New Zealand Gene Technology Bill Delayed Amid Coalition Concerns

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that the delay in the Gene Technology Bill is not due to his coalition partner, New Zealand First, but rather a matter of ensuring the “complicated” legislation is thoroughly prepared. Originally, the Parliament’s health committee was expected to report on the bill by July 31, 2023. This deadline has since been pushed back twice, with the latest date set for October 10.

During the bill’s initial reading, New Zealand First expressed support but raised concerns regarding the appropriate boundaries for genetic technology. The party indicated that it would carefully review the select committee’s report before making further commitments to the legislation. If enacted, the bill would lift New Zealand’s longstanding restrictions on gene technology, marking the end of a 30-year ban on its use outside laboratory environments. It proposes establishing a dedicated regulatory body within the Environmental Protection Authority.

The National Party believes that New Zealand is lagging behind other countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which have already adopted gene technology. The proposed changes would facilitate the recognition of regulatory frameworks from these nations, potentially making New Zealand more competitive in the global market.

In December 2022, the former science minister, Judith Collins, introduced the bill, asserting that it would not lead to unrestricted use of genetic technologies. She emphasized the importance of public and environmental safety, stating, “This change simply means that gene technologies have a pathway to regulatory assessment that is designed to ensure the public and environmental safety of New Zealand.”

Concerns from New Zealand First were echoed by MP Mark Patterson, who highlighted the need for careful consideration of the implications for New Zealand’s reputation as a GE-free nation, especially in the food sector. “We must understand the trade-offs we are making. This is very much a risk-reward,” Patterson stated. He urged that feedback from food exporters and consumers be taken seriously to avoid jeopardizing the country’s competitive advantage.

The debate surrounding the bill is intensified by opposition from the Labour Party, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori, which means that the legislation requires unanimous support from all coalition parties to advance. Labour’s science spokesperson, Reuben Davidson, expressed skepticism about the coalition’s ability to reach a consensus, stating that there seems to be “disagreement, bickering, and a lack of clarity on a direction to move forward.”

Luxon addressed these concerns, assuring that the delay is not indicative of New Zealand First withdrawing support. He emphasized that the government is committed to getting the legislation right rather than rushing through the process. “We’re just taking a bit more time through the select committee process to make sure we get that drafted in the right way,” he explained.

The Prime Minister reiterated the necessity for New Zealand to modernize its legislative framework to align with the 21st century, asserting, “It’s just complicated work, and it’s important we get it right so we don’t make any mistakes.” Davidson remarked on Luxon’s confidence, suggesting that the bill appears to be stalled, stating, “It seems the bill has definitely had the handbrake pulled on, and not for the first time.”

As the October deadline approaches, the fate of the Gene Technology Bill remains uncertain, with significant implications for New Zealand’s agricultural and technological landscape hanging in the balance.