MEDIA STATEMENT
For immediate release 30 October 2001
Association of Crown Research Institutes comment on GM decision
Dr John Hay, President of the Association of Crown Research Institutes (ACRI), expressed relief that the Government’s
decision on genetic modification clarified the parameters within which science researchers, business and society in
general now had to work.
Dr Hay also expressed delight that the major thrust of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Genetic
Modification appeared to be incorporated in the Government’s decision.
Members of ACRI are each considering the Government’s decision, in light of their own level of current or potential
involvement with biotechnology.
Dr Hay, who is also chief executive of ESR, cautioned however that the GM debate would continue, and that New Zealand
should carefully assess how it managed debates on science-related issues.
Dr Hay said:
“All CRIs recognise the potential of biotechnology in generating benefits for the health, wealth and environment of New
Zealanders.
“The Government’s decision today will directly impact on the business, research programmes and staff of the four CRIs
most involved with biotechnology. However, each CRI will be studying the decision to assess the impacts upon its
programmes.
“We now know the parameters within which we have to work for the next couple of years. It would be prudent to use the
intervening time to ensure that we develop processes to avoid the uncertainty regarding commercialising GM products
recurring.
“The CRIs are charged with helping build New Zealand’s research and knowledge base. New technologies are, by definition,
part of that. Thus the process, as much as the decision on GM itself, has caused some anxiety to our staff and research
partners, here and overseas. We hope however that they will be reassured by this outcome.
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“What this debate has shown is that all of us in New Zealand need to carefully assess how we manage discussion on such
contentious matters. The GM debate is not over, and will not be the last on issues in which science provides immense
opportunity and challenge to society.
“While such debates are, inevitably, about values, we have to ensure that they are also well-informed about risk and
benefits and grounded in sound science.
“In that regard I have to acknowledge the hard work and genuine commitment of Ministers – and Pete Hodgson as Minister
of Research, Science and Technology, deserves special mention here - in getting to grips with the topic and the
implications.
“Many other MPs have also made similar efforts and the science community thanks them for that.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
ACRI supports the common interests of the nine Crown-owned research companies, the largest providers of scientific
research in New Zealand. The CRIs undertake blue-sky and commercialised science and technology research for government
and private sector markets in New Zealand and abroad. In the year ended 30 June 2001, CRIs achieved $482.6 million in
revenues, net profit after tax of $22.8 million and employed more than 4000 staff.
The nine CRIs are : AgResearch, Crop and Food, ESR, FRI, GNS, HortResearch, IRL, Landcare Research, NIWA.
For further information please contact:
Anthony Scott, executive director, ACRI
DDI: 04 471 3385 Mob: 027 222 7469
Dr John Hay, President of ACRI
Tel: 04 914 0700 Mob: 021 650 303