... and they could hold up gun laws too

NZ First could potentially hold up new gun laws as the gun lobby puts pressure on the party to renege on its commitment to the laws, saying NZ First will be ‘‘toast’’ in the election if it supports the gun law reform.

NZ First MP Ron Mark has signalled the party may move away from supporting core aspects of the new laws, saying the caucus had some reservations.

The Arms Legislation Bill, which passed its second reading on Wednesday, includes a firearms register, harsher penalties and a new warning system to show if a person is a fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence.

The select committee process resulted in changes to the bill that included: the duration of a firearms licence remaining at 10 years; new restrictions to prohibit carbine conversion kits for pistols; modified language around health considerations; and the clarification of privacy issues around access to the register by agencies like NZ Customs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The temporary transfer of firearms (for less than 30 days) will also not need to be entered in the new register.

During the second reading, Mark said the party was looking for a pragmatic way through that protected the rights and privileges of legitimate firearms owners.

He cited leader Winston Peters, who told gun protesters outside the NZ First party conference in Christchurch in October, that the party was going into the process with open ears. ‘‘The NZ First caucus have always said that they will work constructively towards sensible legislation that is pragmatic, that achieves the purpose of the bill, improving safety, is fair, and is reasonable,’’ Mark said.

The Defence Minister said he was talking to Police Minister Stuart Nash.

There were also further conversations to be had around farmers who had problems with pest control and around sporting shooters. NZ First may choose to join the National Party and the ACT Party by putting up amendments to the bill during the committee of the whole House, when the House adjourns on March 3.

However, it may continue negotiations with Nash, who could put up a Government amendment. The bill is not expected to pass before the first anniversary of the Christchurch shooting on March 15, which had been Nash’s preference.