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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have any questions you would like answered on this page please contact us.

What is bioethics?

Bioethics is the study of the ethical, social, legal, philosophical and other related issues arising in the biological sciences and in health care. See also Defining Bioethics

Why was the Council formed?

The Council was established to provide independent advice to the Government on biotechnological issues involving significant cultural, ethical and spiritual dimensions. See also About Us.

Who is in the Council?

See Council Members.

Does the Council have a legislative mandate?

No. The Council is an advisory body with no statutory powers.

Is the Council different from other ethics bodies in New Zealand?

A recent review of the Council found that the Council was different from other NZ ethics bodies in two main ways:

1. other agencies are comparatively narrower in scope and responsibility; and/or
2. the Bioethics Council's approach is ‘different’

To illustrate these differences, the following comments were made during the review:

• The Bioethics Council is not strictly an ethics body - it deals with matters that are cultural and spiritual, and this broader perspective is valued by people in the wider community
• Other New Zealand ethics bodies only deal with matters on a case-by-case basis.
• Also, compared, for example, to health ethics committees, the Bioethics Council operates on a different scale and timeframe, and its concerns go beyond human health and well being.
• The Bioethics Council is less prescribed and can take a broader approach. For example, it addresses the societal questions which ‘go beyond the science’.
• To enable it to deal with the matters within its brief, the makeup of the Council is different to other ethics bodies. It is a body of wisdom not a body of expertise.
• The Bioethics Council provides a useful backdrop to the work of other ethics bodies - e.g. the ERMA ethics advisory panel. In this respect it is complementary.
• The Bioethics Council conducts a dialogue rather than a consultation process.
• The Bioethics Council makes a feature of public engagement.
• The Bioethics Council opens up issues and explores wider societal values.

How does the Council represent my views to the Government?

The Chair of the Council meets regularly with the Minister For the Environment.

The Council also communicates with Government by:

• preparing submissions to Select Committees
• preparing publications that present a range of views on biotechnological issues involving significant cultural, ethical and spiritual dimensions
• preparing papers on various issues
• maintaining a positive advisory relationship with Government.

How will the Council influence Government policy and decision-making?

By establishing confidence and trust in the way the Council operates and being seen to have moral authority based on the support of the New Zealand public for the role that it performs.

How can I give my views to the Council?

By writing to the Council, contacting the secretariat and using this website. See Contact us. Additionally, when the Council is undertaking dialogue with the public, the relevant Issues in Focus page will outline details of the project.

What other New Zealand government organisations work on ethical issues that may relate to biotechnology?

See Related NZ Ethics Links.

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