New Zealand Acts

ARMS ACT 1983 - SECT 45

45 Carrying or possessing firearms, etc, except for lawful, proper, and sufficient purpose

1 Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 4 years or to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to both who, except for some lawful, proper, and sufficient purpose,—

a) carries; or

b) is in possession of—

any firearm, airgun, pistol, prohibited magazine, restricted weapon, or explosive.

2 In any prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) in which it is proved that the defendant was carrying or in possession of any firearm, airgun, pistol, prohibited magazine, restricted weapon, or explosive, as the case may require, the burden of proving the existence of some lawful, proper, and sufficient purpose shall lie on the defendant.

Note: 1958 No 21 s 16(1), (3)

History: Section 45 heading: replaced, on 12 April 2019, by section 49(1) of the Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 12).   Section 45(1): amended, on 12 April 2019, by section 49(2) of the Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 12).     Section 45(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).     Section 45(1): amended, on 1 November 1992, by section 23(1) of the Arms Amendment Act 1992 (1992 No 95).     Section 45(2): amended, on 12 April 2019, by section 49(2) of the Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 12).     Section 45(2): amended, on 8 March 1985, by section 2 of the Arms Amendment Act 1985 (1985 No 5).