Governor General signs Arms Amendment Act into law

April 11, 2019

This is the final step in implementing the new gun laws that come into effect on April 12, 2019.

Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy has given the final tick to the Arms Amendment Act at Government House, the Royal Assent being the final step before it becomes law at midnight tonight.

The new gun law, in the wake of the Christchurch terrorist attack, went through Parliament at lightning speed.

Last night the Third Reading of the Arms Amendment Act saw all MPs except ACT’s David Seymour vote in favour of the gun changes, less than a month after the Christchurch terrorist attack on March 15 where 50 people were killed.

The final vote came in at 119 for the amendment and one against.

The changes to New Zealand’s gun laws are set to include a ban on semi-automatic weapons and military style semi-automatics, a ban on parts, magazines and ammunition that could be used for modification into a semi-automatic and a ban on pump-action shotguns with more than a five shot capacity.

The amnesty period for unlawful weapons, magazines and ammunition to be handed in will be until September 30.

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