Folks,
I'm currently living in the UK (country of origin) but intend to emmigrate to New Zealand within a year. I'm degree qualified, never been in trouble with plod and satisfied our draconian laws in order to currently possess 10 rifles and 4 shotguns.

What are my chances of being allowed to bring my guns with me and how easy is it to hunt/shoot. I mainly traget shoot and wildfowl, but occassionally stalk deer.

How 'anti' are society with regard to hunting/shooting?

I don't suppose you can own and shoot pistol in New Zealand?

Marc

You will be pleasently suprised with NZ's attitude to firearms, don't bother comming to OZ with them though. Pistol's are also available.

NZ is a shooters paradise compared to Aus.(Don't tell Muizza I said that..ok?)

Hello Marc

The guys are mostly coorect, NZ is pretty relaxed about the hunting thing, except perhaps in a few of the more "proffessional/academic" cirles in the biggest cities. Even then I can think of aquaintances at most of NZ's unis that hunt.

As long as your firearms don't resemble military style semi autos you won't have any problems. Have a look at the NZ police website, all the info is there.

What sort of job are you looking for, we have vacancies for most professionals down this end of NZ, the hunting is the best, and the weather will be better than where you are now. The JAFFA's (just another *&^%$ing aucklander) have just admitted it rains a lot in their fair city, and Hamilton has recently been called Hicksville by no lessor authority than an South African Rugby News hack. Of course everyone will tell you what Mick Jagger said about Invercargill when he was last here in the sixties - thats how far back they have to go to find any dirt !!

Cheers - Foster

I'm currently employed as a Department Head in a Secondary (senior) school - Technology Subjects

NZ is great as far as i'm concerned. Came over for a Holiday and was blown away with the folks, relaxed lifestyle, environment, etc.

As i primarily fish and hunt, then a natural choice. I did also consider Canada, but it's too close to the USA.

Marc

Marc

it sounds as though you have skills that are needed here - education is crying out for males due to the politically correct bullshit nature of life here . men just dont go into teaching anymore so those want to join are welcomed with open arms .

As long as your firearms arent full autos , or handguns ( and they wont be if you are in Britain anyway!!! )you wont have any trouble getting them in .

be aware that NZ has a land mass similar to the UK but only has 4.2 million people , and a mill of those live in Dorkland.

Bird hunting is readily available as are deer and other big critturs.

Come on down..

Here's one proffesional/academic type, (not that I knew I was a type, I thought I was just me ) who will welcome you and your guns to NZ. To have 10 rifles in Pomgolia means you must have been a very good fellow.
It's my understanding that pistols shooting is restricted to range use only, if that is correct pistols can not be used as freely as other firearms.
When I returned to NZ after a spell abroad the importation of my firearms was straightforward. The local police were most willing to help.

There should be little problem for you. My advice is that you bring your Pomgolian Firearms Certificate, or a copy of it, with you when you come.
You will probably have to sit a short test before being granted a certificate here, it's not difficult, you should have no problems passing it.
Do you know where in New Zealand you are intending to live? Don't, no matter how tempting it might sound, settle in the city Auckwardlanders the Jaffa taunt is well deserved.
Good luck.

Thanks for the advice guys - much appreciated.

You can't own pistols in the UK, but i'd be keen to own one for range usage upon entry to NZ.

One of my major reasons for travelling to NZ is the freedom and land. I have absolutely no intention of settling in a city. Living on the outskirts of a smallish town will be ideal for me, the wife and my 3yrold daughter.

OK, let me list some of my guns - feel free to flag up any potential problems:

Rifles
7.5x55 Schmidt Rubin 1911 - straight pull
7.62 Accuracy International AEW
223 Savage Model 11
270win BSA Monarch
45/70 Remington falling block
22lr Semi auto
22lr Anschutz aluminium stock prone target
402Ruger Long range accuracy - custom made
7.62 Savage BVSS
Etc......can't think at mo.

Shotguns
12g Winchester Select Game
12g Mossberg 835 pump (3 shot)
12g AYA No.4 Side-by-side
12g Baikal MP153 semi auto (3 shot)
20g Beretta over&under
Etc...

Scotsgun, I think that there may well be a good expat community going as it seems that a lot of like minded folk have got fed up with the sanctimonious bs==== that we have to put up with over here, have looked at NZ and thought that'll do. I'm of the same mind and will be looking to go in the next two years (few loose ends yet) Also degree qualified but in forestry/arboriculture. So question for the NZ fellas, what are the opps like with trees over there?

Z

We do have a few trees here - forestry is a big industry that has cycles of enthusiasm or doom and dispair. There is always research work in forestry , and general aboreculture is a trendy thing amongst Local Authorities at present .

I doubt you would have difficulty getting employment , just depends where you want to live. You will still have to meet the immigration requirements tho... beauracracy afflicts everything , but not as badly as what you are used to at home ....Come on down .

Scotgun - no problems with those weapons, if you are interested we (Venture Southland www.southlandnz.com) will probably have people at the London and Manchester immigration shows this year, or get a copy of the "Working in New Zealand" publication, avaliable at our embassies

Cheers - Foster