Farmers back tougher gun laws
Federated Farmers has spoken in support of the government’s intention to toughen firearms regulations.
“This will not be popular among some of our members, but after a week of intense debate and careful consideration by our elected representatives and staff, we believe this is the only practicable solution,” rural security spokesman Miles Anderson said.
“We are trying to tread a responsible path. The wrong guns can’t be allowed to get into the wrong hands.’’
The federation’s message to its members was to remember that “at least this way” responsible gun owners would be recognised for being law-abiding, safety conscious and skilled.
“We agree with the government that there is no need for military-style semiautomatic rifles in general public ownership.
“We also support the move to prohibit general access to, and possession of, detachable large-capacity magazines for semiautomatic firearms,” Mr Anderson said.
“We’re pleased farmers are still going to have access to sporting semi-automatic rimfire rifles, such as the .22 long rifle, and sporting semi-automatic shotguns with limited magazine capacity. These are needed for control of small, mobile pest species often found in groups (rabbits, possums, Canada geese), where quick follow-up shots are important for efficient, fast and humane destruction of these pests.”
The federation believed there was a very limited need for centrefire semi-automatic firearms with large -capacity magazines for professional pest management, but that access should be controlled by the kind of police checks, registration of individual firearms and the increased security requirements that currently applied to E category licences.
“The surrender or destruction of firearms that don’t meet the new controls will be disappointing to many farmers, and others,” he added, “but a clampdown is the responsible path to take to try to ensure we’re never witness to this kind of tragedy on our shores again.” Fish and Game New Zealand is also supporting what chief executive Martin Taylor described as a well-considered measure to ensure public safety, including limiting the magazine capacity of sporting semiautomatic shotguns.
Mr Taylor said banning military rifles
was the right decision, and limiting shotgun magazine capacity was sensible.
“This move has the support of all political parties and the wider public, and that is appropriate in the tragic circumstances in which it is being made,” he said. “Parliament is to be commended for presenting a united front to ensure the safety of all New Zealanders.”