Gene editing was last reviewed in Aotearoa New Zealand some 20 years ago. The current coalition government has promised to start reviewing GE legislation this year, and enact new legislation by the end of 2025.

The InterChurch Bioethics Council agrees that our GE regulation needs to be reassessed due to GE technology and its scope having advanced considerably in recent years. However, we urge an emphasis on the government’s full public consultation with easily accessible and understandable information about GE, so that New Zealanders can make their own informed decisions about the ethical use of gene technology in the many different contexts that are now possible.

This resource (attached) has been compiled to give the general public a brief summary of updated information on gene editing. Discussion starters are included to begin individual and group exploration of the benefits and risks that might surround the many possible and potential uses of gene editing technology today and into the future.

Feel free to use this resource in any groups/events you may have to talk about (and respond) to important public issues.