Gene Editing Symposiums

Grower Guidance / Gene Editing Symposiums

Gene Editing Symposiums

The Gene Technology Bill is a proposed update to New Zealand’s regulations on genetic technologies, including genetic modification (GM) and gene editing. It is intended to unlock innovation in agriculture, medicine, biotechnology, and pest control by enabling the safe use of gene technology and regulated organisms.

The bill establishes the broad framework for regulating gene technology. The operational procedures, such as application and assessment criteria and timeframes etc, will be under a set of regulations under the Act (when it becomes law).

What is gene technology?

Gene technology is a way of changing the genetic material (DNA) of living things like plants, animals, or microbes to give them new traits or improve existing ones. There are two common types:

Genetic Modification (GM): Adding genes from another species (e.g., putting a strawberry gene into an apple).
Gene Editing: Making small, targeted changes to an organism’s own DNA (like fixing a typo in a sentence).

How can gene technology be used in the kiwifruit industry?

Traditional kiwifruit breeding is slow and expensive. It can take 15-20 years to develop a new variety from breeding to commercial release. Gene editing could support the kiwifruit industry through:

faster development of new cultivars
precision plant breeding for improved yield, pest resistance, and climate resilience.
reduced chemical use, promoting sustainability.

What are some of the concerns with gene technology?

Some critics argue the bill overlooks Māori values and the Treaty of Waitangi
Potential unintended consequences of releasing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment.
Markets and customers resisting products that are:
- produced using gene technology or
- from countries that use gene technology, even where the product is naturally produced.

When will the use of gene technology become legal in Aotearoa New Zealand?

As at September 2025, the public submissions and Health Select Committee hearings have closed. The next step is for the committee to recommend any changes to the government. The recommendations are due 10 October. The timing of when the bill will be passed into legislation is unclear, but likely before the end of 2025. It depends on how much the government debates the bill and whether and further changes to the bill are necessary.

How will the kiwifruit industry decide whether to use gene technology or not?

Zespri will need to seek grower input on whether the New Zealand kiwifruit industry will adopt gene technology such as gene editing.

Growers need to understand the technology before they can make an informed decision about whether they support it or not. NZKGI will support growers and Zespri’s decision-making process by facilitating education and discussion. We will be holding roadshows in October focused on Gene Editing (GE). These events are designed to support growers so they are informed on the current landscape of GE – what it is, where New Zealand stands legislatively, and what’s happening in the global marketplace.

Led by NZKGI CEO Colin Bond, the roadshows will feature expert insights from Zespri, the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre, and specialists tracking GE developments in Australia. Key topics include:

The status of New Zealand’s government legislative process on GE
A scientist’s explanation of what gene editing actually is
Zespri’s perspective on market trends and consumer feedback
GE developments in the Australian horticultural environment

This is an opportunity to get informed rather than share opinions. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or keen to learn more, these sessions will give you the facts you need.

Don’t miss out – mark your calendar, RSVP to info@nzkgi.org.nz and come along.

We encourage growers to do their own research on gene technology from credible sources. Some basic resources include:

Gene technology changes: What you need to know | RNZ News
Gene Technologies: The new frontier for health, agriculture and the environment – University of Waikato