Submission for the select committee on the illegal possession of firearms in New Zealand

Transcription

1 PO BOX 694 RANGIORA Committee Secretariat Law and Order Parliament Buildings Wellington Submission for the select committee on the illegal possession of firearms in New Zealand SUMMARY The New Zealand Antique and Historical Arms Association (NZAHAA) believes that the vast majority of New Zealand s 242,000 firearms license holders demonstrate safe and responsible use and ownership of firearms who respect and value the privileges granted to us as firearms license holders. New Zealand has in place a robust licensing and vetting system where the license holder must first be confirmed as being a fit and proper person of good character by NZ Police and their vetting agents which is established via interviewing referees and Police background checks. It must also be proven that license

2 applicants have suitable security as specified by the 1983 arms act for the class of license they wish to have issued. Those with endorsements in category B, C, E and D undergo regular compliance checks when security and firearms held on endorsements are checked against Police records. It is also the view of the NZAHAA that any restrictions or legislative changes to the current Arms Act will unjustly impact on those who already comply and will have little bearing on those with criminal intent. NZAHAA believes that the proliferation of A category semi automatic type firearms mostly based on the popular AR15 type platform or similar firearms including semi automatic shotguns of which tens of thousands have been legally sold by retailers in New Zealand for many years. Any restriction on this type of firearm or parts thereof including reclassification as a MSSA /E category type of firearm would effectively criminalize thousands of law abiding owners by default and create a vast pool of unregistered firearms and parts. How widespread firearm possession is among criminals, including gangs. There is no definitive reference available therefore NZAHAA is unable to give an informed answer to this question. An indication of the extent of the criminal use of firearms can be seen in sensationalized press reports where numbers and type of firearm are usually grossly exaggerated examples being A category AR type rifles and Sporting AK type rifles being touted as M16 s and AK47 s. Most firearms used in criminal activity in reality are shot guns or the humble.22 rimfire. How criminals, gangs, and those who do not have a license come into possession of firearms. Media works via a well-known journalist recently gave a

3 fine tutorial on how to obtain a firearm by deception, which was screened on prime time national television. After a lengthy investigation the perpetrators were only given a letter of warning further demonstrating that those flouting the law would suffer little consequences for their infractions. The Police press release almost condones their actions. Note 1 There is a pre existing pool of firearms in New Zealand that dates back to the 1800 s including firearms that have never been registered and have remained in family ownership without registration or firearms held by persons who have not bothered to obtain licenses or renew licenses. Many firearms came into New Zealand as War souvenirs from the numerous conflicts we have been involved with. Some would have been illegally imported and some built from parts or fabricated. NZAHAA believe that the current permit to import parts or firearms system works well and any restrictions would only inhibit those that already comply, the criminal fraternity have little regards for rules and regulations. Firearms have been stolen from their legitimate owners, Police and the Military See note 2 Benjamin Downes stole two Glock pistols from the New Plymouth courthouse and passed one onto a drug dealer in exchange for drugs, the second was never recovered. Downes received only 300 hours of community service. 3D printing technology is fast evolving and simple weapons can be produced with a minimum of skill, a skilled machinist with access to a well equipped workshop would be capable of fabricating a firearm and plans for crude but effective sub machine guns can be purchased from the internet. Any such firearms would be effectively untraceable. Any restrictions placed on the law abiding firearms owner will only impact those that already comply with the law. Restricting the legitimate licensed firearms

4 owner will never impact criminals using, producing or procuring illegal firearms. What changes, if any, to the current situation might further restrict the flow of firearms to criminals, gangs, and those who do not have a license. The NZAHAA believes tougher penalties for criminals who do not comply with firearms legislation are in order currently there is little to deter criminals from using or possessing firearms when the consequences for being caught are minimal. See Note three, a patched head hunter gang member received 9 months home detention and 100 hours of community work for assaulting his partner and possessing a Luger Pistol and 40 rounds of ammunition The NZAHAA believes better resourcing for Police and customs to deal with gangs and criminals more effectively and efficiently. Better public relations from Police and Customs with better resources for information and advice on firearms issues. Better informing license holders of policy or legislative requirements. Any changes to the arms act risk persecuting responsible owners and users and will not impact on the criminal ownership or misuse of firearms. The NZAHAA fully endorse the submission presented by the Council Of Licensed Firearm Owners (COLFO) NOTE 1 NOTE 2

5 news/news/ /man-who-stole-glocks-from-new- Plymouth-courthouse-escapes-jail-sentence NOTE 3 Andrew Edgcombe Vice President New Zealand Antique and Historical Arms Association NZAHAA Police Community Firearms Forum Representative NZAHAA COLFO Representative