20250310 McGuinness Institute Submission on Gene Technology Bill.pptx

On March 10 2025 Wendy McGuinness from the McGuinness Institute presented an oral submission to the Health Committee on the proposed Gene Technology Bill.

1. Gene Technology Bill March 2025 McGuinness Institute 1

2. A: Background Timeline of McGuinness Institute Publications on Genetic Engineering, Genetic Modification and Gene Technology 2002 2025 2013 2008 2020 2

3. 3

4. B: Key Suggestions Add back in a precautionary approach Add back in the methodology (could be a refresh of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Methodology) Order 1998 ) Take into account the intersection of gene technology and unknown capabilities (in particular AI). Take into account the possibility of foreign investors undertaking risks in NZ that they cannot do in their own country Align GM policy with exports/trade agreements Pandemic risk: Ensure labs are regularly and independently reviewed and reported upon. 4

5. B2: Cont. Schedule (from Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Methodology) Order 1998) Methodology for making decisions under Part 5 of Act 5

6. B2: Cont. Schedule (from Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Methodology) Order 1998) Methodology for making decisions under Part 5 of Act 6

7. B2: Cont. Schedule (from Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Methodology) Order 1998) Methodology for making decisions under Part 5 of Act 7

8. B2: Cont. Schedule (from Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Methodology) Order 1998) Methodology for making decisions under Part 5 of Act 8

9. B2: Cont. Schedule (from Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Methodology) Order 1998) Methodology for making decisions under Part 5 of Act 9

10. B3: Take into account the intersection of gene technology and unknown capabilities (in particular AI). 10

11. B4: Take into account the possibility of foreign investors undertaking risks in NZ that they cannot do in their own country 11

12. B5: Align GM policy with exports/trade agreements 12

13. B6: Pandemic risk: Ensure labs are regularly and independently reviewed and reported upon. 13

14. Animal Markets and Zoonotic Disease Risk A Global Synthesis of a 15 Country Study, 2024   “Eight of the 10 mammalian species who share the highest number of viruses with humans are domestic species, including pigs, cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. An estimated 80% of pathogens carried by livestock can infect other species, such as ours.” (p. 86) 14