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ACT MP Nicole McKee has used her inaugural address to criticize the government’s gun control laws, hours after the release of a royal commission of inquiry’s report on the March 15 terrorist attack.
McKee called on the government to “stop hitting minorities,” such as law-abiding gun owners.
The official investigation into the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings has revealed how the gunman planned and prepared the attack that left 51 dead and dozens injured.
The government will seek to create a new counterterrorism agency and strengthen hate speech laws in response to the report’s recommendations.
Robert Kitchin / Things
New ACT MP Nicole McKee, a weapons advocate, delivered her keynote speech in Parliament on Tuesday. (File photo)
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In his speech, McKee thanked the firearms community, especially the member groups of the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners.
“You have persevered for a rational approach to firearms legislation … It has never been the problem, despite accusations from the police, the government and the media.”
Previously, McKee led the campaign against the government’s gun law reform. He ran for Parliament in the secure Labor headquarters of Rongotai.
McKee, who is Maori, said the group of gun owners presented him with the korowai (cloak) that he wore for his speech.
ROBERT KITCHEN / THINGS / Things
ACT gained popularity in the 2020 general election. (File photo)
“I carry on my shoulders their hopes and expectations that they will be respected as part of the New Zealand community.”
McKee said that group members “chose me for the task of advocating on their behalf,” and the weight of their expectations rested on her.
“What happened in Christchurch on the Ides of March 2019 has caused this country to mourn the loss of innocence, of lives and of peace as we know it.”
She said the first tranche of gun laws that came after created a breach in society. The second section “was also rushed.”
“This confirmed that the government’s attack was directed at those who complied with the law.”
He said the government should take the time to listen to all parties before making decisions and not be “wooed by fairy tales.”
It should show respect for the entire team of 5 million and “stop hitting the minorities.”
ACT was the only political party to vote against the first tranche of weapons reforms passed in the wake of the March 15 terrorist attack.
McKee ran her own business providing firearm safety training and was a four-time New Zealand shooting champion.
