Related Government Links

Environmental Risk Management Authority

The Environmental Risk Management Authority was established under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. The Authority is the decision making body and consists of up to eight members appointed by the Minister for the Environment. The Authority's main role is to make decisions on applications to import, develop, or field test new organisms; or to import or manufacture hazardous substances. The Authority has set up an Ethics Advisory Panel.

Foundation for Research, Science and Technology

The Foundation for Research, Science & Technology invests in research, science and technology on behalf of the New Zealand Government to enhance the wealth and well-being of New Zealanders. It is a Crown Entity with a board of directors appointed by the Government.

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission is a statutory body that administers the Human Rights Act 1993. The Commission's primary functions are:

• To advocate and promote respect for, and an understanding and appreciation of, human rights in New Zealand society.
• To encourage the maintenance and development of harmonious relations between individuals and among the diverse groups in New Zealand society.

Ministry for the Environment

The Ministry for the Environment advises the Government on New Zealand's environmental laws, policies, standards and guidelines, monitors how they are working in practice, and takes any action needed to improve them. It administers the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, part of which regulates new organisms in New Zealand.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has a wide range of roles, including providing government and the rural sectors with information, analysis and advice on agricultural and forestry issues, and ensuring animals are treated humanely.

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health is the Government's primary advisor on health policy and disability support services. It has strong ties to health related ethics committees such as the National Advisory Committee on Health and Disability Support Services Ethics (National Ethics Committee), and the National Ethics Committee on Assisted Human Reproduction.

Ministry of Research Science and Technology

The Ministry of Research, Science & Technology is a New Zealand government department that develops research and innovation policies and manages the publicly funded part of the Research Science and Technology system on behalf of the Government.

New Zealand Food Safety Authority

New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) was set up to administer legislation covering food for sale on the domestic market, primary processing of animal products and official assurances related to their export, exports of plant products and the controls surrounding registration and use of agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines. NZFSA is the New Zealand controlling authority for imports and exports of food and food related products.

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is an independent Officer of Parliament appointed for a five-year term under the Environment Act 1986. The Commissioner's job is to review and provide advice on environmental issues and the system of agencies and processes established by the Government to manage the environment. The primary objective of the office is to contribute to maintaining and improving the quality of the environment in New Zealand through advice given to Parliament, local councils, business, tangata whenua, communities and other public agencies.

Royal Commission on Genetic Modification final report

The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification was established by Order of Council on 8 May 2000 to report on strategic options for New Zealand with regard to genetic modification. This page details the results of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification.

Royal Society of New Zealand

The Royal Society of New Zealand is an independent, national academy of sciences, and a federation of scientific and technological societies. It is also an association for the advancement of science and technology which includes the promotion of science and technology within New Zealand and the fostering of international scientific contact and co-operation. This website has news, events, publications, and other documentation that reflects the Society's input into education, policy advice to government, and wide involvement with New Zealand science and technology organisations.

Also see Related New Zealand ethics links