New Zealand Police and Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand (FSE) have a Working Arrangement and an Information Sharing Agreement to guide the relationship between the agencies from 23 September 2026.
Under the Arms Act 2026, the Commissioner of Police must provide certain services and support to FSE to enable it to carry out its functions as the firearms regulator, because of the Police role as the host agency.
The Agencies also require a clear framework for when information can be shared, who can access it, and what safeguards apply.
The Working Arrangement is authorised by section 315 of the Arms Act 2026, which also requires the document to be published.
The Working Arrangement is divided into three parts or Header Agreements, and two Schedules:
- Operational Services;
- Regulatory Services; and
- Corporate Services.
- A Schedule for Operational and Regulatory Services, and
- A Schedule for Corporate Services.
The Information Sharing Agreement (ISA) sets out how NZ Police and FSE will lawfully share and access information that each agency needs to carry out its own functions.
Both agencies hold or need information that may be relevant to public safety. The ISA provides a clear framework for when info can be shared, who can access it, and what safeguards apply.
The intent of these two agreements is to support continuity of services by both agencies, while they exercise separate statutory responsibilities.