New Zealand bans Military Style Semi-Automatics, Assault Rifles - Prime Minister

"Cabinet agreed to overhaul the law when it met on Monday, 72 hours after the horrific terrorism act in Christchurch. Now, six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand. Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines," Ardern said in a statement published on the government’s website.

"All semi-automatic weapons used during the terrorist attack on Friday 15 March will be banned," Ardern added.

The bill imposing the ban will be introduced in the parliament in the first week of April. The authorities expect it to be passed within the legislature’s next session.

Ardern explained that the legislation would include exemptions for legitimate business use, duck hunting and the use by police and defense forces. Access to arms for those engaged in international sporting competitions would also be considered by the authorities.

"While the legislation is being drafted, I am announcing the Government will take immediate action today to restrict the potential stock-piling of these guns and encourage people to continue to surrender their firearms ... We are introducing transitionary measures for gun owners to hand in their guns to Police to hold until details of a buy-back are announced. Likewise, the Police continue to accept guns for destruction," Ardern pointed out.

Last Friday, an armed attacker opened fire at the two mosques in Christchurch, killing 50 people and injuring dozens of others. Ardern has said the shooter had five guns and was in possession of a gun license.

After the attack, the prime minister pledged to restrict New Zealand’s gun laws. Ardern has recalled that there were attempts to change the firearms regulations in New Zealand back in 2005, 2012 and in 2017.