An Otago man's become the first in the country to be sentenced for manufacturing firearms, using a 3-D printer to make six weapons

Legislation passed in 2020 makes the crime punishable by up to 10 years' imprisonment.

The Otago Daily Times report Police found a loaded 3-D-printed pistol, various printed parts and ammunition when they searched the 31-year-old's home.

Matthew McLaren told the court, 3-D printing guns is his hobby and described himself as a firearms enthusiast.

He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, and has been sentenced to over two years in jail.