New Zealand Gene Technology Bill Faces Further Delays in Parliament

The New Zealand government has postponed the reporting of the Gene Technology Bill in Parliament, a piece of legislation intended to amend the country’s approach to gene technology. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon clarified that the delay is not due to the influence of coalition partner New Zealand First but rather a desire to ensure the legislation is comprehensive and effective.

The health committee was initially scheduled to report back on the bill by July 31, but this deadline has been extended multiple times, first to August 22 and then again to October 10. During the bill’s first reading, New Zealand First expressed support but raised concerns regarding the regulatory framework and where to draw the line on gene technology applications. The party has indicated that it will scrutinize the select committee report before deciding on its further support.

This proposed legislation aims to lift a 30-year ban on gene technology outside of laboratory settings in New Zealand. It would establish a dedicated regulator within the Environmental Protection Authority to oversee the new regime. The National Party believes that New Zealand is lagging behind other countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which have already integrated these technologies into their frameworks.

The bill was introduced in December 2022 by then-science minister Judith Collins, who emphasized that the changes would not create an unrestricted environment for gene technology. “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. This regulation aims to provide a clear approval process for those who wish to utilize gene technologies while maintaining safety standards.

During the initial debates, Mark Patterson, a Member of Parliament from New Zealand First, stressed the importance of considering feedback from various stakeholders, including food exporters and the organic sector. He stated, “We must not trade away our GE-free competitive advantage lightly,” highlighting the need for careful deliberation in this area, particularly concerning food production.

Luxon reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing the legislation but noted the complexities involved. “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 expressed confidence that New Zealand needs to modernize its approach to gene technology to stay relevant in the 21st century.

Opposition parties, including the Labour Party, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori, oppose the proposed changes, complicating the coalition’s ability to push the bill forward. Labour’s science spokesperson, Reuben Davidson, expressed skepticism about the coalition’s internal agreement on the bill. “It would seem that behind closed doors there’s disagreement, bickering, and a lack of clarity on a direction to move forward,” he commented.

As the discussions continue, the situation remains fluid. Davidson remarked on Luxon’s apparent confidence, suggesting, “It seems the bill has definitely had the handbrake pulled on, and not for the first time.” The future of the Gene Technology Bill now hinges on the coalition’s ability to navigate these challenges and find common ground before the next reporting deadline.