Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What do I need to know for my first game?
Answer: Make sure you read the club rules before you attend a game. You wouldn't turn up to a new sport and expect to play it without knowing the rules, and airsoft is no different.
You MUST bring a signed release of liability.
You need to be at least 12 years old to play - please read the rules on this. Also if you are less than 18 years old and don’t have a Firearms License you are not allowed to use a gun above 350fps. If you are bringing your own gun and don't know the fps we can test it for you.
A lot of our regular players have lots of camo and equipment - don't be intimidated by this. You can wear anything you like and still have fun! You can rent a gun from us if you don't have one and we will provide eye and face protection for no charge.
You don't have to join TAR to play, but occasionally we do have members-only events and our games are cheaper for our members.
If you can't find an answer to your question then please contact us.
Question: What does our club charge to play Airsoft?
Answer: here’s our price list;
• $15 per game ($10 for club members); $10 for students ($5 for student club members)
• $10 Airsoft rifle rental
• $20 for 4000 x 0.25g BB’s
• $20 Green Gas
• $15 to purchase a camo mesh mask
• $15 to purchase mesh goggles
• $5 TAR Patch (free with first membership payment)
• $20 Membership, renews annually March 31st (get the form here)
Question: What kinds of gear do you have for rent?
Answer: We have a number of M4 full and semi-automatic airsoft rifles for $10 each per day. We provide the batteries and mags, you buy the ammo. We also have eye protection and face masks that you can use for free if you don't have your own.
Question: When and where do you have your games and how do I get there?
Answer: Our main field is on Denbigh Road in Midhirst, Taranaki. See the Google map. Our games are run every two weeks on Saturdays from 10am - 4pm and we post them as events on our Facebook page.
We also run occasional CQB games at the wharf on Portland Quay in Patea, Taranaki. This site has an age limit of 18+. Do not enter the site until the game co-ordinator has seen the landlord and given permission to enter. See the Google Map.
Question: Does it hurt to get shot with a BB gun?
Answer: Yes, it can hurt but normally not as much as paintball. Most of the time it’s not that bad but if you are worried make sure you wear thick clothing to protect yourself.
Question: I’m new to Airsoft, where can I buy an Airsoft gun and which one should I get?
Answer: Before you buy a gun, come to a game and try some out. It might help you make a better choice.
www.asgc.co.nz - ASGC is based in Auckland. They have a CQB site as well as a store.
www.armory.co.nz - based in Auckland, these guys have a CQB site, run tactical training and stock a large variety of guns.
www.paintballshop.co.nz - based in Auckland.
Question: Where can I get some Airsoft gear from?
Answer: Here is a list of trusted Airsoft suppliers:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=5083852 - Airsoft Direct Trademe page by TAR club member Nathan Hodge.
www.armyandoutdoors.co.nz - A great selection of quality new and used army surplus.
www.eoutlet.co.nz - Another Auckland based supplier that offer a range of gear. You’ll get the same thing for less from the Asian free shipping websites but eoutlet offer prompt delivery. They also have a TradeMe shop so look for them there as you might save a little on the price.
www.reapertech.co.nz - Some say Reapertech offer the best service in New Zealand. They have a fantastic selection of internal upgrade and replacement parts and offer free shipping NZ wide.
Question: Whats the law around owning an Airsoft gun?
Answer: If you are under 18 and don't have a firearms licence you can't legally own an Airsoft gun.
You also can't transport Airsoft guns if you're under 18 and don't have a firearms licence. So if you’re on your own, driving to a club game and the police stop you for some reason and they find you with an Airsoft gun, you're likely to get charged with a firearms offence.
Question: What do I need to do to import an Airsoft gun?
Answer: If you want to import an Airsoft gun you'll need a permit. The exception is bolt action and shotguns that look like Class A firearms. Basically if it has a pistol grip or looks like a military style firearm you'll likely need a permit.
When applying for a permit you must be a member of a recognised Airsoft club like TAR.
Once you’re on the TAR membership list contact your Arms Officer (AO) and ask for an application for a Permit to Import a Restricted Air Rifle.
Fill in the form, send it back to the AO and wait. If your application is successful and you receive a permit in the post (2 pages) and you can confidently order your gun.
You need to get the retailer sending your gun to write your permit number clearly on the outside of the packaging. Some retailers will want you to email them a copy of your permit before they ship.
Send page 1 of your permit to Customs in Auckland:
Via Courier Service:
Arms Officer, NZ Customs
c/o NZ Post International Mail Centre
9 Laurence Stevens Drive
Auckland Airport
Via Postal Service:
Arms Officer, NZ Customs
c/o NZ Post
Private Bag 92178
Auckland International Mail Centre
Expect your gun to take a few days to pass customs.
When your gun finally arrives you need to return the permit page verifying your import is complete to the AO.
If you order your gun before you get a permit you can apply for a retrospective permit. That said this is a bad practice as Customs will happily destroy a gun without a permit number with no notification to you. It's within their rights and they have done it many times before.
Notes:
You don't need a permit for parts or accessories (mags, stocks and pistol grips etc.) but if you try to import a full gun as 'parts' you’re asking for trouble.
Airsoft bolts action rifles like the Bar 10 (VSR) and L96 don't need a permit.
Airsoft shot guns like the TM M870 tactical don't need a permit, but the G&P pistol grip ones do.
Airsoft grenades require a permit.
If in doubt ask the AO to clarify if you need a permit. If you don’t and your gun is destroyed by Customs then you’ll have no comeback.
TAR cannot be held responsible if this information becomes incorrect or out of date. If you do experience any issues with importing a gun and find that this information is incorrect please let us know.