Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
In August last year, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins announced new gene technology legislation, removing regulatory hurdles that have been in place for 30 years.
The Gene Technology Bill is loosely modelled on Australia's Gene Technology Act 2000. Like in Australia, a regulator will be set up within the Environmental Protection Authority.
The role is a big one. Supported by an office, a technical advisory committee, and a Māori advisory committee, the regulator will assess and manage the risks of GMOs, provide information to the public, guidance to regulated parties, and advice on technical matters to ministers.
Most experts agree changes are well overdue. But there's been disappointment in how the bill appears to sideline Māori values, particularly because New Zealand has produced world-leading strategies for appropriately engaging these technologies with indigenous and under-represented communities.
Explainer editor Katie Kenny talks to Susie.
