Older pal may have given kids airguns

By Beck Vass
Police suspect an older friend bought two air pistols for underage, unlicensed teenagers who shot more than 15 people in a week-long shooting spree.
There have now been nine reports of BB gun shootings in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday alone.
Another six complaints had been made to police in the week starting March 1.
Detective Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow of Mount Maunganui CIB told the Bay of Plenty Times that police were confident local retailers and the boys' parents - who were "absolutely devastated" - were not to blame for supplying them with the pistols.
Mr Pilbrow said police believed a friend bought the guns for them and that person and his mother were to meet police today at 9am. It was possible charges would be laid.
"It's an offence to give one to someone who hasn't got a firearms licence or anyone under 18."
People must be aged 18 or over to buy or use airguns without a firearms licence. Those aged between 16-18 must have a licence.
The law does not stop parents buying airguns for underage children, which a Tauranga retailer says is a regular occurrence.
Victims described their injuries as red welt marks, with one woman, a postie, telling police the shot was "excruciating".
Victim Ian Moffat, 70, was installing a new letterbox with his grandson Ryan Moffat, 19, at his Oceanbeach Rd home at 2pm on Wednesday when he felt a pain in his shoulder.
The pair heard laughter coming from a nearby car and realised they had been shot at.
"I felt something just hit me on my shoulder blade," Mr Moffat said.
"I sort of flinched ... I heard a laugh.
"I thought 'little buggers'. It wasn't very pleasant."
Mr Moffat said he was not hurt by the pellet.
"I was wearing a heavy polo shirt but I certainly felt it at the time."
Police have referred two 16-year-old boys to Youth Aid.
Two 17-year-olds will appear in Tauranga District Court on Wednesday on charges to be decided once all victims had come forward.
Mr Pilbrow said the group was "pretty remorseful".
"They probably didn't realise how serious it was.
"Once they were back at the police station they probably realised how serious it was."
Mr Pilbrow said he had no concern over the sale of airguns in the Western Bay.
"There's legitimate uses for them.
"It's like any weapon that they sell, ... the people who buy them need to make sure they don't get into the wrong hands."
Marcus Tweddell, who runs the firearms section of Hamills New Zealand in Tauranga which stocks the airguns, said the store was "very strict" with its airgun sales.
He said younger customers were asked for identification and parents, who "regularly" made purchases on behalf of their children, were informed they had to supervise children at all times.
"Don't point guns at at anything you don't intend to shoot. You've got to be responsible."