Strengthening Implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)
The role of Civil Society in support of the Programme of Action

Sydney, Australia
22 – 23 June 2009

Address by Andre Doyle, COLFO Board Member

Thank you Mr. Chairman, honoured delegates - organising staff. Thank you very much for the opportunity to address this meeting – it is greatly appreciated. My name is Andre Doyle.  I am a board member of the New Zealand Council of Licensed Firearms Owners Incorporated, (COLFO).   We are New Zealand’s largest voluntary firearms user organisation and on behalf of our members, I acknowledge the Australian Government for extending an invitation to attend this meeting.   I would also acknowledge the efforts of those organising this meeting and the staff of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Today I hope to build on the work of my predecessor Mr. John Howat, who sends his regards.

I have been involved with the administration of COLFO since its incorporation in 1996.   I am also responsible for representing the views of the New Zealand National Rifle Association, a member organisation.  I have had a successful career with the New Zealand Defence Force having retired as an Army Warrant Officer.  I was responsible in part for the accounting and control of service weapons and munitions. I have represented both Army and New Zealand in competitive rifle shooting.  I remain a keen recreational hunter.

New Zealand has a unique environment that offers ample opportunities for recreational hunting on both crown and private lands.  New Zealand also has a large rural farming sector that has an ongoing need for pest management control.  For those of us that grew-up on or near family farms, rabbit shooting was a favourite pastime activity. The use of firearms from an early age enforces safe handling skills, knowledge and respect for the regulations governing firearms and a lifetime awareness of personal responsibility.

New Zealand communities participate in many forms of competitive shooting sports, locally, nationally and in global competition.  Like all sports, shooting competitively offers opportunities for travel, interaction with other countries and a pathway of development for young participants. Shooting sports have the ability to contribute to a countries economy, to its development and to its standing in the international community.

Current New Zealand gun laws

Current gun laws in New Zealand stem from a decision made in 1983 to move from a regime of registration that focussed on the firearm, to a comprehensive licensing regime that focuses on ensuring, as far as possible, that only fit and proper people have access to firearms.

This change was made on the basis that the then registration system -

1. Suffered from inaccuracy,
2. had indications of low compliance,
3. did not assist crime prevention and detection,
4. was of high cost with the money for maintaining such a system better spent on other essential police duties.

A licensing system with more intensive vetting was considered to provide effective arms control. This view has not changed and is still supported today.

(Judge Thorp; 1997, pages 13-16 Review of Firearms Control in New Zealand).

Strategies Delivering Best Outcomes

COLFO was formed in 1996 and our members consist of New Zealand’s main firearms user Associations including hunting, collecting and sport-shooting societies, trading entities, as well as clubs and individuals.  COLFO limits its involvement to firearms law and ‘gun-control’ issues.
We have learnt that strategies delivering the best outcomes for both government and user groups alike are strategies of mutual respect, relationship building, co-operation and education.
We utilise an extensive member network of experienced and knowledgeable individuals.  We gather and channel information back to government in the form of submissions or responses to specific questions or issues.

There is no expectation that government will heed each submission or response, the more important factor is the opportunity to participate in a considered and objective consultation process.

We also know that governments will consider new policy and regulations with or without input from community user groups.  Participation in most cases results in improved compliance, awareness and acceptance of new law.

Closing Summary

I will to finish by reiterating a key message of my predecessor; “Responsible sporting users of firearms are on the same side as the Police and the Governments of their countries.   Responsible firearms-users are against the criminal misuse of firearms, as they are against the illicit cross border trade and movement of firearms”.

COLFO believes that the effectiveness of New Zealand gun laws stem from:
Consultation with the resulting laws respected and embraced by the community,
Ongoing minimal costs to maintain these laws once implemented,
Licensing individuals who understand their responsibilities and support the law, and
Requiring adequate safe storage of firearms while not in use.

COLFO is happy to provide what assistance it can to our Pacific neighbors.  Should assistance be sought you may contact us directly, or through the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

I would like to thank you all for your attention.

Thank you Mr. Chairman.