New Zealand First has lodged a differing view at the Select Committee stage for the Gene Technology Bill and voted to move the Bill from Select Committee to a second reading in Parliament - this is a procedural vote.

New Zealand First differing view

New Zealand First’s coalition agreement with National states we are open to liberalising genetic engineering laws while ensuring strong protections for human health and the environment.

In our First Reading contribution we noted the complexity of this issue, and the magnitude of this decision. New Zealand has a pre-eminent position in markets as a “GE Free Nation” and this should not be traded lightly.

This is not just an isolated scientific decision about GE’s technological benefits. It is also about the very real concerns about the health, protection, and safety of the environment and our population. Importantly, it is also a consumer preference decision, and to what extent New Zealand might trade away a market advantage.

New Zealand First is not against a responsible, safe, and pragmatic pathway to genetic modification technology utilisation. But the bill as it stands is far too liberal, beyond our key trading partners, and lacks strong safeguards and protections. We will continue to work with and discuss our concerns with our coalition partners.