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Tokelau — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Firearm Exports

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Tokelau is reported by Customs to be US$131,5131 (2011)

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Firearm Imports

In Tokelau, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law2 3 4

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Tokelau is reported by Customs 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 includes the New Zealand Arms Act 1983,6 the Arms Amendment Act 1992,7 the Arms Regulations 1992,8 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 15 16

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Restricted 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 endorsement17 18 19 20 21 22 23

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Regulation of Automatic Weapons

In Tokelau, private possession of fully automatic weapons is restricted to police-approved licensed gun owners with a ‘collector' licence endorsement.17 19 20 Each automatic or restricted weapon must be registered to its owner, and disabled when not in use24

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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.25 18 17 20 21 22 Each MSSA must be registered to its owner and securely stored when not in use24

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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.19 18 17 26 21 22 Each handgun must be registered to its owner and securely stored24

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Tokelau, only licensed gun owners21 27 17 28 29 30 22 19 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Tokelau are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example target shooting, hunting, collection.29 23 Owning a firearm for self-defence is specifically excluded, and prohibited16

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Tokelau is 16 years,17 31 27 18 years for military style semi-automatic firearms,25 or any age while shooting an unrestricted firearm (shotgun, rifle, and airgun) under the immediate supervision of an appropriately qualified licence holder32

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Tokelau must pass a background check which considers criminal, mental health, medical, addiction and domestic violence33 34 35 21 22 36 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Tokelau, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required33 21 22 37 38

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Partner to be Advised or Interviewed

In Tokelau, licensing authorities are required33 21 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 stipulates34 39 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 required40 41 42 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 ten years43

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Licensing Records

In Tokelau, authorities maintain a record22 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 rifles44

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Licensed firearm owners in Tokelau are permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition45 46 47

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Tokelau, the law does not require (except for handguns, military-style semi-automatic and restricted firearms)48 21 22 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 required49 50 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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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Tokelau, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited51 52

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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 unlawful53 54 29

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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 one pistol, military style semi-automatic firearm, or restricted firearm per acquisition permit18 55

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Tokelau, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined45 46 47

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Tokelau, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are regulated56 57 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Tokelau include33 24 21 22 58 59 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 include60 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 prohibited61 62 63

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Tokelau, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is prohibited62 63 61

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Tokelau, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm64 is three months to three years in prison and/or a fine17 65 27

Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In Tokelau, it is state policy66 42 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

UNPoA International Assistance – Recipient

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been provided67 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 Nations68

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list69 Tokelau as a Participating State

Short References

1.

Marsh, Nicholas.2014.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,22 December. (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.

Sherman, Amy and Tom Ginsburg.2014.‘Gun Rights in National Constitutions.’ Marco Rubio Says Second Amendment Is Unique in Speech to NRA.Miami, FL:Miami Herald (PolitiFact Florida),29 April. (Q8507)Full Citation

14.

Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg and James Melton. 2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation

15.

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

16.

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

17.

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

18.

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

19.

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

20.

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

21.

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, NY:Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations,1 April. (Q3013)Full Citation

22.

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

23.

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

24.

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

25.

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

26.

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

27.

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

28.

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

29.

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

30.

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

31.

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

32.

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

33.

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

34.

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

35.

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

36.

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

37.

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

38.

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

39.

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

40.

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

41.

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

42.

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, NY:Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations,1 February. (Q1883)Full Citation

43.

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

44.

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

45.

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

46.

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

47.

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

48.

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, NY:Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations,1 February. (Q1884)Full Citation

49.

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

50.

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

51.

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

52.

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

53.

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

54.

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

55.

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

56.

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

57.

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

58.

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

59.

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

60.

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

61.

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

62.

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

63.

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

64.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation

65.

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

66.

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

67.

UNODA.2018.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) - Implementation Support System.New York, NY:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,23 July. (Q1309)Full Citation

68.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

69.

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