Press release from the NZ’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge
The New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge welcomes public discussion on science-based options for
tackling New Zealand’s biodiversity challenges, including the perspective piece by Professors Kevin Esvelt and Neil
Gemmell discussing gene-drive technology for application to achieve Predator Free 2050.
This Science Challenge was established to tackle the biggest threats to New Zealand’s environment. Small mammal
predators are one of the biggest threats to New Zealand’s biodiversity, and our approach has always been to explore
novel solutions to scale up pest control. A large amount of research effort is being harnessed via our 17 Challenge
parties, including scientists in all 8 universities and 7 Crown Research Institutes.
Via the Biological Heritage Challenge we have advocated for a cautious and responsible approach to new technologies. In
particular, we have focused on exploratory underpinning research, such as basic genome sequencing of pest mammals and
wasps, development of species-specific toxins, creation of new ‘super lures’ to attract pests to traps and bait
stations, and perhaps most importantly, on social research to gain a better understanding of the New Zealand public's
perceptions of the use of genetic and other technologies for mammal pest control.
We are also working closely with international colleagues on exploratory research on gene editing technologies. However,
currently there is no research being conducted in NZ to develop gene drives for NZ's Predator-Free targets for
eradication (possums, rats, and stoats). Our approach has been to gain a better understanding of the public's
perspectives on future use of genetic and genomic technologies whilst cautiously exploring a wide range of technological
options.
Our research is being done in full partnership with Māori - scientists, communities, and iwi leaders. We are also
working closely with Predator-Free 2050, Genomics Aotearoa, and the Department of Conservation to coordinate and align
New Zealand’s research efforts.
Ultimately, it will be up to the public of New Zealand to decide what technologies are acceptable, balanced against the
need to secure a future for threatened and endangered biodiversity.
Research into new genetic tools for a wide range of applications is advancing rapidly and it is important that New
Zealand scientists play a role in that work in order to be fully informed about the potential benefits and risks such
technologies may offer. Implementation of any new approaches will require clear public support and robust scientific
debate as to the safety and efficacy of the technology.
Information on current research projects underway through the Biological Heritage Challenge is available at www.biologicalheritage.org.nz