Summarised by Centrist
Gun law reforms – introduced after the devastating Christchurch mosque shootings – are under fire according to anti-gun advocates.
Advocacy groups are sounding the alarm over the government review of gun laws established after the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.
The government has launched a review of the Firearms Registry and is set to rewrite the Arms Act spearheaded by Nicole McKee, a former gun lobbyist and current minister.
The gun reforms, including the creation of a firearms registry and a ban on military-style semi-automatic rifles, were enacted under former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern following the terror attack that claimed 51 lives.
Despite strong public support at the time, these measures faced backlash from some gun owners and lobby groups, including McKee’s Council of Licensed Firearms Users.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon insists that the review aims to update outdated legislation without introducing new firearms.
Advocates like Philippa Yasbek, of Gun Control NZ, fear the review may weaken existing controls and undo the progress made since 2019.
Law expert Alexander Gillespie notes that pre-2019 laws were inadequate by international standards, contributing to the Christchurch tragedy. The outcome of the ongoing review remains uncertain as public consultation begins.
