Nats pledge to protect legal gun user rights

Staff reporter NEWS Politics

THE National Party says its new firearms policy will give police greater power to clamp down on gangs while protecting the rights of New Zealanders to use guns for legitimate reasons.

National has released its firearms policy ahead of October’s election, claiming it will make NZ a safer place to live. The policy would give police greater powers to search for illegal firearms and confiscate them from gangs and criminals.

It would provide more firearms safety and outdoor training courses for those legally using firearms and involve the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) in developing firearms policy.

National’s hunting and fishing spokesperson, Todd McClay, said firearms are important for many, particularly in rural areas, where people depend on guns for their livelihoods, enjoy social benefits like hunting and shooting sports and, in some cases, to put food on the table.

“There is a real difference between those Kiwis who are licensed and have a duty to use firearms responsibly and safely, and those who do not hold a licence and use firearms for crime,” he said.

National’s police spokesperson, Mark Mitchell, said the party will ensure police are focused on ensuring gangs and criminals do not illegally obtain and misuse firearms. Mitchell said gang-related gun crime has increased, with driveby shootings orchestrated by gangs on the rise.

“National will give police greater powers to proactively search for illegal firearms and remove them from the hands of gangs and criminals who pose a real risk to public safety,” Mitchell said.