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Tokelau — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

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Small Arms Exports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Tokelau is reported to be US$218,1911 (2009)

Import Control

In Tokelau, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 2 3 4

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Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Tokelau is reported to be US$13,0491 (2007)

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Tokelau is categorised as restrictive5

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Tokelau is the New Zealand Arms Act 19836, the Arms Amendment Act 19927, the Arms Regulations 19928, under the Tokelau Act 19489 10

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Tokelau are regulated by the New Zealand Commissioner of Police11 12

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Tokelau, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law13 14

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Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In Tokelau, civilians are not allowed to possess handguns, military-style semi-automatic weapons or fully automatic firearms without a permit to purchase and a relevant firearm licence endorsement15 16 17 18 19 20 21

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Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Tokelau, private possession of fully automatic weapons is restricted to police-approved licensed gun owners with a ‘collector' licence endorsement.15 17 18 Each automatic or restricted weapon must be registered to its owner, and disabled when not in use22

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Tokelau, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is restricted to police-approved licensed gun owners with a Military-Style Semi Automatic (MSSA) licence endorsement.23 16 15 18 19 20 Each MSSA must be registered to its owner and securely stored when not in use22

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Regulation of Handguns

In Tokelau, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is restricted to police-approved licensed gun owners with a ‘pistol’ licence endorsement.17 16 15 24 19 20 Each handgun must be registered to its owner and securely stored22

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Tokelau, only licensed gun owners19 25 15 26 27 28 20 17 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Tokelau are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example target shooting, hunting, collection.27 21 Owning a firearm for self-defence is specifically excluded, and prohibited14

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Tokelau is 16 years,15 29 25 18 years for military style semi-automatic firearms,23 and any age while shooting an unrestricted firearm (shotgun, rifle, or airgun) under the immediate supervision of an appropriately qualified licence holder30

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Tokelau must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental, medical, addiction and domestic violence31 32 33 19 20 34 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Tokelau, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required31 19 20 35 36

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Partner to be Advised or Interviewed

In Tokelau, licensing authorities are required31 19 to conduct interviews with, or to advise an applicant's spouse, partner, or next of kin before issuing a gun licence

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Tokelau stipulates32 37 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Tokelau, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required38 39 40 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Tokelau gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every 10 years41

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Licensing Records

In Tokelau, authorities maintain a record20 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Tokelau are permitted to possess any number of sporting type shotguns or rifles42

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

A licensed firearm owner in Tokelau is permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition43 44 45

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Tokelau, the law for only handguns, military-style semi-automatic and restricted firearms requires46 19 20 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Tokelau, licensed firearm dealers are required47 48 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Background Checks for Private Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm in a private sale in Tokelau is not obliged49 to pass official background checks before taking possession

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Tokelau, the private sale and transfer of firearms is permitted with a valid firearms licence50 49

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Tokelau, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful51 52 27

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Limit on Gun Dealer Sales

In Tokelau, the number and type of firearms which can be sold by a licensed gun dealer to a single gun owner is limited to 1 pistol, military style semi-automatic firearm, or restricted firearm per acquisition permit16 53

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Tokelau, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined43 44 45

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Tokelau, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are regulated54 55 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Tokelau include31 22 19 20 56 57 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Tokelau include58 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Tokelau, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is prohibited59 60 61

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Tokelau, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is prohibited60 61 59

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Tokelau, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is 3 months to 3 years prison and/or a fine15 62 25

Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In Tokelau, it is state policy63 40 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

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UNPoA International Assistance – Recipient

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been provided64 to Tokelau by other UN Member States

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Tokelau is not a Member State of the United Nations

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list65 Tokelau as a Participating State
Last Updated on 8 June 2011

Short References

1.

Marsh, Nicholas.2011.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 June. (Q16)Full Citation

2.

Tokelau.1991.‘Imports Requiring Import Permit.’ Customs Regulations 1991.Tokelau:General Fono,1 March. (Q721)Full Citation

3.

Tokelau.1991.‘Prohibited Imports.’ Customs Regulations 1991.Tokelau:General Fono,1 March. (Q722)Full Citation

4.

Tokelau.1989.‘Explosives, Firearms, and Ammunition to be Handed to Police Officer on Arrival in Tokelau.’ Police Regulations 1989.Tokelau:General Fono,1 January. (Q717)Full Citation

5.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

6.

New Zealand.2008.‘Title, Short Title and Commencement.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q2293)Full Citation

7.

New Zealand.1992.‘Short Title and Commencement.’ Arms Amendment Act 1992 Public Act 1992 No 95.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,27 October. (Q3023)Full Citation

8.

New Zealand.1992.‘Title and Commencement.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q3024)Full Citation

9.

Tokelau.1948.‘Short Title.’ The Tokelau Act 1948 [with Amendments Incorporated as 20 September 2007].Wellington:New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,29 October. (Q4977)Full Citation

10.

Tokelau.2009.‘Governance of Tokelau 2008.’ How Tokelau is Governed.Tokelau:Council of Elders, General Fono and Council for the Ongoing Government for Tokelau,30 July. (Q713)Full Citation

11.

New Zealand.2008.‘Delegation of Powers by Commissioner.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q3022)Full Citation

12.

TVNZ. 2010. ‘Broad Vows to Give Police Greater Gun Access.’ Television New Zealand News. 13 December. (N205) Full Citation

13.

NZ Police.2002.‘Firearms Licences: Introduction.’ Arms Manual.Wellington:New Zealand Police,1 November. (Q1182)Full Citation

14.

New Zealand.2004.‘Firearms for Self Defence.’ The Arms Code.Wellington:New Zealand Police,1 January. (Q3274)Full Citation

15.

New Zealand.2008.‘Restrictions on Possession of Firearms.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1876)Full Citation

16.

New Zealand.2008.‘Issue of Permit to Procure Pistol, Military Style Semi-automatic Firearm, or Restricted Weapon.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1165)Full Citation

17.

New Zealand.2008.‘Application for Endorsements in Respect of Pistol or Restricted Weapon.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1169)Full Citation

18.

Green, Joe.2006.‘The New Zealand Arms Control Regime.’ Presentation to the International Firearms Safety Seminar.Christchurch:New Zealand Police,23 February. (Q3012)Full Citation

19.

New Zealand.2007.‘Questionnaire on the Implementation of the Programme of Action.’ United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations,1 April. (Q3013)Full Citation

20.

Green, Joe.2006.‘The New Zealand Arms Control Regime.’ Presentation to the International Firearms Safety Seminar.Christchurch:New Zealand Police,23 February. (Q3014)Full Citation

21.

New Zealand.1992.‘Conditions of Endorsements in Respect of Pistols and Restricted Weapons.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q3033)Full Citation

22.

New Zealand.2008.‘Conditions of Endorsements.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q3011)Full Citation

23.

New Zealand.2008.‘Application for Endorsement in Respect of Military style Semi-automatic Firearm.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1168)Full Citation

24.

Macedonia.2005.‘Article 5.’ Draft Law on Weapons.Skopje:Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia,8 February. (Q3102)Full Citation

25.

New Zealand.2008.‘Restrictions on Possession of Firearms.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1154)Full Citation

26.

New Zealand.2008.‘Restrictions on Possession of Airguns.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1171)Full Citation

27.

New Zealand.2002.‘Licence Types.’ Arms Manual.Wellington:NZ Police,1 November. (Q1183)Full Citation

28.

New Zealand.2010.‘Important Information for People Who Own Pre-Charged Pneumatic Air Rifles.’ New Zealand Police.Wellington:New Zealand Police Headquarters,13 October. (Q2930)Full Citation

29.

New Zealand.2008.‘Application for Firearms Licence.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q3019)Full Citation

30.

NZ Police.2007.‘Immediate Supervision.’ Arms Code.Wellington:New Zealand Police,1 January. (Q1180)Full Citation

31.

New Zealand.2007.‘How to Apply for a Firearms Licence.’ Arms Code.Wellington:NZ Police,1 January. (Q1177)Full Citation

32.

New Zealand.2008.‘Domestic Violence and Firearms Licences.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1175)Full Citation

33.

New Zealand.2008.‘Issue of Firearms Licence.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1176)Full Citation

34.

NZ Police.2002.‘Health of Applicants.’ Arms Manual.Wellington:New Zealand Police,1 November. (Q1174)Full Citation

35.

New Zealand.1992.‘Supply of particulars for Firearms Licence.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q3032)Full Citation

36.

New Zealand.2002.‘Referees.’ Arms Manual.Wellington:NZ Police,1 November. (Q1181)Full Citation

37.

New Zealand.2008.‘Search of Suspected Persons and Seizure of Firearms in Cases of Domestic Violence.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q3016)Full Citation

38.

New Zealand.1992.‘Applicants to Undergo Theoretical Test.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q3031)Full Citation

39.

New Zealand.2008.‘Regulations – Safety Training.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1159)Full Citation

40.

New Zealand.2010.‘Implementation of the Programme of Action – Surplus Destruction.’ National Report of New Zealand on its Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations,1 February. (Q1883)Full Citation

41.

New Zealand.2008.‘Duration of Firearms Licence.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1178)Full Citation

42.

NZ Police.2007.‘Firearms Licence.’ Arms Code.Wellington:New Zealand Police,1 January. (Q1170)Full Citation

43.

New Zealand.2008.‘Title, Short Title and Commencement.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q4152)Full Citation

44.

New Zealand.1992.‘Short Title and Commencement.’ Arms Amendment Act 1992 Public Act 1992 No 95.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,27 October. (Q4153)Full Citation

45.

New Zealand.1992.‘Title and Commencement.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q4154)Full Citation

46.

New Zealand.2010.‘Implementation of International Tracing Instrument – Record Keeping.’ National Report of New Zealand on its Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations,1 February. (Q1884)Full Citation

47.

New Zealand.2008.‘Record of Dealings by Licensed Dealers.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1146)Full Citation

48.

New Zealand.1992.‘Records Kept by Licensed Dealers.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q3026)Full Citation

49.

New Zealand.2008.‘Mail Order Sale of Firearm or Ammunition.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1157)Full Citation

50.

New Zealand.2008.‘Dealers and Their Employees and Agents to Hold Firearms Licences.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q3020)Full Citation

51.

New Zealand.2008.‘Dealers to be Licensed.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q2290)Full Citation

52.

New Zealand.2008.‘Duration of Dealer’s Licence.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1147)Full Citation

53.

New Zealand.1992.‘Application for Permit to Procure Pistol, Military Style Semi-Automatic Firearm, or Restricted Weapon.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q3034)Full Citation

54.

New Zealand.2008.‘Gun Shows.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q3021)Full Citation

55.

New Zealand.1992.‘Application in Relation to Gun Show.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q3025)Full Citation

56.

New Zealand.1992.‘Security Precautions in Relation to Pistols, Military Style Semi-Automatic Firearms, and Restricted Weapons.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q3036)Full Citation

57.

NZ Police.2007.‘Arms Regulations Minimum Storage Standards.’ Arms Code.Wellington:New Zealand Police,1 January. (Q1161)Full Citation

58.

NZ Police.2002.‘Transporting Firearms and Ammunition.’ Arms Manual.Wellington:New Zealand Police,1 November. (Q1162)Full Citation

59.

New Zealand.2008.‘Offence to Carry Pistol or Restricted Weapon Without Authority.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1163)Full Citation

60.

New Zealand.2008.‘Unlawful Carriage or Possession in Public Place of Firearm, Airgun, Pistol, Ammunition, Explosive, or Restricted Weapon.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q3017)Full Citation

61.

New Zealand.2008.‘Carrying or Possession of Firearms, Airguns, Pistols, Restricted Weapons, or Explosives, Except for Lawful, Proper, and Sufficient Purpose.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1153)Full Citation

62.

New Zealand.2008.‘Unlawful Possession of Pistol, Military Style Semi-automatic Firearm, or Restricted Weapon.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q1152)Full Citation

63.

New Zealand.2008.‘Authorising Disposal of Firearms, etc, Detained by Police.’ Arms Act 1983 No. 44.Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,1 October. (Q2294)Full Citation

64.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

65.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation