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Although details around a buyback scheme for the now illegal semi-automatic guns are yet to be announced, the handover of weapons is well underway with police receiving around 130 enquiries an hour nationally.
Police have confirmed that those wanting to surrender firearms immediately should be eligible for the buyback scheme once it is in place, as long as they have filled in a firearms ‘hand-in’ form.
Waitemata North area commander Inspector Mark Fergus says that several firearms have already been handed in to police in Rodney.
However, police are warning that they want to be able to receive surrendered firearms in a controlled and safe manner, and it is important gun owners make contact in advance.
A firearms ‘hand-in’ form is on the police website and gun owners who have questions about the process can call 0800 311 311.
Once a form has been submitted online, police will be in touch to arrange for the person to bring the firearms to police at an allocated time.
“Firearms should be unloaded, bolts removed and the firearm secured in carry cases, so as not to cause alarm to others,” Inspector Fergus says.
It is still to be determined whether the buyback scheme will include ammunition.
