms Act, identified as early as 1997, and aims to make it harder for firearms to fall into criminal hands.

For Coasties who hold firearms licences, this case serves as an important reminder to stay up to date with their legal obligations.

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