Police clarify firearms laws after horse death
The Takaka Police often receive complaints from people, particularly those in the more remote areas of Golden Bay, about the activities of shooters on and near private land.
“People are especially concerned about spotlighting from public roads close to properties and houses,” said Sergeant Arthur Clarence, the officer in charge of the Takaka Police. “This was highlighted not long ago by the fatal shooting of a horse in a paddock near Paturau. That shot was fired from the road.
“We also get regular complaints from residents in the Bird Road area above Clifton. People up there are woken up in the night by shots being fired close to their houses or by having spotlights shone through their windows. It’s pretty frightening for them.”
Sergeant Clarence said that shooters needed to be aware that if they break the law while they are out shooting, their gun licences can be revoked.
“Holding a gun licence is a privilege,” he said. “Shooters need to realise that if they want to shoot on land that isn’t theirs, they’ve got to get permission. That applies to land that DOC administers as well. Losing your gun licence means you can’t even go out hunting with people who are licensed gun-owners.”
Sergeant Clarence said that there are four important laws relating to the use of firearms:
Wild Animal Control Act: Under this act, it is an offence to hunt, kill or to have possession of any wild animal on private land without the express permission of the owner of the land.
It is also an offence to discharge a firearm into, over or across private land without the owner’s express permission. Private land includes Department of Conservation land. Shooting into and across private land has obvious connotations for spotlighters.
Arms Act 1983: This act says that it is an offence to fire a firearm without a good reason in or near a dwelling or in any public place in a way that endangers property or people, or that just frightens or annoys people. You can go to prison for three months or be fined up to $3000 for breaking this law.
Sergeant Clarence pointed out that just carrying or possessing a firearm, ammunition or parts of a firearm without a legal reason is an offence under this act. Also, if one person in a car has a gun, everyone in the same car is considered to be in possession of that gun.
Trespass Act 1981: If you go on someone else’s land to shoot you can be asked to give your name and address and your firearm licence number. If you refuse or you don’t tell the truth or you don’t give enough detail, you are committing an offence.
Land Transport Act 1998: It is an offence to drive on a road in a vehicle with a loaded firearm in or on it. “Loaded” means with ammunition in a magazine attached to, or incorporated in, the firearm. The driver will be the one charged.
“This last one is yet another law preventing spotlighting from roads,” said Sergeant Clarence. “I also want to remind shooters that under no circumstances should they drink alcohol while they are using firearms.”
Neil Wilson
