Knives and pepper spray in New Zealand (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: In New Zealand it is an offence to carry any knife, offensive weapon or disabling substance in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, with up to 3 years in prison. The law does not set blade-length or knife-type limits in this section.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Section 202A makes it an offence to have any knife with you in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (up to 3 years' imprisonment). The section says 'any knife' and does not distinguish by blade type or length. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Section 202A makes it an offence to have any knife with you in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (up to 3 years' imprisonment). The section says 'any knife' and does not distinguish by blade type or length. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Section 202A makes it an offence to have any knife with you in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (up to 3 years' imprisonment). The section says 'any knife' and does not distinguish by blade type or length. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Section 202A makes it an offence to have a disabling substance with you in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. A disabling substance is any anaesthetising or other substance produced for use for disabling persons, or intended by the person having it for such use. The section does not name pepper spray. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The offence applies only where the person has no lawful authority or reasonable excuse. The section does not list examples of a reasonable excuse. [1] |
Notes
- Section 202A of the Crimes Act 1961 applies throughout New Zealand. Carrying any knife, offensive weapon or disabling substance in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse is punishable by up to 3 years in prison. Having an offensive weapon or disabling substance in any place in circumstances that prima facie show an intention to use it for an offence involving bodily injury or the threat or fear of violence is also an offence. Version read: Internet Archive snapshot of 20 November 2025.
Sources
- New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office: 202A Possession of offensive weapons or disabling substances, Crimes Act 1961 (Internet Archive snapshot of 20 November 2025) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.