People applying for a firearms licence in New Zealand will be be able to complete a firearms safety theory test and practical training in one session from March.
Police say feedback from firearms licence applicants shows they prefer a "one session" approach for the firearms safety course.
The change means applicants won’t have to make two trips, one for the theory test and one for their practical training, Acting Superintendent Mike McIlraith said today.
"The 'one session' approach means if people successfully complete the one firearms safety course, they will have met their testing and training requirements under the Arms Act as part of their firearms licence application process," he said.
"When we announced the new firearms safety programme in May 2018, we recognised that as a trial programme, we may make tweaks and changes as the trial progresses."
Police have also taken on board feedback that additional training locations are needed across the country, and there will be 66 locations progressively coming on line for 2019, Mr McIlraith said.
The Mountain Safety Council, as the Police course provider, will offer the firearms safety course at the locations.
The current firearms safety programme will remain in place until the end of February. Theory tests can continue to be undertaken at participating AA and VTNZ sites and the Mountain Safety Council will continue to offer practical training sessions across the country.
Firearms safety courses can be booked on the Mountain Safety Council practical course booking site .
The Police website provides more information on the firearms safety course.
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