Possums are a major problem for New Zealand.
They damage our forests and threaten our unique wildlife. Our livestock industries are threatened by the bovine tuberculosis they carry. New Zealand scientists are working on potential new biocontrol methods, many of which involve genetic engineering. But a study released today by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment shows that while the public supports possum control, New Zealand needs better processes for dialogue between researchers, environmental management agencies and society about what kinds of new controls are being researched. The study, carried out against the backdrop of the GE food debate, found strong concerns about the safety and controllability of such technologies.