New Zealand planning further restrictions on gun ownership

The bill introduced in the parliament would create a registered tracking of the guns in the country and also require gun owners to renew their gun licenses every five years instead of every 10.

Christchurch: Prime Minister Jacinda Adern government on Friday tightened the rules for gun ownership in New Zealand. The bills come six months after 51 people killed at two mosque attack in Christchurch.

The bill introduced in the parliament would create a registered tracking of the guns in the country and also require gun owners to renew their gun licenses every five years instead of every 10.

It would also place new responsibilities on doctors to notify police if they believe a gun owner shouldn't have a license due to concerns over the owner's mental health.

During a press conference New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made it clear that those who need to access guns can have it and those who shouldn't don't. Through the bill, she also specified the difference between gun ownership in New Zealand and in the US where ownership of guns is considered as a citizen's right.

The government hopes lawmakers will approve the legislation by the end of the year.

The move came after New Zealand in April rushed through legislation to ban assault weapons such as AR-15 style rifles. The government is currently compensating owners of banned semi-automatics.