Owners of soon-to-be illegal guns will be able to hand in their firearms at nearly 200 collection events throughout the country, held over three months from July 13.
Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Clement unveiled locations and times in a statement on Tuesday afternoon, revealing more dates will also be added until the amnesty stops on December 20.
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"We've ensured that the collection events are held at a range of venues within police districts, across as many weekends as possible," Clement said.
"We want to make it as easy as we can for people to do the right thing and hand in their firearms."
The buyback comes three months after an alleged white supremacist gunman opened fire in Christchurch, killing 51.
Owners of prohibited firearms will be paid 95 percent the 'base price' for weapons in new or near-new condition; 70 percent for used, and 25 percent if they're in poor condition.
For parts and magazines, compensation starts at 70 percent for new, near-new or used items, and 25 percent for stuff in a poor condition. Dealers will get compensation for stock.
"As police prepare for these collections events, we can assure the public that these events are well planned with strong safety measures in place that will allow people to hand in their firearms in an efficient manner," Clement said.
"The police website will be regularly updated and it is important for people to check it often for updates.
"It also has all the information people need to prepare to attend a collection event."
Weapons belonging to unlicensed owners will be accepted, but won't attract compensation. They may be handed over anonymously.
There will be four options for collection:
- large-scale events at centralised community locations;
- handing over items at approved gun dealers;
- bulk pickups by police
- and at police stations.
"It's police preference that firearm owners hand in firearms at these collection events," Clement said.
Collectors, dealers and people who need prohibited weapons for pest control will need to apply for an exemption with police.
If you'd rather not hand over your prohibited gun, the Government is willing to pay up to $300 for modifications to make them legal.
The full list of collection events and other information can be found here.
Newshub.
