Conditional release of new organisms in New Zealand

Abstract

New organisms are defined as species not present in New Zealand prior to 29 July 1998 the date the New Organisms component of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 came into effect New organisms also include genetically modified (GM) organisms organisms that have been approved for containment or conditional release and exotic organisms that have been eradicated There are three ways a new organism can occur in New Zealand accidental incursions deliberate but illegal introductions and legal introductions Applications for introductions are evaluated by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) In October 2003 the HSNO Act was amended to allow for the conditional release of new organisms including GM organisms This paper describes the process for the introduction of new organisms into New Zealand with an emphasis on conditional release to assess the risks costs and benefits of new organisms to human health the environment and the economy