All-party support on law change

The Government has confirmed it is looking into how it might fund a gun buy-back scheme, while the Opposition has confirmed it would likely support a ban of semi-automatic weapons.

But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is yet to announce details of an ‘‘agreement in principle’’ reached by Cabinet on Monday, to wide-sweeping reform of New Zealand’s gun laws following the Christchurch terror attacks.

The first set of changes, once announced, are likely to have bipartisan support across Parliament. Ardern has indicated there might be at least two tranches of reform – one more immediate, with some changes requiring longer discussion.

And Finance Minister Grant Robertson has confirmed he was investigating how a potential ‘‘buy-back’’ scheme, of weapons which had to be surrendered, could be funded.

That suggested a ban of some sort was on the table, however it’s not yet clear whether that would be a ban on all semi-automatic weapons, or all military-style semi-automatic weapons, with more stringent classifications as to what weapons should be in that category.

Ardern would not be drawn on whether a moratorium on sales of semi-automatics, would accompany any forthcoming announcement of the Government’s plans.

‘‘There are a range of holes in our gun laws and we are looking broadly, at all of those holes.’’

She was not concerned that international gun lobbies might try to insert themselves into the New Zealand debate.

‘‘We have our own culture in New Zealand, we see our own needs. And I think the response we’ll have will be a New Zealand one,’’ said Ardern. ‘‘As I said yesterday; we do have legitimate and responsible gun use, particularly in our rural community, animal welfare, pest control. My view is that those gun owners will be with us – that is my absolute belief.’’

And Ardern welcomed support from National. ‘‘I’ve asked Minister Stuart Nash to make the time to run through the proposals and I’m anticipating he’ll do that in the very near future, before they are announced.

‘‘Certainly, I think that it would be hugely beneficial if we can reach consensus.’’