'Slip up' cause of fatal shooting

One of the primary aims of New Zealand firearms law is to stop children and casual visitors accessing guns, says Andre Doyle, a board member of the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners.

Under the Arms Act, firearm licence holders must safely secure and store guns and ammunition separately, so that they are out of view and out of reach of children. Bolts or other important components should also be removed.

"Nothing is going to stop anyone determined to get a gun from breaking into a secure firearms cabinet. It is all designed so inquisitive children and casual visitors don't have access," says Doyle.

"Someone has slipped up because this gun shouldn't have been accessible to children."