New Zealand to announce gun reforms after mosque attacks

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said gun law reforms will be announced within 10 days.

In the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings, Ardern has said options include a ban on private ownership of semi-automatic rifles that were used with devastating effect in the Christchurch terror attacks.

"We have made a decision as a cabinet, we are unified," she said.

During Monday's press conference, Ardern discussed the government-funded buyback of newly outlawed guns and applauded those who have already surrendered weapons to authorities.

She also announced an inquiry conducted into intelligence and security services who failed to detect the risk from the attacker or his plans.

There have been concerns intelligence agencies have been overly focused on the Muslim community in detecting and preventing security risks.

Ardern said the memorial for the 50 people killed in Friday's terror attack will not be held this week, but she will announce a date as soon as possible.

She said there would be a continued police presence in Christchurch as a precautionary measure and to provide reassurance to the community.

Despite having tightened the rules in the 1990s after the last mass shooting, New Zealand has relatively permissive gun laws, with licences granted to nearly every applicant.

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