ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the decisions in New Zealand are made partly by prescriptive legislation Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2004. There is less legislative sense of direction when it comes to genetic revolution in medicine in New Zealand. The 'do no harm principle' is the clear legislative basis for the genetic revolution as it applies to the environment. New Zealand is a nuclear free zone known for its high quality, disease-free dairy, beef and lamb products. Farming accounts for 4.8 per cent of the country's gross domestic product compared to 0.9 per cent in the UK and 1.4 per cent in the US. HSNO Act establishes a new statutory body, the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA), to assess and develop controls for the importation, manufacture, development and release within New Zealand of hazardous substances and new organisms. Apart from already established procedures, it is illegal in New Zealand to perform procedures or engage in research without ethics committee approval.
