This won't bother the criminals on P. They get their weapons any way they like...and sure as hell don't fill out forms.
Its good to see that they are tightening up legislation in this area, but i hope it doesn't cause a rolling effect on the legal and responsible firearms owners in new zealand.(they say that it wont but we have all heard that before from our all and mighty leaders!!!) Registering firearms in a data base is a bit of a double edged sword as yes it is helpful to the police to know What firearms a person owns; but it is also not a good idea to have all this data base information easily obtainable. (depending on how secure that information is)as we all know some corruption and illegal links have already surfaced from dishonest members of the force. For example: say we register all our firearms and this co insides in you the owners name, address and contact phone number being compiled in this data base, this information gets into illegal hands; then they have a nation wide inventory list of addresses and what types of firearms are available. then you run the risk of them running surveillance your house and breaking in to steal for order.. this law change will have very little effect on criminals; id suggest law changes to the severity of a conviction of illegal posseion and use and for the police to be able to enter a property without a warrant if they suspect illegal firearms, much like the misuse of drugs act. This i believe would thin out the illegal guns issue.