John Howard echoes profound sorrow in condemning Christchurch attacks but stays silent on gun reform

Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard has refused to comment on New Zealand's gun laws in the wake of yesterday's terror attack in Christchurch.

The attack, which has so far claimed the lives of 49 people and injured another 40, has sent shockwaves around the world and sparked debate in New Zealand about the country's gun laws.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this morning the suspected gunman, used two semi-automatic weapons, two shotguns and a lever-action firearm to carry out the attack.

Ms Arden vowed to change the nation's gun laws after confirming the "primary perpetrator" in Christchurch's terror attack used five weapons.

"I can tell you one thing right now, our gun laws will change. There have been attempts to change our laws in 2005, 2012 and after an inquiry in 2017. Now is the time for change," Ms Ardern said.

However Mr Howard, the architect behind Australia's own changes in gun laws more than 20 years ago, was reluctant to say whether New Zealand should follow suit.

"I just want to join everybody in expressing my profound sorrow for the people of New Zealand and, particularly for those who has lost loved ones," Mr Howard told 9News.

"It was a terrible crime and I share totally the thoughts of our Prime Minister and the New Zealand Prime Minister in what both of them have so appropriately said.

"I have nothing further to say at this stage."

The Australian accused of carrying out the attacks in two mosque shootings in Christchurch today briefly appeared in court and been remanded in police custody.

Brenton Tarrant, the alleged gunman in yesterday's terror attack, appeared at the Law Courts in Christchurch with his hands cuffed.

He was remanded in custody, to be held in a jail cell until his next appearance in court on April 5.