Delays Continue for New Zealand’s Gene Technology Bill

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stated that the coalition partner New Zealand First is not responsible for the delays affecting the Gene Technology Bill. Instead, he emphasized the government’s commitment to thoroughly address the “complicated” legislation. The health committee’s initial deadline for reporting back on the bill was set for July 31, but this 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 its support but raised concerns about the boundaries of gene technology applications. The party has indicated that it will carefully review the select committee report before deciding whether to continue its support. If passed, the bill would relax New Zealand’s long-standing restrictions on gene technology, effectively ending a three-decade ban on its use outside laboratory environments. It also proposes the establishment of a dedicated regulator within the Environmental Protection Authority.

The National Party has argued that New Zealand is lagging behind countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which have embraced gene technology. The proposed regulatory framework aims to recognize comparable overseas regulators while ensuring public and environmental safety.

Former science minister Judith Collins, who introduced the bill in December 2022, clarified that the legislation would not lead to unrestricted use of genetic technologies. She stated, “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.”

In the first reading debate, Mark Patterson, a member of New Zealand First, highlighted the need for caution. “We must not trade away our GE-free competitive advantage lightly,” he remarked, stressing the importance of considering feedback from food exporters, the organic sector, and consumers. Patterson emphasized the need to understand the risk-reward dynamics associated with the bill.

The matter has become increasingly complex, with Patterson noting that discussions surrounding the bill require more than superficial responses. “We’re talking about a gene tech bill,” he said. “We’re not talking about strawberries on Sunday night.”

Minister Shane Jones, standing in for current science minister Dr. Shane Reti, described the bill as a “work in progress.” When asked about the delays, Peters, a key figure in New Zealand First, stated that concerns had been clearly communicated when the bill was sent to the select committee.

The opposition parties, including Labour, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori, oppose the legislation, which means the bill requires support from all three coalition partners to advance. The coalition agreement between the National Party and New Zealand First commits to liberalizing genetic engineering laws while ensuring strong protections for human health and the environment.

Labour’s science spokesperson Reuben Davidson expressed skepticism regarding the coalition’s ability to reach consensus on the bill. He suggested that there is internal disagreement and uncertainty about the direction of the legislation. “There are still unanswered questions, and the sector is not comfortable about the lack of clarity and certainty,” Davidson stated.

Despite the challenges, Prime Minister Luxon expressed confidence that New Zealand must progress with the legislation, stating, “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 reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the bill is conservative and fit for purpose, adding, “New Zealand really does need to get with the 21st Century and get this piece of legislation.”

Davidson responded to Luxon’s comments with surprise, asserting that the bill has faced significant delays. “It seems the bill has definitely had the handbrake pulled on, and not for the first time,” he remarked. The ongoing discussions highlight the delicate balance between innovation and regulatory oversight as New Zealand navigates its future in gene technology.