Home25 May 2026
Ngā hangarau ā-ira i Aotearoa | Genetic technologies in Aotearoa New Zealand. What are genetic technologies, and why should we care? Photo supplied by Royal Society Te Apārangi
Royal Society Te Apārangi has released two discussion documents and three posters on genetic technologies in Aotearoa New Zealand. Bioprotection Aotearoa’s Director, Professor Amanda Black, was among the experts who helped shape them.
Genetic technologies in Aotearoa New Zealand is a peer reviewed discussion document produced by Royal Society Te Apārangi. Their purpose for providing this resource is to present an up-to-date look at the latest in genetic technologies and the ethical and cultural considerations specific to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Amanda was pleased when she was asked to join the working group. “To be recognised as a Māori wāhine and an expert who can contribute some ethics and values in terms of an indigenous context, that was really nice.”
Her role was to give some context for how genomic technologies are used in biosecurity and what management considerations are important to Māori and to local communities.
“It provides context as to how genomics might be important for Māori, biosecurity and management of our environment,” says Amanda. “And a part of that includes the ethics behind where these genetic technologies fit into our Māori context, how they fit within te ao Māori views.”
It’s this context that Amanda sees as the most important part of this resource, which has been prepared in a way to ensure those who may not have a scientific background can follow along and find meaning.
“These will be great resources for teachers, classrooms, high schools and undergraduate lectures. They offer context of how these genetic technologies can be used, what is happening right now in the field and what might be possible in the future across healthcare, primary industries, conservation and the environment.”
As a country with a complicated history when it comes to genetic technologies and particular views around genetically modified organisms, Amanda says we need really good information to make informed choices as to what genetic technologies and tools we are willing to accept and apply.
“Royal Society Te Apārangi advocates for science in this country and produces so many great resources. But not many people are aware of these resources and that is part of the problem.”
She encourages everyone to check out these resources.
Ngā hangarau ā-ira i Aotearoa | Genetic technologies in Aotearoa New Zealand
Access the full resources via Royal Society Te Apārangi website >>
Additional Information
- Podcast | The great GM Debate
In this episode of Under the Lens, the hosts unpack what genes, gene editing and GM actually are, how they are already used, and what Aotearoa New Zealand’s new Gene Technology Bill could mean for our environment, our food, and our future.
- Article | De-extinction is a fairytale, not a substitute for conservation
What does it really mean to “bring back” an extinct species? In this thought-provoking op-ed, our Director, Professor Amanda Black explores the growing global push for de-extinction, from the so-called return of the dire wolf to ambitious plans to resurrect the moa here in Aotearoa — and asks what’s at stake when science begins rewriting extinction itself.