36988 (2025). Steve Abel to the Minister for Biosecurity

36988 (2025). Steve Abel to the Minister for Biosecurity: What, if any, is the biosecurity strategy regarding the Gene Technology Bill?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: The Gene Technology Bill 2024 has its own framework to authorise use of genetically modified organisms based on the risk to the health and safety of people and the environment. I am satisfied that any decisions made by the regulator will sufficiently manage these risks. Unauthorised genetically modified organisms will be treated as any other organism if they create biosecurity risk. The Biosecurity Act 1993 provides for the necessary tools to protect New Zealand from these risks, and to respond if necessary.