New Zealand clamps down on gun exports in wake of Christchurch shooting

The New Zealand government has announced extensive new controls on some semi-automatic weapons in the wake of the attack in March on a Christchurch mosque which saw 49 people killed.

In a statement, Disarmament and Arms Control Minister Winston Peters said he welcomed law changes prohibiting certain semi-automatic weapons, magazines and parts in New Zealand, adding that from 12 April, ‘[T]he criteria for the export of strategic goods will change.’

He said: ‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which is responsible for New Zealand’s export control regime for weapons, is likely to decline permits for the export of prohibited semi-automatic firearms, magazines and parts except in certain limited circumstances. It will also no longer be permissible for weapons that are banned here to be imported for the purpose of re-export.’

Peters said that the ministry would consider applications for exports ‘by people who are permitted to possess such items under the new legislation. This includes dealers, collectors and approved cullers,’ but that approval would not be automatic, and applications would be considered against assessment criteria which include ‘the risk that the exported item could be used in human rights abuses, undermine peace and security, or be prejudicial to New Zealand’s international relations.’

He added: ‘There will be transitional arrangements to align with the new legislation, including for dealers seeking to return stock to suppliers, items that are stuck at the border because they are now prohibited, personal transfers by people leaving the country, and certain items traded by existing manufacturers and suppliers.’