New Zealand just launched a 'gun buy-back scheme’ and everyone is looking at America

New Zealand has launched a gun buy-back scheme following the deadly Christchurch massacre in a move towards even greater gun control, and the world is looking at America’s response.

Some $208million (£108million) have been put aside to compensate owners of semi-automatic weapons which were banned after the terror attack.

The ban had been voted through parliament in April, a swift move by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after the shootings in which 51 people were killed at a mosque and Islamic centre.

Owners of licenced semi-automatic weapons will have six months, or until 20 December to hand in their weapons.

Minister of police Stuart Nash, said: “The buyback has one objective – to remove the most dangerous weapons from circulation."

Police have detailed plans in place for the next step, which is the collection of firearms from the community. It will be a huge logistical exercise and is expected to get under way in mid-July.

Government set aside money that aims to compensate owners up to 95 per cent of the original price of their weapons.

According to the BBC, an estimated 14,300 such guns are currently in circulation.

Reaction to this move has been positive

New Zealand's decision to take a definitive, legislative step towards better gun control has people looking to another gun-using nation: America

Conservative pundit Tomi Lahren was quick to criticise New Zealand, citing America's Second Amendment

People quickly pointed out America's gun problem

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