by Mike Bain – The Daily Examiner

Changes to the Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) regime take effect on 2 March2

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Firearms Prohibition Order regime has been expanded to help Police to keep firearms out of the hands of gangs and other high-risk offenders.

“This is part of our commitment to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and keep communities safe.

“Our changes target gangs and organised crime groups. We have expanded the qualifying criteria for the court to make an FPO, given police a new search power to monitor compliance with an FPO, and established a process which allows an FPO to be modified or removed,” Mrs McKee says.

Minister for Police Mark Mitchell says changes to the Act strengthen the existing FPO regime by sending a strong message that the Government is committed to addressing violent crime and enforcing consequences for gangs.

“This Government takes law and order seriously and we have shown we will not back down. These changes complement other tools we’ve already given Police to disrupt gangs and organised crime,” Mr Mitchell says.

“The changes in the Act mean courts will be able to issue FPOs to any gang member or associate convicted of a significant offence, and Police will have practical tools to ensure people with FPOs are complying with them.”

Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPOs) are made by the court when offenders have committed serious violent offences. They are in force for 10 years – prohibiting offenders from holding a firearms licence, and from being around or accessing firearms.

Breaching the conditions of an FPO is a criminal offence, and offenders that do breach conditions can be liable for up to seven years in prison.

“This is not an extra punishment. It is about monitoring compliance with the order that has already been placed upon them, and of course, the ultimate outcome is about making our communities safer,” Mrs McKee says.

The Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) regime in New Zealand has evolved as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address gun violence and organized crime. The history of FPOs can be traced back to the broader context of firearm regulation and crime prevention in the country.

Background and Evolution

1. Initial Legislation: The concept of FPOs was introduced as part of the Arms Act 1983, which aimed to regulate the possession and use of firearms in New Zealand. The Act established the framework for issuing firearms licenses and set out the criteria for disqualification from holding a license.
2. Public Consultation and Legislative Changes: In response to increasing concerns about gun violence and the involvement of gangs in criminal activities, the New Zealand government sought public input on the establishment of a Firearms Prohibition Order regime. This led to the introduction of the Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Act 2022, which aimed to prevent high-risk individuals from accessing firearms.
3. Implementation of FPOs: The Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Act 2022 came into effect on 16 November 2022. This legislation allowed courts to issue FPOs to individuals convicted of serious violent offenses, prohibiting them from holding a firearms license and from being around or accessing firearms.
4. Recent Amendments: The recent changes to the FPO regime, which took effect on 2 March 2025, further expand the qualifying criteria for issuing FPOs and grant police new search powers to monitor compliance. These changes are part of the government’s commitment to reducing violent crime, restoring law and order, and keeping communities safe4.

Key Features of the Expanded FPO Regime

• Expanded Qualifying Criteria: Courts can now issue FPOs to any gang member or associate convicted of a significant offense.
• New Search Powers: Police have been given new powers to search individuals subject to FPOs to ensure compliance.
• Modification and Removal Process: A process has been established to allow for the modification or removal of FPOs.

The expansion of the FPO regime reflects the government’s determination to address the threat posed by gangs and organized crime groups. By strengthening the legal framework and providing law enforcement with additional tools, the government aims to enhance public safety and reduce the incidence of gun-related violence.