Could gene editing ease the burden on the country's biosecurity services?

Royal Society research suggests the technology could remove allergens from milk and make plants disease resistant.

But Otago University genetics expert Peter Dearden told Mike Hosking before using it to combat biosecurity concerns, more research needs to be done.

"At the moment, there are other ways we can better respond and detect pests coming into the country."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER DEARDEN SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING