Submission: Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Amendment Bill

In June 2026 we lodged our submission to the Primary Production Committee on the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Amendment Bill.

While the Minister responsible for the Bill, Nicola Grigg, has stated that this Bill "does not weaken protections for people or the environment," we are not confident that this is the case. The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act plays a critical role in protecting Aotearoa New Zealand's unique ecosystems and public health. We are surprised the Bill was referred to the Primary Production Committee, and deeply concerned that it has progressed without sufficient consultation with independent scientists, public interest groups, or a Te Tiriti o Waitangi impact assessment.

Because of these and other significant gaps, we submit that the Bill should not proceed in its current form.