University of Otago academics are calling for a moratorium on all semi-automatic gun sales and imports - as the government considers urgent law changes, to deter people from rushing out to purchase firearms under the existing law. The pair want an immediate moratorium on sales, imports and advertising of semi-automatics, the removal of semi-automatics from dealers into police custody. "Police know who most of these people are because these types of firearms currently must be registered,'' Dr Russell said. There should also be a register of all firearms and either three or five-year licensing of firearms owners, instead of the current 10 years. "Because taxpayers are subsidising firearms owners, it's time for taxpayers to have more of a say in firearms policy and law,'' Dr Russell said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 17, 2019 00:56 UTC