WELLINGTON, June 7 (Xinhua) -- A man facing court in connection to rural Kawhia's shooting has been charged with possessing a newly prohibited military-style semi-automatic rifle on Friday.
One person died and three were injured following a firearm-involved incident near Kawhia, New Zealand's North Island, on Thursday.
The 37-year-old man appeared in the Hamilton District Court at midday on Friday, charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, namely a "CJACR .223 military style semi-automatic" and possession of methamphetamine for supply, according to the local network media Sfuff's report.
The man, who was dressed in a police-issue boiler suit, was granted interim suppression of his name and other identifying details until his next appearance.
Three men, aged 28, 23 and 20 who are recovering in Waikato Hospital have also been arrested and charged with aggravated burglary.
Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said a forensic post-mortem is currently being undertaken for the deceased man, who had yet to be formally identified.
"Police is conducting scene examinations at several locations in the Kawhia area. Police would like to reassure people that there is no risk to the community," Pitkethley said.
Police could be seen examining bushes, long grass and a honesty stall at the end of a house's long driveway off Harbour Rd, Hauturu on Friday morning.
New Zealand passed the Arms Amendment Bill on April 12. In accordance with the new gun law, possessing military-style semi-automatics (MSSAs) and assault rifles and associated parts will be illegal.
Possession of prohibited firearms could face a jail term up to five years, according to the bill.
The New Zealand government had vowed to ban MSSAs soon after the Christchurch terrorist attacks on March 15, which killed more than 50 people.
