Thread: FAL renewal interview

Hey team
I have my interview this Friday, after waiting 7 months.
I was just wondering what sort of things they ask? Obviously it would have changed drastically since the last time I've done it.
Can they record serial numbers? Etc
Cheers bevan

If you are concienscious about safety and have a healthy attitude towards firearms, you should be okay. First off, they interview your partner, then you, them look at safe / storage.

During the interview they circle back to confirm earlier answers to questions. If you are truthful, this isn't a problem.

They won't look at your firearms, photograph anything or take serial numbers.

Think carefully to remember any speeding tickets etc from the last few years as they often ask about those to test your honesty - they have your Police record in front of them

Originally Posted by Bol Tackshin

If you are concienscious about safety and have a healthy attitude towards firearms, you should be okay. First off, they interview your partner, then you, them look at safe / storage.

During the interview they circle back to confirm earlier answers to questions. If you are truthful, this isn't a problem.

They won't look at your firearms, photograph anything or take serial numbers.

They "shouldn't" and don't yet have a legal mandate to do any of that, doesn't mean that they won't try.
Be polite, be honest, offer them a cuppa, and follow the firearms act wrt storage of firearms and ammunition and you'll be fine

They will ask you to describe the last deer you shot.
What clubs you are a member of.
First firearms experience.
Of course a question about when you would use a firearm in self defence.
Several times why you will be a safe userr.
How are you going to transport it ?
Check whether someone could crowbar your safe out.
Cursory check of ammo storage.
Disinterested in looking at or recording the firearms.
Travel and time overseas.
Yes they have all your speeding tickets right there on screen.


Partner interview is also in depth eg “what do you like doing together ?” ( i kid you not)
Have you seen him / her using a firearm ?
Do you know where the keys are ?
How long have you been together ?
Several times who else lives there and what access they have ? Any old house keys outstanding ??

I was asked several times if I wanted the police to record the serial numbers, other than that much the same as the others have mentioned. If you're honest it felt like more of a formality.

Originally Posted by Bol Tackshin

If you are concienscious about safety and have a healthy attitude towards firearms, you should be okay. First off, they interview your partner, then you, them look at safe / storage.

During the interview they circle back to confirm earlier answers to questions. If you are truthful, this isn't a problem.

They won't look at your firearms, photograph anything or take serial numbers.

This might seem silly but apply some common sense and make sure you have your rifles stored elsewhere during this time.

If your safe is inspected and you have firearms in your possession without a valid license, then good luck in getting your renewal.

Originally Posted by Hayden C

This might seem silly but apply some common sense and make sure you have your rifles stored elsewhere during this time.

If your safe is inspected and you have firearms in your possession without a valid license, then good luck in getting your renewal.

Good point!

Another standard question seems to be “describe how you handled a stressful situation”
And they try to fund out if you get all your information from the internet; ask partner if you go in forums and so on.
Interesting, no questions about sources of income or gang / political affiliation.
If you can, leave copies if the Dom Post, waikato times , forest & bird , NZDA hunting and wildlife, North and South or Listener on your coffee table.
Tidy away other shooting paraphenalia like targets ammo packets etc.

The vetting process may be lengthy now but considerably improved on what it was in years gone by.

When I had mine renewed about 18 months ago he spent more time talking about my chickens and hunting than anything else...

Under the crimes act you do not have to disclose any conviction penalty or punishment over a certain age and not resulting in prison time to any non sworn member of the police
Be careful of your rights

Originally Posted by Hayden C

This might seem silly but apply some common sense and make sure you have your rifles stored elsewhere during this time.

If your safe is inspected and you have firearms in your possession without a valid license, then good luck in getting your renewal.

Why would anyone ( law abiding citizen ) have firearms in their possession if they don't have the appropriate licence for them.

Originally Posted by RUMPY

Why would anyone ( law abiding citizen ) have firearms in their possession if they don't have the appropriate licence for them.

Because their licence had lapsed and they were unaware of that and the implications of still having their firearms still in their possession.?

Originally Posted by Boxton

Under the crimes act you do not have to disclose any conviction penalty or punishment over a certain age and not resulting in prison time to any non sworn member of the police
Be careful of your rights

Where does the crimes act say that? You had better assume that they'll have such on their computer screen screen anyway, whether sworn or not.

Originally Posted by Bagheera

They will ask you to describe the last deer you shot.
What clubs you are a member of.
First firearms experience.
Of course a question about when you would use a firearm in self defence.
Several times why you will be a safe userr.
How are you going to transport it ?
Check whether someone could crowbar your safe out.
Cursory check of ammo storage.
Disinterested in looking at or recording the firearms.
Travel and time overseas.
Yes they have all your speeding tickets right there on screen.


Partner interview is also in depth eg “what do you like doing together ?” ( i kid you not)
Have you seen him / her using a firearm ?
Do you know where the keys are ?
How long have you been together ?
Several times who else lives there and what access they have ? Any old house keys outstanding ??

Hit the nail on the head, I had mine this morning, went pretty well, quite a nice lady, asked her how things were going with licenses etc, she said not enough staff and super busy. Only issue was my safe she said plywood ones donr cut the mustard anymore, so I said I'll go and buy a new one this weekend and she said give her a txt and she will pop out to check it