It's been touted as the solution to solving our pest problem, but scientists say gene-drive technology is too powerful to use.

The technology, which is being developed overseas, would introduce a genetic variant to spread infertility among pests.

Many in New Zealand say that it is a major trump card in the push towards our goal of being predator-free by 2050.

However, University of Otago Professor Neil Gemmell said there needs to be an open discussion about the technology.

"Let's be aware of what the risks are. Let's have the conversations about how we can develop better tools, and let's have the conversations with the global community about what we're trying to do, what they're trying to do, and see if there is an international mandate."

Gemmell said launching the technology would be premature.

"First generation of that technology looks to be too powerful and what we would like us to be focusing on is how can we develop generation two or generation three technology which we can turn off and on as we like."