Firearms Licencing Process – Mountain Safety Council Update

Mountain Safety Council is disappointed that misinformation has spread in the media during the review process leading towards a new national firearms safety training model.

Chief Executive Mike Daisley is keen to clear up a few details for the public.

"I'd like to clear up some misleading statements that have found their way into the media recently."

"To date, less than a quarter of the firearms safety volunteers have resigned. The majority of those were prior to this review."

"Importantly, there has been no loss of service levels with respect to delivering firearms training nationally. The vast majority of our network are still delivering courses and remain committed to doing this until the new model is in place."

Consistency in the delivery of the training and assessment material has been a major driver for fundamental change in the process said, Daisley.

"What's been clear after the 22 workshops we've done around the country recently is that we've got a challenge on our hands to raise consistency levels in the training and assessment levels from Kaitaia to Bluff"

"New Zealand requires a system that regardless of where you get your training you need to have the same consistent education and assessment experience. Currently, there is significant regional variation that if allowed to continue opens a potential for some of the training material to become less important."
Locations

Daisley is keen to point out that national coverage is a key factor in the design of the new system.
"National coverage is absolutely the goal, and we've focused on this aspect throughout the design of these models."

"It's important to reiterate that over 60% of the training courses are run in just 20 locations. If you include the next 35 highest attended locations that percentage climbs to 90%. To cover the remaining 10% requires running intermittent special locations which we've included in our thinking, and facing up to the reality that a small percentage of people will need to travel to get their license."

Daisley says that getting a license is a responsibility that lawful firearms users owners recognise.

"Some travel may be required depending on where you live to get a drivers licence for example. Each organisaton that is responsible for a national framework strives to get the best coverage for their network."

Daisley said there are parts of the current system that just can’t be brought forward.

"What we can't continue to do in the future is one-on-one training in residential houses. Part of the reason for that is that the district or region begins to rely on that person. If they are unable to deliver for whatever reason the system becomes vulnerable."

Working through the feedback has been insightful and continues to shape the model into the future said, Daisley.

"Based on the workshop feedback and our continued analysis of participation numbers we are investigating the possibility of increasing the number of fixed course locations under the new model to just over 60."

"Critically, the new model was always conceived to have the ability to include 'special location' courses specifically to service the rural community. The result of which would be more consistent, more accessible and more flexible training opportunities for all New Zealanders."

For several decades, the volunteer-based training system in New Zealand has delivered training around the country.

"Our volunteers have done an amasing job over the years delivering firearms training to so many new firearms users. They are passionate and dedicated members of the community. Mountain Safety Council recognises their hard work and their continued commitment to working with us through this tough transition" said Daisley.

While the existing volunteer network have been frustrated that change was necessary, the majority have come to recognise that this is the right thing to be doing for the future of New Zealand after the workshops said, Daisley

"This change is tough. As MSC we've got to keep focused on what the best system is for New Zealand."

Police Support

A Police spokesperson said they are continuing to work with the Mountain Safety Council.

"Police is aware of the recent review undertaken by the Mountain Safety Council (MSC), who it works in partnership with to deliver firearms safety programs."

"These changes are an internal matter for MSC, and are for them to comment on."

"There is no impact on our current contract with MSC, and we will continue to work collaboratively with the organisation as it implements these changes and will keep relevant staff informed."
Rural Concerns
The Mountain Safety Council recognises the concerns of the rural community and is working their recent feedback into the new models.

Daisley said the overwhelming majority of Kiwis are lawful and will work to get a drivers licence or firearms licence wherever this happens to be delivered.

"We understand there are some groups affected, and we're working hard to understand their concerns and minimise the impact on them."

--ENDS--

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