IMPLICATIONS OF RADICAL GE REFORM

Welcome! This section is here to provide you with clear, accessible information about genetic engineering (GE) and the government’s proposed changes to New Zealand’s GE regulations. Read on to understand what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can stay informed and take action.

WATCH THE FIRST READING OF THE GENE TECHNOLOGY BILL - 17 DECEMBER 2024

Judith Collins- GE Tech bill first reading

The Gene Technology Bill was read in Parliament for the first time on 17 December 2024. We were incredibly proud to hear opposition parties quoting our work back in their speeches. This milestone proves your generosity's impact and how much further we can go together. Read our full media statement here.

THE ISSUE: THE GOVERNMENT IS FAST-TRACKING GE DEREGULATION

New Zealand is poised to become the most deregulated country in the world regarding genetic engineering (GE) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), with the government fast-tracking legislation that could see a new GE regime in place before the end of 2025. A bill is set to be presented in Parliament before Christmas, yet the government is deliberately omitting essential discussions on economic risk analysis and ethical considerations from the legislative process. Alarmingly, many MPs, members of the public, and farmers remain unaware of the implications of this proposed regime, echoing pro-GE rhetoric without grasping the scientific realities or potential consequences for our environment and agricultural sector. This lack of understanding presents a critical challenge as we navigate a profound shift that could fundamentally alter New Zealand's agricultural landscape.

The proposed reforms would:

Reduce Precautionary Measures: Shift New Zealand’s approach from its current precautionary stance to a more permissive one, potentially allowing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be released with fewer safeguards.
Relax Regulatory Standards: Move towards standards that could make New Zealand an “outlier” globally, even more relaxed than those of countries with well-established GMO industries.
Eliminate Traceability Requirements: If deregulation goes ahead, tracking GE products through the food supply could become more difficult, potentially impacting the “clean, green” brand that New Zealand is known for and removing freedom of choice for consumers.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR NEW ZEALAND

The potential impacts of these regulatory changes are significant. Here are a few key concerns:

Environmental Impact: Without strict regulations, GE crops or organisms could be released into the environment, potentially affecting local ecosystems and biodiversity in unpredictable ways. Organic and non-GE growers will bear cross-contamination risks and increased costs.
Economic and Trade Risks: New Zealand’s reputation for clean, safe, and GMO-free products is a competitive advantage in global markets. Relaxing GE rules could put this advantage at risk, especially for organic and high-value exports.
Consumer Choice and Transparency: Eliminating traceability could limit consumers’ ability to choose non-GE or organic options, as it becomes harder to identify GE products in the food supply.

Please download the Summary of Findings report from the OANZ Wellington Delegation 22-24 October 2024 for more information. DOWNLOAD REPORT >

OANZ IS WORKING TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND INFLUENCE POLICY

In October 2024, OANZ launched a campaign with the following objectives:

Raise Public Awareness: Inform the public about how the proposed GE/GMO regulations may affect the environment, global markets, and individual rights.
Empower Consumer Choice: Emphasise New Zealanders' right to farm or consume GE/GMO products.
Build Public Opposition: Highlight the lack of evidence supporting GE’s environmental and climate benefits and mobilise citizens to oppose deregulation.
Influence Policy: Apply public pressure on decision-makers to reconsider their stance on GE/GMO deregulation.