New Zealand’s Gene Technology Bill Faces Further Delays in Parliament

The progress of New Zealand’s Gene Technology Bill has been delayed once again, as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon asserts that the government is taking the necessary time to ensure the legislation is properly crafted. Originally scheduled for a report from Parliament’s health committee on July 31, 2023, this date has been pushed back to October 10, 2023. The Prime Minister refuted claims that coalition partner New Zealand First is responsible for the hold-up, branding the bill as “complicated.”

During its first reading, New Zealand First expressed support for the bill but raised concerns regarding the boundaries of gene technology usage. The party has committed to examining the select committee report thoroughly before deciding on its ongoing support. This legislation aims to relax New Zealand’s existing restrictions on gene technology, effectively ending a 30-year ban on gene technology applications outside of laboratory settings.

Under the proposed framework, a dedicated regulator would be established within the Environmental Protection Authority, allowing New Zealand to align itself with countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which have already begun to embrace these technologies. The National Party, which introduced the bill, believes that New Zealand is lagging behind in the gene technology sector.

The bill was first brought forward in December 2022 by then-science minister Judith Collins, who emphasized that the legislation would not lead to unrestricted use of genetic technologies. “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.

During discussions surrounding the bill, New Zealand First MP Mark Patterson highlighted the importance of maintaining the country’s competitive advantage as a GE-free nation. He insisted that feedback from food exporters, the organic sector, and consumers must be taken into account, stressing the need for careful consideration of the associated risks and rewards.

The complexity of the bill was echoed by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who remarked that the legislation requires more than a superficial examination. “We’re talking about a gene tech bill,” Peters stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.

In recent discussions, Shane Jones, who is acting in place of science minister Dr. Shane Reti, referred to the bill as a “work in progress.” Following inquiries regarding the reason for the delay, Peters responded by affirming that the select committee is addressing concerns raised by his party, indicating that their review process is thorough.

The bill faces opposition from the Labour Party, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori, which means it requires the backing of all three coalition parties to advance. Labour’s science spokesperson Reuben Davidson expressed skepticism about the coalition’s ability to reach a consensus, suggesting that internal disagreements are hindering progress. Davidson criticized the bill for being overly ambitious and for not adequately addressing the implications for trade. He noted that there are still unresolved issues that have left many in the sector uneasy.

Prime Minister Luxon maintained that he is not concerned about New Zealand First withdrawing its support, asserting that the government is committed to ensuring the bill is well-drafted. “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.

Luxon reiterated the need for New Zealand to modernize its regulatory framework, stating, “New Zealand really does need to get with the 21st Century and get this piece of legislation, and get the gene tech regulator set up.” He acknowledged the complexity of the work involved and the importance of getting it right to avoid potential mistakes.

In light of these developments, Davidson expressed surprise at the Prime Minister’s optimism, suggesting that the bill’s progress has been significantly impeded once again. The ongoing deliberations reflect a broader tension within the coalition, underscoring the challenges of navigating complex legislation in a diverse political landscape.