Updated gene rules essential for medical research w Proffesor Justin O’ Sullivan: 5 February, 2025
Updated gene rules essential for medical research w/ Justin O’ Sullivan from the Liggins Institute, University of Auckland: 5 February, 2025

Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Gene technology in the medical sector has been banned in New Zealand for nearly thirty years, however as of 2 months ago, a new bill lifting the ban has passed the first reading within parliament.
The legislation is based on Australia’s Gene Technology Act 2000. Similarly, a regulator will be established and will be supported by an office, a technical advisory committee and a Māori advisory committee. This regulator is to manage potential risks to human health and the environment.
Professor Justin O’ Sullivan from the Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, welcomes the new changes. Sasha spoke to him about potential breakthroughs in cancer research, rare diseases, and a wider conversation of ethics.