The Government has announced it will overhaul "outdated" and "complicated" firearms laws.
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee revealed on Friday four phases to changing the Arms Act, which was part of the National-ACT Coalition agreement.
"The Arms Act has been in place for over 40 years. It has been amended several times - in a piecemea and sometimes rushed way. This has resulted in outdated and complicated requirements that unfairly target licenced firearms owners, often with no clear benefit to public safety," McKee said.
"It is time we take a good look at the whole system and make the necessary changes to ensure that it is fit for purpose for New Zealand today and into the future."
The reform programme will be rolled out in four overlapping phases - the first two of which are already underway.
A Bill to provide greater powers to search gang members for firearms was introduced in the Government's first 100 days and a package of proposals for the regulation of shooting clubs is out for consultation among stakeholders.
Phase 3 has two key components: the review of the Firearms Registry announced on June 1 and transferring the Firearms Safety Authority from the police to another Government department. Phase 4 will tackle the large task of rewriting the Act to modernise the law and the Government said it will be consulting with New Zealanders on the changes.
"I am really looking forward to phase 4 - it provides a unique opportunity to take a systematic and considered approach to our laws, in a way that hasn’t been done in over 40 years," McKee said. "Rather than the rushed 'Government-knows-best' approach, that we have seen in the past, we will be consulting with New Zealanders to allow their views to be heard."
McKee earlier this year promised the Coalition Government's new reforms won't make it easier for criminals and gang members to get their hands on firearms.
"We are not going to be introducing any new types of actions or any new types of firearms into New Zealand. What we will be looking to do is ensure that we have a regulatory reform that ensures the safety of New Zealanders, increases compliance with the legislation and reduces regulatory burdens on some," she told AM.
McKee said on Friday she expects to take advice on the fourth phase in the coming months and aims to pass the changes before the end of the term.
Newshub.
