3 March 2026
Catherine Hughes
[FYI request #33626 email]
Dear Catherine
Official Information Act request: Pepper spray
Thank you for your email 2 February 2026, requesting information regarding the legalisation
of pepper spray, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act). Your request is as follows:
I request the following information relating specifically to the consideration of pepper
spray (oleoresin capsicum) for civilian and or retailer possession or use in New
Zealand, as it pertains to the responsibilities of Hon. Nicole McKee as Associate
Minister of Justice with oversight of the Arms Bil :
1. Al briefings, reports, policy advice, aide memoire, or written recommendations
prepared for, or provided to, Hon. Nicole McKee from 1 January 2023 to present
that reference or discuss:
a. Pepper spray or oleoresin capsicum
b. Civilian access to self-defence sprays
c. Non-lethal or less-lethal personal protection devices under the Arms Act
2. Any correspondence (including emails, letters or meeting notes) sent to or from
Hon. Nicole McKee, or her Ministerial staff, that discuss or reference:
a. The potential legalisation, decriminalisation, or reclassification of pepper
spray
b. Policy options for civilian access to pepper spray
c. Any proposed changes to Police policy or Arms Act regulations relating to
pepper spray
d. Any proposed changes to removing pepper spray from the restricted
weapons list
3. Any requests for advice, instructions, or directions made by Hon. Nicole McKee or
her office to:
a. The Ministry of Justice
b. New Zealand Police
c. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet concerning pepper
spray or civilian self-defence spray options.
4. Any Cabinet papers, Cabinet Committee papers, or briefings to Cabinet that were
provided to, or requested by, Hon. Nicole McKee which reference pepper spray or
oleoresin capsicum.
A response to your request is being prepared. However, the consultations needed to
make a decision on your request mean that a proper response cannot be reasonably
made within the original time limit. Therefore, I am extending the time limit for response
under section 15A(1)(b) of the Act and will respond to you by no later than 23 March
2026.
If you are not satisfied with this response, you have the right to make a complaint to
the Office of the Ombudsman under section 28(3) of the Act. The Ombudsman may
be contacted by email to [email address] or by phone on 0800 802
602.
Yours sincerely
Hon Nicole McKee
Associate Minister of Justice
