Guns in Schools

A recent article about firearms training in a school at Whakarongo had mixed reactions across the country. The Council of Licenced Firearms Owners (COLFO) member’s fondly recall that it is not so many years ago that most boys schools had cadet units that trained with up to date military firearms of that period including machine guns.

Even today many schools have their own clay target and smallbore rifle teams. Nationwide volunteer Firearms Safety Instructors have provided firearm safety lectures at local schools over recent decades so that students can sit the test for their firearms licence. Local clubs have provided practical shooting experience for school children on many occasions.

COLFO Chairman Paul Clark points out “Shooting is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and physical ability. The art of shooting in itself teaches the user self-discipline, self-control, hand-eye coordination and other techniques. Most children are curious about firearms and those who are given the opportunity to handle them thoroughly enjoy the experience.”

New Zealand has over 240,000 licenced firearms owners. That means there are over 240,000 homes in New Zealand with firearms in them. “It is inevitable that many young children will be exposed to firearms. Particularly in rural areas where a firearm is a tool regularly used by parents, family members and workers. Firearm safety training at an early age has been shown to lead to safer and more responsible firearm use in later life” says Mr Clark.

The Greens and Labour Party called for a ban on firearms in schools, leaving the current Education Minister Nikki Kaye calling for guidelines to be established. Considering the wide use of firearms throughout New Zealand COLFO believes it would be appropriate to include firearm safety training in the curriculum. It is a skill that encourages good behaviour, just as the introduction of defensive driving programs has improved young driver behaviour.

COLFO supports that a School’s Board of Trustees should be able to judge what extra-curricular activities are appropriate for their community.

It is imperative that in developing guidelines for firearms in schools that Minister Kaye should consult with the firearms community. This will ensure that the guidelines are fit for purpose and can be taken into any school or education facility.

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