WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) In a significant move signaling a shift in gun regulation policy, New Zealand's government announced on November 10th, 2025, that it will end the involvement of police officers in the licensing of gun ownership. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee unveiled these sweeping reforms in Wellington, aiming to ease long-standing tensions between the firearm regulatory body and gun owners that have intensified since the creation of the Firearms Safety Authority after the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings. The Firearms Safety Authority, established in 2022, was formed to address flaws in the existing gun ownership laws exposed by the inquiry into the Christchurch massacre, during which a white supremacist attacker took the lives of 51 individuals. The new reforms are designed to create a more independent regulatory body by moving the authority's oversight from the police to the government directly. This shift, McKee emphasized, is aimed at rebuilding trust between the firearms community and the regulator, which has been damaged significantly over recent years. "There will be no blue shirts in the Firearms Safety Authority," McKee stated, alluding to the police uniforms that have been associated with the agency. She explained that this change would allow for the 15 officers currently working within the authority to return to their police duties, which still involve enforcing laws against gun crimes. However, this does not entail a complete separation from the police, as the authority will still utilize law enforcement databases. The proposed changes outlined by Minister McKee were seen as a compromise, falling short of some community expectations, particularly from gun owners and those affected by the Christchurch attack. Despite calls from various stakeholders to reconsider the near-total ban on semiautomatic firearms imposed following the massacre, McKee's proposals did not include alterations to this ban, which remains a contentious issue within New Zealand's gun culture. Following the reforms, the authority plans to streamline regulations and simplify compliance for law-abiding gun owners, including extending licensing renewal windows and allowing more flexible storage options for firearms. Further, a new "red flag" system will be established to enhance communication between government entities and the firearms regulatory body, aimed at preventing misuse of firearms. The legislation is currently being drafted and will be introduced to Parliament by mid-2026. New Zealand's gun laws underwent sweeping changes in the wake of the fatal shooting in Christchurch, quickly implementing a ban on specific firearms. However, those advocating for gun owners, like McKee, argue that while safety is paramount, the regulations have resulted in excessive and unjust treatment of gun owners. Hugh Devereux-Mack, spokesperson for the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners, expressed support for removing police from the licensing process, though he urged the government to revisit definitions around who qualifies as a 'fit and proper' person to hold a firearm license, indicating that there is still work to be done. This reform represents a broader narrative about the evolving nature of gun laws and regulations in New Zealand, with implications spanning both the firearms community and law enforcement. As New Zealand's government navigates these complex issues, it will be critical to balance safety with the rights and recognition of licensed gun owners.