Biotech Updates

New Zealand National Party Plans to End Ban on GM and Gene Editing

June 21, 2023

The New Zealand National Party plans to end the country's ban on genetic modification (GM) and gene editing to allow the technologies to contribute to agriculture, climate change mitigation, and health science. This was announced by Judith Collins, the spokesperson of National Science, Innovation, and Technology.

“Like Australia, National will introduce a biotechnology regulator to make evidence-based decisions following public feedback. The regulator's role will be to protect human health and the natural environment and manage ethical concerns while allowing New Zealanders to access the benefits of advanced biotechnology,” said Collins.

The party's plan includes the following actions:

  • end the ban on genetic modification (GM) and gene editing (GE) in New Zealand
  • establish a specialized regulator to ensure that biotechnology is used safely and ethically; and
  • streamline approvals for non-GE/GM biotech trials and use that align with other OECD countries.

For more information, read the press release and the policy document of the National.


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