New Zealand is to modernise its gene technology legislation by ending its ban on the use of gene technology outside of laboratories. The Science, Innovation and Technology Minister announced that legislation ending the ban and implementing a dedicated regulator to oversee applications to use gene technology will be introduced by the end of the year. The changes aim to allow researchers and companies to further develop and commercialise their products.

The new legislation will be based on Australia’s Gene Technology Act 2000 and modified to work in New Zealand. Like Australia, a regulator will be established to enable the science while managing potential risks to human health and the environment. New Zealand is aiming to pass the legislation and have a regulator in operation by the end of 2025.