New Zealand Bans 'Military Style' Weapons Following Mosque Terror Attack

The Al Noor Masjid on Deans Road in Christchurch, New Zealand following the terror attack (Picture: PA).

Military-style semi-automatic and assault rifles are to be banned in New Zealand, the country's Prime Minister has said.

Jacinda Arden made the announcement just six days after a mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, where 50 people were killed.

"Every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned," Ms Ardern said.

New stronger gun laws will be in place by April 11.

The country's Minister of Police, Stuart Nash, said the police and military are cooperating to get the weapons out of circulation.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said all 50 victims had been identified as of Thursday and their families were being notified.

Australian Brenton Harrison Tarrant has been charged with murder.

Officials have said more charges against Tarrant would likely follow.

Ms Ardern also said she and the Cabinet would work through legal exemptions to the ban, such as for farmers needing to cull their herds but said any exemptions would be "tightly regulated".

"For other dealers, sales should essentially now cease. My expectation is that these weapons will now be returned to your suppliers and never enter into the New Zealand market again," she said.