New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern oversaw recent changes which meant people didn't need to visit their local police station to apply for permits for military style guns.
Stuff.co.nz reports that critics of the move ‑ designed to allow for online applications ‑ say the changes are "crazy" because they take away important face‑to‑face contact between police and gun buyers.
The Christchurch terrorist got his New Zealand firearms licence in November, 2017 and began buying weapons soon after, including online from Gun City in Christchurch.
A spokesperson for Ardern said although applications for gun licences could now be made online, there was still a requirement for an in‑person meeting as part of the vetting process.
Ardern was the chair of an executive committee which ushered through changes to arms regulations just before Christmas last year.
Ardern says firearms law will be overhauled in the wake of the mosque attacks and has not ruled out a ban on semi‑automatic weapons. New laws are expected to be rolled out next week.
