From the President:  

Agricultural and horticultural science in New Zealand is at a critical crossroads as the form of the new Bioeconomy Science Institute, which combines the CRIs AgResearch, Scion, Landcare and Plant and Food Research, begins to take shape. The primary sector, the foundation for New Zealand’s economy, which is underpinned by world-leading pastoral agriculture, horticulture and forestry systems will now be serviced by science from this Public Research Organisation. To be effective it needs to be adequately supported by both public and industry funding.

In addition to this important structural development New Zealand is for the first time in nearly 30 years reviewing its legislation for the effective regulation of genetic modification – the Gene Technology Bill. Genetic modification is currently regulated under the HSNO Act 1996 which is outdated and essentially not fit for purpose with the changes that have occurred in developing and expressing new traits of value in organisms for economic , environmental and societal benefit. The purpose of the Bill is to enable the safe use of gene technology and regulated organisms in New Zealand. The Bill seeks to provide for risk-proportionate regulation through:

• efficient application and decision-making processes,
• a flexible legislative framework able to accommodate future technological and policy developments without frequent amendment,
• international alignment, including with key trading partners, to facilitate trade and improve access to new technologies, and
• ways to recognise and give effect to the Crown’s obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.

When the Bill was release of public comment in mid-December 2024 it received 14,947 written submissions, with 900 people asking to be heard from which 400 were selected to presented verbally to the Health Select Committee. This was all completed by Mid-February 2025 and then referred to the Select Committee to report back to parliament by the end of July. This has now been delayed until 10 October.

In May 2025 a survey was undertaken by the Curiosity Company (used to be Truwind/ Research First) to test awareness of the Gene Tech Bill and acceptance. They found that 47% of New Zealanders have not heard of the Gene Technology Bill; 27% have heard of it but know nothing about it; 23% have heard of it and know a bit about it; and just 3% have heard & consider they have a good/expert level of knowledge. Despite this, levels of acceptance are high. When asked whether we should enable the safe use of genetic modification and gene editing technologies in New Zealand, half of New Zealanders said yes: 49% Yes; 23% No; and 27% Don’t know. There is a desperate need to educate and inform the general public firstly about what genetic modification is and secondly, the role it has in improving and benefiting our economy and environment.

Plant breeding uses a range of techniques for both expanding and exploiting the genetic potential of plants. Gene editing (GEd) and genetic modification (GM) of crops provides a valuable option for delivering improved environmental and social outcomes by delivering solutions for many of the challenges facing humankind. GEd and GM technologies like many other technologies can have risks, but these can be monitored and quantified, allowing decisions balancing societal, and environmental benefits against measurable risks. For millennia, human beings have improved the genetics of crops and forages, mostly without precision or knowledge of genetic systems, and without the need for legal regulation. Over the last 30 years technology has provided the capability to introduce genes of known effect using genetic methods that are increasingly precise and targeted, yet regulatory systems have slowed their delivery in many territories, including New Zealand. However, balancing the risk and benefit of any new technological advance is important and required. Regulation is motivated to ensure human safety, protection of the environment, avoidance of fraud and mislabelling, and to address public concerns. Ideally the regulatory scheme used is focused on characteristics of the biotechnology product itself rather than on the process used for its development.

In October we have the NZIAHS Canterbury Forum – “When Nature Fights Back” being held Wednesday 22nd October 2025 at , Lincoln University. An excellent programme has been compiled, and I look for to meeting with you at this event.

Dr John Caradus, HFNZIAHS
President

Congratulations

Congratulations to longstanding member Dr William Rolleston, who has been made a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi for promoting science and technology in the agricultural sector.

A committed advocate for a strong science system and for evidence-based decision-making in farming, business and government, William has led and served on many boards and committees. These include the Government’s Innovation and Science Boards, the Science System Advisory Group, Federated Farmers, the World Farmers Organisation, Genomics Aotearoa, Biotenz (now BiotechNZ) and the Life Sciences Network – a science advocacy organisation for national science and industry organisations.

William co-founded South Pacific Sera Ltd, a biotechnology business which grew out of his family’s farming operation, and is now an exporter of animal vaccines, biologics, serum and protein products.

Calling for funding applications

View the latest Hot Topic
Co-existence of genetically modified and non-genetically modified crops
https://agscience.org.nz/9-co-existence-of-genetically-modified-and-non-genetically-modified-crops/