Gun law reforms are to be announced within 10 days of Friday's terror attacks in Christchurch, the Prime Minister said today.
An inquiry is also being launched to investigate the specific circumstances leading up to the mosque attacks.
Jacinda Ardern also announced a national commemoration is to be held, however it would be after consultation with families, the community and Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel.
GUN LAW REFORM
The Cabinet meeting today was expanded to include the Green Party, with all parties agreeing "in principle decisions around the reform of our gun laws"," Ms Ardern said.
However she would not elaborate on this, instead saying further details would be given before next Monday, March 25.
"This ultimately means that within 10 days of this horrific act of terrorism we will have announced reforms which I believe will make our community safer."
"There's simply details to work through."
She said she "absolutely always knew there would be these kinds of issues" to work through regarding gun law reforms.
Ms Ardern said Cabinet was "absolutely unified" on decisions.
"The terror attack in Christchurch on Friday was the worst act of terrorism on our shores, it was one of the worst globally in recent times. It has exposed a range of weakness in NZ’s gun laws. The time to act is now."
When asked about cross-party support for law changes, Ms Ardern said she intends for the Police Minister Stuart Nash to share the intent of where gun laws are heading with the Opposition.
"I imagine they will be supportive."
Ms Ardern said police could not verify 'panic buying' increases of guns, she said there had been an anecdotal suggestion of that.
"I would exercise caution anyone who is considering investing. Wait a few more days, have some certainly," she said.
INQUIRY
Ms Ardern announced there would be an inquiry to the specific circumstances leading up to the terror attacks.
It would include looking at any intelligence sharing challenges, and also the suspect's travel, social media and interactions with others.
She said it could either be a Royal Commission, public inquiry or a Ministerial inquiry, with the latter allowing for more ability to manage timelines and classified information.
NATIONAL COMMEMORATION
There had been "preliminary discussions" about commemorations, with the Prime Minister confirming it would not happen this week.
"Absolutely there will be a national commemoration and a service held in order for all New Zealand to gather together", she said, however it was important to give families the "time and space" to bury their loved ones.
Ms Ardern said she will look to announce a date as soon as possible after consultation with families, the community and Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel.
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