Photo: fileDomestic violence and alcohol abuse are among the reasons people in the South have been denied firearms licences. Data from the Firearms Safety Authority showed that between January 2024 and November 2025, 63 people in Otago and Southland were denied a firearms licence. Nationally, 550 people were denied firearms licences during that period. The Firearms Safety Authority has been collating the reasons for a refused firearms licence since October 2023. "Firearms licence holders in New Zealand overwhelmingly represent people committed to using and storing firearms safely," she said.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 21, 2026 19:06 UTC