AUCKLAND 10 Apr (ANA) - New Zealand's parliament has voted to ban all types of semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles following the Christchurch attacks.

 

The gun reform bill passed 119-1 after the final reading in parliament.

 

It is expected to become law within the next few days after receiving royal assent from the governor general.

 

PM Jacinda Ardern announced changes to the law after 50 people were killed last month by a suspected lone gunman at two mosques in Christchurch.

 

Australian Brenton Tarrant, a self-proclaimed white supremacist, faces 50 murder charges and 39 attempted murder charges.

 

"Six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand," Ms Ardern said in a news conference last month.

 

"Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines."

 

An amnesty has been imposed so the owners of affected weapons can hand them in, followed by a buy-back scheme.

 

Ms Ardern said the buy-back could cost up to NZ$200m ($138m; £104m), but "that is the price that we must pay to ensure the safety of our communities".(ANA)

FA/ANA/10 April 2019------------