The Authority, of ERMA New Zealand, makes decisions on applications under Part V of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act by: evaluating risks, costs and benefits; placing conditions on approvals; and making decisions on transitional licences and other approvals. The Authority also makes decisions on the controls that will apply to new organisms.
The Authority's decisions are guided by a decision-making framework. For more information see How the Authority makes decisions.
There are some instances where the Authority is able to make an amendment to a decision (minor or technical change).
Decisions are recorded in our Registers. Parties directly involved with applications that are publicly notified will be directly advised of the outcome.
Delegated Decision Making
The Authority has the power to delegate its decision making powers on low risk genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to certain institutions which have set up Institutional Biological Safety Committees (IBSCs). For more information see IBSCs and Low Risk GMO Decisions.