New zealand clamping down further on gun ownership
New Zealand has indeed taken significant steps to restrict gun ownership in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019. Here are some key developments:
- Arms Amendment Act 2019: The New Zealand government passed this legislation in April 2019, which banned the sale and possession of semi-automatic firearms, as well as certain parts and accessories. The ban applied to around 250,000 firearms, which were subsequently surrendered to authorities.
- Buyback scheme: The government established a buyback scheme to encourage owners of banned firearms to surrender them. The scheme offered compensation to owners, with the aim of removing the banned firearms from circulation.
- New gun laws: The Arms Amendment Act 2019 also introduced stricter gun laws, including:
- Mandatory licensing for gun owners
- Increased background checks for gun buyers
- Stricter storage and security requirements for firearms
- Prohibition on the sale of certain types of ammunition
- Firearm register: The government has established a national firearm register to track the ownership and movement of firearms.
- Increased funding for gun control: The government has increased funding for gun control measures, including the establishment of a new firearms safety agency and increased resources for police to enforce gun laws.
- Mental health checks: The government has also introduced mandatory mental health checks for gun owners and applicants, to ensure that individuals are fit to own and use firearms responsibly.
These measures have been widely praised by many New Zealanders and international experts as a significant step towards reducing gun violence and improving public safety.