New Zealand Gene Technology Bill Faces Further Delays and Scrutiny

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stated that the government is taking its time to ensure the successful passage of the Gene Technology Bill, which has faced multiple delays in Parliament. Initially expected to be reported back by the health committee on July 31, the deadline has been pushed to August 22 and subsequently to October 10. Luxon denied that coalition partner New Zealand First is obstructing progress, describing the legislation as “complicated.”

The bill aims to relax New Zealand’s stringent gene technology restrictions, effectively lifting a three-decade ban on gene technology outside laboratory settings. A new regulatory authority would be established within the Environmental Protection Authority, which would recognize overseas regulators with similar mandates. This shift reflects a belief among some lawmakers that New Zealand is lagging behind countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom in embracing these technologies.

During the bill’s first reading, New Zealand First expressed initial support but raised concerns about the implications of deregulation. The party’s spokesperson, Mark Patterson, emphasized the importance of not compromising New Zealand’s competitive advantage in the global food market. He highlighted the need for careful consideration of feedback from food exporters, the organic sector, and consumers, stating, “We must understand the trade-offs we are making. This is very much a risk-reward.”

In December 2022, the then-science minister, Judith Collins, introduced the bill, assuring the public that it 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 said. The bill has faced opposition from the Labour Party, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori, complicating its path forward as it requires support from all three coalition parties.

Labour’s science spokesperson, Reuben Davidson, expressed skepticism regarding the coalition’s ability to reach consensus on the bill. He suggested that unresolved disagreements indicate a lack of clarity within the coalition about the legislation’s direction. “There isn’t a pathway within the coalition to support the bill,” Davidson remarked, noting that the rapid pace of change may not adequately address the implications for trade.

Despite the ongoing delays, Prime Minister Luxon remains optimistic about the bill’s future. He indicated that the government’s focus is on ensuring the legislation is well-crafted rather than hastily approved. “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 asserted the necessity for New Zealand to adapt to modern developments in genetic technology, emphasizing that the government is committed to passing the bill while ensuring adequate protections for public health and environmental safety.

The situation remains fluid as the health committee prepares its report, which will be crucial in determining the future of the Gene Technology Bill. The ongoing debate reflects broader concerns about the role of genetic technology in agriculture and its potential impact on New Zealand’s reputation and economic interests.