Organism Register Search |
A new organism is:
- any life form coming into New Zealand for the first time - this means anything capable of reproducing: from micro-organisms, to seeds; plants; fish and animals.
- any genetically modified organism (GMO) - this means any plant, animal or micro-organism developed through genetic modification.
For more information on the definition of 'new organism' see Interpretations and Explanations of Key Concepts (protocol) [pdf - 496 kb].
If the organism was not here on or before the HSNO Act (Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act) came into effect on 29 July 1998, it has to be approved by the Environmental Risk Management Authority.
Listed below are links to all our services and information relating to new organisms:
- How to establish if an organism is 'new'.
- Check what Organisms are already legally present in New Zealand.
- Make an application for approval or reassessment for a new organism.
- Search the Applications/organisms Register - a database of applications and Authority decisions.
- Containment Facility Standards for New Organisms (including GMOs)
- New Organisms Compliance and Enforcement
- Institutional Biological Safety Committees (IBSCs) and Low risk GMO decision making.
- Make a submission.
- Interpretations and Explanations of Key Concepts [pdf - 496 kb].
Resources
- Tips for Searching the PBI (Plant Biosecurity Index hosted by MAF)
- New Organisms Forms & Publications.
- New Organisms Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Biocontrol Information Resource for ERMA NZ Applicants - provided by Better Border Biosecurity (B3)
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Joint
Initiatives [secure]
For more information on government plans and funding for biodiversity conservation see:
The New Zealand Strategy (a joint initiative between MAF, MfE, DOC and the Ministry of Fisheries) from the Biodiversity website at: http://www.biodiversity.govt.nz.
For more information about pdf documents see About pdfs.