It seems our law makers are unsure of who has the power to sign search warrants.

New legislation was passed three years ago, giving authorities more widespread powers to crack down on terrorists and other such threats.

The law was used to execute a search warrant on the Wellington apartment of TV's Heather du Plessis-Allan.

The warrant was signed off by a district court functionary in Auckland to allow the police to search for Ms du Plessis-Allan's hand writing.

Both the Police Minister Michael Woodhouse and Justice Minister Amy Adams got it wrong on who has the power to issue warrants.

Mr Woodhouse said "a judge would probably."

And Ms Adams said "I imagine it's a District Court judge."

However, the Police are standing firm on their decision to search the apartment.

They want to make it clear that the illegal purchase of a firearm by deception is a serious offence, which is punishable by imprisonment.

Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent Richard Chambers, said police have a responsibility to apply the law equally and conduct a full and thorough investigation into such allegations, regardless of the circumstances or the individuals involved.

He said requests were made to speak with relevant MediaWorks staff but it was declined.

Superintendent Chambers said police took the steps necessary to obtain the information required to progress the investigation, including the execution of search warrants.