65Adult firearms licences—restriction on issue of category

65 Adult firearms licences—restriction on issue of category D licences (1) The registrar must not issue a category D licence to an adult unless— (a) the genuine reason established by the adult to possess or use a firearm is vertebrate pest animal control; and (b) the adult produces evidence that satisfies the registrar that the adult has a special need to possess or use a firearm to which a category D licence applies; and (c) for an adult mentioned in table 61, item 4, column 3, paragraph (c)—the adult produces evidence that satisfies the registrar that the special need cannot be met in any other way (whether by the authority given by a category B or category C licence, by engaging a professional contract shooter or otherwise); and (d) the Minister authorises the issue in writing. (2) The Minister’s authority may be given on the condition that the licence is issued subject to a stated condition that the Minister believes on reasonable grounds is in the public interest.

(3) If a guideline mentioned in section 37 (2) (d) (ii) is in force, the guideline applies in relation to subsection (2) as if the Minister were the registrar.