Nicole McKee, New Zealand’s Associate Justice Minister, has announced significant reforms to the country’s gun laws, aiming to completely rewrite the Arms Act by 2026. McKee highlighted that the current legislation, in place for over 40 years, has been amended in a fragmented manner over time, resulting in outdated and overly complex regulations that often burden licensed firearms owners without clear benefits to public safety.
The proposed reforms seek to overhaul the existing system comprehensively to ensure it is suitable for modern-day New Zealand. McKee emphasized the need for straightforward and effective solutions that enhance community safety while reflecting best regulatory practices. She intends for these changes to be implemented by the end of the current government term, prioritizing thorough consultation with the public to gather diverse perspectives before finalizing the legislation.
As part of the reform efforts, McKee mentioned ongoing initiatives such as strengthening firearms prohibition orders and revising shooting club regulations. Additionally, the government plans to review the firearms registry and transfer the Firearms Safety Authority from the police to another governmental department.
Overall, these reforms represent a systematic approach to update New Zealand’s gun laws, aiming to streamline regulations, enhance public safety, and ensure that the legal framework aligns with contemporary needs and standards.