Gene tech excluded

Predator Free has been told it can’t use gene technology in the battle against pests.

In a letter of expectation sent by Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage, Predator Free 2050 has been excluded from investing in research into genetically modified organisms and technologies such as CRISPR or gene editing.

Sage said there was no silver bullet in genetic modification.

‘‘We know that we’ve got tools that are going to be effective, and we know that a lot of native species are waiting to be saved.’’

Any GE tool would take years to develop, and the New Zealand public hadn’t pushed for it, she said. ‘‘I don’t want Predator Free waiting around, waiting while rats, stoats and possums wipe out our fauna.’’

National Party environment spokesman Scott Simpson said Sage had put the handbrake on Predator Free’s ability to investigate bio technology.

Predator Free 2050 Ltd chief executive Ed Chignell said the use of gene technology was the only way to make a breakthrough. ‘‘But it is some way off and requires further research and discussion.

‘‘We are keeping in touch with developments in the area to assess its potential for application in New Zealand.

‘‘This does little to currently affect Predator Free, as the use of genetic technology for mammal pest control is currently only theoretical. Much work is needed on technical, social and policy fronts and there is, as yet, no sufficiently promising specific technology to think about pursuing for application.’’