Key points:
- Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins announced a bill to end a ban on genetic engineering will be tabled by the end of the year
- ACT is claiming credit for the change, as it is also part of the National-ACT coalition agreement
- Labour has urged the Government to consult with iwi and mana whenua on the “new territory for New Zealand”.
The Government will open the country’s closed door to genetic engineering after a 30-year ban — with a bill to implement a regulator to be introduced by the end of the year.
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins announced the move today, which was signalled in National’s election campaign.
ACT was also claiming credit for the change, as it was also part of the National-ACT coalition agreement.
The ban currently applied to gene technology outside laboratories — Collins said the change woul bring health, productivity and climate gains for New Zealanders.
She said it would also “deliver massive economic gains”.
“New Zealand has lagged behind countries, including Australia, England, Canada and many European nations in allowing the use of this technology for the benefit of their people, and their economies.”
She said New Zealand’s biotech sector, of which gene technology was a part, generated $2.7 billion in revenue in 2020.
“The changes we’re announcing today will allow researchers and companies to further develop and commercialise their innovative products.
“Importantly, it will help New Zealanders to better access treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy, which has been clinically proven to effectively treat some cancers.”
It could also help farmers and growers mitigate emissions and increase productivity, aiding the economy, she said.
“Restrictive rules and time-consuming processes have made research outside the lab almost impossible, resulting in New Zealand falling behind. These changes will bring New Zealand up to global best practice and ensure we can capitalise on the benefits.”
The new legislation was to be based on Australia’s Gene Technology Act, but adapted for New Zealand, Collins said. Similar to Australia, a regulator would be established to enable the science, while managing potential risks to human health and the environment.
Collins said she was aiming to have legislation passed and a regulator in operation by the end of next year.
ACT’s science, innovation and technology spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar said the party expected to be “very engaged” with the implementation of a dedicated genetic technology regulator.
“It is crucial that regulation is proportionate to risk. Australia’s framework is a good start, but scientists have warned me that that regime comes with its own frustrations. Our system should not just be as good as Australia’s, it should be better.”
She said current restrictions on gene technology had led to “absurd outcomes”, such as one case where local scientists developed a red-fleshed apple, but had to go overseas to taste-test the apple.
‘Proper consultation needed’ — Labour
Labour’s science, innovation and technology spokesperson Deborah Russell urged the Government to transparently provide an opportunity for proper participation in consultation, including with iwi and mana whenua.
“This is new territory for New Zealand,” she said.
We’ve already seen National go too far too fast and make mistakes. Getting this piece of legislation right is critical to New Zealand’s future.”
Russell said the Minister must ensure genetic modification and editing legislation included “essential safeguards to protect our environment and is regulated to protect New Zealand’s interests”.
Meanwhile, biomedical scientist and president of the International Science Council Sir Peter Gluckman told RNZ in June last year that such a policy was long overdue.
He said it would open up more options for tackling climate change, biodiversity, and biosecurity issues.
