Government Struggles to Advance Gene Technology Bill Amid Opposition

The New Zealand Government remains committed to advancing the Gene Technology Bill, despite facing significant opposition from coalition partner New Zealand First and other parties in Parliament. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti emphasized the Government’s intention to continue discussions aimed at refining the legislation, which seeks to liberalise the use of gene technology in the country.

On March 15, 2023, Parliament’s Health Select Committee issued a long-awaited report regarding the proposed Gene Technology Bill. The report revealed that the Labour Party, Green Party, Te Pāti Māori, and New Zealand First all withheld support for the bill, even after amendments were proposed by the committee. This lack of consensus means the Government currently lacks the necessary votes for the bill’s passage.

The Gene Technology Bill aims to amend portions of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act to facilitate a more streamlined approval process for gene editing and genetic modification in laboratories and agricultural settings. Initially introduced as part of the National Party’s pre-election promises, the legislation seeks to dismantle what has been described as an “effective ban” on genetic engineering and modification in New Zealand.

Concerns have been raised by various stakeholders regarding the implications of such a significant policy shift. Critics argue that the bill could lead to New Zealand adopting one of the most permissive regimes for genetic engineering globally. Reuben Davidson, Labour’s spokesperson for science, technology, and innovation, expressed worries in August that the legislation could position New Zealand as a test site for genetic engineering trials that are prohibited elsewhere.

Agricultural giant Fonterra has shown some support for changes to gene technology regulations but has advocated for stricter controls. During discussions with the select committee in March 2023, Fonterra representatives stressed the necessity of stronger safeguards to prevent unintended consequences, such as the introduction of genetically modified cows into the national dairy herd. They highlighted potential threats to organic farming, particularly due to the risk of genetically modified rye grasses spreading uncontrollably.

In its report, New Zealand First articulated that while it supports the responsible and safe use of gene technologies, the current form of the bill is excessively liberal compared to the regulations of key trading partners. The party called for enhanced safeguards and protections to mitigate potential risks.

Despite these challenges, Reti noted that there is a shared recognition among all parties involved in the select committee that the existing regulations regarding gene technology require modernization. A spokesperson for New Zealand First affirmed that discussions concerning their concerns with the bill would continue with coalition partners.

As the Government navigates this contentious landscape, the future of the Gene Technology Bill remains uncertain, with significant implications for New Zealand’s agricultural and scientific communities.