Mel Gibson urges New Zealanders to monitor gene technology legislation

Actor Mel Gibson has issued a call to action for New Zealanders regarding proposed legislation that could significantly alter the regulation of genetic engineering. The proposed Gene Technology Bill, alongside amendments to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act and the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act, aims to reshape the current genetic engineering framework.

According to Gibson, the changes would establish a new regulator and introduce risk-based approvals, potentially exempting certain technologies deemed low-risk. While proponents argue these updates will advance agricultural science, critics and watchdogs warn that the bills could limit public oversight and weaken safeguards intended to protect human health, the environment, and the farming system.