New Zealand Gene Technology Bill Faces Further Delays in Parliament

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has confirmed that the Gene Technology Bill is experiencing yet another delay in the New Zealand Parliament, with the health committee now expected to report back on the legislation by October 10, 2023. Luxon emphasized that the government is taking the necessary time to ensure the “complicated” legislation is thoroughly considered, despite assertions from coalition partner New Zealand First that they are not obstructing progress.

Originally, the committee was scheduled to deliver its report on July 31, but this deadline was extended first to August 22 and now again to October. During the bill’s initial reading, New Zealand First voiced its support, yet expressed concerns about establishing appropriate boundaries regarding the use of gene technology. The party has indicated it will carefully evaluate the select committee’s report before deciding on its level of support moving forward.

The proposed bill aims to relax New Zealand’s stringent gene technology restrictions, which have been in place for over 30 years, and would create a regulatory framework for gene technologies outside laboratory environments. Under the new arrangement, a dedicated regulator would be established within the Environmental Protection Authority, and the legislation would facilitate recognition of comparable overseas regulators, aligning New Zealand with countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

In December 2022, former science minister Judith Collins introduced the bill, clarifying that it does not signify unrestricted access to gene technologies in New Zealand. “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,” Collins stated. She assured that this legislation would not compel individuals to adopt gene technologies but would provide a regulatory pathway for those interested in their benefits.

During the first reading debate, Mark Patterson, a member of New Zealand First, highlighted the importance of balancing competitive advantages in the agricultural sector. He emphasized the need for thorough feedback from food exporters, the organic sector, and consumers. “We must understand the trade-offs we are making. This is very much a risk-reward,” Patterson remarked, underscoring the complexity of the issue.

Further complicating the matter, Labour, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori have publicly opposed the legislation, meaning the bill requires support from all three coalition parties to proceed. Labour’s science spokesperson, Reuben Davidson, expressed skepticism regarding the coalition’s ability to reach a consensus, suggesting internal disagreements may be hindering progress. Davidson characterized the bill as potentially overreaching and lacking clarity on its implications for trade.

As the deadline approaches, Luxon reassured the public that he does not anticipate New Zealand First withdrawing its support. “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 said. The Prime Minister reiterated the need for New Zealand to modernize its regulatory framework to align with contemporary practices, stating, “New Zealand really does need to get with the 21st Century.”

Despite Luxon’s assurances, Davidson criticized the government’s apparent lack of urgency, noting that the bill seems to have encountered significant obstacles. “It seems the bill has definitely had the handbrake pulled on, and not for the first time,” he stated.

As New Zealand navigates the complexities of gene technology legislation, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of this contentious bill. Stakeholders from various sectors continue to watch closely as the health committee prepares its report, which may ultimately determine the trajectory of gene technology in the country.