New Zealand to lift genetic engineering ban

New Zealand's Science and Innovation Minister Judith Collins has announced plans to overhaul New Zealand's stringent laws on genetic engineering, aiming to remove the country's de facto ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by the end of next year.

Collins and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who campaigned on the promise of lifting the ban, argued that the current regulations, enacted in 2003 following public outcry, have hindered scientific research and innovation.

The new legislation, modeled after Australia's approach, would establish a dedicated regulator to oversee genetic engineering activities. Collins emphasized the need to align New Zealand's policies with international best practices, allowing the country to capitalize on the benefits of biotechnology.

While the Labour and Green parties have expressed reservations about loosening restrictions, the ACT Party has strongly supported the move. ACT's science spokesperson, Dr Parmjeet Parmar, highlighted the missed opportunities for New Zealand scientists who have been forced to conduct research and commercialize their products overseas.

Collins cited examples of promising genetic engineering projects, such as modified grasses to reduce methane emissions from livestock, that have been hampered by the current regulatory environment. She expressed confidence that the new law would enable New Zealand to become a leader in biotechnology.