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Police concerns about bombs being used for political acts in New Zealand or explosives being passed to terrorists or other criminals offshore have triggered a proposed crackdown on explosives access.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) yesterday announced plans to require people handling explosives to have a "controlled substance licence" similar to the requirements for firearms, cyanide and other high-risk goods.
It will cover mixtures of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, historically used by farmers to clear drains and create ponds.
It will cost $267.50, though people with a firearms licence will pay only $245 because they will not need a second police check.
About 500 of the 2500 people using explosives are thought to have a firearms licence, and the national start-up cost of obtaining licences is expected to be $657,000.
Renewal will be five-yearly and cost up to $167.50.
The change was prompted by police concerns that too many explosives were turning up in raids on gang members and other suspects.
The two main risks were explosives being used for domestic crime, and the "threat of explosives being used for political acts", Erma said.
"Strengthening the security controls in the management of explosives...reduces the risk that people harbouring extremist ideologies could obtain explosives."
Erma officials said New Zealand was out of step internationally on the issue and a perceived lack of security could affect the tourism industry, trade "and relationships with allied nations".
In a report to Erma last May, police said: "Access and use of explosives, particularly within organised crime groups, is a growing risk."
The following month, Erma asked the Ministry for the Environment to place urgent regulations to require people accessing explosives to be licensed, but the request was declined, Erma said.
Police made another approach in September, and the authority considered an application in October from its own officials for certain explosives to be reassessed.
Erma wanted public comment on the proposed licence plan, with public submissions closing on March 17. A public hearing would be held if sought by submitters.
Anyone wanting a licence would have to be a fit and proper person, aged over 17 and to pass a check on police records and behavioural problems, including any history of violence, or drug or alcohol abuse.
People who already worked with explosives but failed to qualify for a licence would not necessarily lose their job - they could be able to work under the direct supervision of someone with a licence.
- NZPA
