Figure: Assessment process for releasing GM organisms in New Zealand

Text description of figure

The diagram shows the steps in the process for releasing GM organisms into the environment.

The first step is that an application is lodged with ERMA. The applicant must provide ERMA with all information about all the effects the organism will have.

The second step is that ERMA notifies the public that it has received the application and calls for submissions.

ERMA then receives public submissions on the application and conducts hearings.

After this ERMA considers all information and makes a decision to approve (with or without conditions) or decline the application.

The final step is for ERMA to publicly notify its decision.

Note:
ERMA's decision can be appealed to the High Court on points of law, as can the procedure ERMA followed to come to its decision.