Belief New Zealanders are no safer than they were before changes to the gun laws

A rewrite of the Arms Act simplifies rules for licensed owners for storage, repairs and visitor use - and harsher penalties.

Gang members also won't be able to own a gun, and military style semi-automatics will remain banned.

Council of Licensed Firearms Owners spokesperson Hugh Deveraux-Mack says they were promised overwhelming reform but have only got a re-tweak of the existing law.

He says they're unconvinced a new regulatory agency is necessary, but at least it will be easier for police to access the information they need.