It began with Jacinda Adern calling our existing gun laws “Weak”.
Then things escalated fast.
All MSSA rifles are banned.
All ‘Assault rifles’ are banned. We are unsure how these are different from the above MSSA.
All high capacity magazines are banned.
All “Parts that convert a semi automatic into a military style semiautomatic weapon are banned”. So stocks?
All “Parts that cause a gun to have semiautomatic fire. Automatic fire. Or close to automatic fire” are banned. Bump stocks? What makes a gun shoot semi automatically except the factory?
Legislation is being drafted and will be introduced under urgency.
A “Shortened select committee process will apply”. You spoil us.
Anyone who wishes to submit is urged to “Start now”.
Her goal is to have the deal sealed by the 11th of April.
Absolutely outrageous.
A law made in secret. With consultations with unknown people. With subject matter experts told to stay out of it. Developed over mere days. Now to be rushed past Parliament a Fait accompli.
However, the Prime Minister believes that she enjoys the support of all. The public and shooters alike.
As at 3pm 21.3.19 an order in council is in effect. All semi auto rifles are now MSSA rifles. Nobody can get one without a permit. No permit will be issued.
So – we just lost semi auto rifles.
It was stressed that this is an “Interim measure” before the formal raping.
There will be “Legalized exemptions for DOC hunters” BUT it was stressed that these will be rare.
It was boasted that we will now be like Australia. Because…. they are the measure apparently.
There will be a buyback. Details are being developed.
“Fair and reasonable compensation” will be paid.
It is unsure when.
It seems that they get the guns first THEN pay later. What they want to pay.
Are scopes and silencers and magazines covered? Fancy mag pouches for competition?
Effected shooters are to visit here:
Details on the Police website here.
The PM “Acknowledged that many shooters have acted inside the law”.
No.
We ALL have.
A form will appear in 48 hours.
Fill in the form to arrange handing in your guns for destruction.
It is unknown if ‘Grey guns’ are covered under amnesty. Or if they will receive compensation.
It was stressed that there are penalties for resistance.
$4000 and in 3 years in prison.
But these will be increased!
A ‘Reasonable period” will be allowed for hand ins.
BUT these guns are only ‘Part of the problem’.
On Monday her cabinet will entertain more of the gun grabber’s wish-list.
These horrors can be expected later in stage two of the raping.
“Just the beginning of the work we need to do”.
I lost track of the number of times that she said ‘Rural’ shooters are OK.
Divide and conquer or deals already done?
The PM took the time to thank the scum among us who betrayed the oldest sport in the nation. Who sold us out. You will be remembered.
No mention was made of new revelations that the attack was in fact caused by Police failure in vetting.
More as we know it.
There in no democracy in New Zealand.
When asked if people would get a chance to have their say in the nation’s new laws the PM replied only that she was confident of the support of many.
Are handguns exempt?
Not in the wording they are not….
The government has no idea of cost but estimate “Between 100 – 200 million dollars”. They are obviously dreaming.
Government is looking at total registration.
Police have the puppet strings.
Police Minister Stuart Nash threatens that Police WILL be doing record searches and chasing people.
International advice was received……..
Beehive Press Release
New Zealand bans military style semi-automatics and assault rifles
- Military style semi-automatics and assault rifles banned under stronger gun laws
- Immediate action to prevent stock-piling
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.
“On 15 March our history changed forever. Now, our laws will too. We are announcing action today on behalf of all New Zealanders to strengthen our gun laws and make our country a safer place,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“Cabinet agreed to overhaul the law when it met on Monday, 72 hours after the horrific terrorism act in Christchurch. Now, six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand.
“Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines.
“An amnesty will be put in place for weapons to be handed in, and Cabinet has directed officials to develop a buyback scheme. Further details will be announced on the buyback in due course.
“All semi-automatic weapons used during the terrorist attack on Friday 15 March will be banned.
“I strongly believe that the vast majority of legitimate gun owners in New Zealand will understand that these moves are in the national interest, and will take these changes in their stride.
“When Australia undertook similar reforms, their approach was to allow for exemptions for farmers upon application, including for pest control and animal welfare. We have taken similar action to identify the weapons legitimately required in those areas, and preclude them.
“Legislation to give effect to the ban will be introduced when Parliament sits in the first week of April. We will provide a short, sharp Select Committee process for feedback on the technical aspects of the changes. We are looking to progress the amendments to this legislation under urgency and expect these amendments to the Arms Act to be passed within the next session of Parliament,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“The Bill will include narrow exemptions for legitimate business use, which would include professional pest control. Police and the Defence Force will also have exemptions. Issues like access for mainstream international sporting competitions are also being worked through,” Police Minister Stuart Nash said.
“We have also acknowledged that some guns serve legitimate purposes in our farming communities, and have therefore set out exemptions for 0.22 calibre rifles and shotguns commonly used for duck hunting. These will have limitations around their capacity.
“While the legislation is being drafted, I am announcing the Government will take immediate action today to restrict the potential stock-piling of these guns and encourage people to continue to surrender their firearms.
Earlier this afternoon, an Order in Council under section 74A(c) of the Arms Act was signed by the Governor-General to reclassify a wider range of semi-automatic weapons under the Act. It came into effect at 3pm today.
“This interim measure will ensure that all of the weapons being banned under amendments to the Arms Act are now categorised as weapons requiring an E endorsement on a firearms licence.
“The effect of this is that it will prevent the sale of MSSAs and assault rifles to people with A category gun licences. The Order in Council is a transitional measure until the wider ban takes effect.
“We are introducing transitionary measures for gun owners to hand in their guns to Police to hold until details of a buy-back are announced. Likewise, the Police continue to accept guns for destruction.
“Again, we encourage gun owners to phone in to Police ahead of time to advise them they are bringing their guns in to the station,” Stuart Nash said.
“The actions announced today are the first step of the Government’s response. We will continue to develop stronger and more effective licensing rules, storage requirements and penalties for not complying with gun regulations. It is the Government’s intention that these amendments will go through the full legislative process,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“To owners who have legitimate uses for their guns, I want to reiterate that the actions being announced today are not because of you, and are not directed at you. Our actions, on behalf of all New Zealanders, are directed at making sure this never happens again.”
Press Briefing Notes
| 21 March 2019 | PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
|
New Zealand bans military style semi-automatics and assault rifles
- Military style semi-automatics and assault rifles banned under stronger gun laws
- Immediate action to prevent stock-piling
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.
“On 15 March our history changed forever. Now, our laws will too. We are announcing action today on behalf of all New Zealanders to strengthen our gun laws and make our country a safer place,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“Cabinet agreed to overhaul the law when it met on Monday, 72 hours after the horrific terrorism act in Christchurch. Now, six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand.
“Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines.
“An amnesty will be put in place for weapons to be handed in, and Cabinet has directed officials to develop a buyback scheme. Further details will be announced on the buyback in due course.
“All semi-automatic weapons used during the terrorist attack on Friday 15 March will be banned.
“I strongly believe that the vast majority of legitimate gun owners in New Zealand will understand that these moves are in the national interest, and will take these changes in their stride.
“When Australia undertook similar reforms, their approach was to allow for exemptions for farmers upon application, including for pest control and animal welfare. We have taken similar action to identify the weapons legitimately required in those areas, and preclude them.
“Legislation to give effect to the ban will be introduced when Parliament sits in the first week of April. We will provide a short, sharp Select Committee process for feedback on the technical aspects of the changes. We are looking to progress the amendments to this legislation under urgency and expect these amendments to the Arms Act to be passed within the next session of Parliament,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“The Bill will include narrow exemptions for legitimate business use, which would include professional pest control. Police and the Defence Force will also have exemptions. Issues like access for mainstream international sporting competitions are also being worked through,” Police Minister Stuart Nash said.
“We have also acknowledged that some guns serve legitimate purposes in our farming communities, and have therefore set out exemptions for 0.22 calibre rifles and shotguns commonly used for duck hunting. These will have limitations around their capacity.
“While the legislation is being drafted, I am announcing the Government will take immediate action today to restrict the potential stock-piling of these guns and encourage people to continue to surrender their firearms.
Earlier this afternoon, an Order in Council under section 74A(c) of the Arms Act was signed by the Governor-General to reclassify a wider range of semi-automatic weapons under the Act. It came into effect at 3pm today.
“This interim measure will ensure that all of the weapons being banned under amendments to the Arms Act are now categorised as weapons requiring an E endorsement on a firearms licence.
“The effect of this is that it will prevent the sale of MSSAs and assault rifles to people with A category gun licences. The Order in Council is a transitional measure until the wider ban takes effect.
“We are introducing transitionary measures for gun owners to hand in their guns to Police to hold until details of a buy-back are announced. Likewise, the Police continue to accept guns for destruction.
“Again, we encourage gun owners to phone in to Police ahead of time to advise them they are bringing their guns in to the station,” Stuart Nash said.
“The actions announced today are the first step of the Government’s response. We will continue to develop stronger and more effective licensing rules, storage requirements and penalties for not complying with gun regulations. It is the Government’s intention that these amendments will go through the full legislative process,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“To owners who have legitimate uses for their guns, I want to reiterate that the actions being announced today are not because of you, and are not directed at you. Our actions, on behalf of all New Zealanders, are directed at making sure this never happens again.”
Media contact: Andrew Campbell 021 243 8573
Questions and Answers
- What semi-automatic firearms will be affected by the ban?
The ban will apply to all firearms are now defined as Military Style Semi-Automatics (MSSAs) and will also include assault rifles.
- What semi-automatic firearms will NOT be affected by the ban?
There is a balance to be struck between public safety and legitimate use. The changes exclude two general classes of firearms which are commonly used for hunting, pest control, stock management on farms, and duck shooting:
- Semi-automatic .22 calibre rimfire firearms with a magazine which holds no more than ten rounds
- Semi-automatic and pump action shotguns with a non-detachable tubular magazine which holds no more than five rounds
- What semi-automatic firearms are affected by today’s Order in Council?
Two types of firearms are 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
I have an A-Category firearms licence and now own MSSAs. What should I do?
It would normally be an offence for an A-Category licence holder to possess an MSSA, punishable by up to three years in prison or a $4000 fine. However a transitional period gives time for people to comply with the law, if they take certain steps. The transitional period will be confirmed next month. Firearms owners who unlawfully possess an MSSA now have three options:
- Voluntarily surrender the firearm to Police for safe disposal.
- Complete an online form on the Police website to arrange for the MSSA to be collected, while details are finalised for compensation under a buy back scheme
- Sell or gift the firearm to a person who has an E-Category licence and a ‘permit to procure’ the weapon
- Are Police geared up to receive large numbers of MSSAs?
Yes. They 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. Where extra administrative staff are required they will be hired on fixed-term contracts.
- Will this lead to stockpiling of semi-automatics?
No. The changes under the Order in Council take effect immediately. Anyone who now unlawfully has an MSSA, which yesterday was a lawful firearm, needs to take steps to comply with the law.
- Will some firearms dealers be breaking the law if they have these MSSAs in stock?
Some firearms dealers only hold A-category licences. In order to comply with the law, they could sell their stock of semi-automatics to a Category E licence holder or return them to their supplier.
- What are the statistics for firearms licences and firearms in circulation?
- There are 245,000 firearms licences
- Of these, 7,500 are E-Category licences; and 485 are dealer licences
- There are 13,500 firearms which require the owner to have an E-Cat licence, this is effectively the known number of MSSAs before today’s changes
- The total number of firearms in New Zealand is estimated to be 1.2-1.5 million
- What further issues are being considered?
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
- How will the buyback work, and who will administer it?
Police, the Treasury and other agencies are working through the detail. More information will be available when the legislation is introduced next month. The compensation will be fair and reasonable based on firearm type, average prices and the age of firearms.
- What is the cost of the buyback likely to be?
That is very difficult to judge, given the limited information about the total number of firearms affected by this change. Preliminary advice suggests it could be in the range of $100m-$200m. The buyback will ensure these weapons are taken out of circulation and that we fulfil our obligations under the law.
The Law
2019/55
Arms (Military Style Semi-automatic Firearms) Order 2019
Patsy Reddy, Governor-General
Order in Council
At Wellington this 21st day of March 2019
Present:
Hon Grant Robertson presiding in Council
This order is made under section 74A(c) of the Arms Act 1983 on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council.
Order
1Title
This order is the Arms (Military Style Semi-automatic Firearms) Order 2019.
2Commencement
This order comes into force at 3 pm on 21 March 2019.
3Certain semi-automatic firearms declared to be military style semi-automatic firearms
For the purposes of the Arms Act 1983, the following firearms are declared to be military style semi-automatic firearms:
(a)
a semi-automatic firearm that is capable of being used in combination with a detachable magazine (other than one designed to hold 0.22-inch or less rimfire cartridges) that is capable of holding more than 5 cartridges:
(b)
a semi-automatic firearm that is a shotgun and that is capable of being used in combination with a detachable magazine that is capable of holding more than 5 cartridges.
Michael Webster,
Clerk of the Executive Council.
Explanatory note
This note is not part of the order, but is intended to indicate its general effect.
This order, which comes into force at 3 pm on 21 March 2019, declares the following firearms to be military style semi-automatic firearms:
-
a semi-automatic firearm that is capable of being used in combination with a detachable magazine (other than one designed to hold 0.22-inch or less rimfire cartridges) that is capable of holding more than 5 cartridges:
-
a semi-automatic firearm that is a shotgun and that is capable of being used in combination with a detachable magazine that is capable of holding more than 5 cartridges.
This order is a confirmable instrument under section 47B of the Legislation Act 2012. It is revoked at the close of 30 June 2020, unless earlier confirmed by an Act of Parliament. That stated time is the applicable deadline under section 47C(1)(a) of the Legislation Act 2012.
Date of notification in Gazette: 21 March 2019.
This order is administered by the New Zealand Police.
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