Military-style weapons banned after attack on New Zealand mosque

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a ban of “military-style” semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines like those used in the shootings at Christchurch mosques last week.

Ms Ardern said a sales ban was effective immediately to prevent stockpiling and would be followed by a complete ban on the weapons after new laws were rushed through.

She said people could hand over their guns under an amnesty while officials develop a formal buyback scheme, which could cost up to 200 million New Zealand dollars (£105m).

The man charged over the mosque attacks had purchased his weapons legally using a standard firearms licence and enhanced their capacity by using 30-round magazines “done easily through a simple online purchase”, Ms Ardern said.

“Every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned,” she said.

The ban includes any semiautomatic guns or shotguns that are capable of being used with a detachable magazine that holds more than five rounds.

It also extends to accessories used to convert guns into what the government called “military-style” weapons. It does not include semi-automatic .22 calibre or smaller guns that hold up to ten rounds. Semiautomatic and pump-action shotguns with non-detachable magazines that hold up to five rounds are also omitted from the ban.

The government said the police and military would be exempt, as would businesses carrying out professional pest control. Access for international shooting competitions would also be considered. There are nearly 250,000 licensed gun owners in New Zealand, which has a population of five million people. Officials estimate there are 1.5 million guns in the country.

Ms Ardern’s announcement comes as authorities announced all 50 bodies from the attacks were formally identified and families were burying their loved ones.

At least nine funerals took place yesterday, including for a teenager, a youth soccer coach and a Muslim convert.

After Ms Ardern’s announcement, one of New Zealand’s largest gun retailers, Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, reiterated its support of “any government measure to permanently ban such weapons”.

Chief executive Darren Jacobs said: “Last week’s events have forced a reconsideration that has led us to believe such weapons of war have no place in our business or our country.” 0 A vigil held Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin honoured the 50 people killed, and dozens injured, in Christchurch last Friday