New Zealand’s decades-long ban on gene technology outside laboratory settings is set to end. The Government’s Gene Technology Bill 2024, which aims to modernise outdated regulations and foster scientific and economic growth, has passed its first reading in Parliament and is now under review by the Health Select Committee.
The move has been welcomed by industry leaders and researchers, but has also sparked criticism from opponents who argue the changes could harm New Zealand’s GMO-free exports and introduce new ethical and regulatory challenges.
A New Era for Gene Technology Regulation
The proposed legislation is modelled on Australia’s Gene Technology Act 2000. It will introduce a dedicated gene technology regulator based within the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to oversee the approval and monitoring of gene-modified products. The Government’s goal is to pass the legislation and have the regulator fully operational by the end of 2025.
According to Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins, the bill represents a necessary step forward.
“This is a major milestone in modernising gene technology laws to enable us to improve health outcomes, adapt to climate change, deliver massive economic gains and improve the lives of New Zealanders,” Collins said.
The new framework will shift from a highly restrictive, risk-averse system under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO) to a more flexible, risk-based approach. The bill also removes the ability of local councils to restrict GMO use under the Resource Management Act, centralising decision-making within the new regulatory body.
Potential Benefits: Health, Agriculture, and the Economy
The Government and biotech sector have highlighted several expected benefits from the legislative change. Gene technology is anticipated to unlock major advancements in healthcare, particularly in cancer treatment, through CAR T-cell therapy, which uses a patient’s genetically modified cells to fight cancer.
In the agriculture sector, genetically engineered crops and livestock could lead to higher yields, disease-resistant plants, and reduced environmental impacts. Proponents argue that this could help farmers meet emissions reduction targets while increasing New Zealand’s competitiveness in global markets.
The economic potential is another driving force behind the bill. New Zealand’s biotech sector generated $2.7 billion in revenue in 2020, but analysts estimate that up to $30 billion in economic opportunities have been lost due to restrictive regulations. The OECD predicts the bioeconomy could contribute up to NZ$182 billion to GDP by 2030, with the new legislation expected to attract foreign investment and job creation.
Opposition and Concerns Over Deregulation
Despite its promises, the bill has drawn strong criticism from environmental groups, organic farmers, and some academics. Organisations like GE-Free New Zealand argue that the legislation prioritises economic gains over safety and ethical considerations.
A major point of contention is the structure of the new gene technology regulator, which, unlike its Australian counterpart, will operate under ministerial oversight. Critics warn that this compromises its independence and could allow the Government to influence regulatory decisions based on economic interests rather than scientific assessments.
Dr Sylvia Nissen, a senior lecturer in environmental policy at Lincoln University, raised concerns about the broad ministerial powers outlined in the bill. “[The Goverment could] “intervene if the regulator acts contrary to its policy objectives”, she told Newsroom.
Global Trends and the Path Forward
New Zealand’s move follows a global shift towards more permissive gene technology regulations. Countries like Australia, Canada, England, and Japan have embraced gene editing advancements, particularly Crispr-Cas9, which allows for precise genetic modifications that, in some cases, are indistinguishable from natural mutations.
Supporters argue that aligning with international standards will make New Zealand more attractive for biotech investment and research collaborations. Dr. Alec Foster, a researcher at the agriculture firm Scion, sees the bill as an overdue change.
What Happens Next?
The bill is now under review by the Health Select Committee, with public submissions open until February 17, 2025. The Government has committed to passing the law by the end of 2025, but opposition groups are expected to push for amendments before the final vote.