Regulation of Genetically Modified Foods

New Zealand has strict controls on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), with all organisms that do not already exist in New Zealand (including GMOs) being regulated under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act of 1996. This law requires that all new organisms be approved by an independent body on a case-by-case basis before they can be released or used in New Zealand.

Thus, at this time, no fresh produce in New Zealand is genetically modified. And although some processed foods in the country may contain genetically modified ingredients obtained from overseas, these ingredients must be tested to assess their safety, and the products must be clearly labelled to show the presence of GMOs in concentrations greater than one percent.

To supplement the decision-making process when assessing the role of GMOs in New Zealand society, the government established Toi Te Taiao, the Bioethics Council, which promotes public discourse and advises the government on the spiritual, cultural and ethical implications of genetic modification.¹

Peace-Keeping/ Nuclear Free/
Disarmament and Arms Control Act

Besides its highly conscientious approach to public health, New Zealand has also distinguished itself as a responsible member of the world community by avoiding wars and aggression and promoting peace, dialogue and reconstruction in response to national and international conflicts around the globe.

For example, the country was a founding member of the United Nations, and has actively promoted world peace through legislation such as the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone and the Disarmament and Arms Control Act, and by supporting and signing numerous international treaties and agreements including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.²

New Zealand has also contributed to United Nations peacekeeping missions in Yugoslavia, Cambodia, East Timor, Somalia, and other countries,³ and has played a leading role in promoting peace in the Pacific region. For instance, on the island of Bougainville a secessionist revolt that cost the lives of 20,000 people was eventually brought to an end following negotiations brokered by diplomats from New Zealand.⁴

Moreover, in 2003, in response to an official request for international assistance, New Zealand co-led a multi-national contingent of police and troops to the Solomon Islands to help restore peace and order following civil unrest in the region.⁵

All of these efforts demonstrate New Zealand’s strong commitment to public health and well-being on the national level and to the enhancement of human brotherhood on the broader scale of international politics.

References:

1. Ministry for the Environment, from
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/organisms/gm-nz-approach-jun04/html/index.html
(subject to Crown Copyright)

2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, from
http://www.mfat.govt.nz/foreign/humanrights/overview/overview.html
(subject to Crown Copyright),
New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arm Control Act 1987, from
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/browse_vw.asp?content-set=pal_statutes
(subject to Crown Copyright)

3. http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/index.asp

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bougainville&oldid=40505568

5. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Solomon_Islands&oldid=42506221

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