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 Aotearoa New Zealand Trauma Sub-committee to Arms Act Rewrite consultation process
RACS letter to the Hon Nicole McKee, Associate Minister of Justice (Firearms)