August 27, 2002
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (the Authority) is responsible for deciding on applications for genetic modification in New Zealand under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act.
Genetic modification is a controversial technology and the Authority has always been conscious of the need to operate according to the very highest standards of investigation and assessment. The approach of the Authority is also to maintain an open and rigorous decision making process which is accessible to the public through public submissions and hearings on publicly notified applications and the publication of all decisions.
The HSNO regulatory regime is one of the most rigorous in the world and one of the few to be legislated for.
Because of the public profile of genetic modification, the Authority is aware of and supports the need for its processes and capabilities to be open to public scrutiny. In that context the review announced by the Minister for the Environment is welcomed.
The Authority will certainly do all in its power to assist the review to ensure that it is a worthwhile exercise and there is a positive result for all parties.
Media contact:
Julie Watson
Communications Manager
Tel: 04 918 4824
Mob: 021 674 954