Do I need a licence for an airgun?

An airgun is any air rifle, pistol or weapon that has a gas or compressed air firing mechanism. Under the Arms Act 1983, "airgun" includes air rifles, air pistols, BB guns, soft air pellet guns and paintball guns.

Anyone 18 years or older can possess and use an airgun without a firearms licence. Anyone under 18 may use an airgun if they hold a New Zealand Firearms Licence or they are under the "immediate supervision" of a firearms licence holder or a person aged 18 or older.

"Immediate supervision" generally means the licensed or older person is within reach and in control of the person using the airgun. The person providing the supervision must be able to take control of the airgun. They cannot be in possession or control of another firearm or airgun. Some more powerful airguns are defined in the Arms Act 1983 as "firearms"; check with your Arms Officer. Learn more from the airguns section of the Arms Code.