The second phase of the inquest into the mosque shooting is currently ongoing, and it is right now examining how the terrorist was able to obtain his firearms license and the guns used to commit the attack.
By virtue of an accident of relatives marrying certain people, I have had, and currently have, people in my circle with guns. I also recall finding out my partner of the time had a fire-arm when we moved to the country because he took a dislike to some magpies & tried to shoot them - memory is vague, but don't think I realised there was a firearm in my vicinity prior to that, and having come from the city I'm not sure WHY he even had one then.
Apart from that as a city dweller with no need to shoot rabbits or other designated pests, I had no idea people in Aotearoa had guns outside of war, or the American wild west in movies, though a vague awareness of duck shooting season etc. A relative had her ex-partner's guns taken off him for domestic reasons, but sadly the rural attitude to firearms meant his immediate circle didn't really see the danger, & I suspect he was "lent" firearms if they wanted to go duck shooting etc. The younger people were non-violent, but nevertheless a little laid-back about storage rules at times, which to us city people visiting was a bit disconcerting - as a realist I accept firearms for hunting pests (such as rabbits, deer, Tahr, wild goats, Canada Geese) but there is NEVER an excuse for private ownership & use of weapons of war - full stop. All loopholes should be closed for ANY type of firearm, , including the quality of any referee. The person who had the ex-partner's gun seized had very reluctantly given a reference for the initial licence - reluctantly but recognising the rural argument, but as is often the case, it became evident he should not have access to firearms at all.
I agree with a firearms register, and a national register of both guns & people with gun licences - if a person is found with a weapon who is not licenced, it simplifies the job of Police - no need to assess the WEAPON, it is illegally in the possession of the unlicenced person & immediately confiscated. Of course, having enough personnel to do the necessary thorough checking & followup is a given - good luck with this govt & their gun lobby aligned Minister 🤬
By virtue of an accident of relatives marrying certain people, I have had, and currently have, people in my circle with guns. I also recall finding out my partner of the time had a fire-arm when we moved to the country because he took a dislike to some magpies & tried to shoot them - memory is vague, but don't think I realised there was a firearm in my vicinity prior to that, and having come from the city I'm not sure WHY he even had one then.
Apart from that as a city dweller with no need to shoot rabbits or other designated pests, I had no idea people in Aotearoa had guns outside of war, or the American wild west in movies, though a vague awareness of duck shooting season etc. A relative had her ex-partner's guns taken off him for domestic reasons, but sadly the rural attitude to firearms meant his immediate circle didn't really see the danger, & I suspect he was "lent" firearms if they wanted to go duck shooting etc. The younger people were non-violent, but nevertheless a little laid-back about storage rules at times, which to us city people visiting was a bit disconcerting - as a realist I accept firearms for hunting pests (such as rabbits, deer, Tahr, wild goats, Canada Geese) but there is NEVER an excuse for private ownership & use of weapons of war - full stop. All loopholes should be closed for ANY type of firearm, , including the quality of any referee. The person who had the ex-partner's gun seized had very reluctantly given a reference for the initial licence - reluctantly but recognising the rural argument, but as is often the case, it became evident he should not have access to firearms at all.
I agree with a firearms register, and a national register of both guns & people with gun licences - if a person is found with a weapon who is not licenced, it simplifies the job of Police - no need to assess the WEAPON, it is illegally in the possession of the unlicenced person & immediately confiscated. Of course, having enough personnel to do the necessary thorough checking & followup is a given - good luck with this govt & their gun lobby aligned Minister 🤬