Foreword
New Zealand has a long history of building its prosperity through making the most of its abundant natural resources. Our relationship with our unique flora and fauna is central to our identity as New Zealanders.
For many years, our biotechnology scientists have been world leaders across a number of specialisations. Their ability to identify and develop high value products and services is helping transform our economy and build economic prosperity.
Bioprospecting is the term for the gathering of biological material from flora and fauna for potential commercial gain. It offers great opportunity for our economy but we need good and clear policies if we are to better realise its potential.
Many readers of this document will be aware that there is a relationship between the Waitangi Tribunal claim WAI 262 (known as the "flora and fauna claim") and bioprospecting policy. The Government is mindful of this relationship and is of the view that proceeding with early consultation on the development of a bioprospecting policy should help inform Government's consideration of the Tribunal's recommendations on WAI 262 when they are made.
The purpose of this discussion document is to gather information about bioprospecting in New Zealand and facilitate a discussion on how a policy framework might be structured. Such a framework should also allow for the relationship between bioprospecting activities and traditional knowledge to be recognised.
I am keen to receive feedback on the ideas set out in this document from all with an interest in bioprospecting so that policy development is better informed and we can find a common way forward.
Hon David Parker
Minister of Energy
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