What’s the truth about de-extinction? – A New Zealand perspective. Director of Otago University’s Palaeogenetics Laboratory Associate Professor Nic Rawlence gives an Aotearoa New Zealand perspective on de-extinction. In this webinar Nic delves into the science, ethics, and indigenous concerns surrounding de-extinction. The talk is about an hour plus the time for questions. Not only…
The Palmerston North Bioinformatics Meeting celebrated its 10 anniversary with a pot luck dinner in September. The meeting is not affiliated with any university or public research organisation. It is open to anyone interested in the practice and profession of bioinformatics. Much of the foundational work for what GFANZ has become had its start in…
What’s the truth about de-extinction? – A New Zealand perspective. Date: October 14th 2025 Time: 11:00AM – 12:30PM De-extinction hit the headlines recently with the ‘resurrection’ of the dire wolf and the push to bring back the moa. However, can scientists actually de-extinct animals, and more importantly, should they bring them back? In this…
GFANZ President Rob Elshire gave an oral submission to the Health Select Committee on the Gene Technology Bill. The writing for this was a team effort by the GFANZ Council. Our position: GFANZ does not support this bill in its current state. We do, however, support a broad te Tiriti led process through which a…
GFANZ Council made a submission to the Gene Technology Bill 2024 noting significant flaws and omissions in the bill. We clearly acknowledge the potential utility of modern gene technologies for all people in Aotearoa. At the same time, we have serious concerns in regards to this bill around Māori rights and interests, honoring te Tiriti,…
This Special Issue: skúkum tílixam: Uniting to Support Indigenous Contributions to Molecular Ecology was co-edited by GFANZ council alumna Dr. Alana Alexander. There are great research articles, thoughtful insights, and useful resources. Most of the articles are open access, so anyone can read them. Excellent issue highlighting the work of Indigenous researchers in molecular ecology.
The following was submitted by GFANZ on Tuesday the 7th of January 2025. Comments: GFANZ is writing in complete opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill and recommends for it to be dropped without further activitity. Genomics for Aotearoa New Zealand (GFANZ) is a charitable organisation whose purpose is to promote the use of genomic science…
11th November 2024 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Genomics for Aotearoa New Zealand (GFANZ) is a charitable organisation whose purpose is to promote the use of genomic science for the benefit of all society. GFANZ affirms its support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and upholding Te Tiriti O Waitangi…
Data sharing is common practice amongst genomics researchers. So is not sharing. Open Science principles can be (and are) applied in ways that diminish or ignore benefit sharing. Māori communities may want to have control over access, use, and downstream benefits to their genetic data (human and taonga species). Is it technically possible to honor…
This is a new open-source database for sharing human viral pathogen genomic data. They aim to increase international collaboration and improve public health responses. To learn more or use the database, check out their web site: https://pathoplexus.org.