Author: Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato

The rationale behind the coalition government’s proposed reform of New Zealand’s gun laws sounds reasonable on the face of it. Responsible gun owners, shooting ranges and clubs deserve a sensible legal framework and a viable financial footing. But the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, currently before the justice select committee, arguably goes about it the wrong way. In particular, reducing compliance costs for clubs and ranges will not automatically increase memberships or make such organisations more financially viable. However, making club membership compulsory for gun owners would. Comparable jurisdictions such as Australia – and New…