Aotearoa New Zealand GMO Regs to be updated

Continuing the rush of legislative changes in Aotearoa, the Minister for Science released Cabinet papers on GMO regulations. 

Link here 

Māori consultation highlighted the role of wāhine Māori in protecting taonga species, and how the Nagoya Protocols would empower Māori in this space. 

Came to nought.

MBIE has released a vid explainer:

A single regulator is to be established, with technical advice and a Māori advisory committee (MAC). The decision-making process is seen as a technical and scientific process with socio-cultural concerns irrelevant.

The Pant Varieties Act 2022 is offered as a model for Māori engagement; Section 63 has is worth perusing:

Assessment where kaitiaki relationship asserted

In a case where an iwi, hapū, individual of Māori descent, or Māori entity asserts that they have a kaitiaki relationship with the plant species that is the subject of a PVR application, the Māori Plant Varieties Committee must also consider—

(a) whether that person, iwi, hapū, or other entity has demonstrated their kaitiaki relationship with the relevant plant variety and associated mātauranga Māori:

(b) if a kaitiaki relationship has been demonstrated,—

(i) the kaitiaki’s assessment of the effect of a grant of the PVR on their relationship; and

(ii) any agreement to mitigate adverse effects reached between the breeder and the kaitiaki; and  

(iii) whether there is any evidence that the parties have not acted in good faith during their engagement (if any).