DNA testing is a relatively new technology, however it is beginning to have useful applications both in New Zealand and worldwide, including DNA and paternity testing to determine the father of a child.
What is a DNA test?
DNA testing is a technique used to distinguish between different individuals of a species by comparing samples of their DNA. Most humans have the vast majority of their genetic material in common; however there are specific markers that can be compared and analysed to establish distinctions. It is a rather scientific process that has been refined and these days New Zealand DNA testing can be done for a reasonable cost.
What is DNA testing used for in NZ?
A DNA test in New Zealand can be used to establish several things. DNA tests are used in forensic science, to match a suspect to samples of DNA, for example blood, saliva, semen or hair. Human remains can be identified, and organ donors matched, by the use of DNA testing in New Zealand. DNA testing has applications in the study of animal populations and some plant life. New Zealand DNA tests are also employed to determine the gender of an unborn child (this can be done from six weeks), verify whether extended families are related and authenticate ancestral genealogy. The latter is known as ‘genetic genealogy’, and is popular in New Zealand amongst those who wish to know more about where their ancestors came from, the origins of their surname and their ethnic background.
Paternity testing in NZ
A paternity test in New Zealand is undertaken to prove paternity, which is whether a man is the biological father of another individual. Paternity tests in NZ are becoming increasingly common as males become more aware of the problem of ‘misattributed paternity’, and seek to clarify their legal rights and duties surrounding paternity.
‘Misattributed paternity’ occurs when a male believe he is the biological father of a child, when in fact he is not. This is far more common than one may think; studies both in New Zealand and abroad have suggested that as many as 1 in 10 children have not been sired by the man who thinks he is their biological father. The numbers make for staggering reading; 400,000 adults and children in New Zealand possibly believe the wrong man is their genetic father.
The issue here for many NZ men is not only peace of mind, but also the matter of child support payments. There have been recent cases where men have paid child support for up to 18 years, only to discover through a paternity test that they were in fact not required to do so and have been compensated. Conservative estimates state that hundreds of millions of misdirected child support payments have and are currently being paid out in New Zealand.
Paternity testing kits
NZ paternity testing kits are available from several companies. They are increasingly in demand as New Zealanders become aware of the extent of misattributed paternity. Prices range from around $400, going up to over $1000. A court approved NZ paternity test will generally be more expensive. Using these kits involves taking a simple swab, normally from the inside of the mouth, and sending the kit back to the laboratory for analysis. Statistically these DNA testing kits are almost 100% accurate. The best places to look for paternity testing kits in NZ is to go online, with several websites offering a comprehensive service. Do your research on the companies before purchasing however, as some are better and more accurate than others.
Legal controversy
The problem for many fathers in NZ wishing to prove or disprove their parentage using DNA testing is that the court system has no power to order such a test without the consent of the mother. If the mother does not consent, the father may challenge this in court but it will be drawn out and expensive, and only a small number of cases have been won in this way. There is robust debate amongst lawmakers and politicians on the subject of paternity testing in NZ, with many wanting to ‘level the playing field’ and give courts the power to order a DNA test without a mother’s consent. Opposition to a change centres on compulsory DNA testing as invasive and a breach of civil rights. It will be interesting to see how this develops; with such an emotive issue as parentage, no doubt any changes will be hotly contested.
This article was kindly supplied by NZS, New Zealand Search. To learn more, click here.