Hold your grounds with peace..! New Zealand bans assault rifles

Canberra, March 21: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a ban on military-style semi-automatics and assault rifles in NZ. More than 250,000 New Zealanders own a firearm, and many now own them illegally following changes to gun laws. But police are asking Kiwis to prearrange their disposal with police.

Ardern said a national memorial will take place. A two-minute silence will be observed at 1.32pm on Friday. Thousands from across New Zealand are expected to come to Christchurch's Hagley Park for a call to prayer and two minutes of silence one week after 50 people were killed in a terrorist attack.

All victims have now been formally identified, teen Muhammed Haziq Mohd-Tarmizi was named the 50th victim.

US Senator Bernie Sanders has applauded Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for announcing tougher gun laws in New Zealand.

"This is what real action to stop gun violence looks like," he posted on Twitter. "We must follow New Zealand's lead, take on the NRA and ban the sale and distribution of assault weapons in the United States."

Reacting to the news at a media stand up, National leader Simon Bridges said: "The attacks on Friday changed New Zealand. The governments announced gun law changes in response and national supports those changes.

"It’s imperative in the national interest we keep New Zealander's safe. "The intention is excellent and I understand the need for urgency. "I look forward to seeing the law and seeing if a week select committee is enough. National supports the changes."