Laser pointers could be banned at border

File photo / Greg Bowker

The Ministry of Health has proposed options for new government controls on high-power hand-held laser pointers, including Customs banning them at the border.

Associate Minister of Health Jo Goodhew said the release of a consultation paper would allow the Ministry of Health to hear what people think about how risks from high-powered hand-held laser pointers should be managed.

High-powered lasers could be banned under the Customs Prohibition Order, similar to the order that currently restricts the importation of knuckledusters and flick knives.

The proposed changes come after 100 cases of lasers being pointed at aircraft were recorded last year and 44 to June this year reported to the Civil Aviation Authority.

In September Pravikash Chandra risked the lives of more than 600 people when he pointed a laser at three commercial aircraft and a police helicopter.

The 19-year-old was sentenced to four and-a-half months home detention after pleading guilty to four charges of endangering aircraft.

Mrs Goodhew said hand-held laser pointers had been sold for many years and many were low risk.

However, as technology had advanced, more powerful laser pointers with greater potential to harm the user and others had become readily available.

There are currently no laws governing the import, availability and sale of high power laser pointers in New Zealand.

"The proposed options seek to balance the protection of people's health and safety with the Government's commitment to better and less regulation,'' said Mrs Goodhew.

The consultation document can be found here