access to firearms.

The National Shooters Association is a nationwide civilian gun owners association that took the forefront in a 2009 legal challenge against unauthorised police interference with gun regulations. Its executive is largely made up of former members the Practical Shooting Institute, a predecessor group which had similar success bringing court action against Police interference in 1990.
Anti-Gun groups

The two major anti-gun groups in recent years have been the Coalition for Gun Control, and Gunsafe NZ. Neither is still active, but were led by activist Philip Alpers and Mike Meyrick, a former police officer and lawyer.[13]

Alpers now works for the University of Sydney, promoting anti-gun policies across the Tasman.
Political parties

The main parties, Labour and National, generally treat gun control as a bi-partisan issue. Both support the passage of the Arms Amendment (No. 3) Bill[citation needed].

The ACT[citation needed] and Libertarianz parties advocate the ownership of guns for self-defence.[14]

The Outdoor Recreation party was formed in 2001 to support hunting and sport fishing. It failed to gain any seats in 2002, and again in 2005, when, with the United Future party, it contested the election.

The Progressive Party and Green Party both support an increase in legislative restrictions on public access to firearms.[15][16]

The New Zealand First Party supports the right of New Zealanders to own and use firearms safely and responsibly for hunting, sport, pest control, target shooting, and other lawful purposes. The Party does not support calls for universal gun registration, preferring the licencing of individual users. New Zealand First believes restrictions on firearms ownership by type should be dictated by functionality rather than appearance.
Private Sales