Private sales of firearms are legal, but the buyer must hold a New Zealand firearms licence. Selling a standard firearm to a person who does not have a valid licence carries a maximum penalty of a $40,000 fine or up to three years in prison. The onus is on the seller to check the buyer has a current licence.
Internet sales are subject to section 55 of the Arms Act 2026. Information on this is available from the Firearms Safety and Education website. it gives guidance on how to find out if the person you are selling to is a current licence holder, and how to transfer ownership through the Firearms Registry
Anyone who buys a firearm without a licence could be charged with unlawful possession of a standard firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 3 years in prison, or possessing a standard firearm without a lawful proper and sufficient purpose which carries a maximum penalty of a $15,000 fine or up to five years in prison.
Mail order and internet sales forms | Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand New Zealand