The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, has confirmed that new laws will be put in place to ban semi-automatic and assault rifles following the Christchurch mosque attacks.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, has confirmed that new laws will be put in place to ban semi-automatic and assault rifles following the Christchurch mosque attacks.
Ms Arden said the regulations will be put in place as of April 11.
The ban comes less than a week after an alleged lone gunman killed 50 people within two mosques.
The Australian gun-man has been charged with one count of murder with more charges expected to follow.
However, Police said on Thursday they misidentified a person the alleged is accused of killing.
They apologised to the woman who they wrongfully declared dead.
Police have confirmed that all of the dead have now been formally identified.
The self-proclaimed white nationalist is expected to appear in court on April 5 with an updated charge sheet.
Related parts to convert weapons into military style semi-automatics along with high capacity magazines have also been banned.
An amnesty has been established for owners of affected weapons to receive payment for turning them in, under a buy-back scheme.
Ms Arden estimated the scheme could cost up to NZ$200m (£104m). However, she would add “that is the price that we must pay to ensure the safety of our communities”