Dialogue

In advising government about the ethical, cultural and spiritual views of New Zealanders in relation to biotechnology; the Council is required to participate in public dialogue. This approach lends itself to openly exploring the issues. The rapid emergence of new technologies, especially biotechnologies, challenges the ways in which people and societies think about their existence, the environment, their future and their relationships to self and others - the dialogue approach encourages these thoughts to be shared and explored.

Governments, academics and other commentators in New Zealand and internationally are recognising that a country's citizens have a role to play in assessing the implications of new and emerging technologies. Such decisions cannot just be left to governments, business, scientists and technologists alone.

In 2004, the dialogue approach was used for developing the report to government on Human Genes in Other Organisms. The Council ran a number of dialogue workshops with different communities of interest. In particular people from different organisations, and professions (such as scientists), from different faith traditions, rural communities and different age groups were brought together. The Council also held a public community conference in one centre (Nelson), a number of hui around the country and a moderated online discussion forum. Written submissions were also welcomed.

The Council also provided resources to aid those interested in organising their own group to discuss the cultural, ethical and spiritual dimensions of the use of biotechnology.

The dialogue approach proved popular. Despite the fact that the topics challenged people's beliefs and understanding, participants demonstrated a willingness to engage in sustained and respectful face-to-face exchange about complex and challenging issues. They responded positively to opportunities to explore cultural, ethical and spiritual issues in non-confrontational and non-adversarial contexts. Many participants reported that they now think about the issues in different ways.

It was apparent that issues, such as human genes in other organisms, are not necessarily at the forefront of people's concern. Yet, once in discussion, people were able to engage in lengthy and productive conversations and engage in nuanced dialogue.

Many people expressed cultural, ethical and spiritual views in a way that recognised and valued the complexity of relationships - within human communities, with other species and the environment as a whole, and over time. It was generally felt that such complexity makes it difficult to predict or control the social and environmental consequences of some decisions. While the face-to-face dialogue approach can be resource-intensive, expensive, and reaches a relatively limited number of people, it provides participants with the necessary time and secure space, thereby allowing complex and sensitive issues to be treated seriously.

Māori Working Group

Māori have had a strong representation on the Council. Its members have included Māori experts in biochemistry, education, tikanga and religious faith as well as kuia and kaumatua.

While the Council's Māori representatives are leaders in their fields, they sought to probe the wider Māori knowledge.

A Māori working group was established, which has its own work programme and looks at the entwined relationship between tikanga Māori (Māori customs) and biotechnology and provides ways for Māori to engage in dialogue on biotechnology.

It also aimed to provide a wider New Zealand audience with a Māori perspective on biotechnology.

Māori Working Group projects include providing advice from a Māori perspective to

Council and arranging and engaging in dialogue with Māori communities.

Until mid-2004 the Māori Working Group was chaired by Dr Cherryl Waerea-i-te mngi Smith (Nga Wairiki, Ngai Tumapuhiarangi, Te Aitanga A Hauiti).

Due to the pressure of other commitments (see Chair's letter) Dr Smith and other Māori members - Chair, Sir Paul Reeves, Dr Gary Raumati Hook and kaumatua Professor Sidney Hirini Mead - stepped down.

New Council appointments with Māori affiliation are Professor Christopher Cunningham, who has a doctorate in chemistry and extensive experience in Māori health and science. And Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori of Victoria University, Professor Piti Sciascia, who is widely respected for his knowledge of Māori arts and culture, as well as his experience in high government process.

A further appointment is expected in the near future.

The role of Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council includes providing information on the cultural, ethical and spiritual aspects of biotechnology. The Bioethics Council's job is to get people thinking and talking about the issues, and to provide the opportunity for their voices to be heard.

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