100 staff await first GM application
NZ HERALD
30.04.2004
By KEVIN TAYLOR political reporter

No application for commercial release of genetically modified organisms has been filed with the Government regulator - and none is on the horizon either.
Environmental Risk Management Authority staff numbers have doubled over the past two years to nearly 100 to cope with new responsibilities, including handling such applications.
The drought of applicants drew claims at Parliament's local government and environment committee yesterday that the bar had been set too high for applicants after the end of the moratorium on commercial release last October.
United Future MP Larry Baldock questioned whether the regulations were too costly and onerous.
Erma chairman Neil Walter said a survey a few months ago showed there could have been an application on the way after the end of the GM moratorium.
"But in neither case has that amounted to an application, or even pre-application discussion with the agency," he said.
Mr Walter said people did recognise the bar was set high.
"This would be the first-ever release of a genetically modified organism in New Zealand and it's going to require a very, very careful consideration and evaluation by the authority.
"It won't be quick and it won't be cheap."
Mr Walter said Erma's job was to "find the balance point" and its decisions had to take into account issues besides science and technology.
"We have got to look at the impact on the economy, on the environment, on people's health, on cultural, ethical and spiritual beliefs."
Erma chief executive Bas Walker later denied a de facto moratorium was still in place.
"The system's in place. It's ready to work. We just need real, live applications."
Meanwhile, National MP Nick Smith questioned Erma on the cost of its Treaty of Waitangi obligations to consult Maori. He sought the costs of compliance with treaty obligations, the Maori staff unit within the organisation and the consultative body that provides input into Erma.
Mr Walter could not give figures immediately but undertook to provide the information.
Dr Smith also attacked a proposed separate education package for Maori on hazardous chemicals and toxic substances.
"Why is it that the authority believe that somehow the education of Maori is different to anybody else?" Mr Walter said: "It's a question of getting the message in the most effective way. We are making extensive use of Nga Kaihautu, our Maori advisory committee and their contacts and networks to make sure messages get out to all parts of the community."
Asked by Dr Smith if similar packages would be developed for Pacific Islanders or Asians, Mr Walter replied: "Not at this stage".
He said Erma had responsibilities under the law, including three specific provisions relating to the concerns and interests of Maori.
Ready to rule
* The moratorium on commercial release of GM organisms ended last October amid protests.
* To date no applications for commercial release have been made to the Environmental Risk Management Authority.
* Politicians have questioned whether the bar has been set too high, and potential applicants have been discouraged.