Arms Act 1983

If you need more information about this Act, please contact the administering agency: New Zealand Police
53 Careless use of firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon

(1)

Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to a fine not exceeding $4,000 or to both who causes bodily injury to or the death of any person by carelessly using a firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon.

(2)

Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to a fine not exceeding $4,000 or to both who, being a person who has in his charge or under his control a firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon loaded with a shot, bullet, cartridge, missile, or projectile, whether in its breech, barrel, chamber, or magazine, leaves that firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon in any place in such circumstances as to endanger the life of any person without taking reasonable precautions to avoid such danger.

(3)

Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to a fine not exceeding $4,000 or to both who, without reasonable cause, discharges or otherwise deals with a firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon in a manner likely to injure or endanger the safety of any person or with reckless disregard for the safety of others.

(4)

It shall be no defence to the crime of manslaughter that the guilty act or omission proved against the person charged is an act or omission constituting an offence against this section.

Compare: 1958 No 21 ss 16(2A), 16A; 1964 No 36 s 6(1); 1966 No 18 s 4; 1971 No 46 s 4

Section 53(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Section 53(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Section 53(2): amended, on 8 March 1985, by section 3 of the Arms Amendment Act 1985 (1985 No 5).

Section 53(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Section 53(4): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).