A controversial law introduced 14 years ago, is being credited for bringing about a drop in the rate of suicides from shootings.

New research conducted by the Christchurch School of Medicine, shows the number of shooting suicides has almost halved since an amendment to the Arms Act in 1992. The new Act brought in tougher criteria for firearms owners, including tighter security and revetting of gun licence holders.

The Council of Licensed Firearms Owners says it appears as if the legislation has been very successful.

Chairman John Howat says one in four New Zealanders owns or uses a firearm, yet there is a very low rate of firearms misuse. He says the research emphasises that New Zealand is doing something right about gun laws, without being too Draconian.