We've always had gun control.
In fact it was relaxed somewhat about 20 years ago.
That has been blamed for an increase in gun crime in some quarters, although it is still uncommon enough that any gun crime is still reported on the evening news...including robberies where the gun was only shown.
I don't know if that's to blame or not, there has been a general rise in antisocial behaviour over the decades, just the same as any Western nation I suspect.
As for my attitude to the American view of gun control?
Yeah, I would feel uncomfortable seeing people walking the streets carrying a gun for no purpose other because it makes them feel safe.
The cops here are still unarmed but obviously have access to firearms when required.
Oh so the mere sight of a person carrying a gun makes you uncomfortable. What about those people who carry but you can't see the gun legally or illegally? I don't have the stats off hand, but I would have to say in my opinion more people are killed by people who had a gun that was hidden on their body.
How long does it take a person to point a gun and pull the twigger? Would a cop would need his gun befor that happen? exactly where do they keep their guns?
Here is a report that was completed in 1997 for the New Zealand Minister of Police
In summary, increases in firearm crime have been less than in all violent crime but have followed its trend sufficiently closely to make it probable that firearm crime is a subset of violent crime, and that violence is leading firearm crime, not the reverse. The level of firearm crime is not increasing in such a way as to suggest a crisis, but it is sufficiently high to give grounds for concern and to require further endeavours to reduce it.
The two recent developments in firearm crime which give particular grounds for concern are the increased numbers of mass shootings, and evidence of increased readiness on the part of criminals to collect guns for use in criminal enterprises.
Review of Firearms Control in New Zealand, June 1997 - New Zealand Police | New Zealand Police
According to these stats which were taken from 2001 - 2008
Interesting fact maybe you can varify this?
New Zealnad leads the world 15 - 24 years old group in suicide
Suicide rates in ages 15-24 by country. Definition, graph and map.
They also lead in Rape victims and have the most assault victims.
NationMaster - New Zealand Crime statistics
If you do not like America's gun culture, do not blame us. Blame the acts of world leaders from the past. When you can guarantee that there will never be another Hitler, Stalin, Mo, Hussein or anyone like them, then we can talk about turning in some guns.