Why do nz police not carry guns

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: New Zealand police officers do not routinely carry firearms due to a long-standing tradition of policing by consent and community trust, established since the force's founding in 1840. Instead, they rely on specialized Armed Offenders Squads (AOS) deployed only for high-risk incidents, with about 17,000 police officers nationwide and only 400-500 AOS members. This approach has contributed to low police shooting rates, averaging fewer than 2 fatal shootings annually over the past decade, compared to higher rates in countries with routinely armed police.

Key Facts

New Zealand Police was established in 1840 with an unarmed tradition from British policing models
Only about 400-500 officers serve in Armed Offenders Squads (AOS) out of approximately 17,000 total police officers
Police fatal shootings average fewer than 2 per year over the past decade (2013-2023)
Armed police responses increased temporarily after the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks but returned to normal protocols
Public support for unarmed police remains high at over 70% according to recent surveys

Overview

New Zealand's approach to unarmed policing dates back to the establishment of the New Zealand Police in 1840, modeled after the British tradition of policing by consent rather than force. This philosophy emphasizes that police derive authority from public approval rather than state coercion. Historically, New Zealand maintained this unarmed approach even as many other Commonwealth countries began arming their officers. The system relies on specially trained Armed Offenders Squads (AOS) established in 1964, which are only deployed for high-risk situations like armed offenders, hostage crises, or terrorist incidents. This model has persisted despite occasional debates about arming police, particularly after high-profile incidents like the 1990 Aramoana massacre and 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. The police force of approximately 17,000 officers maintains that routine arming would damage community relationships and increase risks to both officers and civilians.

How It Works

The New Zealand policing model operates on a tiered response system where most officers patrol without firearms but have access to them when needed. Regular police officers carry pepper spray, batons, and Tasers as standard equipment, with firearms stored securely in patrol vehicles. When a situation requires armed response, officers must request authorization and wait for specially trained Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) members, who undergo rigorous training and maintain higher firearms proficiency standards. The AOS, comprising about 400-500 officers nationwide, can be deployed within minutes in urban areas. Decision-making follows strict protocols: officers must assess threat levels, consider alternatives, and obtain supervisory approval before accessing firearms. This system requires extensive de-escalation training, with all officers receiving regular instruction in communication techniques, conflict resolution, and tactical decision-making to minimize the need for lethal force.

Why It Matters

New Zealand's unarmed policing model has significant implications for public safety and police-community relations. The approach contributes to exceptionally low rates of police violence, with fatal shootings averaging fewer than 2 per year, compared to hundreds annually in countries with routinely armed police. This fosters greater public trust, with surveys showing over 70% support for maintaining the unarmed tradition. The model also influences police culture, emphasizing de-escalation and communication over force, which reduces confrontational encounters. Internationally, New Zealand's approach serves as a case study in community policing, demonstrating that developed societies can maintain law enforcement effectiveness without routine firearm carriage. However, the system faces challenges in responding to increasing firearm availability and occasional high-threat incidents, requiring careful balance between safety protocols and community policing principles.