Act is denying claims its proposed gun reforms will effectively arm gangs

Its Associate Justice Minister says there will be a complete rewrite of the Arms Act, as agreed in Act and National's coalition deal.

Labour warns bringing back semi-automatics banned after the Christchurch mosque attacks will see more weaponry in criminal hands.

But Nicole McKee says insists they're bringing in positive changes for safety and for New Zealand.

She says their regime will involve stricter security and a licensing requirement of establishing confidence over a five-year period.