New Zealand is undergoing significant changes to its gene technology rules, marking the end of a 30-year regulatory era. Genetic engineering has been a vital tool since the 1970s, shedding light on the intricate relationship between genes and the development of diverse organisms. This technology’s applications now span across various sectors, from medicine and agriculture to biotechnology and pest control. Despite the promising prospects these advancements offer, they also raise complex ethical dilemmas that demand careful consideration.
The Gene Technology Bill, announced by Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins in August last year, aims to lift New Zealand’s long-standing ban on gene technology outside the lab, promising substantial health, productivity, and climate benefits for the nation’s populace. The primary objective of this bill is to facilitate the safe and regulated use of gene technology and organisms in New Zealand. Drawing inspiration from Australia’s Gene Technology Act 2000, this bill will establish a dedicated regulatory body within the Environmental Protection Authority, equipped with an office, a technical advisory committee, and a Māori advisory committee to navigate the risks associated with GMOs, disseminate information to the public, provide guidance to regulated entities, and offer technical advice to government officials.
Current gene technology regulations in New Zealand are governed by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, which extends its oversight to any organism with the potential for growth, reproduction, and replication, regardless of its role as food or medication. While commonly perceived as a ban on genetic modification, the existing legislation underwent revisions following the establishment of a Royal Commission on Genetic Modification in 2000. These amendments aimed to promote biotechnology while managing potential risks and granting more acknowledgment to Māori traditions and the Treaty of Waitangi. Despite a temporary ban from 2001-2003, New Zealand’s standards for genetic modification remain among the strictest worldwide, necessitating approval from the Environmental Protection Authority for any new organism, including GMOs, before importation, development, field testing, or environmental release.
However, concerns have emerged regarding the Gene Technology Bill’s alignment with Māori principles and values. Although a Māori focus group collaborated with the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment to shape policy advice for the bill, widespread apprehensions persist among Māori communities. Organizations like Hāpai Te Hauora have urged individuals to oppose the bill through public submissions due to environmental, cultural, bioprospecting, and representational concerns highlighted in MBIE’s regulatory impact statement. Associate Professor Phillip Wilcox, a prominent figure in the field, emphasizes the intrinsic value of genetic material in Māori culture, noting that the proposed bill overlooks tikanga and existing frameworks that have been proven beneficial for both Māori and non-Māori researchers and communities.
As the bill undergoes parliamentary review by the Health Committee, experts like Associate Professor Josephine Johnston from Otago University’s Bioethics Centre emphasize the importance of involving Māori values explicitly in legislation to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach. While recognizing the need for updated gene technology laws, Johnston stresses the essential role of the regulator in overseeing these advancements effectively and responsibly. Meanwhile, Professor Andrew Allan at Auckland University’s School of Biological Sciences underscores the urgency of embracing gene technologies amidst climate change challenges, emphasizing the potential benefits of these innovations for human health and sustainable agricultural practices.
With ongoing debates surrounding the Gene Technology Bill’s implications for indigenous communities, researchers like Professor Kjesten Wiig and Dr. Hilary Sheppard underscore the transformative potential of gene editing technologies in advancing medical treatments and research efforts. Their work on genetic-based therapies for rare conditions like epidermolysis bullosa exemplifies the life-changing impact of these innovations on patients and families. While the proposed legislation aims to streamline regulatory processes and foster innovation, it remains essential to strike a balance between scientific progress and ethical considerations to ensure the safe and effective utilization of gene technologies in New Zealand.
As policymakers and stakeholders navigate the intricacies of New Zealand’s evolving gene technology landscape, the Health Committee’s upcoming report on the Gene Technology Bill will shed light on the future regulatory framework governing these transformative advancements. The collaborative efforts of experts, communities, and regulatory authorities will play a crucial role in shaping a balanced and inclusive approach to gene technology that upholds ethical standards, respects cultural values, and fosters scientific innovation for the benefit of all New Zealanders.