New Zealand’s Gene Technology Bill Faces Further Delays

The progress of the Gene Technology Bill in New Zealand has been delayed yet again, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon asserting that the government is committed to refining the “complicated” legislation rather than rushing it through Parliament. Originally scheduled for a report back from the health committee on July 31, the deadline has since been extended to August 22 and then to October 10, 2023.

During its initial reading, New Zealand First expressed support for the bill but cautioned about the need for clarity regarding its implications. The party has indicated it will closely analyze the select committee’s findings before deciding on its future backing. The proposed legislation aims to relax New Zealand’s stringent regulations on gene technology, effectively ending a three-decade ban on applications outside laboratory environments.

A new regulatory body would be established within the Environmental Protection Authority, allowing for the recognition of foreign regulatory standards similar to those in countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Former science minister Judith Collins, who introduced the bill in December 2022, emphasized that this change would not result in unrestricted use of genetic technologies. Instead, it would create a regulatory framework aimed at ensuring both public safety and environmental protection in New Zealand.

During the first reading debate, Mark Patterson, a member of New Zealand First, highlighted the importance of maintaining the country’s competitive advantage in the global market, especially concerning food exports. He stated, “We must not trade away our GE-free competitive advantage lightly,” pointing out the necessity for careful consideration of the potential risks and rewards associated with the legislation. Patterson also stressed that feedback from stakeholders, including food exporters and the organic sector, should be taken into account.

The political landscape surrounding the bill is complex. The Labour Party, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori all oppose the legislation, indicating that the bill requires the support of all three coalition partners to advance. The coalition agreement between the National Party and New Zealand First includes a commitment to liberalize genetic engineering laws while ensuring robust safeguards for human health and the environment. In contrast, the National-ACT agreement focuses solely on the liberalization of these laws.

Labour’s science spokesperson, Reuben Davidson, expressed skepticism about the coalition’s ability to reach consensus on the bill, suggesting that internal disagreements and a lack of clarity on its direction might hinder progress. He criticized the proposed changes as being overly ambitious and lacking consideration of trade implications, stating, “There are still unanswered questions. The sector is still not comfortable about the lack of clarity and the lack of certainty.”

In response to questions about the ongoing delays, Prime Minister Luxon maintained that the government is committed to ensuring the bill is thoroughly reviewed. He stated, “We’re just taking a bit more time through the select committee process to make sure we get that drafted in the right way.” Luxon underscored the necessity for New Zealand to adapt to contemporary standards, emphasizing the importance of establishing a gene technology regulator without making hasty decisions.

While the Prime Minister appeared confident about the bill’s future, Davidson remarked on the apparent stalling of progress, noting that it seemed the legislation had been significantly slowed down. As the government works through the complexities of the Gene Technology Bill, all eyes remain on the October deadline, with stakeholders keenly awaiting the select committee’s report.