The Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee and its Trauma Sub-committee wrote initially to the Ministers of Police, Health, Associate Justice (Firearms), and the Minister for Hunting and Fishing, speaking out in anticipation of proposals to reintroduce Military Style Semi-Automatic (MSSA) weapons in Aotearoa New Zealand and advocating for stronger controls to reduce gun related injuries.
The Aotearoa New Zealand Trauma Sub-committee submitted to the Arms Act Rewrite consultation process making the same points. RACS recommended changes to the Act, including:
- stricter gun licensing criteria and protocols, including compulsory training; universal registration of gun ownership; closing loopholes that facilitate illicit transactions; stricter penalties for non-compliance; refining screening protocols for gun licence applicants; and regular review of the provisions in the Act
- enabling and mandating better collaboration among government agencies, including law enforcement, and healthcare providers to prevent at-risk individuals accessing firearms
In tandem with law reform, the Government must recognise and address the fact gun-related harm disproportionately affects marginalised communities, including Māori and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The Government must crucially address the underlying factors contributing to violence and mental health concerns - poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, and social alienation, including racism, bigotry and hate speech. By tackling these root causes, we can work toward safer communities and a safer society.
Read submissions
RACS letter to the Hon Nicole McKee, Associate Minister of Justice (Firearms) (PDF 152.06KB)
RACS letter to the Hon Simeon Brown, Minister for Health (PDF 150.94KB)
RACS letter to the Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister of Police (PDF 151.9KB)