Geoff Ridley

1
New Organisms and the World of Tomorrow

• Geoff Ridley
• Science Manager, New Organism

2
Change is Inevitable

• It might get hotter
• It might get hotter then colder
• It might get colder
• Trade patterns might change
• Global distribution of pest might change
• National pest status might change

3
As Change Comes, What are the Options for
Forestry? Where and When Will New Organisms be
Needed?

• Biological control agents
• GM radiata
• New forest species

4
Biological Control Agents (1)

• Over the last 3 years ERMA has approved 7 BCAs/4
  applications
• Only one of these was for Forestry NOR02001
  Cleopus

5
Biological Control Agents (2)

• NOC04004 Cotesia urabae, Dolichogenidea
  eucalypti, Eriborus sp. and Euplectrus sp.
• NOC06009 Lepidoptera for pheromone identification

6
GM Pines

• GMF99001 To field test over 20 years Pinus
  radiata plants with genetic modifications in
  genes controlling reproductive development
  (Rotorua, Bay of Plenty)

7
New Forest Species

• NOR04003 To import for release Wollemia nobilis
• There have been no applications to import to
  field trial or release new tree species since 1998

8
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act

• Purpose To protect the environment, and the
  health and safety of people and communities, by
  preventing or managing the adverse effects of
  new organisms.

9
Adverse Beneficial Effects

• The effects to the environment, human health,
  Maori culture and traditions, society and
  communities, and the market economy must be
  considered and risk assessed.

10
However Minimum Standards

• Decline if significant
• Displacement native species
• Deterioration of natural habitats
• Adverse effects on human health and safety
• Adverse effects on New Zealands inherent genetic
  diversity
• Or likely to cause or vector disease
• However, only for releases not containment

11
The Goal is to Release

• Difficult high information content
• Expensive - public hearing

12
If You Want to Release

• Build it into your funding proposal
• Build it into your research programme
• HSNO is part of the science landscape

13
Fees

• From as little as 562.50 to a maximum of 33,750
  for a full lease
• There is room for negotiation