It’s a common complaint that there are too many rabbits around Waikawa Beach. They damage gardens, dig holes in the grass and also chomp their way through spinifex and pīngao on the dunes.
Some local farmers shoot the rabbits on their own properties. With the permission of the relevant landowner you too can shoot on private property.
Recently a member of the local community mentioned a concern about a practice called spotlighting
where people drive around in a vehicle equipped with a spotlight and then shoot rabbits from the vehicle. Such shooting was happening again in early December 2023 in the Strathnaver area. This is illegal under the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (SR 2004/427) (as at 01 October 2023) – New Zealand Legislation:
7.21 Loaded firearms
(1) A driver must not operate a motor vehicle on or in which is carried any firearm, airgun, or restricted weapon (as defined in section 2 of the Arms Act 1983) that is loaded with a bullet, cartridge, missile, or projectile, whether in its breech, barrel, chamber, or magazine.
There is alarm at the possibility of folks driving around at night on the roads of Waikawa Beach shooting at spotlit targets. It’s impossible to accurately identify the target in a dark environment and to see what else is within range of a shot. The chance of stray bullets harming pets or people or property is a concern.
A couple of years ago a correspondent reported: One Saturday night at around 11.30 …a truck/ute with men standing on the back and the spotlight on the roof. They were parked…
That led me to contact Firearms Licensing, Central District HQ to get an official response on this topic. They referred us to the (since updated):
They also responded — With regards to your questions:
Question: a] is ‘spotlighting’ as described above by our local resident illegal? Can you tell me where folks could refer to if they wanted verification (eg the name of the Act and which portion)?
Answer: While there is not a particular part of the Arms Act that refers to where it is illegal to spotlight there are references to safety and responsible use. Rule 3. Paragraph 1. Load a firearm only when ready to fire. Rule 5 Paragraph 4. Night Shooting is dangerous….
Section 5a) It is Illegal to carry or use a loaded firearm in a vehicle. The highlighted paragraph at the end of PG 47. PG48 Car You can not drive a vehicle on the road with a loaded firearm. This includes the magazine this must be empty.
Under Offences/General Carrying a firearm that is loaded (whether in its breech, barrel, chamber or magazine) on or on a motor vehicle on a road or any place to which members of the public have right of access. This is considered an offence.
Question: b] what should folks here do if they believe ‘spotlighting’ is taking place nearby?
Answer: If there are members of your community that believe that there is spotlighting taking place in your area then calling the Police in the first instance. If a number of you from your community ring then the police will take it more seriously. If it is safe at all try and get a license plate number. From this the Police will be able to get more information. ONLY IF IT IS SAFE!
Question: c] is there any additional information you believe it would be useful for our small beach community to know around firearms, rabbit shooting?
Answer: I have included a link for you to the Arms Code … I have just added some extra information. Please in all instances where it is not safe then ring the Police. I understand that it take some time for them to come out as stated in your email, but if a number of you lay a complaint and then are ringing as soon as the first light is spotted perhaps it will be fixed!!
For more information take a look at Arms Act 1983 No 44 (as at 24 June 2023) – New Zealand Legislation.
48 Discharging firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon in or near dwellinghouse or public place
A person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or to a fine not exceeding $10,000, if the person, without reasonable excuse, discharges a firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon in or near a dwellinghouse or a public place so as to—(a) endanger property; or
(b) endanger, annoy, or frighten any person.
If people are shooting near you and you feel endangered, annoyed or frightened by it then ring the Police.
Based on an item first published on 23 March 2021 as Rabbits and firearms safety on the road. Updated and amended, 04 December 2023.
