Gene Tech Bill Faces Turbulence in NZ Parliament

The New Zealand government is encountering significant resistance in its attempt to pass the Gene Tech Bill, designed to modernize outdated regulations concerning genetic modification (GM) technology. While there is consensus on the necessity of updating the laws, NZ First has firmly stated its intention to block the bill unless "further major changes" are made. The party has highlighted the need to protect New Zealand's marketing advantage as a "GE Free Nation," emphasizing that this unique market position should not be "traded lightly." They believe the proposed bill is "far too liberal," lacking sufficient safeguards for the environment and economy.

The Greens have also opposed the legislation, describing it as a radical deregulation of GM technology, citing concerns over insufficient protective measures for farmers against the spread of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), while the ACT party points to potential legal issues surrounding the inclusion of a Māori Advisory Committee relying on tikanga, though they remain open to future amendments. Labour and Te Pāti Māori have expressed concerns about political influence and regulatory independence, respectively. This widespread dissent suggests that significant challenges lie ahead in the legislative process as New Zealand navigates the complexities of genetic technology and its implications for the country's agribusiness and trade dynamics.