12. Question No. 12—Science Innovation and TechnologyDr HAMISH CAMPBELL (National—Ilam) to the Minister of Science Innovation and TechnologyQuestion No. 12—Science Innovation and Technology12. Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL (National—Ilam) to the Minister of Science Innovation and Technology: What recent announcement has the Government made about gene technology?Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Science Innovation and Technology): Last week the Prime Minister and I announced that we are overturning the nearly 30-year effective ban on gene technology for the benefit of New Zealand. We will establish new legislation and a dedicated regulator based on the Australian regime. The science has matured other countries have embraced gene technology and it has potential to treat cancers increase agricultural production lower emissions adapt to a changing climate and ultimately grow the economy. Gene tech is already being used safely in 29 other countries including many of our trading partners such as Australia China Japan the US Canada and many European countries. New Zealand needs to keep up and we will be able to do so with this new regime. I'd also point out that I've had some good conversations with colleagues across the House on this move and I'm happy to provide briefing for MPs who are interested. If they just get in touch with my office we'll arrange that for them.Dr Hamish Campbell: How can gene technology support higher productivity and growth?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: We're committed to building a productive and growing economy and I'm confident that gene technologies will contribute to that goal. In the primary sector New Zealand scientists including those at Plant and Food where we launched the policy have used gene technology to increase the productivity of crops but only in laboratories. For example researchers are looking at how to make fruit like apples and blueberries produce year-round meaning faster breeding and potentially no off-season. Ultimately this means better returns for growers and cheaper produce for consumers. However under existing rules virtually none of this research ever leaves the lab in New Zealand.Dr Hamish Campbell: How will gene technology support better health outcomes and lower greenhouse gas emissions?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: This policy will allow many more New Zealanders to access highly effective cancer treatments including CAR T-cell therapy developed at Wellington's Malaghan Institute. This treatment has already successfully treated patients with cancer for the handful of those who were able to participate in its trial. This change in the gene technology regime means more New Zealanders will be able to access this advanced treatment and others like it. Gene technologies can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New Zealand is an agricultural nation which is why around half of our emissions come from agriculture. Our world-class farmers are at risk of being left behind their competitors if they don't access advanced gene technologies just as our competitors are.Dr Hamish Campbell: How will this new regime adequately manage risk?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: Gene technologies have moved significantly since the current legislation passed nearly 30 years ago and I want to assure New Zealanders and this House that risk management will be at the forefront of the new regime. The regulator will focus on risks to human health and to the environment. The regime will be risk based which means technologies with greater unknowns or higher risks will be subject to the most stringent rules. The regime includes public consultation and the Ministry for Primary Industries will be responsible for enforcement. A technical advisory group will support the regulator and a Māori advisory group will consider implications for Māori. I expect this new legislation will be in the House by the end of this year. It will have a full select committee process and I encourage members of this House and the public to engage. I intend the new regulator to be in place by the end of 2025. I'm very confident that this regime will get New Zealand up to speed with the rest of the world.