WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) In a significant shift in the management of firearms in the country, New Zealand's government announced it will remove police involvement in the regulation of gun ownership. This policy change comes amidst ongoing firearms law reforms aimed at reducing friction between the gun regulatory agency and firearms owners. The announcement was made by an official on Tuesday, outlining that these reforms seek to foster better relationships with gun owners, a demographic that has expressed concerns following stringent regulations introduced after a tragic shooting at two New Zealand mosques in 2019. This decision reflects a broader trend of reassessing how firearms are managed across various nations, especially in the wake of traumatic events that call for reevaluation of existing laws. Since the 2019 Christchurch terrorist attacks, which claimed 51 lives, New Zealand has taken a tough stance on firearm ownership, implementing significant restrictions, particularly on semiautomatic weapons. Even with the removal of police from the licensing process, the near-total ban on semiautomatic firearms remains in effect, a detail that emphasizes the governments commitment to maintaining public safety. The current Ministry of Justice will undertake the regulation of gun licenses, a responsibility previously held by the police. This change aims to eliminate any perceived bias and friction between the police and gun ownersissues that have been a significant point of contention over the last few years. The government hopes direct management by the Ministry will lead to a more balanced approach to firearm regulation, prioritizing both public safety and the rights of responsible gun owners. Despite the easing of police involvement, the core regulations concerning what types of firearms are permissible remain rigorous, especially for semiautomatics. The government has indicated that these reforms will not lead to any relaxing of safety measures and that incidents prompting public concern will still be addressed with strong legal measures. Critics argue that disconnecting police from the licensing process could lead to a more lenient approach to firearm access, potentially increasing risks associated with gun ownership. Supporters of the measure, however, claim it is a necessary step to restore trust in the regulatory system and to separate policing from ownership issues. This reflects broader discussions in firearm policy circles globally about the role of law enforcement in civilian gun ownership. This transitional phase for New Zealand comes at a critical time when various nations are grappling with the balance between gun rights and public safety. There are significant discussions among global firearms communities regarding the implications of such reforms. Countries observing New Zealand's actions could either be inspired to adopt similar regulatory changes or remain cautious about separating firearm laws from police oversight, reflecting their unique socio-political climates. In conclusion, while New Zealand removes the police from the licensing process, the restrictions on semiautomatics indicate a continued commitment to stringent firearm regulations. Stakeholders, including gun owners and responsible industry advocates, will be keenly observant to see how these reforms unfold in practice and if they indeed foster a healthy dialogue about gun rights and responsibilities in the country.