Thread: Firearms storage in two locations

I’m sure I’m not the first to want to do this, so hopefully someone’s already doing it and knows the drill.

I would like to leave a set of hunting gear including a rifle at work in Christchurch, where I travel frequently.
I live in Auckland, and have everything legally housed and registered here.
I could put a safe in a locked secure room in a chch commercial building, then when I want to go for a hunt, everything’s there, and I’m good to go with no hassle.

Is this possible?
I have to renew my license shortly, so I can ask the officer then, but thought I’d try to get ahead of any issues.

Cheers.M

For the purposes of this Act every person in occupation of any land or building or the driver of any vehicle on which any firearm, airgun, pistol, imitation firearm, restricted weapon, prohibited magazine, or explosive is found shall, though not to the exclusion of the liability of any other person, be deemed to be in possession of that firearm, airgun

now in Christchurch who is in possession of the firearm not you in Auckland would be my reading of it may be different if it was a private home and the owner occupier had a FAL be interesting to hear what they have to say

Originally Posted by Lauries Hut

I have to renew my license shortly, so I can ask the officer then, but thought I’d try to get ahead of any issues.
Cheers.M

What you really need is an authoritative answer to a point of law regarding what is in the Act and/or Regulations.
Be aware that that is not what you (might) get from the "officer". Often-times, what you will get is an opinion which will either be their own interpretation or that of their superiors; not what the law actually requires.

yes definetly authoritative answer is required- but a little preparation by reading the document put out on storage of firearms would be a help - This one is not arms act as such - certainly the nice young staff at the FSA are helpfull but I found were very lacking in real knowledge- with me so many mistakes that had to be carefully talked thru - a martini action to them was a lever action - and an old 1890 16 gauge was not required to be registered - well wrong it takes cartridges its not percussion

I would suggest that a better solution is that the firearm is in a FAL holders gun safe in CHCH and on their license.
And that because you will only be infrequently using that firearm and for less than 30 days at a time then it doesn't need to be transferred back to you to use

I think the route you have proposed originally will not fly with FSA

So...flip side of same coin...if you are working in Christchurch for MORE than 30 days in a row...are your firearms in Auckland now stored illegally?????

Having a secondary place of storage has never been a real problem. Have done it several times and the local plods were always accommodating in the matter. They can record it on the system but who knows now. The only possible issue could be that it’s at your place of work and who has possible access to that locked room you have your safe in. Do you own or lease the building yourself or is it a general place of work is another question. Start local and if they’re not sure, they’ll refer the matter to the arms officer. Personally, I wouldn’t go down the rabbit hole of phoning the FSA. You never know what halfwit you’re going to get. Mind you, emailing them with the question will hopefully get you something definitive in writing, which is very important.
Good luck.

How is this any different than the owner of a gun shop? He or she may have rifles stored at their home premises and will definitely have them at their shop. The two premises make well be many kilometres apart.

In a case of someone who has firearms license but no firearms.
Has sold their safe and moved in with friends for a few weeks pryor to traveling overseas for some months.
Anyone know the drill re change of address etc?

Notify police...job done.

Legally I own it, but it’s a commercial building with a somewhat complex structure.
But I wouldn’t have thought that should matter (ownership) I wouldn’t have thought it should be any different to someone renting or flatting.
Where I see the issue is I’m there monthly, it’s not my primary residence, other people have access to the building, to so,e degree it’s a public place.
It is a place of employment.
But I can lock the safe in a secure room, and could restrict access, so the only person with a key would be myself, and one of the staff who also has a license.

I’ll see how I go and let you know.
Will definitely not call the FSA based on your advice; thanks!

M