Updated 25 July 2024
The Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 contains a number of provisions that are intended to protect kaitiaki relationships with certain plant species. This includes the establishment of a Māori Plant Varieties Committee, whose role is to assess whether a Plant Variety Right (PVR) may have adverse effects on associated kaitiaki relationships.
Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 – New Zealand Legislation
Between 3 and 24 July 2024, we sought candidates for membership in the Māori Plant Varieties Committee. This expression of interest period has now closed, and our recruitment panel is now reviewing the submissions we have received.
Functions of the Māori Plant Varieties Committee
The role of the Māori Plant Varieties Committee is to assess whether the grant of a PVR will have adverse effects on one or more kaitiaki relationships with the plant variety that is the subject of the PVR application. As such, the Committee reviews applications referred by the PVR Office, makes determinations regarding relevant kaitiaki relationships, and provides these determinations and any advice to the PVR Office.
The Māori Plant Varieties Committee also assesses certain Māori elements in PVR applications, such as situations where the use or approval of a proposed denomination may be offensive to Māori. The PVR Office may also seek the Committee’s advice on other matters relevant to the criteria for granting a PVR.
The Committee is also expected to develop and publicly notify its requirements on the making and hearing of submissions. The Committee is responsible for issuing engagement guidelines, providing advice to PVR applicants and kaitiaki, and may also conduct investigations to carry out its functions where appropriate.
Members of the Māori Plant Varieties Committee are appointed for terms of up to 4 years, and are required to review applicable PVR applications on an ongoing basis. Members will also spend time developing committee guidelines and attending committee meetings and hearings. Members may be required to travel to other locations to conduct engagements.
Recruitment process for the Māori Plant Varieties Committee
The expression of interest period for the Māori Plant Varieties Committee recently closed on 24 July 2024.
Our recruitment panel is now reviewing received submissions, and all candidates will be contacted by mid-August 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, which will be conducted in-person in Wellington, or online.
After all interviews are completed, the recruitment panel will convene to discuss all shortlisted candidates and provide recommendations to the Commissioner for Plant Variety Rights. The Commissioner will then consult the Secretary for Māori Development, and determine the preferred candidates for appointment. Successful candidates will receive letters of appointment and will be publicly announced.
Please direct all questions and clarifications on the recruitment of members for the Māori Plant Varieties Committee to MPVCappointment@mbie.govt.nz.