Experienced public sector leader, Dr Kelvin Watson, has been appointed as the first Chief Executive of Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand (FSENZ).
Dr Watson (pictured) has been Deputy Secretary (Corporate Services) at the Ministry of Justice since October 2023. He has held several senior leadership positions at Statistics New Zealand, Capital and Coast District Health Board, New Zealand Post, and the Open Polytechnic. His private sector experience includes four years with Ernst and Young and three years as an independent consultant.
Associate Justice Minister, Nicole McKee said the creation of an independent firearms regulator is one of the most important changes under the new Arms Act.
“It is about rebuilding trust, improving services, and getting the culture of firearms regulation right,” said Mrs McKee.
“Dr Watson has extensive experience leading major operational, workforce and technology change across the public sector.
“Licenced firearms owners should be able to deal with a regulator that treats them fairly, makes consistent and practical decisions, and understands that licenced firearms owners are not criminals.
“At the same time, the wider public should have confidence that the regulator is focused firmly on firearms safety and on identifying genuine risk.
“Dr Watson has worked in complex public sector environments where legislation, statutory responsibilities, risk, assurance and public accountability all matter. He has the experience needed to build those expectations into the new agency from day one.”
Under the Arms Act 2026, FSENZ will replace the Firearms Safety Authority, which currently sits within New Zealand Police. The new regulator will be institutionally separate from Police and monitored by the Ministry of Justice.
“That separation is deliberate. Police should be focused on enforcing the law and catching criminals. The firearms regulator should be focused on running a fair, effective and trusted regulatory system. No sworn Police Officers will work at FSENZ,” said the Minister.
“The Chief Executive is a statutory officer appointed by the Governor-General, and FSENZ staff will make regulatory decisions independently of both Police and Ministers. That independence is an important safeguard for everyone who interacts with the firearms licensing system.”
Dr Watson will take up the role for a five-year term from 23 September, when FSENZ is formally established, and will work with the establishment team beforehand to ensure the new agency is ready to operate from day one, said Mrs McKee.
“The appointment falls within the pre-election period, but the Government has decided that a full five-year term is appropriate. The new regulator needs stable leadership capable of establishing its core systems, culture and capability from the outset. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition was consulted on the appointment,” she said.
