The New Zealand government is proposing legislation to overhaul strict genetic engineering regulations from the late 1990s, aiming to remove long-standing regulatory hurdles.
The proposed legislation, expected by year-end, will establish a dedicated regulator within the Environmental Protection Authority and focus on evidence-based risk assessment rather than regulating the methods themselves.
The reforms are intended to facilitate scientific advancements, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sectors, addressing challenges like climate change, global competitiveness, and potential medical breakthroughs.
The government claims the reforms will promise increased productivity, commercial opportunities, while ensuring strong protections for human health and the environment.
Concerns have been raised about the necessity and market value of genetically modified products, potential downsides like increased chemical use and corporate monopolization, and the need for public consultation and engagement.
New Zealand's Green Party supports ethical use of genetic engineering in containment but opposes environmental release of genetically engineered (GE) crops.
New Zealand's Labour and Green parties are cautious about the overhaul and want more details and public discussions before supporting it, advocating for a thorough, evidence-based approach due to concerns about potential downsides of GE crops observed overseas.
The government plans to have the law passed and the regulator operating by the end of 2025, with support from technical advisory groups, Māori and industry focus groups, and opposition parties.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Scoop, NZ Herald, RNZ, 1News.