Kia ora and hello!

Welcome to our first newsletter for the National Dialogues on Gene Tech and Our Environment project - talkingecogenetech.nz

We’re pleased you are here to learn some more about what we’ve been doing around Aotearoa / New Zealand as we talk more to people about how they are thinking and feeling about the potential use of genetic technologies for conservation and environmental purposes.

In this newsletter

What we've been doing

 Where we've been

What people are saying about our workshops

Gene tech in the news

What we’ve been doing

Our workshops start with ‘heritage games’ specifically adapted and designed around genetic technology, ecology and society. These include:

• Jenga Ecological Collapse

• Snakes & Helixes and

• Pictionary

“They were loads of fun,” said one participant when we were in Warkworth, north of Auckland, with a group of seniors. 

Following the games is a half hour ‘fishbowl' facilitated conversation, where five workshop participants sat inside the centre of the circle to start the conversation. The remaining participants sat on the outside of the centre circle, listening and thinking. When someone leaves the centre they can move to the centre to contribute to the conversation.

Our only complaint has been that participants want more time for the conversation!

Where we’ve been

Here are some of the places we have been to recently and the people we have spoken with. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the conversation.

• A senior's group in Warkworth

• The community of Rakiura / Stewart Island

• A women’s farming group in Gisborne 

• A pest control group in the Southern Lakes region

• A muslim community in Auckland

• University students from a range of faculties at Auckland and Otago 

Later this year we will be running workshop events with stakeholder groups across Aotearoa / New Zealand. These will include scientists, policy makers, and bioethicists. 

What people are saying about our workshops

“It was cool to see different perspectives. Games were also really fun.”

“Listening to the fishbowl conversation and getting to understand a lot more of others’ understanding of environmental issues.”

“Definitely food for thought. I will now be interested in gene technology.” 

“Really enjoyed, the facilitators made you feel very relaxed and included in everything.” 

“The fishbowl conversation was extremely good.” 

“Could have had more time. Great day.”

“Thinking about my own ability to participate in such discussions.”

“Very good experience. I want to participate again.”

Gene Tech in the News

Showcasing the real life relevance of talking about gene tech and environment

The regulations around the use of gene tech have been in the news lately, not least around agriculture. While it is not our role to comment on the stance of political parties on this issue, it is interesting to note the attention that is being given to the issue again, including the question of rules and regulations around the use of genetic technology. What we see repeatedly in comments made by stakeholders is the call for public discussion. 

The body governing Crown Research Institutes (such as Plant and Food, and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research) has recently said:

“New Zealand needs to have an informed debate about how genetic technologies can meet the challenges the country faces. Regulations on its use should be updated so controls are proportional to the risks and benefits.” 

Meanwhile, the Science Media Centre has approached experts on the science for comment. One expert, Josephine Johnston, a bioethicist from Otago University, has said:

“Blanket ‘all GMOs are bad’ or ‘all GMOs are good’ approaches will not cut it in this area. A balanced and nuanced public discussion is required so that we can work towards assessing each specific application carefully on its own merits and in light of our nation’s unique environment and culture.”

We can see there is agreement that this is a complex set of issues that need public discussion, and that’s great. It also makes us ask more questions. For us, some of these questions include:

• How can an open public discussion take place?

• What alternatives will be presented and debated? 

• How will it hear all voices, or will some be more important than others?

• Will this just feel like a conversation about science and technology?

• Or will it consider ethics, morals, values, social consequences and imagined futures?

• What is the end goal?

What do you think?

Visit our online Forum to read our posts and leave us your comments