Joining Rotorua Pistol Club

The ultimate objective of joining a pistol club is to partake in the sport of pistol shooting. Not just to own a Handgun, but to shoot it in competition and be an active and valued member of the club. You will be encouraged to come along to the club and participate for a few weeks. If you have shown that you are genuinely interested in the sport of pistol shooting and appear to be a fit and proper person to own a handgun then you will be invited to fill in an application to join.

Your application will be considered at the next committee meeting. Shortly afterwards you will be informed of the committee's decision. If the decision is favourable you will be invited to join the club. Your probation period of membership will begin when you have paid the club membership fee, including the NZPA affiliation fee. The committee may decline your application without giving a reason. Membership of the club is a privilege, not a right.

The probationary period is a minimum of six months, during which time you must participate in club activities on a minimum of twelve occasions. The club committee may at its discretion extend the period of probation.

In order to own a firearm you will need a Firearms Licence issued by the New Zealand Police. The standard Firearms License is a Class 'A' License. Whilst it is certainly an advantage if you already hold a Class A license, you can still proceed without one. The important thing is that you can prove to the New Zealand Police that you are a fit and proper person to hold a Firearm License. If you have any criminal convictions then you would be advised to contact the local Arms Officer first. If he indicates you would not likely be issued with a Firearms License then there is no point in persuing the sport any further.

In order to purchase a handgun for use in Pistol shooting you will need a Class 'B' Endorsement. In order to apply for a 'B' endorsement you must be eighteen years of age or older.

The Pistol Club must support your application for a Class B Endorsement. the Club must consider whether you have shown, during your probationary period, that you are a responsible person, with a genuine interest in the sport of pistol shooting. But plainly the Club is not here to enable you to buy a handgun, it is here for it's members to partake in the sport of pistol shooting.

If the club endorses your application, it is then in the hands of the New Zealand Police Arms Officer and this can take as long as it takes. The applicant must nominate three referees who will be interviewed by the Police, along with your spouse or parent/guardian, which ever is applicable.

The Club has several guns that can be made available for use on club days, these are under the control of the club Armourer. Until you are able to purchase your own gun you may use one of these at the range.