Firearms in the New Zealand community: A study of place, socio-economic considerations and urban-rural contrasts.
- Hugh Devereux-Mack
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
A Thesis by Dr. Charles Ian Hugh Forsyth
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, University of Otago
University of Otago 2023
Thesis Abstract
This thesis evaluates the evolution of contemporary attitudes towards, and beliefs about, firearms and firearm users, in New Zealand over the past three decades, with particular emphasis on urban/rural contrasts, the role played by various social and demographic considerations, and by changing perceptions held by society over time. These comparisons seek to address the community perceptions and views about firearm ownership, which, despite attracting media attention, are based largely upon conjecture. By discovering the range of views and the extent to which these are held, with respect to lawfully held firearms and their owners, firearm ownership in New Zealand may become subject to more effective management policies.
The international literature is generally divided in its recognition of attitudes towards privately owned firearms. Greatly simplified, this tends to be a polarised division, into the two camps of "anti-firearm‟, and "pro-firearm‟. Based on historical and survey data and the emergence of conflict over firearms regulation in New Zealand, the data which this study present suggests that we should avoid assuming that we should expect that there are polarised cultural identities and divergent views about firearms regulation. In particular, some of my data analysis reveals how inappropriate it would be to extrapolate without empirical validation, specifying particular time periods from the well-known 'culture wars' of the United States to New Zealand. Acknowledging those caveats, the simplified dichotomous schema just mentioned provides a useful point of departure for identifying distinct cultural geographies describing anti-firearm versus pro-firearm groups. The anti-firearm group typically supports new laws to either prohibit or to restrict the possession of firearms. In contrast, opponents of controls of this nature generally favour tougher penalties for those who infringe existing laws and oppose laws directed at firearms themselves, on the grounds that they are inanimate objects while their owners are amenable to training and are in charge of and therefore responsible for them.
Read his thesis here:
Otago University Archive: https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/esploro/outputs/doctoral/Firearms-in-the-New-Zealand-community/9926478520801891
About Doctor Chaz Words by his close friend Andrew Edgecomb, who served with Chaz on the COLFO Executive.
For those of you who were privileged to have known Chaz, you will remember a tireless advocate for the ownership and use of firearms in New Zealand.
During his lifetime involvement with firearms, Chaz was an NZDA member and representative, a Firearms Safety Instructor, a passionate researcher, a prolific writer of well-balanced submissions, a COLFO executive member, a source of infinite knowledge, a hunter, shooter, and a tireless mentor to many.
Chaz recently completed years of work on his thesis on firearms and earned his doctorate (the highest level of academic degree), typically Chaz was his usual humble self on achieving this accolade; he was however, happy to say that he was now a “Doctor Bastard” with a cheeky grin on his face.
It was an absolute privilege to work with Dr. Chaz. We attended many meetings and functions together, and if there was ever a call for information, current or historical, Chaz would soon provide a well-informed answer or tender sound advice. During downtime after meetings or promotional duties, it was good to relax with the COLFO crew and of course, Chaz, who was always entertaining and enlightening.
Chaz had battled health issues for longer than he cared to admit, he had been having Chemotherapy this past year, again, humble Chaz kept things close and was very much business as usual, I admire his strength and courage through this time.
Our last get-together was on the 23rd of November 2024, Chaz was in his usual fine form. Chaz was admitted to the hospital a couple of weeks ago and then went to hospice for his final days. I have been assured he was very frustrated as he would be unable to make a submission on the Arms Act Consultation. His last message to me via his Daughter Bridget was, “Keep smiling”.
With that advice in mind, we farewell a good friend and passionate firearms advocate. Chaz leaves a heck of a legacy and his inability to submit is an inspiration to put in the effort and do him proud with our own submissions. I'm sure Chaz would love that.
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