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gene technology bill: submission guide

posted on: January 16, 2025

by: Ceres Organics

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Take Action to Keep New Zealand GE-Free!

The proposed Gene Technology Bill threatens New Zealand’s GE-Free status. Passed by the Coalition Government on 17 December 2024, this bill now heads to the Health Select Committee. Submissions close on the 17th February 2025 – make your voice heard!

Why Oppose the Gene Technology Bill?
This bill undermines protections for our environment, economy, and communities by:

  • Ignoring Nature's Precautionary Principle: Risks to ecosystems and rural jobs are not protected.
  • Excluding Treaty of Waitangi Principles: Disregards Māori rights and perspectives.
  • Shifting Liability: No requirement for GE users to manage risks.
  • No Supply Chain Segregation: Farmers lose the ability to preserve GE-free crops.
  • No Labelling: Consumers and farmers won’t know which products are GE-exempt.
  • No Ethical Standards: Overlooks animal welfare and ethical concerns.
  • Ignoring Economic Risks: The value of New Zealand’s non-GMO exports is at stake.

Other Concerning Changes:

  • Removes local councils’ ability to enforce GE-free regions or protections under the RMA.

  • Deregulates GE techniques like gene editing and synthetic biology.

  • Creates a business-focused body, replacing the robust HSNO Act safeguards.

  • Defines new terms like "regulated organisms," removing transparency around GE.

  • Allows unlabelled, untested GE products (SDN1, SDN2) into NZ. These products, once released, are irreversible and can spread through natural pollination.

Your Voice Matters!
Submissions don’t need to be complex – simple, clear statements make a difference:

  • “No GE means No GE.”
  • “Keep New Zealand GE-Free.”
  • “Stop the Bill!”

Submission Tips:

  • Write in your own words for maximum impact.
  • Focus on issues that matter to you, such as environmental risks, economic concerns, or ethical standards.

Deadline: Monday, 17th February, 2025
Let’s work together to protect our GE-Free status and safeguard New Zealand’s future!


Make your submission here!

Alternatively, learn more about the GE Bill over on our KEEP NZ GE FREE page.