CHRISTCHURCH: In the aftermath of the ban on semi-automatic after the deadly attack on Christchurch mosques, New Zealand’s Government has unveiled a multi-million-dollar six-month buyback scheme to compensate owners of semi-automatic weapons.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Minister of Police Stuart Nash said in a joint statement that NZ$208 million ($198 million) had been set aside to compensate owners of the banned semi-automatic firearms up to 95 per cent of the original cost.
The owners would have to hand over their weapons until December 20. New Zealand has about one firearm to every four people and no ban on semi-automatic weapons.
“Police have detailed plans in place for the next step, which is the collection of firearms from the community,” Mr Nash said.
“It will be a huge logistical exercise and is expected to get underway in mid-July.”
Parliament passed the gun reform law — the first substantial changes to the country’s gun laws in decades — by a vote of 119 to one in April.
The vote came less than a month after its worst-ever peacetime mass shooting in which 51 people were killed and dozens injured in attacks on two mosques in Christchurch.
The new ban bars the circulation and use of most semi-automatic firearms, parts that convert firearms into semi-automatic firearms, magazines over a certain capacity and some shotguns.
The Christchurch shooting has been described by New Zealand police as an attack by a “lone wolf” terrorist, but analysts say the motivations behind such attacks are not entirely ideologically isolated.
Existing gun laws had provided for a standard “A-category” gun license covering semi-automatics limited to seven shots.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription
