New Zealand Gun Control: Government's firearms buyback scheme faces big test

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New Zealand is facing a big test in its efforts to get guns off the street. After a devastating mass shooting, the country banned semi-automatic weapons and launched a controversial gun buy-back program. CGTN's Owen Poland tells us more.

These are just some of weapons buckled and broken by the Police on Day One of New Zealand's firearms amnesty.

MIKE JOHNSON CANTERBURY POLICE COMMANDER "We're really proud of what we've achieved today. We've had a hundred and sixty-nine people come through today. We've had handed over 224 firearms."

Chinese New Zealander Mike Chui is happy to surrender his two semi automatic weapons. But the champion long range marksman says many shooters resent being forced to give up firearms used for sports and hobbies.

MIKE CHUI GUN OWNER "Suddenly they say you just can't do it anymore, that means they got to stop it. So they pretty upset about that, these people."

The Government has arranged a $200 million dollar buyback scheme to pay gun owners up to 95 percent of the wholesale price of firearms - depending on their condition. But many are unhappy with the compensation and want to keep their weapons.

STUART NASH POLICE MINISTER "If they don't comply, then they face up to five years in jail. I think that's a pretty steep price to pay for keeping something that's illegal and everyone is well aware of this."

OWEN POLAND CHRISTCHURCH "This an example of the military-style semi-automatic weapon that has now been banned in New Zealand. Around thirteen thousands of these firearms have been officially registered by gun owners. But the problem for the authorities is that nobody knows exactly how many of these weapons are owned illegally."

New Zealand's gun lobby says that 260 thousand guns are affected by the new laws and that most owners are reluctant to give up their weapons. However, the Police say today's collection shows that handing in firearms is a positive experience.

MIKE JOHNSON CANTERBURY POLICE COMMANDER "You've got to remember, this law change doesn't make people bad who've got these firearms, they're good New Zealanders."

Meanwhile, the gun lobby has launched a last minute fund-raising campaign to fight tighter gun laws that many believe they won't stop another mass murder.

MIKE CHUI GUN OWNER "I don't think it'll fix the problem because bad people buying the guns still hold the guns, they are not going to hand it out."

Gun owners have until late December to surrender illegal weapons, and there's some tough talk from the Government.

STUART NASH POLICE MINISTER "I have sent a very clear message to the Commissioner that I expect Police to enforce this and go after those who have not handed in weapons or registered to hand in weapons."

More than 250 collection events are planned over the next few months and if many gun owners wait until the last minute as promised, the Police could be in for a busy time processing weapons. Owen Poland, CGTN, Christchurch.