In 2024, two treaties were signed to protect the rights of Indigenous groups. But the second one, signed in November with little fanfare, is the one that could protect Māori knowledge and design.
- Professor of Commercial Law, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
The newly signed global Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge might improve the patent system, but is unlikely to improve protection of Indigenous knowledge itself.
Innovation means creating and capturing value from new things. And it’s better for the Kiwi economy if investment in that innovation grows local industries and creates jobs.
New Zealand has entered several international agreements to access COVID-19 vaccines, but it should also amend domestic patent law and regulatory processes to prevent delays and costly negotiations.
Plant-based meats are disrupting the food market and some companies.
A food heath labelling system Australia and New Zealand introduced five years ago is under review and needs a significant overhaul to make it useful for consumers looking for healthy options.
While industry bodies fight over who can claim that their mānuka honey is authentic, Māori interests are often left out of the debate.
The bee product industry is booming and in unregulated markets, there is a strong economic incentive to cheat. Self regulation combined with legal deterrence could help clean up the sticky mess.
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