Police ramp up firearms buy-backs across Auckland, as gun owners call for amnesty extension

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

First day of the New Zealand Police gun buy back and amnesty process for the collection of new illegal firearms event held at Riccarton Racecourse. (Video first published on July 13, 2019)

There are 'no more excuses' to hang on to banned semi-automatic guns, say police as they announce almost daily buy-back events across Auckland over the coming weeks.

An amnesty on owning semi-automatic guns and their parts – made illegal in June, in response to the Christchurch mosque shootings – is set to end on December 20.

But the Council of Licenced Firearms Owners (COLFO) is calling for an amnesty extension. Spokeswoman Nicole McKee denied illegal weaponry was being hoarded, but said some gun owners 'absolutely needed' more time due to the rushed, inconsistent, and 'deeply frustrating' buy-back scheme.

Military style semi-automatic firearms, parts and ammunition were banned following the Christchurch mosque attack in March.

'Police and the Government have been changing the goalposts throughout the process, so there is confusion about what is and isn't prohibited – and whether that might change again.'

* Loaded firearms handed in at gun buy-back events

* Is the gun buy-back worth the money?**

McKee said a 'fair' extension period would be six months beyond the last change in the Arms Amendment Act 2019, giving newly prohibited firearm owners time to fully understand their options and obligations.

Lower receivers, for example, were only declared illegal in September. A key part of AR-15 rifles, lower receivers were not initially being purchased by the Government at buy-back events.

Another point of contention had been whether semi-automatics modified into single shot firearms were legal. McKee said the answer – no – was only clarified within the last few weeks, after gun owners anticipating a yes had already paid for the modifications.

People were also awaiting outcomes on applications for prohibited endorsements on their firearms licences. Permits can be granted for pest control, theatrical proposes, dealing, and collecting.

'There are concerns in the firearms community that these won't be processed [before the amnesty ends],' said McKee. 'Then there's anxiety over getting fair and reasonable compensation for firearms handed in.'

An April ministerial briefing paper revealed that police estimated between 60,000 and 240,000 firearms would be made illegal under gun law reform. In September, however, police suggested that number was between 56,000 and 173,000.

Official figures show that between July 13 and October 29 about 32,659 firearms were collected and more than $62 million had been paid out.

Buy-back events for the next two weeks in Auckland include:

Sunday 17 November - Wellsford Community Centre from 10am-2pm.

Sunday 17 November – Papakura Rugby Football Club from 10am-2pm.

Mon 18 November – Manurewa Rugby Club from 9am-3pm.

Mon 18 November – Trusts Arena, from 9am-2pm.

Tues 19 November – Manurewa Rugby Club from 1pm-7pm.

Tues 19 November – Trusts Arena from 9am-2pm.

Wed 20 November – Manurewa Rugby Club from 1pm-7pm.

Thurs 21 November – Manurewa Rugby Club from 9am-3pm.

Fri 22 November – Trusts Arena from 9am-2pm.

Sat 23 November – Trusts Arena from 9am-2pm.

Sun 24 November – Trusts Arena from 9am-2pm.

Sun 24 November - Manurewa Rugby Club from 10am-2pm.