Foreword

This booklet aims to encourage discussion

Its topic is the transferring of human genes into other organisms, whether they are animals, plants, or very small organisms like bacteria. This is something that already happens in New Zealand and overseas.

Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council is not "for" or "against". Our job is to get people thinking and talking. We're a diverse group and, like most people, we find these issues challenging. But we know it's important to consider where biotechnology is heading, and what should guide our choices.

We talk about human genes, meaning the genes that are found in humans. But many of these genes are also found in other living things. There is debate about whether there really is such a thing as a 'human' gene.

These are important issues, and no one has all the answers. Your views matter, even if you have never thought about these questions before. We've already listened to a wide range of New Zealanders, and you'll find some of their views reflected in this booklet. More information and a range of opinions are also available on our website www.bioethics.org.nz.

We invite you to join the discussion, and let your voice be heard.

Sir Paul Reeves
Chair
Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council

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