Very gun-bureacratic. Seem barely tolerant of ownership, and frown on handguns. I wouldn't be surprised if they someday pull an Australia-style confiscation. Apparently, the police can come in every year to inspect that your guns are properly locked up. You need special endorsements to own any pistol or anything but a "sporting" rifle or shotgun. And I believe everything is registered as well. It's like Massachusetts X10, and I don't believe there's
any concealed carry allowed.
Note also that only approved SPORTING or collector handguns are allowed. Nothing else may be imported. Handgun restrictions seem close to UK type.
The Commissioner of Police strictly controls the importation of pistols, semi-automatic military-style and automatic restricted weapons. To possess revolvers and pistols (both classed as pistols in this country) one has to have either a B or C endorsed firearms licence. A B endorsement is issued to a member of a recognised pistol shooting club for pistols approved for pistol club use only, and a C endorsement, as a bona fide collector. The latter includes revolvers, pistols, or restricted weapons that are either heirlooms or mementos. Hunting with pistols is strictly forbidden in New Zealand.
I wouldn't move there. Pretty mountains, but nowhere near as free as the US. You'd find out what "at the whim of the goverment" means, I think.
Here's their basic license thing:
A standard firearms licence allows you to have and use sporting type shotguns and rifles. You also need this licence if you are aged 16 and 17 years and wish to buy or use an airgun. Standard licences are valid for 10 years. A licence holder will require an endorsement to:
* Own pistols (B endorsement)
* Collect firearms, or stage theatrical performances involving firearms (C endorsement)
* Own or possess military style semi-automatic rifles or shot guns (E endorsement)
* Standard licence: $123.75 - For a new firearms licence or renewal of a licence before expiry.
* Visitor's licence: $25.00 - For any person visiting New Zealand for less than 12 months. Includes any application for an endorsement to the licence to possess a pistol and/or Millitary-style semi-automatic rifle or shotgun for competition purposes.
* Dealer's licence: $200.00 - For a new dealer's licence or renewal of a dealer's licence.
* Standard licence expired: $236.25 - For any person whose previous firearms licence either expired, or was a "life time licence" which was deemeed revoked.
* Standard licence replacement: $25.00 - For a replacement firearms licence (eg, current licence lost/stolen/damaged, change of name).
* Standard licence endorsement(s): $200.00 - For one or more endorsements to a standard firearms licence, for the posession of; Target pistols ("B" endorsement), Millitary-style semi-automatic rifles or shotguns [MSSA] ("E" endorsement), a collection of pistols or restricted weapons ("C" Collectors or Museum endorsement), Pistols or restricted weapons for performing a play/film/re-enactment ("C" Theatrical endorsement), Pistols or restricted weapons for hire or sale ("F" endorsement - dealers or their employees).
* Dealer's gun show consent: $50.00 - Application by a dealer for consent for a gun show.