Jacinda Ardern says she's been getting death threats since the day she became Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister told Newshub Nation on Saturday despite feeling like the nation is onside with the Government's crackdown on military-style semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles, a minority aren't.
Interviewer Tova O'Brien told her about the level of vitriol against her sent to Newshub after she announced the ban, which included death threats that were forwarded onto police.
"I hate to tell you that is not new, and that has been from the day I took on this job. It's a sad fact of life that that comes with these roles," Ardern said.
"But was that the right thing to do? Absolutely. The vast majority of New Zealanders supported it. Regardless of whether or not there's a minority that may react in another way, I absolutely stand by it."
Over the past few months gun owners have been getting paid compensation if they hand in their now-illegal weapons. The amnesty ends on December 20, and police say there will be "no excuses" for anyone who fails to comply.
"Anyone prosecuted will lose their firearms licence and face a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment," Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement warned in October.
"I'd have to say to all the gun clubs and firearms enthusiasts out there, surely this is not what you want - to be unable to enjoy hunting or the hobby you enjoy ever again?"
Around 41,000 guns and 150,000 parts have been handed in so far, costing taxpayers $78 million. It's not known exactly how many are still out there.
Ardern said since the March terror attack which left 51 dead, the country has mostly come together.
"I do think that there is more awareness in our nation around issues of discrimination and issues that particularly members of our ethnic communities face. I think there's greater awareness of that, but there needed to be.
"But I still absolutely believe that when it comes to the response of New Zealand, that there was unity in that - and remains to be."
The fallout from the attack includes a review of New Zealand's hate speech laws by Justice Minister Andrew Little, which was expected to be completed by the end of the year. Ardern said she won't be pushing him to finish up if he's not ready by then.
"This is the kind of thing you want to do once and want to do right, so I'm going to let him complete his work."
