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· HIGH COURT RULING ON GMOs SHOWS THAT COUNCILS OF AUCKLAND/NORTHLAND PENINSULA HA
(Jun 16, 2009)
· High Court ruling gives nod to ARC’s cautious take on GMOs
(Jun 16, 2009)
· HIGH COURT GE DECISION A VICTORY FOR NEW ZEALANDERS
(Jun 07, 2009)
· GM animal applications invalid – High Court appeal upheld
(Jun 07, 2009)
· Federated Farmers of NZ praise GM free grass
(Jun 05, 2009)
· LOCAL AUTHORITIES CONSULT RATEPAYERS ON GMO LAND USE
(Apr 09, 2009)
· GMO Views To Be Aired
(Apr 07, 2009)
· Stop acting like Muppets and cancel all GE trials
(Mar 12, 2009)
· FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL JOINS OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN REGIONAL SURVEY REGA
(Oct 09, 2008)
· FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL JOINS OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN REGIONAL SURVEY REG
(Oct 09, 2008)
· Far North Joins Regional Survey on GMOs
(Oct 07, 2008)
· Mayor backs ban on GMOs
(Sep 14, 2008)
· Report exposes Government inaction over GE
(Apr 17, 2008)
· Restore Moratorium: GE FailuresThreaten National Interest
(Apr 17, 2008)
· Proposed release of GE vaccine will be protested - Greens
(Mar 13, 2008)
· Demise of GE Sapling Trees.
(Jan 18, 2008)
· Credibility of Food Safety Regulation takes a Significant Hit
(Dec 29, 2007)
· Pamela Peters
(Oct 10, 2007)
· Simon Bliss
(Oct 10, 2007)
· Jimmy Daisley
(Oct 10, 2007)
· Warren Slater
(Oct 07, 2007)
· Vince Cocurullo
(Oct 07, 2007)
· Don Hedges
(Oct 07, 2007)
· Simon Vallings
(Oct 07, 2007)
· Stan Semenoff
(Oct 07, 2007)
· GE onus belongs with polluters, central Government
(Jul 31, 2007)
· LOCAL AUTHORITIES EXPOSE FLAWS IN THE HSNO ACT WHICH MEANS THAT RESPONSIBILITY F
(Jul 25, 2007)
· Responsiblity for GE clean ups would land on local government and local land own
(Jul 24, 2007)
· Former Crop & Food Scientist says GE Brassica field test approval lacked scrutin
(Jun 02, 2007)
· GE Brassica Approval Lacks Common Sense - But Nice Job For Some
(Jun 01, 2007)
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GE TELEPHONE POLL IN AUCKLAND AND NORTHLAND PENINSULA (COLMAR BRUNTON)
Recently the Auckland Regional Council and most of the territorial authorities north of Auckland right up to Cape Reinga carried out collaborative community consultation on Genetically Modified Organisms.
As part of the community consultation on GE, Colmar Brunton was commissioned to conduct a telephone survey during late July - early August to get ratepayers and residents opinions on GMOs.
They apparently asked those they rang whether ratepayers are satisfied with current national regulation by central government agencies ERMA and MAF (under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996) or whether people would like local councils to regulate GMOs in some way.
Survey participants who advocate regulation of GMO land use by local councils were asked their opinion on regulation of GMOs versus outright prohibition.
GE FREE NORTHLAND strongly supports (in view of the incompetence of central government agencies like ERMA and MAF and the flaws and gaps in the HSNO Act) local regulation of GMO land use.
Our preference is for outright prohibition of all GMO land use and GMO aquaculture until such time as a truly strict liability regime is put in place, the risks are adequately identified and evaluated, credible systems for ensuring the protection of organic and conventional primary production, and genetic engineering shows some evidence of benefit overseas.
To date, GE crops have performed poorly (with a significant yield drag, despite promises of higher yields) and there are growing concerns about adverse impacts on the environment and on human and animal health.
This has always been a debate between those scientists who refuse to acknowledge the growing body of evidence showing that GE is not inherently safe or predictable, and those scientists who are sceptical of GE.
Please note that there will also be a submission process that you can participate in, we will endeavor to keep you informed.
****
From RURAL WOMEN ALIVE E- newsletter #87, l0 June 2009
Risks of GMO Land Use
Auckland and Northland communities are having an opportunity to air their views on Genetic Engineering (GE) and how Auckland and Northland councils should deal with field trials and/or commercial releases of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Seven councils on the inter council working party on GMO Risk Evaluation and Management Options will engage in community consultation including a telephone poll to gauge public opinion.
Chairperson Dr Kerry Grundy said two major reports commissioned by the Working Party have identified a range of risks involved with trialling and releasing GMOs, including environmental, socio-cultural risks and economic risks.
For further information contact Dr Kerry Grundy, Whangarei District Council on (09)4304200 (during council hours) or Freephone 0800 WDC INFO/0800 932 463 or
email: kerryg@wdc.govt.nz.
ENDS
DO YOU TRUST CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE GENETIC ENGINEERING SAFELY?
Let's support councils from South Auckland to Cape Reinga in their efforts to keep the ratepayers of the region safe from potentially exorbitant costs, if ever a GE field trial or release approved by ERMA went wrong.
Recent events have shown central government agencies MAF and ERMA not only to be incompetent, but even failing to act in accordance with law.
-Conditions on field tests are not properly monitored or enforced by MAF
-GE plants were allowed to flower illegally
-The High Court has just overturned an illegal ERMA decision on GE animals.
-There is no strict liability under the HSNO Act nor is ERMA required to take a precautionary approach to Genetically Modified Organisms.
IF ASKED, SUPPORT YOUR COUNCILS WHO WANT TO PROTECT YOU AS A RATEPAYER, BY REGULATING GMO LAND USE ACROSS AUCKLAND/NORTHLAND PENINSULA
WE CANNOT RELY ON CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO PROTECT FARMERS AND OUR ENVIRONMENT
All GE field trials since the botched GE tamarillo trial (HortResearch) at Kerikeri have achieved nothing.
Our GM-free primary producers are worth billions to our country. They must be protected.
Central government has done little to ensure this.
We value NZ's reputation as a producer of high quality, nutritious GM free produce. Let's keep it that way.
New Zealand became nuclear-free, excluding nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors, not by leadership from central Government but by a citizens' movement acting through local councils.
A similar movement is now starting to bring GMO land-use under control.
GE FREE NORTHLAND
www.gefreenorthland.org.nz
GE FREE NZ
www.gefree.org.nz
more information:
email: zlg@xnet.co.nz 09 4322155 (Whangarei)
09 407 8650 (Kerikeri) |
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Progress made by the Inter Council Working Party on GMOs
All Northland peninsula territorial authorities and some Auckland authorities are now on board to commence collaborative GE community consultation (including a submission process and a telephone poll) as the first step in investigating local options for regulating or prohibiting GMO land use
Member councils of the Inter Council Working Party on GMO Risk Evaluation & Options who are providing funding for and participating in the collaborative GE comunity consultaiton include to date:
Auckland Regional Council, Waitakere City Council, Rodney District Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council.
Auckland Regional Council and Northland Regional Council are also looking at the option of placing a provision in the Regional Policy Statement, controlling or prohibiting GMO land use and GMO aqauculture.
The ICWP on GMOs met in Whangarei last Friday the 3rd of April 2009, to discuss progressing the collaborative GE community consultation (including a submission process and a telephone poll).
The approved minutes of this last meeting of the ICWP on GMOs are not yet available, but please contact Dr. Kerry Grundy of WDC for more information, key policy documents on GE, along with other appendixes..
More information:
ring 09 4322155 (GE FREE NORTHLAND)
or email: zlg@xnet.co.nz
or
contact the Chairman/Coordinator of the ICWP on GMOS
Dr. Kerry Grundy of Whangarei District Council
09 430 4200
or email: kerryg@wdc.govt.nz |
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www.indymedia.org.nz/
Peoples Moratorium Enforcement Agency statement
Genetically modified trees cut down at Rotorua
Anti-GM protestors have cut down l9 genetically modified pine trees at a research site near Rotorua. The attack happened at some stage over the weekend.
A 1.5 metre hole was found along the fenceline, made of 3.5 metre high electrified wire. The crop destroyers are assumed to have burrowed through that hole before chopping down the trees, almost 1/4 of the 80 trees on the site.
Police found a spade with a "GE Free New Zealand" sticker on it leaning up against the fence. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Rotorua site was the same one protested against in 2005, where four people were arrested, one of whom was also pepper sprayed by Police. That protest was organised by the People's Moratorium Enforcement Agency, who have celebrated the weekend's action.
“The destruction of the GE trees in Rotorua highlights the resistance to genetic engineering in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Because ERMA is not stopping GE material from being released into the environment, the people of Aotearoa have to intervene,” said PMEA spokesperson Felicity Perry.
Links: PMEA Press Release |
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Editorial comment
6 Sept 07 Bay Chronicle
"Make GMO's an election issue"
By Keri Molloy
Before you vote in the upcoming election, consider the big issue of genetic engineering. Your part in choosing our decision makers is crucial in this respect.
Now that the Government has foisted risks from genetic engineering on to local government, it's time the Far North stopped pussyfooting around. The gist of it is that the Government has decided that if contamination occurs, it will be the person affected by the pollution not the polluter who will pay.
The bio-tech companies, who develop the technology and the parties releasing the GMOs, will not be liable for costs arising from harm caused to other land users or to the environment. This is unfair and immoral.
Now with Auckland and other councils joining forces to fight this ruling, there is an opportunity for cost sharing for FNDC. Geneticists agree the science is in its infancy. Scientists simply don't know the consequences or, for that matter, how best to assess the long-term impact of this technology. It is deeply disturbing that the polluted will have to carry the can.
Ponder this: According to Canadian scientist David Suzuki genetically modified, or 'transgenic' crops are now common place on North American farms and most Americans have no idea just how pervasive this technology has become.
He says concerns held 10 years ago that transgenic organisms could inadvertently disrupt ecosystems by harming other organisms are apparently warranted. Transgenic crops can interact with other creatures in the environment in many ways and it is acknowledged that transgenic crops should be subject to the thorough and independent scientific scrutiny.
According to a recent article in the publication, Trends in Plant Science, assessing the risks associated with geneflow from GM crops to wild relatives is a 'significant scientific challenge'. "Most researchers have focused on assessing the frequency of gene flow, too often on a localised scale, and ignoring the hazards caused by geneflow. To quantify risk, multi-disciplinary research teams need to unite and scale up their studies."
While other places rush headlong into the unknown to be at the cutting edge, we in the north of New Zealand still have the opportunity to stand out and claim a valuable niche GE Free status.
The Far North District Council need not have waited the year it took for the Government to clarify liability issues. It could have taken a stronger stand. We could already be well down the path to incorporating appropriate changes in our district plan.
The Inter-council Working Party on GMO Risk Evaluation and Management Options comprises the Whangarei, Far North, Kaipara and Rodney District Councils, the Waitakere and Auckland City Councils and the Northland Regional Council.
Whangarei District Council is already committed to investigating ways of maintaining its district free from GMOs until outstanding issues such as liability, economics, environmental risks and cultural effects are resolved. It has budgeted $l0,000 to fund community consultation on regulating GMOs at a local and regional level.
FNDC should revisit its earlier decision not to spend money on collaborative GE work with the other councils. And candidates in the upcoming elections should get up to speed with this issue. One way to press for an exclusion zone for GMOs, if this is what you want, is to make sure you elect people who have done some homework and are prepared to lead.
ENDS
QUESTIONS BEING ASKED (BY GE FREE NORTHLAND) of potential candidates for the Northland councils:
Q. Now that central government has acknowledged* that costs will fall on councils or existing land users in the event of subsequent unforseen or unintended damage occuring from a GE release that is in accordance with a ERMA approval (including all general GE releases, plus conditional releases and GE field trials) do you support:
l. your District/Region remaining GM free until risks including liability are satisfactorily resolved
2. your District and/or Regional council implementing rules into their policy documents (District Plan/Regional Plan) regulating GMO land uses in addition to national regulation under the HSNO Act (administered by operational agency ERMA)
3. A Regional Exclusion Zone for GMOs for Northland/Auckland peninsula
4. (for Regional Councillor hopefuls)
Do you support a change to the Regional Policy statement to include a provision prohibiting GMO land use? |
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AUCKLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL JOINS THE INTER COUNCIL WORKING PARTY ON GMOs
Whangarei District Council was notified this week that Auckland Regional Council has decided to join the inter council Working Party on GMOs.
ARC CEO Peter Winder wrote to the WDC advising Dr. Kerry Grundy (the staff coordinator of the inter council Working Party on GMOs) of this important decision.
The ARC's concerns about GMO land use have grown due to the lack of strict liability, the risks of GMO's, as well as the numerous anti-GMO submissions made to the ARC draft Long Term Council Community Plan 2006-16). Well done ARC!
An approach will now be made to the territorial authorities (Franklin, North Shore, Manakau) under the auspices of the ARC with a view to further strengthening the inter council Working Party on GMOs.
Local authorities will continue to lobby central government to address the serious flaws/gaps in the HSNO Act, the lack of strict liability and to explore options for incorporating rules controlling or prohibiting the use of GMOs in this region.
Member councils of the inter council Working Party on GMOs now include:
Whangarei District Council
Kaipara District Council
Far North District Council
Northland Regional Council
Rodney District Council
Waitakere City Council
Auckland City Council
Auckland Regional Council
More info from GE FREE NORTHLAND:
09 4322155
or Whangarei District Council
Dr. Kerry Grundy
email: kerryg@wdc.govt.nz
tel 09 430 4200 |
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GE agenda item for 19 July 2007 Whangarei District Council Environmental Services Committee meetin
www.wdc.govt.nz/agendas_online/ES_19072007/Agenda%20ES%2019%20July%202007%20-%20UPDATE%20ON%20GE%20INITIATIVES.html
A GE agenda item went to the Whangarei District Council's Environmental Services Committee meeting on Thursday 19 July. This was largely an update of councillors on the outcome of the Working Party's meeting on 8 June. and was very well received.
The agenda item (prepared by WDC staff who are working in accordance with council precautionary policy on GE as adopted in the WDC adopted LTCCP 2006-16 in response to numerous anti GMO submissions) is available on the Coucil's website.
www.wdc.govt.nz
It also contains links to a number of highly interesting documents, including a (inadequate)response from the Minister David Benson Pope in reponse to the concerns of the Northland peninsula councils about the risks of GMO land use and the lack of strict liability (which puts farmers and other ratepayers at risk)
More info: 09 4322155 |
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ERMA makes yet another flawed decision
The decision by ERMA to approve 10-years of field trials of GE brassica is a defeat for common sense and undermines the Authority's credibilty as a regulatory body.
It just goes to show that with the moratorium on GE releases (as well as GE field trials) lifted, all regions of NZ are at risk from GMO land use if local authorities don't prohibit GMO land use.
At any moment a multinational like Monsanto or Crown Research Institute can apply to ERMA and get approval for risky experiments that can harm the environment and primary producers.
The following is an excerpt from a letter to the editor of the Christchurch Press from Dr. Elvira Dommisse (formerly a GE scientist at Crop & Food)
"That Dr Mary Christey is "rapt" with the decision by ERMA to allow the GE brassicas to be grown at Lincoln, is disturbing news to the many submitters who presented compelling evidence at the ERMA hearing that this field trial was not scientifically or environmentally sound.
Even more disturbing is Dr Christey's claim that this could result in a reduction in pesticide use (The Press, 29.5, A4). It is not a reduction is pesticide use, just a shift in pesticide type. Instead of brassicas being sprayed to kill pest caterpillars, the GE brassicas will produce high concentrations of internal pesticides throughout their growth cycle.
These pesticides are not 'natural' as claimed, but highly modified, sometimes synthetic, pumped up versions of a natural insecticide which has been sparingly used by organic farmers for years." |
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PROTECT FAR NORTHS EXISTING GM FREE STATUS
Submissions needed to the Far North District Council draft Annual Plan 2007-8
Deadline for submissions: 23 April 2007 5pm
For more information or to order a copy of the draft Annual Plan ring 0 800 920 029
Or email: ask.us@fndc.govt.nz
Post submissions to: Far North District Council, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe, 0400
Northland
Some key points you could make about GE:
Ask council to budget $l0,000 this year for work on GE (in order to protect the Far North Districts existing GM free status), specifically as a contribution towards the collaborative community consultation on GE being undertaken this year by various Northland peninsula territorial authorities.
Let council you are not happy that council reversed its original decision to budget $l0,000 for this purpose last year and you would like to see this funding reinstated and FNDC actually honor the Memorandum of Understanding with GE Free Northland.
Note council should mention the widespread concern of Far North ratepayers about GMO land use in its draft Annual Plan, and the importance of council acting to protect ratepayers and manage natural and physical resources in a sustainable manner.
More information, contact GE FREE NORTHLAND in food & environment:
Email: zlg@xnet.co.nz
Tel. 09 407 8650 (Kerikeri) Chairperson Martin Robinson
09 432 2155 (Whangarei)
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MAF suspends replanting of fields after more GE corn germinates
from Royal society NZ website
Items Web-mounted on Monday, 18 December 2006
MAF suspends replanting of fields after more GE corn germinates Some of the GE seeds have only just germinated
Compensation Sought Over Corn Bungle
Govt May Face $1m Bill For Corn Botchup
15/12/2006
NZPA
Tractors are already at work destroying GE contaminated sweetcorn plantings on Gisborne and Hawke's Bay farms.
A Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry spokesman said the 258.4ha of sweetcorn - just over 201ha on 13 properties in Hawke's Bay, and 57ha on five Gisborne farms - will be harrowed.
Farmers will be able to replant as soon as the work is done, which may mean some will be able to get replacement crops in the ground before Christmas.
Syngenta, the American company that provided the GE-contaminated sweetcorn seed sown in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne, has said growers will be compensated for their losses.
A spokesman for Syngenta, John Walsh, said it appeared a reasonable amount of the land on which crops are being destroyed can be replanted - up to 80 percent around Gisborne and about 20 percent in Hawke's Bay.
Beyond that Syngenta would compensate farmers for their costs and loss of income, he said. "Syngenta will meet all its obligations," he said. `It sent seed that was not fit for purpose."
Syngenta executives, including Australasian managing director Peter Gerner, have met food processors in both regions.
Many of the crops were intended for food processor Cedenco, which produces 10 percent of Japan's corn powder. That market has a high threshold in terms of low chemical residues and zero tolerance for genetically engineered content.
Cedenco has previously said sweetcorn was one of its core products - alongside squash and onions - and that the ability of growers in Gisborne and northern Hawke's Bay to produce large volumes of sweetcorn gives it a competitive edge.
A Federated Farmers spokesman for graingrowers in Hawke's Bay, Hugh Ritchie, of Otane, told NZPA that if resowing the crops was not an option, growers should be covered not only for the cost of growing the corn, but for their expected net profit.
ENDS |
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NZ shooting itself in the food if GE Food Trials allowed
GE FREE NZ Press Release
Tuesday, 31 Oct 2006
GE Free NZ believes the application submitted by Crop and Food to ERMA for a field trial on GM cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli should be withdrawn, or stopped by the New Zealand government.
Given the international rejection by consumers of GE foods the application must be regarded as foolhardy and economically unsound, especially in light of the Prime Minister's call for New Zealand to be a leader in sustainability to protect our international markets.
The EU and Japan have effectively closed their markets to GM imports in response to the public demand for non-GM food. New Zealand's brand -reputation will be threatened by government-funded institutes pushing down the GE path rather than investing in research into production of clean and natural food that consumers actually want.
"Consumers do not trust GM and the main way it is being sold at all is through deliberate deception and keeping customers in the dark. Even most US shoppers agree with people from around the world that they do not want to be eating unlabelled GE food sneaking into their food-chain," says Claire Bleakley of GE Free NZ.
"New Zealand Crown Research Institutes are doing the country a disservice by continuing to pursue GE experiments long after they have reached their expiry date in the real world of consumer markets where the customer is 'right'."
GM crops that have been genetically modified with the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene can make them deadly to catterpillars and butterflies. But over the last ten years pests and diseases have been becoming resistant to the inserted insecticide and in some cases target insects are again damaging the GM crop.
"This is short-term thinking that is coming home to roost, and it is poorly conceived science that is to blame" says Jon Carapiet from GE Free NZ.
"The toxin produced by Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a common organic insecticide. When used as a spray, it is non- toxic and easily washed off. However, when the Bt gene is inserted into the plant, the Bt toxin is expressed in every cell and cannot be washed away. It has proven to have a very different environmental effect over time."
The particular crops under threat are also particularly concerning given the brassica (cabbage) family is highly promiscuous. Wrightsons conducted a detailed study on brassicas and discovered that "crosses occur between all species and sub species within the genus" and "seedlot contamination with all brassica species is common but visually difficult to detect". Wind, insects, animals and farm workers can all spread the seed and pollen, resulting in cross-pollination of other cultivated or weedy brassicas.
" While the rest of the world is moving to assisted classical plant breeding techniques using genetic markers to assist, Crop and Food is wasting scarce R&D money on a GM product that no one wants" says Claire Bleakley.
"However, most concerning is that overseas experience has started to reveal how the GM techniques being used can negatively impact the health of animals and people. There have been deaths recorded in animals eating Bt foods and severe adverse effects observed in people handling and living near Bt crops."
A ten year study in Australia on peas (Pisum sativum) genetically modified to contain a gene from the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Tendergreen) resulted in detrimental effects on the health of laboratory rats. The mice developed antibodies specific to the protein, hypersensitive skin response, airway inflammation and mild lung damage.
"Are we to understand that the Government has gone mad with its budget surplus that it will allow its CRI to jeopardise the health of New Zealanders and agricultural economy of the farming sector by allowing GM broccoli,cabbage and cauliflowerfield trials? "
GE Free NZ requests that the government call in the Crop and Food application.
ENDS
Claire Bleakley 06 3089842 Mob:027 348 673
Jon Carapiet 0210 507 681
References
Wrightsons submission to MAF on protocol for seed testing."Brassica Cross pollination", Dr Stewart Gowers, Forage Brassica breeder, Crop and Food Research.
RI Vazquez Padron et al (1999) Intragastric and intraperitoneal administration of Cry1Ac protoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis induces systemic and mucosal antibody responses in mice. Life Sciences, 64, 1897-1912.
A Pusztai (2001) Genetically modified foods: are they a risk to human/animal health? http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/pusztai.html (and in press).
Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmers’ Health (in Barwani and Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh) Investigation Report, Oct - Dec 2005, www.GMWatch_org.htm
Mortality in Sheep Flocks after grazing on Bt Cotton fields, – Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh,Report of the Preliminary Assessment, April, 2006 www.GMWatch_org.htm
Chowdhury EH, Kuribara H, Hino A, Sultana P, Mikami O, Shimada N, Guruge KS, Saito M, Nakajima Y. Detection of corn intrinsic and recombinant DNA fragments and Cry1Ab protein in the gastrointestinal contents of pigs fed Genetically modified corn Bt11. J. Animal Science 2003, 81, 2546-51
Vanessa E. Prescott, Peter M. Campbell, Andrew Moore, Joerg Mattes, Marc E. Rothenberg, Paul S. Foster, T. J. V. Higgins, and Simon P. Hogan*, Transgenic __Expression of Bean -Amylase Inhibitor in Peas Results in Altered Structure and Immunogenicity, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2005, vol 53 (23), p 9023-9030. |
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FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL HOLDS GE WORKSHOP AT KAIKOHE THURS 24 AUGUST
Far North District Council held (as a result of much lobbying for them to be more proactive on the GE Issue) a GE Workshop on "Issues of local liability related to the release of GMOs in the environment and potential solutions" as part of Council's meeting (open to the public) on Thursday, 24 August.
The venue was Council' chambers, Memorial Avenue Kaikohe.
The presenters were:
Simon Terry - Simon Terry Associates (co-author of the GE Report recently commissioned by all the Northland peninsula territorial authorities "Community Management of GMOs II- Risks & Response Options"
Dr Roydon Summerville QC - top RMA QC, author of legal opinion re: GE commissioned by all the Northland peninsula territorial authorities
central government agencies:
Russell Harding - MfE
Libby Harrison- ERMA
(defending central govt's position on GE and the HSNO Act)
This was a great opportunity to hear a leading QC provide clarification on the complex liability issue and what local communities can do to protect themselves from Genetically Modified Organisms.
Unfortunately the Mayor Yvonne Sharp and CEO Clive Manley refused to allow questions from members of the public. After considerable protest, a few handwritten questions were allowed to be passed forward to be read to the panelists.
There is growing concern that FNDC is not acting on its duty of care to Far North ratepayers and the environment, trying to "pass the buck" re: GE to central government agencies and ignoring the wishes of Far North ratepayers (l70+ anti GMO land use submissions were made to the FNDC draft LtCCP 2006-16) who wanted council to adopt a strong precautionary appproach to GMO land use and put in place strong rules in the District Plan.
A Formal Complaint will be made shortly to the Ombudsman regarding FNDC breaches of the Memorandum of Understanding with GE FREE NORTHLAND (a formal complaint was made to the FNDC CEO on 8 August 2006 but FNDC has failed to respond in a satisfactory manner). |
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Breaking News- Local Authorities Work Programme on GE
We are pleased to share some positive news regarding local authorities work programme on the risks of Genetic Engineering in the wider region.
Auckland City Council
Auckland City Council recently voted (in response to numerous anti GMO land use submissions to the ACC draft LTCCP 2006-16) to join the inter-council Working Party on GMOs and to adopt a precautionary approach to biotechnology in general and GMO land use in particular.
The specific wording is as follows:
Chairmans Recommendation:
That Auckland City Council join the inter-council Working Party on Genetically Modified Organisms.
Councillor Abel moved in addition:
That Auckland City adopt a precautionary approach to the management of biotechnology in general and to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) land uses in particular. That Auckland City investigate ways to maintain the Isthmus and Hauraki Gulf Islands environment, free of GMO's until outstanding issues such as liability, economic costs and benefits, environmental risks, and cultural effects are resolved.
Ratification occurred on Friday 23 June 2006 and the resolution now forms part of Auckland Cities Long-Term Council Community Plan 2006-2016.
ACC will therefore be attending the next meeting of the inter-council Working Party on GMOs and it is possible that council will contribute funds to the region wide community consultation on GMOs.
Rodney District Council
Rodney District Council has decided (in response to submissions made to the Rodney District council draft LTCCP 2006-16):
"That the wording of the reference to genetically modified organisms on p. 63 be amended to read as follows:
'Investigate options for community management of genetically modified organisms and adopt a precautionary approach to the field trialling or use of genetically modified organisms"
Reasons for Rodney District Council's decision
"Council is now well advanced in its investigations of risks and response options in respect of genetically modified organisms. In practical terms Council has undertaken a precautionary approach to date and is about to embark on public consultation subject to the participation of other contributing councils."
Kaipara District Council
KDC all day GE Workshop at Kaiwaka (l9 June 2006)
Kaipara District Council has been exploring ways to protect communities in the Northland area from the economic risks to conventional and organic food producers from GE contamination (as well as the environment), and who should bear liability relating to those risks.
Our Vice Chairman, Martin Robinson, attended this important Workshop, which provided clarification on a range of important issues (like the lack of strict liability for GMOs in a number of scenarios and the ability of local authorities to act on a local level on their duty of care to their ratepayers and the environment regarding GMO land use).
We especially appreciate KDC ensuring the participation of Dr. Royden Somerville, QC, who provided expert advice about the ways local authorities can act to protect local communities from the risks of GMOs, and using the RMA put in place rules regarding GMO land use that would complement central government requirements under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.
It is gratifying to see that KDC continues to show leadership on the critical GE issue, responding to the concerns and values of Kaipara ratepayers and community groups about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
KAIPARA DECISION TO BUDGET $10,000 FOR GE WORK
Decision adopted by KDC on 26 July 2006 (taken from unconfirmed minutes of the meeting)
"1.1 Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Risks and Management Options
Policy and Planning Manager
Following the Council workshop on 12 June to discuss the issues surrounding GMOs, the Policy and Planning Manager had prepared a report on the next steps. The report and associated workshop notes were circulated.
Concern was expressed that this was a central government issue, and should be left as such.
It was advised that this built on the workshop held on 19 June at Kaiwaka, which was widely attended by councils, government agencies and members of the public. Both speakers from ERMA and Ministry for the Environment acknowledged deficiencies in the legislation and wished to work with Councils, and Northland. Subsequent to the workshop, now coming on board were the Auckland City Council and other Auckland councils.
It was expressed that this was the opportune time to take this project further with assistance from other local authorities sharing the costs. This would make the $10,000 required by Kaipara a very affordable cost to be involved. This amount would not stand alone to buy a statistically valid research for this District, but collaboratively, with funding from other councils on board, will be very cost effective.
Cr Sutherland wished it to be recorded that for Kaipara District to contribute on the same basis of larger and wealthier councils who were or would be involved, on a pro rata basis, was an unfair representation of cost.
Resolved
Alspach/Salter
That Kaipara District Council reaffirms its commitment to a precautionary approach to the management of GMOs in the environment.
That Kaipara District Council commits up to $10,000 towards collaborative council work with a view to resolving risk and liability issues concerning GMOs in the environment.
That Kaipara District Council takes every opportunity to lobby and work with the Government to address the issue of regulatory gaps in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and the resulting environmental, economic and liability risks which are faced by local government in respect of the field release of genetically modified organisms.
That Kaipara District Council supports the Auckland City Council becoming a member of the inter-council working group on GMOs in the environment, and asks the inter-council working group to invite North Shore City Council to become a member of the group.
That Kaipara District Council signals to other inter-council working group members that any requests for further funding will be considered on a population percentage given Kaipara District’s limited rating base compared to other councils.
Reason for the decision
There is a high level of community concern in relation to the regulatory regime for the field release of GMOs. Working collaboratively with other councils will assist in addressing these community concerns as well as providing Council with a sustainable way forward on this complex issue."
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KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL ALL DAY GE WORKSHOP AT KAIWAKA, NORTHLAND MONDAY 19 JUNE 2006
Due to the concerns of many Kaipara ratepayers about Genetically Modified Organisms and the lack of strict liability, the Kaipara District Council is holding a GE Workshop at Kaiwaka on the l9th of June 2006. (Kaipara has adopted a official precautionary approach to GMOs in its adopted Long Term Council Community Plan)
KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL GE WORKSHOP
Monday l9th June 06
Venue: Kaiwaka Hall, Kaiwaka
Time: Morning tea: l0am
10:30- 3:30pm
As with all Council workshops this meeting is open for the public to attend. All welcome.
Presenters: Simon Terry from Simon Terry Associates (co-author of the GE report "Community Management of GMOs II- Risks & Response Options", recently commissioned by all the Northland peninsula territorial authorities).
Dr. Royden Somerville, QC (the top RMA QC in the country) author of the accompanying legal opinion (to the GE report "Community Management of GMOs II- Risks & Response Options"
two speakers from central government agencies: Russell Harding from the Ministry for the Environment and Libby Harrison from ERMA (Environmental Risk Management Authority).
Recent mailout from Kaipara District Council:
Notice Of Workshop Of Council (GE)
Date: Monday 19 June 2006
10.30 am on Monday 19 June 2006
Kaiwaka Hall, Kaiwaka Mangawhai Road , Northland
Kaiwaka Timetable
Purpose
The purpose of this workshop is to further inform the Kaipara District Council and other councils on issues concerning Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the environment and associated risks.
Council has invited Simon Terry (Simon Terry Associates) to speak to his recent report. Dr Libby Harrison (Environmental Risk Management Authority), Russell Harding (Ministry for the Environment), and Dr Royden Sommerville QC are to be resources to guide us through the questions of the day. Note that the Kaipara District Council is not able to make resolutions at workshops.
Independent Facilitator - Questions
Dr Glen Lauder will facilitate the workshop. He is based in Wellington but works around New Zealand, and has a background in natural science and community participatory processes. He has worked with councils in the north before, and has recently been engaged in the review of the sustainable development plan of action.
"I'd invite participants to reflect on how they can get best value out of this workshop. It will not be possible to traverse all the technical or policy details. I suggest we conduct the day as an inquiry into those questions that will be most helpful to councillors. We can then use the resources of all the people present to explore these questions from some alternate perspectives.
What would be helpful, then, would be for councillors and others who anticipate attending, to begin to form in their minds the key questions that are engaging them and which we might productively explore during the workshop. These might come up in conversations with constituents, from reading the technical reports or policy briefings, or things about which you are not clear.
I invite you to email these questions to council@kaipara.govt.nz before Monday. Questions may also come up on the day. We will design the details of the day around your needs."
10.00 am Morning Tea
Morning tea will take place at the Kaiwaka Hall
10.30 am Workshop commences : Genetically Modified Organisms
(GMOs)
a) Introductions, intention and ground rules
b) Agreement on process
c) Exploration of agreed questions
d) (Prior to lunch). Pause to reflect on "next questions".
12.00 - 1.00 pm Lunch
Mayor, Councillors and Invited Guests only Lunch is to be held at the Conference Room, Gateway North Motor Lodge, State Highway One, Kaiwaka
1.00 pm Workshop recommences
e) Agreement on afternoon process and questions
f) Exploration of agreed questions.
3.30 pm Workshop Concludes with Afternoon tea
Afternoon tea will take place at the Kaiwaka Hall
Background
The Kaipara District Council is a member of the Council Working Group on GMOs in the environment. This Group also includes Whangarei District Council, Far North District Council, Rodney District Council, Waitakere City Council and Northland Regional Council.
Simon Terry and Associates and Mitchell Partnerships were commissioned by the Joint Working Group to examine the options for Territorial Local Authorities to use Resource Management Act (RMA) instruments to manage the risks arising from the outdoor use of GMOs, while updating the previous comparison made with the broad alternative of amending the
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO).
The findings are incorporated into the report, entitled "Community Management of GMOs II - Risks and Response Options", and is accompanied by a related legal opinion from Dr Royden Somerville QC.
This report was considered by the Kaipara District Council at a meeting earlier this year. The primary issue under consideration was what further action should Kaipara District Council take concerning the report (in conjunction with the other working group members).
One of the options discussed related to a joint Northland peninsula public consultation programme seeking feedback on the risks and options for the management of GMOs, including the option of management by Local Authorities.
The Kaipara District Council resolved to hold a workshop to discuss the contents of the GMOs report and to invite Simon Terry (primary author of the report) and representative(s) from the Central Government to present. It deferred a decision on whether to contribute to a joint council consultation programme on the report, as it wished to become better informed on the issues.
Also available by request:
Briefing paper prepared late last year by the joint working group councils (Dr. Kerry Grundy of Whangarei District Council)
Executive Summary of the Community Management of GMOs II report
Opinion on land use controls and GMOs by Dr Royden Sommerville QC
The full report and associated papers are also available on Whangarei District Council's website
www.wdc.govt.nz |
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Whangarei District Council makes the right decision- extensive community consultation on GMOs
A big thank you to Whangarei District Council - council voted on Wednesday l February 2005 by an overwhelming majority to reaffirm its strong precautionary approach to GMOs and to engage in extensive community consultation on GMOs.
The consultation will gauge the level of community support for local and regional regulation of GMO land uses and the level of risk the community would be willing to carry regarding those land uses.
Our community group is delighted with the innovative work done to date and precautionary approach to GMO land use taken by Whangarei District Council and other territorial authorities (Waitakere City Council and Rodney District Council to date) in Northland peninsula. Kaipara District Council will be holding a GE Workshop shortly (other councils invited to participate) and Far North District Council will be tabling the same GE documents at its 9 March 2006 full council meeting.
Wording of Whangarei District Council resolution:
1. That the following documents be received:
GE Report: Community Management of GMOs II: Risks and Response Options
Review of GE Issues and Options Report for Whangarei District Council Karen Cronin
Legal Opinion on Land Use Controls and GMOs by Dr. Royden Somerville, QC
Briefing Paper on GE Initiative by Dr. Kerry Grundy, Whangarei District Council
2. That Council adopts a precautionary stance to the risks posed by the release of GMOs to the environment and continues to work in collaboration with other territorial authorities on the Northland peninsula to reduce those risks to a level acceptable to the community.
3. That, subject to the agreement of all or most territorial authorities on the Northland peninsula, Council participates in and jointly funds a collaborative community consultation programme to gauge (a) the level of community support for local/regional regulation of GMO land uses and (b) the level of risk the community is willing to carry in relation to those land uses, i.e. which of the options outlined in the Risks and Options Report is preferred (c) regulation of GMO land use by joint Central Government and local/regional government framework. The consultation programme would be structured as outlined in the Briefing Paper on GE Initiative, i.e. a joint telephone survey/submission-consultation process.
4. That Council continues to lobby the Government and all other political parties to address the regulatory gaps in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and the resulting environmental, economic and liability risks which are faced by local government in respect of the field release of genetically modified organisms. |
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BAN GE TERMINATOR SEEDS
The Ban Terminator Campaign seeks to promote government bans on Terminator technology at the national and international levels, and supports the efforts of civil society, farmers, Indigenous peoples and social movements to campaign against it. Click on the banner below for more information.
From March 13 to 18, a meeting of the UN CBD will take place in Curitiba, Brazil. At this meeting, delegates will push for the UN to recommend a ban on terminator seeds. Since there is not a lot of time left before the meeting,Ban Terminator Campaign are trying to do as much as we can to raise awareness about the danger of this technology; therefore, your support means a lot. |
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IMPORTANCE OF STOPPING BULK GE IMPORTS
GE FREE NORTHLAND welcome MAF's announcement that the recent GE contamination of maize was not caused by a failure in border security, but warn only stopping imports of bulk GE flour and meal will prevent it from happening again.
Last month the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry rang alarm bells after a company's own testing revealed that thousands of tonnes of maize destined for human consumption showed signs of GE contamination. Today the Ministry have announced that further testing has revealed that the maize itself was not genetically engineered or cross -pollinated with GE varieties, but had come into contact with GE soy meal when in storage prior to the end user company receiving it.
"Although it is of course good news that we don't have thousands of hectares of uncontained GE maize growing in our environment, this latest GE contamination does raise real concerns," Green Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said earlier today.
"Why are companies allowed to store human food in the same place as animal feed; or an allergen like soy with a benign grain like maize; or a GE product with anything else? Clearly the rules around the storage of bulk foodstuffs need to be tightened.
"MAF themselves acknowledge that due to the complexity of the processing and distribution of bulk food stuffs, it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict how and where contamination will occur next. Clearly, as long as GE product is being imported for whatever reason, contamination can occur.
"That's yet another reason why Inghams should stop feeding their chickens with GE soy.
"The Greens call on conscientious companies whose business relies on New Zealand's GE-Free status to lobby the Government to prohibit the importing of bulk GE flour and meal. Only such a move will prevent this type of contamination happening over and over again.
This saga also raises again the question of liability for GE contamination. The losses for the end user who was trying to provide GE-Free product and the costs for MAF who had to investigate should be borne by the owner of the storage facility. Their slack procedures are directly responsible for this fiasco and they should be the ones to pay for it," Ms Fitzsimons says.
As Julie Newman of the Network of Concerned Farmers (Australia) states in their latest Press Release:
"Those pushing GM crops must realise that non-GM farmers will not accept any contamination if we are expected to be liable for the economic loss
caused by it."
"A strict liability regime is essential to ensure the polluter pays not the polluted."
In GE FREE NORTHLANDs view it is very important that an inter-agency protocol be set in place to ensure that local authorities (Northland Regional Council, territorial authorities and the Northland Conservation Board) are notified in a timely fashion by MAF/ERMA in the event of any illegal GE biosecurity breach.
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Government ratifies Cartagena Biosafety Protocol
The Government decision to ratify the Cartegena Biosafety Protocol in September was a welcome surprise.
Well done to everyone who made submissions supporting ratification!
The Protocol is an addition to the Convention on Biological Diversity and aims to ensure that the export of genetically engineered organisms does not undermine the biosecurity of other nations (or the importing country).
The Protocol was opposed by trade interests because it adopts the precautionary principle-
an "if in doubt, keep it out" approach that helps relieve pressure on sovereign nations who do not wish to import GMOs.
Trade officials treat this approach as a barrier to trade and instead prefer the burden of proof to fall on those who want to protect the environment and human health (an approach that is nicknamed "lining up the bodies").
GE FREE NORTHLAND welcomes ratification of the protocol as it is very important that New Zealand shows a very high level of international responsibility on biosecurity matters.
We also hope that the Labour led government will now adopt a truly precautionary approach to GMOs. In our view, the moratorium on the release of GMOs should be reinstated ASAP, due to the serious risks of GMOs to biodiversity, our economy, primary producers and the public health. |
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RODNEY DISTRICT COUNCIL JOINS ALL OTHER TERRITORIAL AUTHORITIES IN NORTHLAND PENINSULA IN CONTRIBUTI
Good news from Rodney District- full council voted yesterday to contribute $l0,000 to the "Risk Evaluation & Options Report" on GMOs (that came out of the Working Party on GMOs)
This means that all territorial authorities north of Auckland (including Waitakere City Council, Rodney, Kaipara, Whangarei and Far North District Council) have all agreed to take action in the light of strong public concern about GMOs and the importance of the region's GE-free existing land use/primary production being protected (despite central governments political decision to lift the moratorium on GE release).
This innovative work will closely examine the risks of GMOs to our unique geographical region (north of Auckland)
(specific local and regional risks of GMOs, and our specific assets)
which is the purpose of the Risk Evaluation & Options report as proposed in the Working Party on GMOs.
We are delighted that Rodney is working with all other local territorial authorities in our region in taking a precautionary approach to GMOs and showing leadership within this region.
Please ring or write Rodney District Council (Rodney ratepayers especially) and give them your support
0 800 426 5169
Rodney District Council
50 Centreway Road
Orewa
Auckland
Phone: 98 426 5169 for HBC residents)
Fax: (09) 426 7280
See our PRESS RELEASE below
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MAF EXPOSE
MAF and Corson Grain seems rather over-eager to see NZ's Zero Tolerance Policy (for adventitious GM contamination in imported seed) abandoned (see RURAL NEWS, l3 July 04).
Could it be that MAF and Corson Grain are trying to portray GM contamination in NZ as "inevitable" when refinement of the existing biosecurity protocols for seed importation could do the job?
The managing director of Corson Grain, John Corson, recently advocated abandoning Zero Tolerance following the detection of 0.05 percent illegal GE content in his imported seed.
However, as with any illegal action (say Foot and Mouth), a breach of the law does not require the law to be abandoned. Especially when in this particular case, very basic (and rectifiable)procedural errors were made by the US testing laboratory and MAF.
Instead of hinting at weakening NZ's Zero Tolerance Policy, MAF should focus on the unnecessary errors made by the US testing lab (Biogenetics Services) which then resulted in GM contaminated seed slipping into seed consignments sent to NZ (thanks to MAF still not having a clear written contract stipulating the way low level results should be interpreted and reported, despite previous experience with "Corngate" and Pacific Seeds).
BGS detected low levels of GM maize contamination but did not see fit to report it.
Last month MAF finally tightened the protocols around testing of the crops (seeds) most likely to be GE contaminated: sweet corn and maize, soy beans, and canola. Only one kind of test can now be used, and there has been clarification of the way low-level results should be interpreted and reported.
Seed companies have access to the technology to check for GE content, and the taxpayer should not be paying for the mistakes of those companies. It seems only fair that liability for GE contamination should remain with the companies which imported or used GE seed.
Removal of our Zero Tolerance standard would involve knowingly accepting routine and randomly-distributed contamination. This could damage New Zealand's image as a supplier of pure and high quality foods and could include pharmaceutical contamination or GE varieties illegal to sell for human consumption like Starlink* corn (that has cost millions of dollars in product recalls in the US).
Pharmaceutical GE crops are being grown right now outdoors in the US, despite a number of contamination incidents and growing concerns from many eminent scientists and the food industry.(see NEW SCIENTIST, "GM crop mishaps unite friends and foes "18 November 02).
What are the potential consequences of contamination from these? Some of the maize grown in NZ is used for human food- corn chips, starch etc.
If genes find their way from pharm crops into food crops, we could wind up with drug-laced corn flakes or taco shells.
One sector of the industry should not have the right to impose unacceptable risks, costs and liabilities on to others.
The real questions that need to be answered by MAF and Minister of Agriculture Jim Sutton are:
Why isn't MAF expending more effort into improving the process?
What has MAF done?
Now is the time to improve and refine existing biosecurity systems designed to protect NZ from biological incursions, not weaken them.
In the RURAL NEWS article, Hamish Carnachan's sentence about "the European Union having a threshold of 0.9%" is misleading. The 0.9% mentioned by the reporter is the limit for unintended GM presence in food and feed products (not for unintended GM presence in imported seed).
For seed for sowing the EU has still not come to any agreement. As of June 28, 2004 they were still arguing over what the tolerance level should be. The current proposal is 0.3% for corn.
It must be remembered that this whole situation has only arisen because Biogenetic Services didn't do its job properly.
It is absurd and unfair for the taxpayer to have to compensate growers for their losses when MAF didn't set clear protocols for how low level contamination results should be interpreted and reported and the lab itself made unacceptable errors.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: write to MAF, Minister of Agriculture Jim Sutton and Minister of the Environment Marion Hobbs (and Corson Grain) and let them know abandoning NZ's Zero Tolerance Policy is not acceptable.
MAF
Att: Richard Ivess (Plant Biosecurity), Barry O'Neil Group Director - MAF Biosecurity Authority, Dr. Graeme King, Barry Stevens (National advisor surveillance team) , David Wansbrough and Peter Kettle
Head Office - ASB Bank House
101 - 103 The Terrace
PO Box 2526
Wellington
Tel: (64) (04) 474 4100
Fax: 04 474 4244
http://www.maf.govt.nz
email: ivessr@maf.govt.nz
email: kettlep@maf.govt.nz
email: kingg@maf.govt.nz
Contact Corson Grains the company that imported the contaminated grains and are lobbying for our Zero Tolerance Policy to be abandoned.
Att: John Corson
Corson Grains
PO Box 1046
Gisborne, New Zealand
0800 CORSON (0800 267 766)
Fax: +64 6 867 97 59
Minister of Agriculture Jim Sutton
Parliament Buildings
Wellington
Minister of the Environment Marion Hobbs
Parliament Buildings
Wellington
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Hawkes Bay Regional Council joins other local government in adopting a Precautionary approach to GMO
In response to a large # of antiGMO submissions, Hawkes Bay Regional Council have modified their Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) Environmental Community Outcome to include the following statement:
" The Hawkes Bay Region as a sustainable, attractive environment where our agriculture, natural areas and biodiversity are maintained and enhanced.
The Council supports the continued viability of our environment in a sensitive and sustainable manner and therefore will adopt a precautionary
approach to the introduction of genetically modified organisms which could affect land based activities".
See Press Releases below for details of the strong precautionary approach adopted by Whanagrei District Council, Northland Regional Council and Kaipara District Council. |
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CLOSE SCRUTINY OF MAF NECESSARY REGARDING ALLEGED GM CONTAMINATED MAIZE
Two MAF Press Releases dated 28 May 2004 allege low levels of GM contaminated maize in the following areas: Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Northland.
The situation is rectifiable but only if MAF follows appropriately rigorous and scientific protocols to achieve their stated aim of removing/destroying all GM contaminated maize (and protecting our Zero Tolerance level for any GMOs in the environment).
Several concerns have arisen from MAF's response to our OIA request , the MAF press releases of 28 May and by the lack of public information on the location and protocols being used to ensure enforcement of the zero tolerance provisions of the HSNO Act.
GE FREE NORTHLAND, primary producers, the National Beekeepers Association and regional environmental authorities need to have more precise knowledge of the locations of the alleged GE contaminated maize grown so its members can ascertain the risks to their own crops, seed and honey, and to have confidence that appropriate steps are taking to ensure all GE contamination is completed eradicated.
More information: 09 4322155
email: zlg@xnet.co.nz
*GE FREE NORTHLAND Press Release to follow
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ENVIRONMENT BAY OF PLENTY REGIONAL COUNCIL VOTES TO FUND INDEPENDENT GE REPORT AND LEGAL OPINION FOR
Environment Bay of Plenty Regional Council recently voted to fund a independent GE report and legal opinion on the potential role for regional authorities in regards to the release of GMOs to the environment.
see
Regional Council seeks legal opinion on genetically modified organisms (Environment Bay of Plenty Press Release, 29 April 2004)
http://www.envbop.govt.nz/publications/media/040423ac2.doc
We urge the NRC to contribute financially to the Environment Bay of Plenty initiative- contact Glenn Mortimer (Planning and Policy Manager, NRC) or Chairman Mark Farnsworth at:
09 438 4639
or email:
mailroom@nrc.govt.nz |
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FAR NORTH and RODNEY DISTRICT COUNCIL JOINS KAIPARA AND WHANGAREI DISTRICTS TO FUND GE REPORT
Good news- both FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL and RODNEY DISTRICT COUNCIL recently voted to join Kaipara District Council and Whangarei District Council on a collaborative basis to support a worthy WDC initiative to fund a important report and legal opinion exploring two broad policy initiatives to address the concerns over the release of genetically modified organisms to the environment (in order to facilitate protection of local government interests and autonomy).
Each council will contribute $5,000 and support the initiative in other ways.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NZ has also now endorsed the initiative and offering to contribute $2,500 on the condition that Northland Regional Council match this amount. We hope that the NRC will do the right thing (given their overarching environmental role in Northland) and join other local government in this worthy initiative.
The report (containing a legal opinion by Queens Counsel Dr. Royden Somerville) cost $20,000 and will be completed at the end of February 2004.
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NEW EDITION SUMMER 2004 GREENPEACE TRUEFOOD GUIDE
The new WINTER 2004 edition of the Greenpeace Truefood Guide is now available.
To download a copy online go to:
http://www.greenpeace.org.nz/truefood/default.asp
and PDF:
http://www.greenpeace.org.nz/pdf/GEFreeFoodGuide2004.pdf
or ring 0 800 223343 to order copies (ask for Rebecca Hayden)
Copies are available now (gold coin donation please) Whangarei (Putiputi Rah health food shop, 79 Walton Street opposite Pak-n-Save), the Whangarei Environment Centre:) and Avalon Health.
Please ring your local New World and Pak n Save and ask them to distribute the new Greenpeace Winter 2004 Truefood guide- Foodstuffs has sent round a memo to various stores asking them to distribute the Truefood Guide (as Pams their Inhouse brand is now in the "green category").
Already five New World stores have put their hand up, including the Green Bay,
Remuera and Victoria Park stores in Auckland and the Whitianga and Taihape stores. The large Henderson Pak 'n' Save is to offer GE Free Guides on 10 of their 16 counters. The Body Shop and a number of organic shops
throughout the country will also carry the Guide.
TOP THREE COMPANIES TO BOYCOT : INGHAM'S, NESTLE'S AND YARROWS
Inghams knowingly feed GE soy to their chickens !!!
0800 650 650 or 0508 800-785
Nestle's (Kit Kat, Milo, Maggi, Allens, Highlander and Milky Bar)
0 800 830 840
Yarrows (supplies bread to SUBWAY- uses a GE enzyme)
"GE enzyme found in NZ bread dough used in Japan" (NZ HERALD 26.10.2003
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3530824&thesection=news&thesubsection=general&thesecondsubsection=&reportid=53009
"NZ bread rejected over GM content" (NZ HERALD 27 Oct 2003)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3530954&thesection=news&thesubsection=general&thesecondsubsection=&reportid=53009
ring and tell them you don't want to buy bread with any GE content or use of any enzymes produced with a GE process...and that they should put in place Identity Preservation (IP) systems and Genetic ID testing. Ask for a copy of their companies policy on GE.
0 800 808 052
email: meg@yarrows.co.nz
att: N.H. Yarrow |
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"KAIPARA APPROACH GE WITH CAUTION"
Northern Advocate
28 June 2003 (p. 9)
by Mike Barrington
letters to editor: Editor@northernadvocate.co.nz
fax: 09 430 5665
Genetic engineering may be outlawed in Kaipara district while Whangarei and Far North wait for Wellington to give them a lead on the controversial issue.
The Kaipara District Council has decided to take a precautionary approach and will consider limiting the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms by district plan changes or bylaws before the Government's national moratorium on commercial release expires in October.
Staff will investigate the impacts and issues associated with this approach and report back to the council in August on options for engaging the
community in debate about GE issues.
During a council meeting at Dargaville on Wednesday, councillors had to decide whether they would do nothing about genetic engineering, make the largely symbolic gesture of declaring Kaipara GE-Free, or take the precautionary option which was eventually adopted.
Mayor Graeme Ramsey opened the disucssion by saying people's primary GE concern was food production and scientific opinion on genetic modification was extraordinarily divided.
The law was unclear on whether local authorities had any powers to deal with GE, but the large number of submissions the council had received showed the community wanted councillors to take a lead on the subject, he said.
"I hope we have the courage to make a clear statement on this today," Mr. Ramsey said.
Councillor Bruce Rogan said the release of a GE organism would be irreversible and it was not possible for scientific assertions to be made
about limiting the boundaries of research.
Councilor Richard Alspach quipped: "Now you've got me worried."
Councillor Rogan "This (GE) is the most dangerous stuff human beings have ever played with. It raises philosophical, moral and ethical questions and scientists should have nothing to do with (deciding what to do with) it."
Councillor Alspach said tangata whenua should have a chance to participate in debate on the issue.
Councillor Graham Taylor said biotechnology was one of the great frontiers of human endeavor and he did not consider the council could have any
influence on GE impacts.
"I do not believe we would be serving our community well if we lead the debate on this issue," he said. "Our money and time would be better spent on issues serving our constituents."
Councillor Jean Bennnett said councillors had a clear moral obligation to lead the way.
And Councillor Rogan said ordinary sensible citizens- rather than scientists or businessmen- would make decisions on GE on behalf of their children and grandchildren.
Councillor Neil Tiller proposed adopting the precautionary option to limit the release of GE organisms and this direction was approved with a vote opposed by Councillors Taylor, King and Noel Radd.
ENDS
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GE DEBATE/PUBLIC MEETING AT KAIKOHE 13 MAY
GE Free Northland (In food and environment) organized a successful balanced debate on Genetic Engineering and what is best for Northland last week.
The debate took place at the Kaikohe Memorial Hall, next to the Far North District Council Building on the afternoon of Tuesday the 13th of May . The date was specifically selected at a time when the majority of the Far North District councillors were free so that they were able to attend.
The debate included three speakers. Speaking against GE are:
Dr Neil Macgregor, soil scientist at Massey University (representing Physicians & Scientists for Responsible Genetics) speaking about environmental risks of GE.
Dr. Sean Weaver of Victoria University, speaking about the economic implications of GE release, local government and GE, and liability.
Arguments for GE will be presented by Dr Dan Cohen from Hort Research, speaking about lessons learnt from the Kerikeri GE Tamarillo trial.
Federated Farmers, Fonterra and Northland Dairy Board all declined speaking rights.
A representative from concerned businesses and groups in the region had the opportunity to express their views, as will a representative from local iwi.
The debate was chaired by Dick Ryan (Commander R.N retired, Kerikeri) and members of the Far North District Council and Northern Regional Council participated. Chairman Mark Farnsworth and other key Northland Regional Council staff attended.
Invitations were sent to groups including orchardists, farmers, Northland Conservation Board, Forest and Bird, ECO NZ, local iwi and businesses in the region that may be affected by any GE field trials or
release of GMOs. There was a good turn out from the general public.
This meeting was organised specifically with the councillors in mind, as we want to thoroughly air this issue, on local government obligations
regarding Genetic Engineering and the economic and environmental risks it may present for Northland.
As you know, if GE was introduced to Northland, it is very likely that it would effect us all in many ways, whether it be our businesses, the environment, our spiritual beliefs, or our health and general well-being. Conventional and organic primary producers would be especially affected, as it has not been shown to date to be possible to contain transgenic pollution (as has been observed overseas).
More info: Kate Moss (Kerikeri)
09 407 7895
email: kate@livingnature.com
Martin Robinson 09 407 8650 (Kerikeri)
Zelka Grammer 09 432 2155 (Whangarei)
email: zlg@xnet.co.nz
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Good news - "NRM decides on GE-free feed"
Article from 26-3-02 STRAIGHT FURROW "NRM decides on GE-free feed"
In response to worldwide concern about the use of genetically engineered food, NRM has announced that all its feed for the rural market is manufactured from non-genetically engineered crops.
After a year of negotiation and preperation, NRM has reached an agreement with Ag Processing Inc., the biggest co-op supplier of soybeans in the world, to supply soya from non-GE crops.
NRM sells more than 120,000 tonnes of feed in the rural market and business manager Rev Crawford says the firm has a responsiblity to be in tune with consumers' neeeds and market demands.
"Our use of non-GE crops in our feeds is a positive step towards meeting consumer demands both within the rural market and to the greater NZ population."
To ensure the integrity of crops being sourced, Ag Processing Inc has established an Identity Preservation Programme to minimise cross-contamination with GE soybeans.
*NRM is the largest stockfeed sales and marketing company in NZ, selling more than 120.000 tonnes of feed in the rural market. Let em know you support their proactive stance on blocking the importation of GE ingredients
Northern Roller Mills, NZ
0 800 800 380 Paul Bellerby, Territory Manager http://www.nrm.co.nz |
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GE TREE ALERT
Despite strong public opposition and the concern of eminent scientists, FOREST RESEARCH (a Crown Research Institute) is going ahead with planting GE pine and fir in the Rotorua area. (GMF 99001 and GMF 99005) this winter (2003).
The taxpayer is being forced into subsidising the biotech industry against the public will.
Please send letters of complaint to:
CEO Bryce Heard
Dr. Christian Walter
Dr. Tom Richardson
FOREST RESEARCH
Private Bag 3020
Rotorua
tel. 07 343 5899
fax. 07 348 0952
email:
tom.richardson@forestresearch.co.nz
christian.walte@forestresearch.co.nz
bryce.heard@forestresearch.co.nz
POINTS TO MENTION:
- ECOLOGICAL HAZARDS
- LIABILITY ISSUES
- THREAT TO FORESTRY STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL CERTIFICATION (FSC) OF NEIGHOURING FORESTS
- LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
- TREATY OF WAITANGI ISSUES
- RISKS TO THE SOIL FROM HORIZONTAL GENE TRANSFER (HGT)
- ESCAPE OF TRANSGENIC POLLEN
- UNFORSEEN OR UNINTENDED ADVERSE IMPACTS
- RISKS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH DUE TO AMPICILLIN antibiotic RESISTANT GENES
- TERMINATOR or TRAITOR TECHNOLOGY
- THREAT TO THE CONSERVATION STATE
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Say NO to GE releases into our environment
Write to Prime Minister Helen Clark and make known your concerns about GE.
Demand that the government ratify the Biosafety Cartegena Protocol (NZ has already signed it but failed to ratify) and put in place a strict liability regime.
Postal:
PM Helen Clark
Parliament buildings
Wellington
FREEPOST
email: helen.clark@parliament.govt.nz
Please join us in putting pressure on the government in order to stop the
scientifically indefensible GE field trials and or releases.
The fight now comes to the local regional level- communities have the right to say NO to GE. |
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letters to editor:
email: northern.editor@snl.co.nz
NORTHERN NEWS (Far North newspaper)
www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/northland/local-news/northern-news/2863435/Survey-findings-will-shape-GMO-policy
Survey findings will shape GMO policy
By RICHARD EDMONDSON - Northern News
16 September 2009
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NZ FARMERS WEEKLY "GE free status big plus for NZ" 18 August 2009, p. l4
letters to editor:
email: straightfurrow@ruralpress.com
http://viewer.zmags.com/showmag.php?magid=191151#/page14/
By Staff Reporter Marie Taylor
New Zealand Farmers' Weekly - 18 Aug 2009
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www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10589929&pnum=0
Jon Carapiet: AgResearch proposals tantamount to economic suicide
4:00AM Tuesday Aug 11, 2009
NZ HERALD
Jon Carapiet says flirtations with genetic modification put our clean-green brand at risk.
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letters to editor:
email: editor@thereport.co.nz
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http://straightfurrow.farmonline.co.nz/news/nationalrural/opinion/comment/high-court-gm-decision-pleasing/1551833.aspx
High court GM decision pleasing
STRAIGHT FURROW
by BRENT MORRISEY
26/06/2009 9:33:00 AM
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letters to STRAIGHT FURROW editor:
email: straightfurrow@ruralpress.com
from STRAIGHT FURROW latest edition ( 23 June 2009) (not online as yet)
HIGH COURT RULES AGAINST ERMA
by Sandra Finnie
pic: Auckland Regional Councillor Brent Morrissey.
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The Rural Advocate Friday l5 June 2009
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see
http://scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00187.htm
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11 June 2009:
Auckland Regional Council Media release
High Court ruling gives nod to ARC’s cautious take on GMOs
www.arc.govt.nz/index.cfm?58A620FD-14C2-3D2D-B9CA-EA5858882785&objUUID=CC6AA3DF-14C2-3D2D-B9F8-AE9F33575DBB
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GE FREE NZ Press Release 7 June 2009
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Media Release 7 June 2009
Attention; Agriculture, NGO, Environmental, Trade, Science, Consumer, Local Body, and Government Reporters.
Soil & Health Association of New Zealand
(Est. 1941)
Publishers of ORGANIC NZ
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see interesting Press Release by Federated Farmers of NZ, talking about NZ's dairy cows happily grazing on GM free grass (and using this as a selling point to the UK/EU for NZ dairy products)
www.fedfarm.org.nz/n1474.html
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letter by Dr. Robert Mann, of Rodney District
published in the 26 May 09 edition Whangarei Leader
GMOS AND OUR COUNCILS
send letters att:
Nick Unkovich editor
Email: whangarei.editor@snl.co.nz
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letters to the editor:
email: editor@northernadvocate.co.nz
17 April 09 NORTHERN ADVOCATE
by Mike Dinsdale
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GE FREE NORTHLAND Press Release
10 April 2009
LOCAL AUTHORITIES CONSULT RATEPAYERS ON GMO LAND USE
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www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/20090409
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GMO Views To Be Aired
Whangarei District Council
Media Release - (7 April 2009)
www.wdc.govt.nz/xml/ps.aspx?fn=/resources/13020/gmo-views-to-be-aired.html
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"Poll will test our views on GE"
Northern Advocate
Saturday 4 April 09
by Andre Hueber
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Joint Media Release
Attention; Agriculture, NGO, Environmental, Trade, Science, Consumer, Local Body, and Government Reporters. Soil & Health Association of New Zealand (Est. 1941) Publishers of ORGANIC NZ
GE Free New Zealand In Food and Environment Inc.
10 February 2009
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GM field trial axed
NZ HERALD
4:00AM Wednesday Feb 11, 2009
By Jarrod Booker
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www.greens.org.nz/node/20547
Green Party Press Release
11 February 2009
Stop acting like Muppets and cancel all GE trials
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www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10560796
National News
NZ HERALD
GM animal plan challenged
4:00AM Tuesday Mar 10, 2009
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letters to editor (250 word maximum)
email: editor@northernadvocate.co.nz
NORTHERN ADVOCATE
Public input sought on use of GE trials ``
'' We are not prepared to accept liability for GMO use and commit our ratepayers to accept financial responsibility for cleaning up environmental damage. "
(quote Mayor Wayne Brown, FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL)
by Mike Dinsdale
10 October 08
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www.gefreenorthland.org.nz
GE FREE NORTHLAND Press Release
9 October 2008
FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL JOINS OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN REGIONAL SURVEY REGARDING GMOs
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www.fndc.govt.nz/Mediareleases/2008/imr081007farnorthjoinsregionalsurveyongmos.asp
FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL
Media Release
DATE: 07 October 2008
TITLE: Far North Joins Regional Survey on GMOs
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www.wdc.govt.nz/xml/ps.aspx?fn=/resources/12238/Mayor-backs-ban-on-GMOs.html
Mayor backs ban on GMOs
Whangarei District Council
Media Release - (11 September 2008)
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letters to the editor (Northern Advocate)
email: editor@northernadvocate.co.nz
Fax: (09) 470 2869
www.northernadvocate.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3784619&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
GM not OK, we're not sure who would pay
12.09.2008
NORTHERN ADVOCATE
by Mike Dinsdale
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GE FREE NZ Press Release
l7 April 2008
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Greens Press Release l6 April 2008
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13 March 2008
Proposed release of GE vaccine will be protested - Greens Press Release
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| Thursday, January 24 |
| · | Mounting concern over GE corn (13) |
| Friday, January 18 |
| · | GE protesters chop down trees at research institute (12) |
| · | Demise of GE Sapling Trees. (14) |
| Saturday, December 29 |
| · | Credibility of Food Safety Regulation takes a Significant Hit (29) |
| Saturday, November 24 |
| · | Government refuses to bear responsibility for GE releases (12) |
| Friday, October 19 |
| · | "Surprise for new Kaipara Mayor" (Neil Tiller) (27) |
| Wednesday, October 10 |
| · | Pamela Peters (22) |
| · | Simon Bliss (0) |
| · | Jimmy Daisley (0) |
| Sunday, October 07 |
| · | Warren Slater (0) |
| · | Vince Cocurullo (0) |
| · | Don Hedges (1) |
| · | Simon Vallings (0) |
| · | Stan Semenoff (0) |
| Wednesday, September 26 |
| · | 'Council not pulling its weight on GMO' (10) |
| Thursday, August 09 |
| · | Politicians pass GE buck on to communities (17) |
| · | Govt shirks GE liability (10) |
| Tuesday, July 31 |
| · | GE onus belongs with polluters, central Government (10) |
| Friday, July 27 |
| · | "Clean up costs confirmed" and "Calling for GE FREE North" (15) |
| Wednesday, July 25 |
| · | LOCAL AUTHORITIES EXPOSE FLAWS IN THE HSNO ACT WHICH MEANS THAT RESPONSIBILITY F (1) |
| Tuesday, July 24 |
| · | Responsiblity for GE clean ups would land on local government and local land own (16) |
| Saturday, June 02 |
| · | Former Crop & Food Scientist says GE Brassica field test approval lacked scrutin (14) |
| Friday, June 01 |
| · | GE Brassica Approval Lacks Common Sense - But Nice Job For Some (18) |
| · | ERMA Confirms Scant Benefits from GM Brassica Trial (17) |
| Monday, December 18 |
| · | GM inquiry launched (1) |
| Thursday, December 07 |
| · | MAF Not Adequately Risk Managing GM Contamination at the Border (34) |
| Saturday, December 02 |
| · | Clean Green NZ doesn’t need dirty sweet corn. (35) |
| Friday, December 01 |
| · | GE border breach unaceptable- Greens (0) |
| Tuesday, November 07 |
| · | GE Crops Out of Step with Sustainability (14) |
| · | NZ’s GE-Free status at risk (12) |
| Wednesday, November 01 |
| · | GM cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli - Field Trial (55) |
| Saturday, October 28 |
| · | Councils can include protection or liability provisions in their district plans (16) |
| Friday, September 01 |
| · | GE Workshop falls short but clarifies (13) |
| Tuesday, August 29 |
| · | Mayor mutes masses at workshop (0) |
| Thursday, August 24 |
| · | Concerns about Important FNDC GE Workshop (17) |
| Saturday, August 19 |
| · | FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL Press Release Important GE Workshop to be held at Ka (13) |
| Thursday, July 06 |
| · | New German GMO Liability Law Carries Lessons for NZ (65) |
| Tuesday, June 20 |
| · | PRAISE FOR KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL GE WORKSHOP (42) |
| Saturday, May 06 |
| · | Alarm bells over GM food approval- Parts I & II (21) |
| Friday, April 14 |
| · | Rural Women NZ calls on Government to support ban on "Terminator' GE seed trials (40) |
| Saturday, March 11 |
| · | First contamination report: worldwide spread of GE (63) |
| · | New Forms of GMOs Highlight Biosecurity Loophole (45) |
| · | World's poor could suffer as result of NZ Government position on UN treaty - (18) |
| Friday, February 17 |
| · | Residents can have say on GMOs, district council decides (26) |
| · | Whangarei District Council to consult on GMO releases (23) |
| · | Organic Farming Group in Praise of Council (5) |
| Thursday, August 18 |
| · | Strong Public Support for Zero Tolerance to GM Contamination (41) |
| · | GM test results point to approved GM soy, not maize (30) |
| · | Only stopping bulk GE imports will prevent contamination (27) |
| · | 75% Support NZ Remaining a GM Free Food Producer (29) |
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