Swords, Knives and Bayonets - New Zealand Police

Swords, Knives and Bayonets

In New Zealand it is an offence to possess a weapon in a public place without reasonable excuse, under the Summary Offences Act 1981 and the Crimes Act 1961 section 202A(4)(a).

Prohibited Offensive Weapons Imports - Customs Import Prohibition Order

The Customs Import Prohibition Order 2002 prohibits the importation of the following offensive weapons except with the consent of, and subject to such conditions (if any) not consistent with this prohibition as may be imposed by, -

1. the Commissioner of Police; or
2. a Deputy Commissioner of Police; or
3. the Manager; Licensing and Vetting, New Zealand Police; or
4. the National Operations Manager, New Zealand Police.

1. Knuckle-dusters, knives incorporating knuckle-dusters, sword sticks, and any weapon disguised to give the appearance of another article.

2. Any knife having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife (sometimes known as a “flick-knife” or “flick gun”)

3. Any knife having a blade that is released from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force, and that, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device (sometimes known as a “gravity knife” or “butterfly knife”).

4. With the exception of any folding pocket knife with a blade less than 10cm in length, any knife that-

   1. Is designed for ease of concealment on the person; or
   2. Has a double-edged blade that is designed or suitable for stabbing or throwing (as opposed to cutting); or
   3. Is a knife of any of the kinds sometimes known as “urban skinner”, “terminator”, “black eagle”, “black dagger”, or “throwing knife”.
      (The import prohibition does not cover folding pocket knives with a blade less than 10cm in length, i.e. pocket knifes)

5. Bayonets.

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Requesting the issue of a permit

You can request Police to issue an import permit if you consider that you have a legitimate reason for importing the item. To do this:

1. Talk to the Police Arms Officer in your local district.
2. Write a letter that includes:
   1. a clear description of the knife or bayonet, including the length of the blade, brand/type of blade (fixed or folding - serrated edge/plain edge) etc.
   2. a full outline of your reasons for wanting to import the knife/bayonet
   3. the method by which you will store it once you have it, and
   4. proof that you are of good character
      1. If you have a firearms licence, please give the number, as this is an easy way to assess your character.
      2. Otherwise, you will need to be prepared to undergo a criminal history check.

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Legitimate Users

Collectors:

• Bona fide collectors

Specialist users - including, but not limited to, those involved in sports such as:

• Diving
• Tramping
• Mountaineering
• Medieval Role-play
• Martial Arts

These sports are deemed legitimate as the use of the weapon is under controlled circumstances with a specific purpose.