Although there are at least 234,000 firearms licence holders in New Zealand, the Firearms Safety Authority - Te Tari Pūreke - estimates that between 7 – 10 per cent of them are Māori. Until now Firearms Safety Code has only been available in English.

Many people use firearms regularly for gathering kai for whānau, hunting for sport and recreation, and pest control in agriculture-related businesses, says Director of Partnerships for Te Tari Pūreke, Mike McIlraith.

“For many Māori, firearms are an important tool and part of life in rural New Zealand.

"Understanding the Firearms Safety Code is necessary for everyone to get a firearms licence, and to safely possess and use firearms.”

The Firearms Safety Code was recently overhauled and republished by Te Tari Pūreke, replacing NZ Police’s Arms Code from 2013.

“The time was right, therefore, to create the first-ever reo Māori version of the Firearms Safety Code,” says Mike.

According, to Mike, Dr Haki Tuapikithe, the person who translated the code, followed Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori guidelines for the translation which also requires assurance by a second translator before finalising.

Six months were needed for Dr Haki to translate the code which provides detailed guidance around the seven rules of firearm safety along with practical examples, photographs and diagrams, says Mike.

“The Code also outlines licence holders’ legal obligations, states of readiness, prepping a firearm for use, safe practices during transport, storage, and handling, as well as safety equipment and first aid.”

Te Tari Pūreke is committed to working with all our communities to promote safe and responsible firearms practices,” says Mike.

“We recognised a need for the Firearms Safety Code in te reo to be available for Māori, and we will continue to look for more ways to incorporate reo Māori in our resources.”

Te Tari Pūreke also delivers a community-based firearm safety training course called Whakatūpato in partnership with iwi groups for people who live in isolated rural locations and who may not be able to attend a course in a town or city, says Te Tari Pūreke Director of Partnerships Mike McIlraith.

“The main objective is to remove barriers for people who would like to get their firearms licence or do safety training."

The Code is available for free, to download in both Māori and English.

It can also be found at libraries, bookstores around the country, some firearms dealers’ stores, and online retailers.