The fight to protect people and the environment is back on.
The Gene Technology Bill would remove the strict regulations that have protected New Zealand.
Of 15,000 submissions, 97% opposed the Bill.
Today GE medicine and research is allowed in New Zealand but no GE/ GM crops are grown. All local fresh fruit and vegetables are GE-Free.
Supermarkets and big brands have GE-free policies to avoid GMO ingredients. We have a reputation for safe, natural food and exports thrive.
But New Zealand’s GE-Free advantage is now threatened by the Gene Technology Bill, and the new HSNO Amendment Bill.
Release of GMOs in the environment means they cannot be controlled. There will be contamination of nature and conventional food, pollen and honey.
Regional GE-Free zones like those in Northland and Hastings are no longer to be allowed. Local protections by councils for their growers, ratepayers and communities are being removed.
Sovereignty will be lost by allowing overseas decisions to be automatically accepted in New Zealand which will take away our competitive advantage.
On 11 May, 2026 a new bill to amend the HSNO Act was tabled in the New Zealand parliament.
It sets up a fast track to GE contamination, hidden behind more reasonable amendments to streamline approvals.
Farmers and exporters will be forced to accept GE contamination at the same level as overseas. There are no zero-contamination protections for Non-GMO producers. There are no ethical controls to prevent cruel experiments. The basic rights of farmers and consumers will be taken away as Gene Edited organisms are redefined and exempted from labelling.
The GE process matters.
Gene Edited products are different to products of traditional breeding.
The European Court of Justice agrees with the consumer. The court decided that there must be regulation of GE organisms.
EU Supermarkets are supporting their consumers’ right to know if food is GE. Retailers want regulation of Gene Editing “new breeding techniques”.
New Zealand supermarkets are being asked to do the same.
Independent scientists warn that the outcomes of gene technology cannot just be assumed to be safe.
Strict regulation of GMOs has given New Zealand an advantage. There is growing opportunity for GE-free food exports. Our world class reputation as clean, safe and GE-Free / NON-GMO gives us a point of difference against competitors in the US, Canada and Australia.
“We need to be very careful in terms of what we accept as valid evaluation of a genetically modified organism.
There’s much more involved than you are required to specify, in terms of evaluating what the risks are. Everything is much more complex.”
Dr Peter Wills
The movement to protect people and the environment goes on.
