51�� - Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

Can I take part in search and rescue operations?

nicbarkley — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 03:09:18 +0000

Yes, if you join Land Search and Rescue groups or Coastguard New Zealand and undertake the necessary training including courses like tracking and search methods.

NZ Land Search and Rescue has over 3000 trained volunteers. There are roles for people with:

good basic bushcraft skills, reliable outdoor gear and reasonable fitness
computer networking, information management and/or key-boarding skills
radio or electronics skills.

Coastguard New Zealand has 1800 volunteers crewing 75 rescue vessels around the country. Coastguard members may:

crew rescue vessels
train as air observers on the Coastguard Air Patrols
run the search base headquarters
take roles in administration.

For more information see:

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

I lost my firearms licence. What should I do?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:32 +0000

Report a firearms licence as missing by call 105 or visiting your nearest police station.

To obtain a replacement, you will need to pay a fee at any New Zealand PostShop and take the receipt to your nearest police station or Police Arms Office.

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

Can I call 111 from a satellite phone?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:28 +0000

No you can't, you need to call +64 9 571 2800.

This will put you in touch with 51�� who will pass information about your emergency to the appropriate Emergency Service.

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

If I get lost and need Search and Rescue, will I have to pay?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:28 +0000

No, rescued people are not expected to pay. We prefer to educate and alert people to the potential risks and encourage people to plan and take responsibility for themselves.

We want people to request help if they are in distress or if their loved ones are missing.

We don’t want people hiding from us to avoid costs.However, if there is evidence of recklessness Police may lay charges and seek costs.

Search and Rescue operations are funded by a number of government agencies including Police. It is a service provided to make our outdoors safer for New Zealanders and overseas visitors to enjoy.

For more information visit:

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

I'm going tramping/hunting/boating. Do you recommend I take a personal locator beacon?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:27:27 +0000

Police recommends you take a distress beacon* with you when you are in the outdoors in areas where you know mobile phone coverage will be unreliable or if you are unsure. While New Zealand’s mobile phone coverage network is good in urban areas, it’s unlikely you’ll have reliable coverage in the backcountry or in marine areas.

Distress beacons can be hired from many outdoor tramping or hunting stores. If boating, take a marine VHF radio.

Ensure you know how to use it before you leave and register your beacon to help store your information for rescue services.

More information on communication devices for the outdoors is available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council, Coastguard and AdventureSmart.

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*A distress beacon (personal locator beacon) is a small electronic device that, on activation, broadcasts a signal to a satellite. This signal alerts the New Zealand Rescue Co-Ordination Centre that you are in distress.

Get information about buying or hiring, registering and using distress beacons from the Rescue Coordination Centre website | Maritime New Zealand.

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

I am coming into New Zealand and want to bring my firearms with me/go hunting. What do I need to do?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:26:45 +0000

You need to obtain a visitor’s firearms licence and an import permit for any firearms you wish to bring.

Read more information in our section for Visitor’s firearms licence and import permits.

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

What is the definition of an offensive weapon?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:26:42 +0000

An offensive weapon is anything that can be used to cause injury.

Under the Crimes Act, an 'offensive weapon' should only be carried with a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose.

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

What are the rules relating to crossbows?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:26:41 +0000

You do not need a licence but under the Crimes Act crossbows (bow and arrows) are offensive weapons.

Bow and arrows should only be carried with a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose, for example you are taking your crossbow to archery practice or hunting.

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

What are the rules around imitation firearms?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:26:41 +0000

It is an offence under the Arms Act to possess or use an imitation firearm without a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose.

Blank-firing imitation firearms can be considered "firearms" under law, especially if modified. They are considered case by case; please contact your local Police Arms Office.

Toy guns are not covered by the Arms Act but many look like real guns from a distance. Police are regularly called by members of the public who are concerned about people pointing guns which turn out to be toys.

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

Are BB guns legal?

webadmin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:26:40 +0000

Yes. BB guns are classified as airguns under the Arms Act 1983. Anyone aged 18 or older can possess and use an airgun. Anyone under 18 years of age 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.

For more information, visit Te Tari Pūreke - Firearms Safety Authority.

Free firearms safety lectures are offered by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.

Audience:

Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

51���� - Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties

Can I take part in search and rescue operations?

I lost my firearms licence. What should I do?

Can I call 111 from a satellite phone?

If I get lost and need Search and Rescue, will I have to pay?

I'm going tramping/hunting/boating. Do you recommend I take a personal locator beacon?

I am coming into New Zealand and want to bring my firearms with me/go hunting. What do I need to do?

What is the definition of an offensive weapon?

What are the rules relating to crossbows?

What are the rules around imitation firearms?

Are BB guns legal?

51�� - Trampers/climbers/hunters/boaties