A History of Biotechnology Regulation in New Zealand

This article traces the history of New Zealand y approach to regulating genetic modification technology from the early 1970s to the end of the 20th century. It highlights the influence of New Zealand's unique characteristics - its geographic isolation, size, cultural heritage and peculiar economic liabilities and opportunities - on the development of a distinctive approach to gene technology
regulation. Following the introduction, Part II deals with early developments in genetic technology and the response of regulators to these developments. Part III deals with the period from the late 1980s to the mid-I990s, when on the surface the commercial promise of biotechnology tended to overshadow concerns about its risks, while at a deeper level the ground work was laid for the coming public backlash against deregulation. Part IV provides an overview
of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and gives an account of regulation under the regime it established. Part V outlines the events leading to the announcement of a Royal Commission on Genetic Modification in February 2000. The conclusion comments on the subsequent short term moratorium.