NZ eyes reform after killings

NEW Zealand is likely to adopt an Australian-style guns buy back scheme and a ban on semiautomatic weapons under Cabinet in-principle support for gun control law reform in the wake of the Christchurch massacre.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met her Cabinet and her national crisis team yesterday to look at what should be done with guns after 50 people were killed in the biggest shooting tragedy in New Zealand’s modern history.

She vowed to toughen the laws and had wide support to now adopt Australia’s approach post the Port Arthur shooting tragedy.

She declined yesterday to reveal the full extent of the proposed law reforms signed off in principle by Cabinet as details were still being considered and Opposition support to be sought but promised a detailed plan would be revealed in 10 days.

She said it had only been 72 hours since the tragedy while in Australia they had 12 days before revealing law changes.

“As a Cabinet we were absolutely clear, the terror attack on Friday was the worst act of terrorism on our shores,” she said, with the atrocity highlighting the need for change.

She specifically would not answer whether her plan would mirror laws in Australia.

“There was probably a reason it took Australia 12 days. I think the fact we are here and I’m giving you an assurance that we have made a decision as a Cabinet, we are unified, there are simply details to work through.”

Also discussed was what legislation would be required to regulate social media which live streamed footage allegedly shot by accused 28-year-old gunman Brenton Tarrant.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush revealed he had 250 detectives and specialists on the investigation, the largest in New Zealand’s history. He confirmed Australian police had passed on material but nothing to suggest there was further direct danger in either New Zealand or Australia.

The threat level, however, would remain at “high” in NZ and an increased police presence would remain for “weeks to come” as a precaution.