November 13, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has responded to reports on the management of biosecurity risks in New Zealand. ERMA New Zealand controls the introduction of new plants and animals, including genetically modified organisms to New Zealand. Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) it is illegal to introduce a new organism to New Zealand without the approval of the Authority.
Approvals made by the Authority on GMOs have often included conditions for the management of the organisms under strict controls in registered contained facilities. These facilities are designed to meet containment standards established by MAF and ERMA New Zealand. The controls set on approved GMO developments and field tests are also monitored by MAF.
ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive, Dr Bas Walker, said they would be concerned if there were problems with either border control or the monitoring of GM containment facilities.
"At this stage we are aware of the internal audit reports prepared by MAF Biosecurity and we are seeking further information from them on the issues raised. But this situation also illustrates some wider concerns that we have about the arrangements for monitoring and enforcement under the HSNO Act.
I need to make it clear that this monitoring role is not one that was handed on to MAF by ERMA. Rather, it is part of structure of the HSNO Act itself, as designed by Parliament and passed back in 1996. ERMA New Zealand is not the enforcement agency for GMOs or new plant and animal imports. Enforcement is done by MAF under the provisions of the Biosecurity Act. Interactions with MAF are through a voluntary Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations. Although this reflects a positive working relationship, our view is that MAF should be set up as a proper enforcement agency under the HSNO Act, so that decision making and enforcement are more explicitly integrated."
Under the HSNO Act, ERMA New Zealand has a general role to monitor the effectiveness of the enforcement regime generally - and can report this to the Minister for the Environment - but has no powers to direct or audit the activities of any enforcement agencies.
"In terms of border control, we would support further funding and capability for MAF so they are in a good position to identify new organisms coming into New Zealand, including GM and conventional organisms."
For further information:
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Dr Bas Walker |
Karen Cronin |