The New Zealand government has announced it will be introducing new legislation to simplify the process for companies and researchers to develop and commercialise products using gene technologies such as gene editing, Reuters reported.
Science, Innovation and Technology minister Judith Collins was quoted as saying in a 13 August statement that rules and time-consuming processes had made research outside the laboratory almost impossible, the report on the same date said.
“These changes will bring New Zealand up to global best practice and ensure we can capitalise on the benefits,” Collins said.
Current regulations in New Zealand mean that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) cannot be released out of containment without going through a complex and vigorous process and it is difficult to meet the set standard.
In addition, gene editing is considered the same as genetic modification even when it doesn’t involve the introduction of foreign deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Under the new law, low-risk gene editing techniques that produce changes indistinguishable from conventional breeding would be exempted from regulation, local authorities would no longer be able to prevent the use of GMOs in their regions and there would be a new industry regulator, Reuters wrote.
“This is a major milestone in modernising gene technology laws to enable us to improve health outcomes, adapt to climate change, deliver massive economic gains and improve the lives of New Zealanders,” Collins added.
The government hopes to have the legislation passed and the regulator in place by the end of 2025.
