Legislating for Gene Technologies: a Māori view of the hazardous substances and new organisms act

Authors

  • Sara Belcher Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
  • Raine Hananui Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
  • O. Ripeka Mercier Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1296-9954

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26686/pq.v20i4.9633

Keywords:

genetic modification, legislation, mātauranga Māori, mauri, whakapapa, taonga species

Abstract

In Aotearoa New Zealand, gene technology is currently governed by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. Recent Tiriti-led research has resulted in nationwide collaborations with mana whenua towards the culturally inclusive development of gene technology for invasive species management. This article reviews the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act’s fitness for purpose from a Māori and Tiriti perspective. We make recommendations for future legislative review, including that regulation and policy ‘give effect to’ te Tiriti/the Treaty, that whakapapa and mauri considerations are accounted for in gene technology regulation, and that cultural impact assessments are based on whakapapa and mauri.

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Author Biographies

Sara Belcher, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Sara Belcher is a senior lecturer in the School of Science in Society at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.

Raine Hananui, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Raine Hananui is a Kāi Tahu research assistant in Te Kawa a Māui, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, exploring social perceptions of biotechnological pest control.

O. Ripeka Mercier, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

O. Ripeka Mercier is an associate professor in Te Kawa a Māui, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.

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Published

2024-11-25

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 4 (2024): Policy Quarterly

Section

Articles

License

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