Keep Up to Date on the GE Tech Bill

The proposed Gene Technology Bill puts GE-Free NZ in jeopardy. Find out how the situation is progressing and how important it is we all stay involved.  

New Zealand is on the verge of becoming one of the most deregulated countries in the world for genetic engineering (GE)/genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The government is pushing legislation to establish a new GE regime by the end of 2025.

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is calling on the government to make critical amendments to the proposed Gene Technology Bill to ensure the survival and continued success of the country’s organic sector.

Submissions have closed but the fight isn’t over.

Parliament received 15,000+ submissions on the Gene Tech Bill. This is a great result and demonstrates what collective efforts can accomplish. BUT we need to continue this fight or GE deregulation will become law.

What’s Next?

Written submissions have closed, and oral submissions have started.  There are 400 submitters who will present their views to the Health Committee in Parliament. OANZ members and lawyers will present on 26 March 2025. This is a significant opportunity to push for key amendments to the proposed GE Tech Bill, to ensure GMOs are not released into our environment and for necessary protection for consumers, farmers and organic producers.

The Key Amendments outlined by OANZ

1. Civil liability provisions must be strengthened to ensure those responsible for gene-modified organism (GMO) contamination to bear the costs, not organic farmers.

2. Mandatory traceability for all GMOs, including labelling be made essential to protect organic certification and market access.

3. Co-existence measures must be robust to prevent GMO contamination and preserve New Zealand’s organic sector.

4. Independent decision-making on exemptions – that an independent Gene Technology Regulator, not a Minister, should determine exemptions to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure science-based decisions.

Scott Lawson, OANZ Board Member, says

Without these essential changes, the Bill threatens New Zealand’s global reputation as a leader in sustainable, GE-free food production. If passed in its current form, it could jeopardise jobs, exports, and consumer trust.

How can you help?

Alongside oral submissions, it’s essential businesses, organisations and the public (that’s you and me!) turn up the pressure.  Action needs to remain strong and we need to say NO to GE in our food system. Write to your MP, tell your supermarket, speak up in the media, share on social media, talk to family, friends and colleagues or organise discussion groups. Use this handy Activation Toolkit for letter templates, media tiles and resources.

An overview of GE in NZ and the Proposed GE Tech Bill  

What is Genetic Engineering?

Genetic engineering or gene editing is a technology that allows scientists to manipulate, modify or recombine the DNA of an organism, plant or animal, both within and across species.  This creates GMOs.

Current GE Regulations in New Zealand

Currently there is a precautionary approach with strict regulations and rules around the use of GE in New Zealand. Therefore, NZ is currently GE free, meaning there are no GE crops in our pastures, no GE seeds are used, and no GE fruits and vegetables are grown. This cautious approach also protects nature from GE organisms entering the environment.

As an island nation, New Zealand has a unique position of maintaining GE pastures and crops, without the high risk of cross contamination. This allows New Zealand farmers to claim and label their produce as GE free. This is a huge benefit to NZ exporters as there is a big global market for GE free food. 

What is the GE Technology Bill and what Would it Mean for New Zealand?

The proposed bill will deregulate genetic engineering, which includes reduced precautionary measures, unregulated use of GE products and a lack of traceability and labelling of GMOs in food products. This could allow GE crops and products to enter New Zealand’s fields without sufficient testing, risking farmer livelihoods and consumer rights.

In summary, deregulation of GE threatens New Zealand’s food systems, environment, economy and consumer’s freedom of choice. The government’s fast track of this bill does not offer sufficient time for research, consultations or the public to get informed and have their say.

The proposed bill does not require GMO foods to be labelled, therefore taking away the right to choose. Currently in NZ, there are no GE crops, so when buying NZ grown produce, you don’t have to consider the effects of purchasing and eating GMO food.

Certified organic crops and food products do not allow the use of GMOs. If GE is not regulated, traced and labelled, it puts organic food at risk. This has a far-reaching impact on consumers, growers, farmers and exporters in New Zealand.

Resources & Further Information

OANZ (Organic Aotearoa New Zealand) is the umbrella organization that looks after the entire organic sector in NZ. OANZ has worked hard to get in front of parliament and give a voice to the organic industry.

OANZ provides a handy Activation Toolkit, designed to help you effectively participate in the campaign against the Gene Tech Bill.