‘I wanted to be interviewed’: Northlander is the only gang member with a firearms license in New Zealand

The spokesperson said that while they did not have data on how Northland compared to other areas in terms of gang members’ access to firearms, gang members’ access to firearms was concerning.

The spokesperson added that a firearm license will not be issued to a known gang member, as stated in Article 24A of the Arms Act.

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“Te Tari Pūreke has access to and controls the police’s National Intelligence App (NIA). We also conduct interviews with the applicant, referees who are normally family members of the applicant, and an assistant referee (who is not a family member) who has known the applicant for a long time.”

There are more than 231,500 individual and 428 dealer firearms licenses in New Zealand, according to police Firearms Information Summary Reports published last month. There are 12,820 people and 22 dealers with firearms licenses in Northland.

Gun Control NZ co-founder Philippa Jasbek said the law did not allow gang members to apply for a firearms licence, but this may be due to the young age at which New Zealanders have access to legal firearms.

“Since the gun license is valid for 10 years, you can get it at the age of 16 and join the gang after getting the license.”

Gun Control NZ advocates for stronger gun laws in New Zealand and Jasbek said a shorter licensing period and change in age were among the things that needed to change.

“This is highly problematic, and there is data showing that when they resort to (and receive) a firearm, they go on to commit more crimes later in life compared to those who do not own a firearm. “It’s like a red flag.”

according to Police Regulation Impact Analysis: Draft Gun Legislation“50% of first-time license applicants are between the ages of 16 and 30,” published in 2019.

Data shows that 31% of those aged 16-19 when they first obtained a firearms license were convicted of a crime by the time they turned 20.

By the time license holders turn 30, 45% have been convicted of a crime.

These convictions were predominantly provocative convictions, the largest proportion of which were alcohol-related driving offences. The next two largest groups are drugs and anti-social behavior, followed by convictions for violence.

Andersen said the Government was deeply concerned about the lack of transparency or seriousness around firearms safety in New Zealand.

“When it comes to gangs, the government talks nonsense but gets no results. “Not only do we have fewer police than when National took office, but their legislation does not address the root causes of crime such as domestic violence, methamphetamine, mental health and poverty.”

He said that although military-style automatic weapons had been banned for more than five years, the Gun Range Bill had now created a loophole before the select committee that “allows gangs to access ammunition at ranges”.

Mitchell said police were working hard to break up gangs through the new National Gang Unit and local Gang Disruption Units.

“Kiwis are tired of gangs having free reign to terrorize and intimidate. “That’s why we’re giving the police a range of new powers to go after gang members.”