The country is drafting legislation—the Draft Access to Biological
Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Act;
Established the Biotrade Focal Group (Updated May 2001)
Article 15 -There are currently claims before the Waitangi Tribunal which assert exclusive
rights by Maori to indigenous flora and fauna, and control by Maori of Maori
traditional knowledge. Some claimants assert rights akin to ownership, while
others are concerned with issues of authority over and access to those
resources. These issues are currently being addressed through the Waitangi Tribunal process. Article 16 -NZ provides official development assistance to some
countries, some of which may have a technology transfer component if requested by the partner government. Article 19 - NZ has comprehensive controls on biotechnology work within NZ. In
general, that work is using resources already within NZ, rather than being
focused on bioprospecting work outside NZ. (Updated May 2001)
Article 15 -There are no restrictions on access to genetic materials beyond the rules
for harvesting from nature in general. On the other hand, Norway has a full ban
on patenting higher organisms like plants and animals. Microorganisms and parts
(gene sequences) of higher organisms are patentable. Article 16 - No legislation. Article 19 - Some measures in place. (Updated May 2001)
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