Thirty-one firearms were seized and six firearms licence holders had their licences suspended following a police investigation into illegal hunting in North Canterbury.
Police from the National Organised Crime Group, supported by the Firearms Safety Authority, uncovered what they describe as a network of firearms licence holders who allegedly supplied guns to unlicensed hunters and then tried to cover their tracks.
Detective Inspector Albie Alexander said the investigation began after shots were fired near a home in rural Cheviot in April, waking the occupants and prompting concerns about public safety.
“Two men, who did not hold firearms licences, pleaded guilty to charges including unlawful possession of firearms and discharging a firearm near a dwelling after the April incident,” Alexander said.
“Of the six firearms located in their possession, four were registered to other people. Thanks to the Firearms Registry, we were able to trace the licence holders who allegedly diverted their firearms.”
He said the investigation also revealed attempts to conceal the alleged offending by providing false information about the true ownership of the guns.
Four men and two women now face a range of charges, including attempting to defeat the course of justice, failing to register firearms, supplying a firearm to an unlicensed person, and providing false or misleading information to police.
Firearms Safety Authority Executive Director Angela Brazier said the Firearms Registry played a crucial role in linking the unlawful hunting in Cheviot with the licence holders now facing charges.
“We know that illegal hunting is a serious public safety concern in our rural communities,” Brazier said.
“The Firearms Registry links firearms to licence holders, improves traceability, and supports frontline police. The majority of licence holders have no trouble complying with their Registry obligations and know the rules about keeping firearms out of the hands of unlicensed people who may go on to commit offences.”
More than 110,000 active licence holders have now registered their details, covering over 538,000 firearms. Licence holders have until August 2028 to update the registry unless they have an activating circumstance before that date, such as purchasing a firearm or ammunition.
Two men aged 22 and 73, and two women aged 52 and 73, all from Kaikōura, are due to reappear at Kaikōura District Court on 12 December. A 38-year-old Hurunui man will reappear at Christchurch District Court on 13 November, and a 47-year-old Hurunui man is due to appear at the same court on 5 November.
Anyone with concerns about firearms offending can contact police on 105, or 111 in an emergency. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
