Changes to gun laws supported

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Three-quarters, or 323 of the 418 people who responded to the Gisborne Herald webpoll this week, supported changes to the country’s gun laws in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings.

The question was, “Do you support the gun law changes announced and signal of further tightening?”

Twenty-one percent, or 87 people did not and 2 percent were undecided.

Among the yes respondents were people saying, “about time”, “why has it taken so long” and “all that and more”.

Also among the yes voters —

¦ “The risk of these types of weapons falling into the wrong hands far outweighs the desire for them to be available for sporting use

¦ “The Government needs to be careful as to what direction they’ll take this new law and how it will be enforced — register of guns? Outright fines/jail time for illegal possession of firearms?”

¦ “Yes to a gun register and no to making it more expensive for farm workers to get a gun licence.”

¦ “As a hunter I could never understand why anyone, except a few, needed high-powered semi-automatic rifles.”

¦ “No need for automatic rifles. They are for people who cannot shoot.”

¦ “Even though I don’t support a Labour Government this is the best true leadership decision of our time.”

¦ “Provided that various gang headquarters and drug dealers’ premises are raided for weapons.”

One “no” voter said, “Guns don’t kill, people do.”

Another commented, “It’s a knee jerk reaction to a problem that doesn’t exist.”

Another “no” voter said they felt the decision was far too rushed, and a knee jerk reaction “without fully evaluating all options.”

Another thought it was a major over-reaction.

“Most gun owners are responsible and the law change will have no effect on the irresponsible users”

“It will make no difference, if terrorists want to kill innocent people they will. Just look at overseas. NZ needs to step up its security,” another no respondent said.

“On the actions of one lunatic come the condemnation for all the responsible owners,” another said.

One undecided respondent left the comment:

“At present I believe an emotional reactionary decision is not wise. Especially as the real criminals behind this have not been identified. Criminals don’t comply.”