36983 (2025). Steve Abel to the Minister for Biosecurity

36983 (2025). Steve Abel to the Minister for Biosecurity: What records, if any, does Biosecurity New Zealand have of how frequently there is a positive result from testing for contamination from genetically modified organisms, if at all, per year?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: Imports, such as seeds for sowing, require GMO testing to meet import health standard requirements. New Zealand exporters also undertake testing for contamination from GMOs where necessary to meet overseas market access requirements. I am advised that Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) has received confirmation of contamination by genetically modified organisms less than once per year. Investigations that resulted in confirmation of contamination of genetically modified organisms were managed to comply with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.