9 Aug 2022

Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill passes third reading in Parliament

9:02 pm on 9 August 2022

Parliament has unanimously passed a bill giving courts the power to ban criminals from using or accessing fireams.

no caption

The government said the Firearms Prohibition Order would reduce firearms-related crime. Photo: 123RF

The Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill passed its third reading with backing from all parties tonight.

It empowers courts to ban anyone convicted of specific crimes - including murder and some family violence offences - from accessing or using guns.

The government said it would reduce firearms-related crime by targeting those most likely to use guns illegally.

Courts will be able to impose a firearms prohibition order - or FPO - that lasts 10 years, and it will be an offence to breach the conditions of this order.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs