How to talk respectfully about genetic modification

10 October 2024

The Challenge, Future of the planet, Faculty of Science, Sustainable impact

Discussion about the use of genetic modification technology outside the lab can easily become polarised. Research suggests a way to avoid this.

Researchers have looked at how New Zealand can talk respectfully about the introduction of genetic modification outside the lab.
Researchers have looked at how New Zealand can talk respectfully about the introduction of genetic modification outside the lab.

The Government’s plan to end New Zealand’s effective ban on the use of gene technologies outside the laboratory has reignited debate about this historically contested topic.

The Government aims to pass legislation and introduce a gene tech regulator before 2026, while opposition parties want broad conversations with New Zealanders to gauge their opinions.

Such conversations are complex. They must include a diverse range of people because discussions about gene technology bring strong reactions based on people’s values and beliefs. SPECIAL FEATURE: How to talk respectfully about genetic modification?

Media and re-publication requests: Gilbert Wong, gilbert.wong@auckland.ac.nz

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