New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said the country will ban all types of semi-automatic weapons used in the Christchurch attacks.
#LIVE Press conference: New Zealand bans military style semi-automatics and assault riflesIf you need to speak to someone, or if you are feeling distressed, you can call or text 1737. There are extra staff available. That number is available to everyone.
Posted by Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday, March 20, 2019
The country’s gun laws have been in the spotlight since 28 year old Australian gunman killed 50 people at two mosques 15 Mar 2019 in a terror attack in Christchurch New Zealand.
Ms Jacinda Ardern said she expected new legislation to be in place by 11 Apr 2019.
She said a buy-back scheme would be set up for banned weapons which will cost between NZ$100 million and NZ$200 million depending on the number of weapons received.
Measures would be imposed to prevent a run on buying before the law comes in.
To “the current owners of the weapons we have moved to ban, I acknowledge that many of you will have acted within the law,” Ms Jacinda Ardern said.
“In recognition of that and to incentivise their return, we will be establishing a buyback scheme.”
Anyone who keeps the guns after an amnesty period will face fines of up to US$4,000 and three years’ in jail.
“Now, six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military-style semi-automatics and assault rifles in New Zealand,” the prime minister said.
“Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines.”
“In the meantime, we are asking all current holders of military-style semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles to visit www.police.govt.nz where they will find details of the weapons included in this ban.” Ms Jacinda Ardern said.
