Trade Me has stopped selling semi-automatic weapons immediately in the wake of the Christchurch mass shootings.

Trade Me chief executive Jon Macdonald said the company is waiting for more clarity from the Government, but has been contacted by lots of Kiwis over the weekend asking them to stop sales.

“We’re obviously still reeling, like all New Zealanders, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families and friends," Macdonald said.

Macdonald said the company has listened to public sentiment and decided to remove all semi-automatic firearms sales and parts associated with those weapons today.

Trade Me does not allow the sale of military style semi-automatic weapons, parts which could change an 'A' category firearm into a military style semi-automatic weapons, pistols, or restricted weapons, Macdonald said

Macdonald said he believed trading guns on Trade Me provided safe, transparent and traceable sales between licensed owners, which was better for the country than "many of the alternatives".

“But it is clear public sentiment has changed in relation to semi-automatic weapons and we acknowledge that, which is why we’re putting this ban in place.

“There is a bit of work involved in doing this but we will have these listings removed later today.”