30 Years of Caution Abandoned with Proposed Gene Technology Bill
We need your voice on Gene tech
Statements on the Gene Tech Bill close on 17 February 2025 at 11:59pm, and your action matters now more than ever.
For more information on making your statement, read our article: Deadline – Speak Out Against the NZ Gene Technology Bill
The New Zealand Gene Technology Bill, currently before Parliament, aims to end our country’s near 30-year ban on the use of genetic modification technology outside laboratories. This bill is set to overturn New Zealand’s GE-free status, which has safeguarded our food and environment from genetic tampering all this time. Even more concerningly the Bill makes automatic approval of organisms mandatory when approved by two other countries.
The covid vaccine fits the definition of a gene technology and would be included, along with other new mRNA products, under this Bill. Such medicines are likely to be approved with limited or no NZ-specific assessment if the allowance is made for automatic approval.
Message on the GT Bill from Drs Matt Shelton, Alison Goodwin and Cindy de Villiers:
The potential risks associated with GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are significant. We are currently experiencing the effects on the population of mandated genetic medicine and the Royal Commision of Inquiry has yet to hear evidence let alone report back whether the risks outweighed the benefits.
There are known and unknown consequences and the release of GMOs into the environment could have long-lasting effects. There is no going back once GMO plants are released. With no ability for containment, cross pollination and gene drift will occur with potential irreversible contamination of traditional and organic crops.
The proposed Bill could eliminate clear food labelling, further limiting awareness. For Kiwi consumers, hidden GMOs in food will erode the trust we have had in our food sources and compromise our individual right to choose traditional or organic foods. Also, the lack of transparency and traceability for GMOs means that from farm to fork, we will no longer be assured of the authenticity of our foods.
New Zealand’s reputation for clean, green, GMO-free products is one of the most unique and valuable assets our country has. The proposed radical deregulation of genetic engineering threatens permanent endangerment of New Zealand’s global image as an environmentally conscious and GMO-free nation. The stakes are too high and we call for a more cautious approach and greater consideration to the lasting harm on our food, land, people, reputation and economy.
Time is running out. Have your say now and let the government know the bill should not be progressed before it is too late.
Use the link below to make your submission (give feedback) against the Bill and help protect our food systems, environment, and future.
cLICK HERE TO Enter YOUR FEEDBACK ON THE gENE TECHNOLOGY BILL:
sUBMISSIONS CLOSE 11.59PM ON moNDAY 17 fEBRUARY 2025
Understanding Gene Therapy:
Gene therapy is the use of genetic material to treat or prevent disease. Learn more about the basics of gene therapy, the potential for this growing field of research, and the challenges and risks that still need to be investigated. Courtesy ASGCT – Patient Education.
rEFERENCES WITH fURTHER INFORMATION TO ASSIST YOUR FEEDBACK ON THE bILL:
Legal Hub with Katie Ashby-Koppens on the GT Bill
Mary Hobbs: The NZ Gene Tech Bill Part 1
Mary Hobbs: The NZ Gene Tech Bill Part 2
RCR Gene Technology Bill Webinar Recording
The NZDSOS Gene Technology Billboard with Thanks to Nova MECHANICAL dESIGN lTD
