Mubasher: New Zealand plans to impose tougher new gun laws, under which the possession of semi-automatic arms will be banned, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

This came in the immediate aftermath of mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, which left 50 people dead last week.

“On 15 March our history changed forever [and] now, our laws will too,” Ardern told a news conference.

“We are announcing action today on behalf of all New Zealanders to strengthen our gun laws and make our country a safer place,” the prime minister said.

All military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) arms and assault rifles would be banned, as well as parts used to convert weapons into MSSAs and high-capacity magazines.

The new laws are expected to come into effect by 11 April, while a buyback scheme will be drafted for the banned arms, and will cost as much as 200 million New Zealand dollars (NZD) ($137.14 million), she added.