Thursday, 21 March 2019 15:39

Farmers back new gun laws

Written by 
 Feds rural security spokesperson Miles Anderson. Feds rural security spokesperson Miles Anderson.

Farmers are throwing their support behind tougher firearms legislation proposed by the Government.

Federated Farmers says it supports the government’s intention to toughen firearms regulations.

"This will not be popular among some of our members but after a week of intense debate and careful consideration by our elected representatives and staff, we believe this is the only practicable solution," Feds rural security spokesperson Miles Anderson says.

"We are trying to tread a responsible path. The wrong guns can’t be allowed to get into the wrong hands."

"Christchurch, Friday March 15 has changed everything."

Feds’ message to members is to remember that at least this way, responsible gun owners are going to be recognised for being law-abiding, safety conscious and skilled.

Miles says it agrees with the Government there is no need for military style semiautomatic rifles in general public ownership. 

“We also support the move to prohibit general access to, and possession of, detachable large capacity magazines for semiautomatic firearms."

"We’re pleased farmers are still going to have access to sporting semiautomatic rimfire rifles, such as the .22 long rifle, and sporting semiautomatic shotguns with limited magazine capacity."

These are needed for control of small, mobile pest species often found in groups (rabbits, possums, Canada geese) where quick follow-up shots is important for efficient, fast and humane destruction of these pests.

Federated Farmers considers there is a very limited need for centrefire semiautomatic firearms with large capacity magazines for professional pest management, but this access should be controlled by the kind of police checks, registration of individual firearms and the increased security requirements that currently apply to E category licences, Miles says.

"The surrender or destruction of firearms that don’t meet the new controls will be disappointing to many farmers, and others.

"But a clampdown is the responsible path to take to try to ensure we’re never witness to this kind of tragedy on our shores again."

Federated Farmers will contribute to the Select Committee process outlined by the Prime Minister this afternoon.

 

More like this

Dr Mike Joy says sorry, escapes censure

Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.

Farmer anger over Joy's social media post

A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.

Featured

Trial shows benefits of spring nitrogen use

A landmark New Zealand trial has confirmed what many farmers have long suspected - that strategic spring nitrogen use not only boosts pasture growth but delivers measurable gains in lamb growth and ewe condition.

Eric Roy: Championing the pork industry

It was recently announced that former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has stepped down of New Zealand Pork after seven years. Leo Argent talks with Eric about his time at the organisation and what the future may hold.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

"Our" business?

OPINION: One particular bone the Hound has been gnawing on for years now is how the chattering classes want it…

Struth blue!

OPINION: Our Aussie mates never miss a chance to put one over us, as seen in a recent op-ed by…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter