New Zealand's government is seeking to rush in a law that would ban the military-style weapons used in the Christchurch mosque shootings.

Police minister Stuart Nash said the bill, if passed as expected, will take effect on 12 April, less than a month after the 15 March attacks.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern first announced plans for law changes in the days after the shootings that left 50 dead.

The government imposed an immediate ban on the sale of such weapons after the mosque killings.

The bill is supported by both the lead and opposition party, and could even pass with a unanimous vote of all 120 MPs.


Mr Nash said: "These are guns that are designed to kill people."

Image: Mr Nash says a loophole in gun laws was 'totally unacceptable'

He added that one of the weapons used by the gunman was an AR-15-style rifle, and that all the weapons the gunman used in the attacks would be banned.

The bill would also ban semi-automatic guns and high-capacity magazines, as well as semi-automatic shotguns that could be fitted with detachable magazines.

Pump-action shotguns that can hold more than five rounds would also be banned.

The bill would not ban guns often used by farmers and hunters, including semi-automatic .22-calibre or smaller guns that hold up to 10 rounds, or shotguns that hold up to five rounds.

Mr Nash said the gunman had left a national legacy of harm, pain and grief.

He said the gunman was able to buy semi-automatic guns and high-capacity magazines legally, and then put them together to create military-style weapons.

Mr Nash said: "The loophole that this terrorist used to kill 50 people was totally unacceptable.

"We're closing that down."

A national remembrance service draws 20,000 people

The bill would also impose tougher penalties for people who use the weapons after they are banned.

MPs intend to introduce more legislation later this year, including the creation of a register to track guns.

The government intends to compensate owners of banned guns in a buyback scheme that will cost up to 200m New Zealand dollars (£105m).

An amnesty will give people until 30 September to hand over banned weapons.

There will be some exemptions from the ban including police officers, military personnel and some authorised pest controllers.