Summarised by Centrist

Journalist Rachel Stewart argues that Firearms Minister Nicole McKee’s detractors, like political scientist Bryce Edwards in his recent piece, are misrepresenting her intentions, all while ignoring the real issue: control over the gun narrative.

Stewart takes issue with focusing on McKee’s past as a gun lobbyist and suggestions that it represents a conflict of interest.

“Frankly, on the issues facing legal firearm owners, I’m perplexed by this shallow line of attack. I want a politician, and they’re exceedingly rare, who thoroughly and unapologetically understands both firearms and the people who lawfully use them in a New Zealand, and often rural, context,” she writes.

Stewart points out the disconnect between urban and rural New Zealand when it comes to firearms.

“As a licensed firearm owner in a rural context, I know I speak for farmers and hunters when I say we feel understood and heard with McKee in charge,” she writes.

McKee’s critics, Stewart argues, fail to appreciate her deep understanding of firearms and their role in rural life. Instead, they push a one-sided agenda that frames all guns—and gun owners—as inherently dangerous. ”Oh, and the NZ Police are the ONLY ones who should have access to them,” she observes.

Read more over at Riding Shotgun

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