re: #133 William Lewis

From what I understand, all semi-autos (including handguns) are to be banned.

Effective immediately, military style semi-automatics and assault rifles will be banned in New Zealand under stronger new gun laws announced today, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

All high-capacity magazines will also be banned.

As will two types of firearms now defined as Military Style Semi-Automatics (MSSAs):

* A semi-automatic firearm capable of being used with a detachable magazine which holds more than five cartridges

* A semi-automatic shotgun capable of being used with a detachable magazine which holds more than five cartridges.

Ardern has announced that these changes came into force at 3pm, via an “Order in Council”. That is to prevent a rush to stockpile banned soon-to-banned weapons. A buyback scheme will be put in place to remove these weapons from circulation. Police will work with the New Zealand Defence Force to enable safe storage, transport and destruction of MSSAs. Police are establishing an online form which will make it easier for firearms owners to arrange for Police to collect the MSSAs.

The online form will go live over the weekend. It will not be practicable for firearms owners to physically return their weapons to Police stations without prior approval. Cabinet will consider further steps on 25 March. These will include measures to:

* Tighten firearms licensing and penalties

* Impose greater controls over a range of ammunition

* Address a number of other issues relevant to special interest groups such as international sports shooters and professional pest controllers, such as DoC.

* Future proof the Arms Act to ensure it is able to respond to developments in technology and society

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