The Police Association says the number of innocent people caught up in gun violence is growing.

Almost 150 people have been hospitalised with serious firearms injuries across Auckland's three DHBs since 2016.

Association president Chris Cahill told Mike Hosking the situation is out of control.

He says there's simply far too many firearms in the community and the gun buy back scheme is the only way to get rid of them.

"As gang violence and use of firearms increases, members of the public inevitably get caught in the cross fire.

"And the problem is not just confined to Auckland, just last week police were fired upon in Christchurch."

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