Explainer: Gun buyback amnesty ends today, what happens now?

Thursday, 12 December 2019

The official gun amnesty ends on December 20 after months of debate, occasional protests, and major buyback events around the country. Ahead of the amnesty, police answered some questions for gun owners and others interested in the buyback process.

Under what circumstances can people hand in their guns after the amnesty and not be penalised?

If someone proactively hands in prohibited firearms, parts, or ammunition after December 20, the Arms Act gives police discretion not to prosecute if it's decided the public interest in favour of prosecution is low.

Gun buyback events have been held around New Zealand for months, including this August event at Picton's Endeavour Park.

How many banned guns are still in circulation?

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At a gun buyback in Kaiapoi, Marc Martinavich from Loburn handed in his .22 tubular magazine rifle, which held more than 10 rounds in the mag.

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Paul Borrell of Tasman Police was among the cops hoping gun owners would tell their mates about the prohibited firearms and parts amnesty.

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It's impossible to be sure of the exact number, police say. But it is clear that of the roughly 248,000 licensed firearms owners in New Zealand, only a very small percentage had to register their firearms, due to the endorsement they hold.

There were 40,731 firearms collected by November 24 across more than 400 local collection points, according to police data.

If police suspect someone has a banned gun at their house, can they or will they search the property and seize it?

Police say they'll examine the information they get in each case, and 'follow up as appropriate in the circumstances'.

What are people supposed to do if they learn their neighbours have banned guns?

Police say first of all, they'd been encouraging firearms owners to 'tell their mates about the buy-back' and help them know that prohibited guns needed to be handed in December 20.

After that, police say anybody concerned about a neighbour or someone else having a banned firearm should phone police on 105 or make an anonymous call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

How will police respond when told a person or property has banned weapons? Will an Armed Offenders Squad response result?

All information is treated on a case by case basis, police say, so any response will be 'proportionate' to risks identified, and other relevant information police weigh up.

How much money could I get for my firearm?

Guns in new or in near-new condition 'with little to no use' should get 95 per cent of the value outlined in the buyback price list. This means the main body must have no scratches, the gun functions, the bore is shiny, and internal components have no damage or wear.

Guns which are used and have some wear but are still functional get 70 per cent. Guns in poor condition, those that are inoperable or in an unsafe working condition, rusted or with missing parts get 25 per cent.

Is any more time available to apply for compensation?

All applications for compensation must be submitted by December 20, except for people in two circumstances, who have an extra 30 days to seek compensation.

The first exception is for people who applied for a P endorsement before the amnesty lapses, but only learned after November 20 that their application was declined.

The second exception is for people who arranged to have their gun modified before the amnesty deadline, but only learned after November 20 that the firearm wasn't suitable for modification.

What are the maximum penalties for not handing in prohibited weapons?

Police say anyone in possession of a prohibited firearm after December 20, without the relevant endorsement, could be liable for prosecution – and the maximum penalty is five years' jail. If the person caught with a banned gun is a firearms licence holder, that licence could be revoked.