Before the establishment of ERMA New Zealand the assessment work for genetically modified organisms was carried out by two committees administered by the Ministry for the Environment.
The Advisory Committee on Novel Genetic Techniques (ACNGT) was responsible for contained laboratory and glasshouse genetic manipulation work. The Interim Assessment Group (IAG) for the Field Testing and Release of Genetically Modified Organisms assessed all applications to field test GMOs or perform large scale fermentations involving GMOs.
- Interim Assessment Group (IAG) Applications (Pre HSNO Act)
- IAG Approvals carried over to the HSNO Act
The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 set up the Environmental Risk Management Authority which from 1998 commenced making decisions on the approval of GM field tests.