Sinking Biotech in NZ?
The Government needs to be really careful that it doesn’t sink its own biotechnology strategy, and the opportunity for
economic growth from the biotech sector, by adopting changes to the HSNO Act which create significant disincentives to
the adoption of appropriate technologies for New Zealand, the Chairman of the Life Sciences Network, Dr William
Rolleston, said today.
The Royal Commission strongly recommended we preserve our opportunities to use genetic modification for economic, health
and environmental benefit.
We need to be selective and cautious but we certainly don’t need to make it far too costly and difficult for any of the
world class science being done in our laboratories to make it out into the community.
Proposals for bonds on developers and users and full cost recovery from applicants will drive economic investment in our
science away from New Zealand rather than attracting it here.
The Government needs to get a loud and clear message from the industries which drive our growth and economic wealth
don’t make investment too hard or we will turn quickly into a 3rd world economy. The economic risks involved in biotech
projects are already substantial, it is irresponsible of Governments to increase those risks.
The Life Sciences Network will examine the full range of proposals very carefully and will, with its members, make
detailed submissions on the best way forward, concluded Dr Rolleston.