The New Zealand Government has released the first draft of its Gene Technology Bill, signaling a major shift in the regulation of genetic engineering (GE). The move aims to simplify research processes and expand GE applications, fulfilling an election promise to unlock biotechnology’s potential.
The bill proposes replacing the case-by-case approvals required under the 1996 HSNO Act with a single regulator to categorise and license GE activities. Researchers welcome the reduced regulatory burden, particularly for human medical advancements like clinical trials and therapies.
Simon Malpas, co-founder of Kitea Health, hailed the initiative: “We can’t fix the shunt, but we can give confidence and data.”
However, the draft has sparked criticism for lacking robust Treaty of Waitangi protections. The Māori Advisory Committee’s role is reactive, requiring kaitiaki to prove adverse effects on indigenous species relationships. Critics argue this framework increases the burden on Māori while offering limited consultation powers.
Proposals for a stronger Treaty partnership include empowering Māori advisors to review research at the design stage and considering impacts on culturally significant lands and economies.
Public submissions on the draft bill are open until February 17, 2025, providing an opportunity to shape the future of genetic engineering in New Zealand.