Multinational biotechnology companies are also expected to take part. The story adds that Hobbs announced the inquiry in a week when two breaches of the regulations on GMOs were revealed. One was by a laboratory at the University of Otago's Medical School in Christchurch, where researchers allegedly extracted tissue from the lizard-like tuatara and were constructing a DNA library, without full permission from the regulatory authority or local Maori people, for whom the animal has spiritual significance. The opposition National Party has attacked the lack of any panel members with industrial experience. The story also says that university scientists appear reconciled to the ban on GMO release, as they have escaped the restrictions on laboratory work sought by the Green Party.
Researchers can still argue for exemptions for non-commercial work, such as the control of possums.
Michael Dunbier, chief of the Crop and Food Research Institute, was cited as saying the ban could cause scientists to leave New Zealand. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed for research and educational purposes only.