General Conduct and Safety
Rules of the World War II Historical
Re-enactment Society (NZ) Incorporated

These rules are in place to make the Society’s activities safe and enjoyable for all members. It is always essential to maintain a good public image. You never know who may be watching or listening.

General Rules

1. Treat your fellow re-enactors the way you would wish to be treated by others.
2. Treat members of the public with the same courtesy and respect that you should have for your fellow reenactors. Be polite and informative with the public and if you are unable to answer a question direct them to someone that does. Always be conscious about displaying inappropriate behaviour or attitudes.
3. Our members shall recognise that for the full benefit and diversity of our hobby/interest we will foster cooperation with our fellow re-enactors in other bone-fide Re-enactment societies or groups.
4. Re-enactors uniforms should be accurate and authentic. Have pride in your appearance and remember those whom you re-enact when wearing your uniform. Be sensitive to public perceptions, especially when in transit to or from events.
5. Society members must be full and financial in one of the membership classes to participate in most Society endorsed events and be covered by Society P L insurance.
6. Swearing, offensive or aggressive tone of voice is unacceptable at Society activities. A member must not bring the society into disrepute or perpetuate his own private opinions as those of the W.W.2H.R.S. (NZ)Inc.
7. During all meetings, only one person speaks at a time. The Chairman of the meeting selects the speaker. The Society holds General Meetings as part of Training days, Committee Meetings to discuss Society administration and Annual General Meetings for elections The Society’s constitution outlines this Society’s organization and governance. All disputes will be handled initially by Unit commanders and referred, if necessary, to the committee.
8. All communications with media personnel will be undertaken through the appointed Media Officer or the President. This does not preclude any member from answering questions put to them by media personnel relating directly about their arms, uniform, equipment, vehicles or roles in connection with the portrayal of a Society activity. It is suggested that you inform your C.O of any on camera appearances for the media.
9. Every member must attend, on time, all SAFETY briefings as requested for any event or display, or risk being excluded in participating for that event.
10. An Official Range Officer, Theatrical Armourer, or Society Officer may stand down a member at an event for safety concerns or breaches. Current Firearms licenses may be requested to be shown for participation in some activities. NZ Police Firearms laws are always in effect.
11. Members are expected to inform their Unit Commander if they are unable to attend a notified meeting, event or training day. Training days are on the 3rd SUNDAY of each month. Time and location as arranged. Usually between the 1300 – 1600hrs. Training days may be postponed or cancelled if in close proximity to other Society events.
12. Re-enactors Encampments or display areas are for Re-enactors. Civilians are not permitted behind the barriers, politely caution them if they stray over. Modern day items should be kept out of the public eye. Do not allow civilians to touch any re-enactment collection without supervision.
13. At any Society activity, Unit Commanders or N.C.O.s commands shall be followed without question. These people have received promotion because of their wide experience and have proved their leadership skills.
14. Parental consent is required for all members under the age of 18. As members under the age of 16 are unable to apply for a license until their 16th birthday, they must take a Support role until that time. No child or young person under the age of 18 years may be brought to training days, events or meetings unless they are directly supervised at all times by the member who brought them. They shall not be permitted to handle any firearm unless their guardian has ether Fire Arms Licence or has granted permission for a member to demonstrate or supervise the use of a firearm.

Safety Rules

1. NZ Firearms safety regulations are always in effect. Always be conscious of where your firearms are pointing. When discharging a firearm during an event, do not aim directly at your target, aim off. The minimum safe distance is 20ft. Be aware of discharging weapons around or over obstacles or firing past someone. Even blanks can kill or maim!
2. No member may load a weapon or even a magazine with any kind of ammunition until ordered to do so by official Range Officer, Theatrical Armourer, Unit Commander or senior NCO.
3. All firearms must be checked in and members should sign in if requested. All live or blank ammunition must be labeled, stored separately, carried within a suitable container and also be checked in upon request.
4. All firearms must be cleared and confirmed as safe before members leave the field after firing either live or blank ammunition. An inspection may be required by Unit Commander, Range Officer or Theatrical Armourer. The responsibility for proving that a firearm is unloaded and safe lies with the member holding it. Even if you think that a firearm is safe, check it. A good term to remember is “Trust but verify”. Be especially careful when picking up or handling a weapon that is not your own.
5. Under no circumstances may firearms or ammunition be left unsupervised. In all cases the person accepting responsibility for supervising either ammunition or a firearm, must hold an appropriate firearms licence.
6. Members, whose firearms license is suspended, may not handle or use any live firearms until their license is restored. They may however take on a ‘support’ role.
7. Bayonets are for display or training only. They may only be removed from their scabbards with the approval of a Unit NCO or Society Officer.
8. It is recommended that members wear inconspicuous hearing protection during public events with any weapons firing activity. Helmets must always be worn during a Society event using pyrotechnic discharges, unless the member is within an enclosed vehicle or has official dispensation.
9. Ensure that no fires, cookers, or refueling takes place close to: ammunition. dry grass, enclosed spaces or flammable items. Extra Caution must be exercised around tents and fire fighting tools should be stood by.
10. Treat moving vehicles with caution. It is always easier for you to look out for a 20-tonne Armoured Fighting Vehicle than for its driver to watch out for you. Please use your common sense and keep out of the way! If you see a member of the public in a danger zone, warn them politely of the risks and remove them from harm's way as quickly as possible.
11. When traveling in a vehicle, train or other conveyance, always keep limbs and/or equipment inside the vehicle. When riding on or in a vehicle, listen at all times to the instructions of the Vehicle Driver/Commander.
12. Always wait until the vehicle you are traveling in has come to a complete stop before exiting or dismounting. Sprained ankles and broken limbs are the most common injuries around vehicles.
13. No member shall discharge a firearm or pyrotechnic device into the interior of any vehicle or confined space.
14. All accidents, incidents or potential hazards must be reported immediately to Unit Commanders or other Society Officers.
15. Alcohol must not be consumed until all firearms are secured. Breaches of these WW2 H.R.S. Safety or General Conduct rules may lead to disciplinary action as outlined in the WWII HRS (NZ) Inc constitution.