What is the Gene Technology Bill and Why Does it Matter to Māori?
The Government has introduced the Gene Technology Bill, promising innovation and economic growth. But what’s the real cost? Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Gene Technology Bill?
The bill, introduced in December 2024, proposes removing existing rules around gene technology in New Zealand. [1]
What is Gene Technology?
Gene technology involves changing or controlling the genes of living things – plants, animals or even bacteria – to make them behave in specific ways. Genes are the instructions that tell living things how to grow and function.
For example, modifying the genes of a wheat crop might make it more resistant to disease. But this could have unintended consequences, like contaminating other crops or causing health issues when consumed.
What Does the Bill Mean?
If passed, the bill would remove regulations on gene technologies, giving the biotech industry free rein. Critics argue this opens the door to risks for health, the environment and the economy.
Jr Bruning from the Daily Telegraph New Zealand warns, “The proposed deregulation of GMOs is so extreme that Judith Collins current proposal would turn New Zealand from the best practice type regulated jurisdictions to one of the weakest in the western world.”
Supporters of the bill claim it will drive innovation and economic growth, but experts highlight serious concerns.
Why Should Māori Care?
Kai Sovereignty
Most vegetables in New Zealand are locally grown. [2] Deregulation could contaminate organic crops, jeopradising the integrity of local kai. Genetically modified (GM) foods wouldn’t even have to be labelled, leaving consumers unaware of what they’re eating.
Environmental Risks
Māori have long opposed GMOs, as highlighted by the Wai 262 claim in 1991, which emphasised the role of Māori as kaitiaki (guardians) of the environment and taonga. [3] With growing challenges posed by a government wanting to exploit Aotearoa’s land and resources for profit, this historic claim sought to challenge this by asserting that it is the right of Māori to be the primary guardians of the taiao and taonga.[4] The Gene Technology Bill ignores these concerns, threatening the balance of mauri (life force) of the natural world.
Accountability Issues
Clause 187 of the bill would shield those involved in gene technology from civil or criminal liability.[5] Without accountability, there’s no way to hold organisations responsible for the harm caused by GMOs.
Economic Implications
New Zealand’s GMO-free status is an asset, allowing access to premium markets. The bill undermines this by increasing the risks of contamination and trade disruptions.[6] Deregulation risks contamination, increased costs for organic certification, and higher prices for GMO-free products.
Why Does This Matter?
This bill isn’t just about science – it’s about whakapapa, kaitiakitanga, and tino rangatiratanga. For Māori, it’s a fight to protect the integrity of taonga, our kai, and our environment. Gene technology could disrupt the mauri of our taiao and undermine the sovereignty Māori have over their resources.
What Can You Do?
The Gene Technology Bill poses serious risks to Aotearoa’s values, health, and the environment. Māori and allies must mobilise to oppose this harmful legislation.
Have your say: Submit your opposition to the bill and share this message with your whānau and community to ensure our kai, taiao and tino rangatiratanga are protected.
Have your say
Submit your opposition to the bill and share this message with your whānau and community to ensure our kai, taiao and tino rangatiratanga are protected.
Submissions close:
11:59 pm on Monday, 17 February 2025
References
[1] “Gene technology bill,” New Zealand Parliament, last modified December 20, 2024, https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCHEA_SCF_22059628-B0CC-4931-5E07-08DD18A12BFB/gene-technology-bill
[2] Horticulture New Zealand, Submission on Updating New Zealand’s Approach to International Climate Change Negotiations, Wellington: Horticulture New Zealand, 2023, https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/Environment/Climate-change/Submissions/Horticulture-New-Zealand.pdf
[3] Jones, Carwyn. “Ko Aotearoa Tēnei: A Report into Claims Concerning New Zealand Law and Policy Affecting Māori Culture and Identity.” (2012) https://ssrn.com/abstract=2402050.
[4] “Wai 262 Report: Protecting and Nurturing Taonga Māori,” Kāinga – Wai 262, Protecting and Nurturing Taonga Māori, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.wai262.nz/ko-aotearoa-tenei.
[5] “Gene Technology Bill,” New Zealand Legislation, accessed January 20, 2025, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2024/0110/latest/whole.html?search=sw_096be8ed81ede29c_182_25_se&p=1#LMS1010131.
[6] NZIER. 2024. Potential costs of regulatory changes for gene technology: economic assessments of an MBIE proposal. A report to Organics Aotearoa New Zealand.