October 15, 1998
By Kevin Currie, Operations Manager, Environmental Risk Management Authority
* Photo Available
Petunias, potatoes and transgenic sheep. What do they have in common? They are all ‘new organisms' currently being considered by the Environmental Risk Management Authority. In this article, Kevin Currie *, Operations Manager for ERMA New Zealand, explains the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act and how it will affect the rural community.
Starting from 29 July 1998, anyone who wants to import, develop, field test or release a new organism now needs approval under the HSNO Act from ERMA New Zealand.
A ‘new organism' is a species coming into New Zealand for the first time: for example, a breed of fish for marine farming*, a new zoo animal, or a new type of fruit. The definition also includes micro-organisms and viruses. It could also be a plant or animal developed through genetic engineering, such as a pine tree modified to increase wood strength or a crop modified to increase its resistance to disease.
Importers of plants, animals or micro-organisms will now need an approval if they are importing a new species. It would be a good idea to contact us and check if you are covered by the legal definition.
The Act also deals with hazardous substances, taking effect on 1 April 1999. A substance is ‘hazardous' if it is toxic, eco toxic, corrosive, flammable or explosive, or if it has the capacity to oxidise. For example: industrial chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, and paints. Existing substances will continue to be allowed, but new substances will need approval.
So why has this new law been introduced? The basic aim is to protect the environment, and the health and safety of people and communities – and to make up for some major gaps in previous laws.
New Zealand's history is dominated by the introduction of species alien to the local environment. Possums* and rabbits* were brought in with little thought for the consequences and have since cost us millions in damage to the environment and agricultural production. We also have some serious problems when it comes to unwanted plants such as gorse and old man's beard.
The HSNO Act requires us to think carefully the potential impact of new animals, plants and substances - before they come in. The role of ERMA New Zealand will be to see if the risks outweigh the benefits. The Authority will need to take into account the effects on the environment, the economy and on people and the community.
The Authority currently has some 14 applications under consideration and has just approved the first import of a new organism. A species of fly, Macrolabis pilsellae, is being brought in to see if it can work as a successful biological control agent for hieracium.
Other applications include genetically modified sugarbeet, apples and maize. We also have applications to import genetically modified mice for medical research and to test a gallfly as a biological control agent for mistflower.
If you think you may be affected by the HSNO Act, we encourage you to contact us early and get the correct information. You can also check out our website or phone us on 04 473 8426
For further information contact:
Karen Cronin,
Manager Communications.
Phone: 04 496 4826 or 386 2359
Dr. Bas Walker
Chief Executive
ERMA New Zealand
Phone. 04 473 8426
or email to: enquiries@ermanz.govt.nz