Celebrating 20 Years of DNA Forensics in New Zealand

I would like to thank Environmental Science and Research (ESR), the Royal Society and Science New Zealand for organising this event, and welcome my Cabinet and Parliamentary colleagues; Sir Geoffrey Palmer; and Justices Andrew Tipping and Bill Wilson. May I also acknowledge the recently retired Dr Geoff Chambers, from Victoria University, who was one of the pioneers in bringing DNA evidence into the New Zealand justice system.

Twenty years ago DNA evidence was presented in a New Zealand court for the first time, leading to the conviction of Michael Pengelly for murder.  Since then, DNA evidence has been linked to suspects in over 13,000 cases, assisting in convictions for murder, sexual assault and burglary. It has also led to the acquittal of those who were falsely imprisoned, such as David Dougherty and Aaron Farmer.

DNA evidence is valued for its precision and uniqueness to individuals. Such evidence enables the justice system to pinpoint the criminal suspects, and to quickly exclude the innocent.

A central figure in the success of DNA evidence is this evening's speaker, Dr Peter Gill. In 1985, Dr Gill and his colleagues in the UK demonstrated for the first time that DNA could be obtained from crime scene stains.

Since this demonstration, DNA forensics have been used to solve cases in real time and also to unlock cases from the past. The case of Maureen McKinnel is a fine example - she was murdered in Arrowtown in 1987. The crime was unsolved, but in 2001, newer DNA forensic technology led to a DNA profile being extracted from the victim's nails. This profile was eventually matched to Jarod Mangels, who was in custody for a different crime. He was convicted of Maureen McKinnel's murder in 2004.

The success of DNA evidence in criminal trials has led to an increasing public awareness and understanding about the role of DNA in criminal justice. In a popular sense, this was evident in TV series like CSI. In the never-ending contest between criminals and police, criminals are now taking actions to prevent shedding DNA. This means that forensic scientists must continue to develop their technology. For instance, scientists are looking at ways to use the DNA profiles of bacteria found at a scene, and match this back to the DNA of bacteria carried on and within the perpetrator.

The use and success of DNA forensics in the New Zealand justice system has depended on the ongoing scientific and service expertise at ESR. In 1987, the forensics team who are now at ESR recognised the need for DNA forensics in New Zealand, and initially sent a team to train with Dr Gill in the UK. Members of that original group are here this evening.

The value that ESR had created by providing forensic services to the New Zealand Police can be measured by the number of suspects that ESR has helped identify. New Zealand's DNA Database, established at ESR in 1996, has the world's highest DNA matching rate. We must also acknowledge that these services create public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system.

I know some of you are interested in the findings of recently completed CRI Taskforce report.  My colleague Bill English and I have received the report and the Government is now considering their recommended changes to the CRI system.  We expect to release the report and our response later next month.

I note that in ESR's case, their forensic service and science are an example of the role we want CRIs to play. They are there to support not just the New Zealand economy, but some of the crucial functions of society. The justice system, like the pastoral sector and regional councils, has specific science needs. ESR has successfully enhanced the ability of the justice system to function, and I look forward to continuing innovation and success in DNA forensic technology for the next 20 years.