Overview

• During a July 31 visit to open the FBI’s first standalone office in Wellington, Patel presented display stands to senior security chiefs that incorporated plastic 3D-printed pistols.
• Recipients included Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, NZSIS Director-General Andrew Hampton, and GCSB Director-General Andrew Clark, according to a joint statement.
• The officials sought regulatory advice the next day, and after an assessment found the pistols potentially operable, Chambers ordered police to retain and destroy them.
• New Zealand treats 3D-printed weapons as firearms, and pistols require a specific permit beyond a standard gun licence under the country’s tightened laws.
• The FBI declined to comment on the gifts or any import permissions, and the episode has renewed scrutiny of the undisclosed office opening and Patel’s remarks about countering Chinese influence.