Knee-jerk reaction to guns
A knee-jerk reaction against guns in schools would be a shame, Manawatu schools and rifle-sports commentators say.
Education Minister Nikki Kaye has announced guidelines are being prepared about firearms in schools, after the army visited a Palmerston North primary school and children handled unloaded weapons.
Several MPS raised concerns with Kaye after the April event at Whakarongo School, where 9- to 13-yearolds were shown how to assemble, aim and fire assault rifles, between leadership and team-building lessons.
Kaye said she was ‘‘pretty conservative’’ when it comes to guns in schools and as a ‘‘general rule’’ didn’t support it.
‘‘I’ve asked whether there are any guidelines in this area and it’s clear there aren’t, so I’ve asked the Ministry of Education and NZSTA (New Zealand School Trustees Association) to work on some guidelines.’’
Manawatu Principals’ Association president Wayne Jenkins said the debate was a storm in a teacup, particularly
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Several Manawatu high schools have competitive rifle teams, often coached at a nearby rifle club.
‘‘I worry about any knee-jerk reaction, that it’s going to preclude any visits from the army – they are very interesting people to have come and visit at your school. ‘‘But I’d like to see that if you do have a firearm there you’d be reinforcing firearm safety, so children realise these are dangerous and lethal weapons.’’
Ideally, guidelines would require the seven firearm rules in the New Zealand Arms Code to be taught as part of any school activity that involved guns, he said.
Beginner’s lessons and experiences with groups were best done in a controlled environment at a rifle range, before experienced shooters could move on to other situations such as hunting.
‘‘We’re safety first, and from then on it’s all about teaching good technique.’’
Gun sports and police emergency responses involving guns would be considered as the guidelines were designed, Kaye said.
Whakarongo School declined to comment.