The GE Tech Bill and What You Need to Know

The proposed Gene Technology Bill puts GE-Free NZ in jeopardy. Find out what this means and what you can do about it.  

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.

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.

Brendan Hoare, Managing Director of Buy Pure New Zealand and GE spokesperson for OANZ, provides insight on the proposed GE Tech Bill:

These proposed changes aren’t, as touted by proponents, a catch-up to align us with countries that permit GMO production—they’re a leap into the unknown, with no thorough understanding of the science, and no assurance of safety for our ecosystems and communities.

Your Voice Matters – Have Your Say!

Make a submission to parliament and help safeguard our environment, farmers, and future generations. Submissions close 17^th February, so click here and act now!

Submission is easy and can be done in minutes. Simply click here to go to the NZ parliament website, add your details, a few comments and submit. If you want to send a more in-depth submission, OANZ has a step-by-step Submission Guide with information and content to get you started.

The deadline for submission is 17^th February. Your voice is vital in ensuring New Zealand remains a place where nature thrives.

OANZ, GE FREE NZ and 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 step-by-step Submission Guide and a full Activation Toolkit.  Both are designed to help you effectively participate in the campaign against the Gene Tech Bill.

To learn more, get current news and stay up-to-date with what’s happening with the GE Tech Bill, click here.

GE FREE NZ, a non-profit organization, also provides a lot of information and assistance in making an informed submission.