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FSANZ GE Potatoes
GMO Potatoes Are A Threat to Public Health (13/6/2017)
FSANZ needs to stop the clock immediately on the applications and require lifetime feeding studies, and full analysis of these potatoes before any consideration can be made....more
Illegal GE Flowers Could Be In NZ (09/06/2017)
"Consumers at home and abroad want produce grown in New Zealand to be GE Free. It would be devastating if a GE incursion hit our potato or tomato growing industries."...more
Is 2,4-D laden GM cottonseed oil, banned in the EU, being used in New Zealand restaurants? (25/05/2017)
Genetically engineered (GE) cotton seed oil grown with the toxic chemical 2,4-D may be entering our foods as restaurants move away from canola oil...more
Chinese Consumers Proving Advantage of NZ's GE-Free Positioning (04/05/2017)
New Zealand's free trade deal with China, our biggest market, has seen investment in New Zealand because of the assurance of quality and GE-Free status. A Nielsen survey showed that 70% of Chinese consumers were avoiding GMOs in foods and actively seeking to buy GE-free produce...more
"Indigenous Peoples to Maori Party: Protect Communities Right to be GM Free (3/4/2017)
"The introduction of GMOs in our communities has been traumatic," said Teresa Perez World Rain Forest Movement. "Forests have disappeared, indigenous communities have suffered, and people have been poisoned due to the massive overuse of pesticides on transgenic crops."...more
Maori Party Must Protect Future of GE-Free Regions (16/3/2017)
"The Maori Party must stand up to the Minister's bullying and subterfuge. The clauses 43A (3A) and 43(3B) are a dishonest and despicable late insertion into a bill...more
The Resource Legislation Amendment Bill!!
E-Mail Action 19-23 March 2017 URGENT
Please click here for further details
Minister's Plan Threatens Economic Sabotage (9/3/2017)
It is absurd for central government to be absolving itself of its duty of care to demonstrate the safety of GMO's, yet simultaneously forbidding regional government to apply policies and measures that protect communities and regional economic development for the long term. Nick Smith is effectively setting up a system that will enable destruction of the environment and sabotage the interests of people and communities...more
Public funds wasted offshore as AgResearch trials GE ryegrass in the US (2/2/2017)
"AgResearch must be called to account. The GE ryegrass project is a costly miscalculation and has not improved the quality and resilience of the agricultural system for farmers,"...more
Radio NZ Midday Rural News interview
International Research finds GE Foods not "Substantially Equivalent" (17/01/2017)
The newly published studies found that GE corn (NK603) sprayed with Roundup has 117 proteins and 32 metabolites altered when compared to the controls...current food safety testing is not fit for purpose. There is a set of complex systems that are at risk of disruption and must be studied to evaluate safety,"...more
New Zealand's GE Free success story saved in 2016 (22/12/2016)
New Zealand's export success has been underpinned by its GE Free status, but remains at risk from government policy to promote environmental release of GMO's in agriculture....more
Maori Party support of RMA Bill Threatens GE-Free Zones (23/11/2016)
"Minister Smith's legislation is using a false premise to strip regions of their rights and to get rid of New Zealand's GE Free status,"...more
International Monsanto Tribunal takes steps towards prosecution for ecocide (26/10/2016)
This is a struggle not against one multinational corporation, it is a struggle for life, it is a struggle for liberty. A struggle to stop big companies from colonising our food systems, colonising our agriculture, holding mother Earth as a slave for their profits...more
MONSANTO TRIBUNAL - LIVE stream... Updates
GE Free crop zone from Auckland to Cape Reinga (23/09/2016)
"Science and medicine are not threatened by regional policies for land use and branding. New Zealand has, for decades, allowed contained ethical use of gene technology," ...more
Native Tree Plan Shows Positive Face of Scion's Research (11/09/2016)
"It is an exciting and valuable use of New Zealand research money, but should not be used as a bribe to allow commercialisation of Scion's GE projects, or to justify forestry being allowed to destabilise complex natural ecosystems"...more
Call for Dr. Smith's resignation. (5/9/2016)
"This serious breach of conduct transgresses his responsibilities as a minister. He is apparently unable to avoid his conflicts of interest around this issue. This terrible situation leads us to call for his resignation as a Minister of the Crown"...more
Proposal to Stop Labelling of GM food would deny consumers basic right to know (23/08/2016)
"The vast majority of consumers want and expect labelling of GE ingredients, and demand the right to know"...more
'Superficial' EPA Report Ignores Effects From Herbicide Ingredients (16/08/2016)
To consider just one ingredient - glyphosate - without also taking into account the synergistic effects of the adjuvants that make GBH such a powerful killer, constitutes a fundamental flaw in the EPA's report,"...more
Minister's Threat to Modify Democracy Is A Step Too Far (30/07/2016)
"The Ministerial push for GE trees, along with the powers aimed at removing regional plans for GE Free zones, are an affront to democracy" ...more
Environmental Standards for Forestry put timber exports at risk (06/07/2016)
The dangers to GE trees to NZ ecosystems, including soil organisms, plants, birds, and insects could be widespread, permanent, and economically damaging."...more
History of Failures Warrants Local Say on GMO's (20/06/2016)
"Whakamaru is a forgotten contaminated site that should be considered a biosecurity risk but the EPA has washed its hands of it. Worse is that the Minister for the Environment is refusing to allow local councils to put precautions around this type of activity,"...more
FNDC & WDC Proposed District Plan change-Genetically Modified Organisms
MPI, Pork and Chicken Producers Urged to Halt GE-feed Imports (31/05/2016)
"The warning signs that GE crops and associated pesticides can cause serious deformities must not be ignored,"...more
GE Crop Report details problems and solutions (20/05/2016)
The report includes important caveats, highlighting inadequate animal feeding studies and the need for more comprehensivesystematic safety testing...more
NZ Dairy Exports vulnerable to unapproved GM animal feed (13/05/2016)
"GMO–free is a powerful way to differentiate New Zealand milk in the global market. GMO animal feed is characteristic of low-end commodity producers with which Fonterra is trying to compete in global auctions."...more
Breach by EPA and AgResearch on GE Animal Experiments (27/4/2016)
"AgResearch's failure to submit the required annual report by the 31 August 2015, is a blatant refusal to follow the mandated safety conditions that ensure oversight, transparency and accountability. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has also failed in its responsibility to ensure the reporting requirements on GE animal experiments have been met"...more
NZ Brands like Tegel worth more if they go GE Free and Organic (11/04/2016)
Tegel was listed in the green section of the Greenpeace True Food Guide as avoiding GE ingredients. Though their chickens are not GM, they no longer guarantee to source feed that excludes GM crops and GM ingredients in feed...more
Farmers Need Protection Against Damaging Agribusiness (31/03/2016)
The claims made by applicants to justify such GE crops have also proved deceptive and illusory... There are 118 million acres of resistant weeds threatening farmers' incomes and the environment. An estimated one billion kgs of herbicide has been sprayed in the last ten years mostly to combat emerging weed resistance...more
Deceptive New Bill Creates Ministerial Dictatorship (06/03/2016)
"The Resource Legislation Amendment Bill will affect everyone. How our environment is protected, how local businesses protect their livelihoods, how we interact with our councils, how central government and corporate policies will affect our communities"...more
Farmers quit, feel betrayed by Federated Farmers leadership (17/02/2016)
"The leadership direction is wrong headed. It is pushing farmers towards being the enemy ofthe consumer and a blight on exporters"...more
Fed Farmers Misguided in Push For GMOs (10/02/2016)
The push to remove local oversight is an attempt to destroy the idea of regional GE-free zones that most New Zealanders want to preserve. New Zealand producers and exporters should soundly reject any misguided efforts to force GE into the New Zealand agricultural sector...more.
Farmers challenge GE ruling in High Court
Ministry Ignores Thousands of Public Submissions (24/12/2015)
"The Ministry's assessment of submissions are a farce. They have ignored and obliterated the thousands of submissions that called for the re instatement of Council responsibility to rule on GE in their regions,"...more
What you can do, more information at !!The Proposed National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry!!
FSANZ approval dangerous as damaging Herbicide de registered (27/11/2015)
"The approval of potentially unsafe novel foods is a serious failure by FSANZ and they must be called to account."...more
NZ Regulators Are Ignoring Pesticide Additives that Damage Human Health (18/11/2015)
NZ food authorities have failed to properly assess the safety of co-additives used with the pesticides in scores of GE pesticide-tolerant foods. The assessment regime is seriously flawed and that no testing is done on the cocktail formulation of chemicals as they are used in the final products...more
Protection of NZ's GE-Free Environment Requires Containment of GE Vaccine Experiment (02/11/2015)
Trials of a new GE vaccine must be fully contained. The experiments must not be used as an excuse to weaken regulation of GE or to push through environmental release of other GMOs in New Zealand...more
TV3 The Nation - The 14-16 years on the NZ GE debate. (starting 36.40 to 53.12 of a 56 min)
Report Uncovers Dismal Record of GE Animal Experiments in New Zealand (23/10/2015)
Using AgResearch's own records, the report catalogues a sad and profoundly disturbing story that has characterised the genetic engineering (GE) trials. The surrogate and transgenic cows suffer from chronic illness, reproductive losses, sudden unexplained deaths, and severe deformities...more
Morning Report 23.10.2015
Guyon Espiner talks to Claire Bleakley about the report
AgResearch Dr. David Wells response to the report.
Download GE Animals in New Zealand: the first fifteen years, 2000-2015
NZ's Marketing Difference for Exports Jeopardised by TPPA (08/10/2015)
By agreeing to the Trans Pacific Partnership's conditions to eliminate restrictive policies and to promote reforms limiting the timeframes allowed for restrictions on food exports, New Zealand could be pushed into compromising our zero tolerance for genetically engineered (GE) seeds for cultivation...more
A victory for bees (14/09/2015)
The US Appeal court has cancelled the approval for the Dow Agrosciences chemical Sulfoxaflor, a neonicotinoid, as it is highly toxic to bees. We call on the EPA to follow the US directive and immediately remove all Sulfoxaflor neonicotinoids from use and cancel their registration...more
Campaigners want pesticide banned after US takes it off market
"GMO's today cannot be part of a solution for a sustainable future!" (08/09/2015)
A debate on Genetic engineering (GE) was the final session that closed the "Question it?" science research week in Queenstown...more
Ministry of Primary Industries must test for GE in shipments. (27/08/2015)
"It is our understanding that the Government regulations require that all GE seed is de natured or turned into grits.. If there are viable GE seeds in the shipment then human error cannot be blamed for spill that is already illegal"...more
MPI receives 16,000 submissions on NES-PF. (13/08/2015)
"This is amazing it must be the largest opposition ever recorded on an issue open for submissions. The Ministry must now take these submissions seriously" ...more
Will GE Trees bring economic suicide? (26/07/2015)
"The introduction of GE trees into the agricultural landscape threatens our export markets and will send rural communities further into a spiralling debt crisis, affecting the whole of New Zealand,"...more
National Environmental Standards - a National train wreck (07/07/2015)
"The proposed NES – PF will leave already over stressed and under resourced Councils and ratepayers indebted to unsound and dangerous environmental degradation, because Scion wants to prohibit the Councils placing more stringent GE precautions in their plans" ...more
Action Alert!!!
The Proposed National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry
For more information go to
Submission and hui around the country
The NES -PF make provisions for GE trees to be planted regardless of Council precautions
Addressing the Science? (03/07/2015)
"Denying the adverse effects of chemical and engineered foods on consumers and the environment could lead to a health crisis that is far greater than the thalidomide disaster on the babies of pregnant women. The thalidomide manufacturers and distributors also used the same denial rhetoric as today's agri-biotech companies"...more
Hazardous changes to New Organisms Act. (15/06/2015)
"Changing the law will not make genetic engineering safe. It will only open the public up to a toxic chemical overload. Produce unsafe food, weed and pest resistance and lower yields"...more
Are cattle dying from a GE sweet beet? (08/06/2015)
"It appears that the market for hybrid fodder crops and imported supplementary animal feed has become a minefield of products laden with GE and toxic sprays, all unlabelled and subject to regulatory blindness," ...more
Sri Lanka bans Glyphosate (25/05/2015)
"We are shocked to find that in spite of the rising evidence of harm from glyphosate based formulations (which include Roundup), the MPI have chosen to discontinue glyphosate testing - human and animal health are paramount to the country and should never be sacrificed for cost...more
Communities have a right to say "No to GMO!" (17/05/2015)
"The New Zealand economy relies on its agricultural purity, it is incredible that a farmers organisation should challenge the precautions placed in the plans by Councils, especially in light of the unfolding environmental and health dangers posed by genetically modified organisms."...more
Strong Support for Clarification of GMO Council Jurisdiction (27/04/2015)
"It is extremely important for Regional Councils to have the power to implement precautionary measures to protect their communities economy by preserving the GE Zero tolerance policy regarding land uses"...more
Do you want to make a submission? Here are some points to consider.
Please send submission to Wellington Regional Council's Long Term Plan -
Public submission period closes Monday 20th April.
Email- email@example.com with "Submission to Long Term Plan" in subject line
Increased Childhood Illnesses Linked To Exposure to Herbicides 25/03/2015
"Our food could be the cause of much chronic illness and our growing dependence on medicines in an over stretched health system. We as parents need to take control of the food we eat and learn how we can affect change in our own lives, and those of our children,"...more
UN Pesticide Warning Adds To Risks for Fonterra and New Zealand Exports 22/03/2015
"Better alternatives to glyphosate are known and must be adopted quickly. It's time that industry, farmers and local government stopped deluding themselves with a blind assumption that glyphosate based herbicides are safe." ...more
Kiwis Join Global Vigil Against GE trees 2/3/2015
New Zealanders are supporting an international vigil against release of GE trees at 12.45 on Tuesday 3rd March at 10 Brandon Street, Wellington. "These are the very trees that independent scientists warn could destabalise the environment by impacting soil bacteria, fungi, birds and insects that are part of complex ecosystems."...more
Forests At Risk from Secret Trade Deal and GE Trees Partnerships 31/01/2015
"The US EPA has given permission for ArborGen to plant these trees 'under the radar'," said Jon Carapiet, national spokesman for GE-Free NZ. "There is a fear that investor protections in the TPP could see ArborGen demand the right to do something similar here or to demand compensation if they are prevented."...more
Studies Show New Zealand Farmers Ahead of the Game 11/01/2015
Farmers are deserting GE crops for non-GE varieties or different non-GE grains like millet. The shift away is due to reasons of high cost, poor performance, growing weed resistance and the development of resistance in insect pests. "New Zealand farmers have kept their fields free of GE crops and are now seeing the benefits of staying with traditional non-GMO plant hybrids," ...more
Register NOW!!
Food Matter Aotearoa Conference 14/15 February 2015 Te Papa Wellington.
GE Free with Food Matter Aotearoa welcomes overseas speakers including
Dr. Vandana Shiva, Prof. Gilles-Eric Seralini, and Prof. Don Huber.
GE Free NZ is a major supporter of this conference.
Flawed Corporate Culture Undermines Food Safety (12/12/2014)
"If Fonterra and other companies want our export economy to thrive by meeting consumer demand for safe products, we must secure the integrity of the whole supply chain."...more
US Warning against GMO threat (26/11/2014)
"New Zealand must heed warnings about problems caused by GE crops in the US, and restore the moratorium on commercial release of GMOs. This is a wake up call to the international community which New Zealand producers must hear," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-free NZ...more
Government Freeze On Toxic Biotech Crops Urgently Needed (12/11/2014)
"Current evidence shows that we are poisoning our children from conception. In some areas deformities are now commonplace. It is not ethical for us to be supporting the farming of biotech death crops...The independent studies and farmers' reports that show harm have been ignored or denigrated by the FSANZ officials...more
"Freeze" Petition hearing at Primary Production Select Committee, Radio NZ Benedict Collins, 6/11/2014
Trade Deal Threatens Farmers and Food Businesses (29/10/2014)
"This is a direct threat to the freedoms and sovereignty of all farmers. It will destroy the competitive point of difference that helps New Zealand exporters thrive. The TPPA looks like being the ultimate betrayal of New Zealand farmers and food exporters to overseas corporate interests,"...more
Evidence Supports GE Moratorium, Not Fed Farmers Push for GE-food (21/10/2014)
"Our GE-Free status is a huge benefit to farmers and exporters and is a powerful marketing point of difference which consumers take as a signal of food safety. GE-free adds value and is a key part of lifting New Zealand products above commodity-status, which Fonterra and other food exporters are seeking." said Jon Carapiet...more
Dr. Vandana Shiva, Prof: Seralini and Prof: Huber will be discussing:- agroecology, organic, chemical and GMO agricultural systems. Be involved in building a thriving economy guaranteeing safe nutritional food production. Register now!
|GE Free NZ fully supports Food Matters Aotearoa
World Food Day promotes Agroecology not GE technology (16/10/2014)
Traditional farming and seed saving methods are still being practiced by 70% of the world's family farmers. However, increasingly seeds are becoming a trade commodity manipulated by Corporate patents for control of the food economy. "Access to safe nourishing food is a basic human right," said Claire Bleakley "How we grow our food and maintain a sustainable and vibrant agricultural economy must ensure the rights of farmers to grow safe food without the restrictions of corporate seed control"...more
Questions Raised Over Cow Deaths (15/09/2014)
"Is there a relationship between the seed saved from the failed GE brassica lines and the development of this new toxic HT line now being sold?" said Claire Bleakley president of GE Free NZ. "Animals are the mainstay of the New Zealand economy. The animal grazing pastures should not be left to be decided by agrochemical companies who have little interest in animal health and benefit from the use of large amounts of toxic chemicals." ...more
Fonterra China Deal Demands Safe Supply Chain (29/08/2014)
"Infants are the most vulnerable to toxic effects of pesticides and GE foods. When going offshore to supply China's infant milk Fonterra must ensure that their supply chain is safe, pure and free of any toxicity."...more
Dairy farmers and consumers at risk from unapproved DDG GE Grain (26/08/2014)
Consumers are angry at the way the MPI are turning a blind eye to the deleterious effects of imported pesticide-laden GE animal foods...more
The Ecologist report on Argentina
China Conference Highlights Food Safety and Sustainable Agriculture (15/08/2014)
" The government, agricultural producers and exporters must heed the rising rejection of GE foods in markets such as China, and support New Zealand's current GE-Free status by investing in agro-ecological, sustainable methods that support a safe food system...more
Submissions are needed now, in support of both the Whangarei District Council's and Far North District Council's excellent collaborative GMO Plan change, which will prohibit all GMO releases and make any EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved outdoor GE experiments/field trials a discretionary activity, subject to sensible additional local requirements beyond those required by the HSNO (Hazardous Substances and New Organisms) Act. This will protect our biosecurity, our unique biodiversity, our existing non-GE primary producers, our economy and the public health from the risks of outdoor use of GMOs.
Submissions close Tuesday 9 September 2014. (4.00 p.m. for WDC; 5.00 p.m. for FNDC)
Loss of AgResearch Scientists is Detrimental For Farmers (22/07/2014)
Allowing the loss of this scientific expertise is short-sighted, and shows AgResearch is failing to focus on science that suits New Zealand's unique positioning as a producer of safe, clean, GE-free food that sets the standard for quality ...more
Leader's Vision Is a Threat to Farmers' Future (08/07/2014)
"The report says New Zealand's best option is to restore a moratorium on environmental release of GMOs. Federated Farmers should heed that advice if it really has the interests of the farming community at heart."...more
Rat Study Shows Consumers At Risk (24/06/2014)
"With the new publication of the findings of liver and kidney toxicity and early tumour development, it is unethical to ignore the warning signs," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-Free NZ...more
Handful of GE Farmers Could Destroy NZ Agricultural Choices (29/05/2014)
New Zealand's reputation as a producer of safe, clean food will be destroyed by a handful of farmers deciding to use GE crops. Disputes between farmers over liability for lost exports have become an urgent concern following the court case between organic farmer Steve Marsh and his neighbour. The decision has caused shock waves around the World as it highlights the inability of non GE and GE crops to co-exist and the lack of redress and severe loss of livelihood that GE crops can cause to the polluted...more
Radio NZ coverage Rural News 30th May 2014 (starts 3.11)
EPA Failure Still Leaves Exporters In Firing Line (23/05/2014)
"The High Court found the EPA was wrong, but the case suggests real risks to the future of New Zealand from a cavalier attitude within the EPA and from some sectors of industry seeking to destroy the integrity of the legislation. The preservation of New Zealand's biosecurity and existing valuable GE-free status must be at the heart of decision-making...more
Rally for Seed Freedom - Freedom to grow and eat GE FREE Food (MAM)
Saturday 24 May 12pm - 2pm Cuba Mall, Bucket Fountain, Wellington,
Ag-Chemicals Implicated in Rise of Disease (15/05/2014)
The findings have implications for 82 genetically engineered foods approved into the New Zealand food chain. All these are tolerant to one or more herbicides named in the latest study by Schinasi and Leon (2014) as being linked to cancers. [1] Yet officials have acknowledged that these foods are not assessed by FSANZ for pesticide effects, and that only the novel DNA is considered in safety assessments...more
Risks of Pesticide Induced Cancer Must Not Be Ignored By Advisory Council (04/05/2014)
"There is official disinterest to look deeper into health effects that GMO's cause and it appears that the authorities are deliberately ignoring information. The new Advisory Council must serve to protect the integrity of the food system for people wanting clean, safe food," ...more
|Outline for Council submissions.
Federated Farmers Leaders' Agenda Put Exports at Risk (15/04/2014)
"This agenda to push GE into New Zealand is a threat to our unique reputation for clean, safe, world-class quality food," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-free NZ ...more
Myths Revealed About Safety of Genetically Engineered Food (03/04/2014)
Though the debate left many statements unchallenged, there was general surprise that common assumptions that GE foods are safe are not based on published data... "there are no human studies." or diagnostic tools for monitoring public health impacts of GE food...more
Industry Trying to Use TPPA to Stop Labelling of GM Food (26/03/2014)
A submission by Bio: Biotechnology Industry Organisations to the US trade negotiator at the TPP shows the push to shut down labelling of GM food "The effect is to deny consumers the right to know whether a product is GM or not, and to muzzle government regulators," said Jon Carapiet...more
BIO: Biotechnology Industry Organisations
NZ Courts Disaster With GE Fodder Crops While Existing Solutions Ignored by AgResearch (20/03/2014)
The announcement by AgResearch that they are seeking in the near future to field test GE fodder crops that will contain high levels of "blockbuster" traits, is short sighted and poses a threat to farmers and exporters...more
Approval of GE Crops Has descended Into a Farce (15/03/2014)
New Zealand's and Australia's approval process for new GE foods has descended into a farce. Crops that are not even authorised to be grown overseas are getting rubber-stamped as safe...more
Lack of Responsible Oversight Puts Everyone at Risk (23/02/2014)
"By approving pesticide-reliant GE foods without safety studies how can they assure consumers that it is safe to eat? These bodies are being derelict in their duty of care to protect public health. They are in essence deliberately endangering consumers by forcing them to eat unsafe, unlabelled GE food."...more
Former USDA Official Warns Farmers Against GE Contamination (20/02/2014)
"It is an endorsement to defend the integrity of the New Zealand supply chain, just as forward thinking Councils in New Zealand are doing by adopting the precautionary approach toward genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their plans.This precaution is supported by USDA experts who now admit that GM-free production will be made impossible and that co-existence is just a myth. We have a global advantage in New Zealand's GE-free status which we must protect."...more
Backing for Local Right of Protection Against Risks of GMOs (10/02/2014)
The Environment Court decision recently released has upheld the right for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, in its Regional Policy statement, to place wording for a precautionary approach to be taken on the growing of genetically modified (GMO) crops in the region...more
'Put Food Safety First': Food Minister must reject "The Suicide Chemical" GE soybean (16/01/2014)
"The Minister must reject the proposal by FSANZ to allow this GE product," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-free NZ in food and environment. "The FSANZ report is irresponsible in its positive view of this next generation of GMOs. The Minister must not be lulled into believing the product has been proven safe when it has not."....more
Prime Minister Urged to Meet Mayor of Hawaii to Learn About GM Ban (06/01/2014)
"New Zealand's reputation for safe, natural food is hugely important. It will serve New Zealand well for John Key to speak with the Mayor of Hawaii, even if it takes him away from the golf course for a couple of hours," said Jon Carapiet...more
Speaker Brings Global Perspective on GE (15/12/2013)
"It is exciting to be welcoming a speaker of Mr. Smith's calibre to New Zealand," said Claire Bleakley, "The overwhelming evidence of risks associated with GE processes, and growing and eating of GM food will be clearly examined. So too will the solutions, that are important in showing the way forward, for sustainably meeting the needs of future generations through agriculture."...more
Jeffrey Smith is only in New Zealand for two talks. the first in Wellington on the 17th December at St Andrews on the Terrace - contact Jon Muller 04 4774744. On the 18th he will speak at The Free House, Collingwood in Nelson -contact Susie Lees 03 543 2341.
Public Support GE-Free Zones as Scientists Debate Safety of GMOs (02/12/2013)
There is strong public support for protecting GE-free production in New Zealand, as scientists debate the growing evidence of safety risks from GE...more
Precaution Vital to Prevent GE Contamination (26/11/2013)
The importance of protecting existing agricultural practices is at the heart of a groundbreaking case being heard in the Environment Court, involving the community of the Bay of Plenty (BOP) and the Crown Research Institute (CRI) Government Organisation Scion...more
Dairy Farmers Can Future-proof with Mixed Forage plants (4/11/2013)
Farmers should be wary of promises of a 'magic bullet' made by Crown Research Institutes seeking funding for developing genetically engineered (GE) forage pastures. Instead New Zealand farmers can benefit right now thanks to research funded by Dairy NZ. "The research found that the mixed forage crops improved resilience to drought, lowered greenhouse gas emissions, and improved production in dairying", said Jon Carapiet...more
NZ's Achilles Heel: Scientists Warn of Harm from GE Food (26/10/2013)
The expert group dismisses claims by industry that GE foods are proven safe. "It is extremely important that the regulators and local authorities are able to protect communities from the rising evidence of harm from any use of GE in the diet, especially the rising toxic levels of pesticides in GE foods"....more
New Zealand under scrutiny on WORLD FOOD DAY (16/10/2013)
New Zealand must preserve its GE Free food productions systems that do not suffer from these micronutrient deficiencies and will support better health, fewer child deaths and an increased future potential...more
March for Seed Freedom- Wellington photos (12/10/2013)
Seed Security Vital for New Zealand (04/10/2013)
Securing New Zealand's production of seed and access to imported seed, should be a national priority but the Government must develop a long term strategy. To draw attention to the issue and to mark global Freedom Seed and Safe Food month, night guerilla gardens have sprung up overnight in disused plots as a celebration of 'open source' seed developed by communities over millennia...more
GE foods toxicity create major disturbance to health (27/09/2013)
Claire Bleakley, President of GE Free NZ spoke to Parliament's Regulatory Review committee raising concerns around public health of 2,4-D soybean "The Committee was excellent and gave our presentation the time needed which we thank them for"...more
Regulatory Review Committee Hearing -Appeal to review A1073, Herbicide Resistant Soybean (2,4-D, glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium) Date: 26th September, Time: 8.30- 9.30am
End Of The Line For Food Sovereignty? 24/09/2013
"This will be the end of the line in trying to establish just how much sovereignty over food matters New Zealand can still claim," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE Free NZ....more
Institute Backs New Zealand Moratorium on GM release (18/09/2013)
The McGuiness Insitute report is a warning to producers, exporters and government that New Zealand must not be denied the advantages to our future economy of our GM-free food production system. "A decade of GM crops in the US is an unfolding disaster, and New Zealand has been fortunate to avoid the problems of GMOs overseas," said Jon Carapiet ...more
Appeal For Safety Tests of New GE Food (9/9/2013)
GE Free NZ in Food and Environment has been advised that an appeal lodged with the Regulatory Review committee has been accepted. The appeal is against the approval of a new GE food resistant to three toxic chemicals of which one (2,4-D) has been recently banned in Australia....more
NZ Inc at Risk from TPP deal on GMOs (03/09/2013)
Producers in New Zealand are facing a loss of control over what they grow because of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), [1] that will restrict the ability for New Zealand to set our own laws around safe food, water and environmental standards...more
Auckland Council GMO
Please ask Councilors to support the precautionary principle now!!!
Fonterra at Risk from GM Rye-grass (12/08/2013)
"The future of Fonterra's safety reputation is directly under threat from use of GE animal feed that has never been subjected to proper safety-testing or monitoring, and from an agenda to ignore natural solutions and push experimental GE ryegrass." said jon Carapiet ...more
Gaping Hole Created by Change to RMA, Weakening Governance and Democracy (11/08/2013)
"The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) jurisdiction is only for the experimentation of plants and animals. Once released the burden of problems arising from commercialised GMOs that have 'gone wrong' will fall to the very communities about to be disenfranchised by changes to the RMA," said Jon Carapiet...more
Concern for GE Animals in AgResearch Restructure (2/8/2013)
There are concerns that plans by AgResearch for downsizing and consolidation of their business into two hubs will leave experimental GE animals in limbo, or see them shipped to other locations thereby putting more rural land at risk of contamination. AgResearch's Ruakura site has been the location of a series of failed transgenic animal experiments on cows and goats ...more
Scientists Back GE Moratorium In India and New Zealand (31/07/2013)
The Supreme Court's Technical Expert Panel of scientists from top public research laboratories and academic institutions found major gaps in their regulatory system that have been the subject of warnings in submissions by New Zealand scientists....more
'Astonishing' Rejection of Science By Food Safety Minister (22/07/2013)
Responding to a request under the Official Information Act, Minister Nicky Kaye failed to provide any evidence of safety when approving the new GE food that contains high levels of 2,4-D. "FSANZ, MPI, the Minister and the Science Media Centre seem to be engaged in a deliberate effort to undermine scientific rigour... then ignore inconvenient and concerning evidence that should force them to review their past practice." said Jon Carapiet...more
China Warning for New Zealand on GE food (18/07/2013)
"The food we grow and eat should sustain and enhance our health, today and in future generations. For this to happen New Zealand must avoid the threat from monocultures, GE contamination, and corruption of government policy and move to sustainable, climate-smart, low pesticide resilient farming methods based on ecological systems-thinking"...more
Councils Threatened by Central Government Must Not Cave In (03/07/2013)
Councils must keep faith with their communities and resist central government bullying tactics, especially as central government has refused to hold GMO-users liable, so exposing ratepayers to potential costs. "Cross-pollination, lack of segregation, accidental spillage are all common problems that have plagued countries where GE has been released, this has caused widespread disputes between farmers" ...more
NZ Exports and Regional Development Face Destruction If Minister Changes GMO Rules (27/06/2013)
GE-Free New Zealand members, many communities and growers around the country are alarmed over the Environment Minister Amy Adams plans to remove any capacity for Councils and communities to safeguard their region...more
Food Safety Minister to table "GE Freeze" Petition. (23/06/2013)
Food Safety Minister has confirmed that she will table in the House a 1700 signature petition asking her to "Freeze all new GE applications and review existing ones". A 3000 + signature petition out lining the same concerns will also be tabled in the Australian Parliament this week...more
Minister receives 1000+ signature petition to review GE foods. (06/06/2013)
We asked the Minister to table a 1000 + signature petition in parliament on our behalf, she intends to make a decision by 11th June. The petition asks the Minister to: -
1. Freeze all new applications for GE foods while the FSANZ safety assessment regime is aligned with the European Food Safety Authority guidelines on GE; and past approvals are reassessed.
2. Enforcement and full labelling of all foods made using GE techniques including processed products such as: vegetable oils, starches, sugars, and meat, milk and eggs from animals fed GE feed.
3. Removal of exemptions from GE labelling requirements in Food Standard 1.5.2 so any trace of a GE organism in a foodstuff, stock feed or seed must be fully and clearly labelled as GE in origin...more
US Wheat imports must be tested for unapproved GE contamination. (30/05/2013)
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and all importers of wheat products from the USA must act upon the report that unapproved experimental herbicide resistant GE wheat has been found in Oregon fields.[1] An immediate embargo must be placed on all wheat imports from the US and sent for testing and destroyed if any unauthorised GE presence is found. Japanese authorities have canceled a US wheat order, other major wheat importers South Korea, China and the Philippines are also monitoring the situation...more
New Zealand Marchers "Don't want GMO's. (27/05/2013)
Two thousand people in the 14 cities over New Zealand showed yesterday what they thought of GE. "This march brought out the anger against GE. Many people feel the regulators and governments are approving GE foods without any safety testing and treating their citizens as guinea pigs" said Claire Bleakley, president of GE Free NZ ...more
Wellington March Against Monsanto
Auckland March Against Monsanto
Christchurch March Against Monsanto
March Against Monsanto Seattle
March Against Monsanto Oslo Norway.
New Zealand a GE Free Nation - Keep GE seeds out. (23/05/2013)
– The Wellington organized march ,May 25th 3pm, promises to make an impact. There are 14 cities all over New Zealand and up to 427 cities in 52 Countries around the World participating in the "March against Monsanto". "The March against Monsanto has been triggered by the suffocating tentacles that large transgenic biotech corporations, like Monsanto, have over every level of the food supply from the laboratory created corporate patented GE seed in the fields to the plate of consumers" ...more
MARCH AGAINST MONSANTO, 25th May. - Wellington, Auckland, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Gisbourne, Rotorua Nelson, Christchurch, Whangarei and New Plymouth. For more info on your town time, place and contact go to the facebook site.
Anger against the "deafness" and "conflict of interest" of GE food regulators 16/05/2013
"We believe that FSANZ assessors have been unduly influenced by Industry opinions instead of human safety obligations and are in direct breach of their mandate to protect public health"...more
GE plants a major source of formaldehyde exposure? (23/04/2013)
"GE plants are chemical factories that manufacture toxins. Add the harmful effects of formaldehyde and the high herbicide residues and it compounds the toxicity making these plants highly unsafe to eat," said Mrs. Bleakley...more
Concern Raised on Impact of GE in Formula. (19/04/2013)
It is time that questions about the possible effects of GE ingredients in infant formula are answered by food safety officials. "Without any feeding studies or diagnostic tools to detect GE soy proteins, health professionals have no ability to rule out GE foods as a main factor in illness."...more
Action Templates - Make a submission on the Auckland Unitary Plan by 31st May... see here
Scientists Warn on GE Food Safety Protocol (26/03/2013)
"The Minister and FSANZ must take these incidents seriously and listen to the scientific warnings. The food chain faces the threat of chemicals that are banned in other countries and that are dangerous. 2,4-D and Atrazine type sprays will become a lethal part of breakfast, lunch and dinner," ...more
Time To End Subsidy for GE Self-Sabotage (19/03/2013)
It is unacceptable that major 'commercial' risks are being underwritten by the public under the HSNO Act. Universities and Crown Research Institutes get the financial benefits of contracts based on socialising the risks of GMOs and externalising costs."The current support for risk-taking seriuously threatens our economy including exporters like Fonterra and Zespri, not to mention the bees." ...more
Food Safety Regulations Under Scrutiny (18/03/2013)
"This is an interesting position to be in as our Food Safety Authority has recommended that the soy be approved for the food chain without any trials being conducted to ensure that it is safe," said Claire Bleakley, president of GE-Free NZ in food and environment. "If this food is found to have risks when tested for the EU what will it mean for the credibility of the FSANZ scientific process as without any feeding data it is only industry and FSANZ assessors' opinions that are being considered, not scientific findings." ...more
Definition of 'Milk' Must Not be Changed Under FDA / TPP Agreements (14/03/2013)
"The public need a commitment that any deals made under the TPPA and the recent FDA food safety agreement will not undermine New Zealand laws requiring GM labelling, and will not allow artificial sweeteners to be added in secret." said Jon Carapiet...more
Deal with Federated Farmers Opens Way for GMOs in Hauraki Gulf Marine Park 26/02/2013
"Now the decision has been made, and the outcome is a betrayal. By following the direction of officers the Hearings committee has worked counter to the community interest."...more
URGENT Action, please make a submission go to the Action templates at - Auckland Submission
Auckland Council Slammed Over Consultation on GMOs (20/02/2013)
Auckland Council has been slammed for not consulting with Maori on draft proposals to prohibit GMO release, even though representatives from the Independent Statutory Maori Board refused to propose a motion for consultation to take place....more
World First' approval of 2-4-D Food Crops Based on Flawed Science (17/02/2013)
The Minister must be warned that she lacks vital information to justify any approval of this new level of chemical toxicity in the food chain. The public also has the right to know what they will be eating...more
Unelected Officers Hold undue sway over Auckland Council (13/02/2013)
Senior officers at Auckland Council have undue sway on information and processes that weakens local democracy and impacts the access councillors have to key documents.
"The Section 32 analysis is a Council report. Yet officers have failed to properly brief their own staff or elected representatives about councils' 8-year consultation and best-practice plans process..." says Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-free NZ in food and environment...more
Auckland Council Vote is Vital Test for Local Democracy (10/02/2013)
"This process is the ultimate vitality-test to see how well democracy has survived the disestablishment of legacy councils and the creation of a super city, Aucklanders will not accept an issue of such significance being swept under the carpet." said Jon Carapiet....more
Councils Must Learn Lessons of Leaky Buildings and Control GMOs (5/3/2013)
"The impact of sabotage with melanine and recent DCD contamination in New Zealand milk gives insight on the economic threat to all regions from GMOs," says Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE Free NZ in food and environment. "There are good reasons why the public cannot have confidence in safety standards and regulation driven by industry and central government."...more
New Minister Urged to Intervene After Viral Gene Found in GE crops (23/01/2013)
It is no good relying on industry studies: science must be unbiased and on the side of the public health. Those who are assessing GE food must be trained on the complex risks of GE/transgenic food and must stop dismissing all studies that go against the data supplied by industry," said Claire Bleakley. "We need the new Minster to intervene and stop standing on the sidelines while the integrity of New Zealand's food system is steadily undermined."...more.
Ministry Passes Buck to Disputes Committee On GE Food (13/01/2013)
The responses allows the Ministry to sidestep issues raised by GE Free NZ and four other Australian groups in a joint submission made to the Food Standards (FSANZ) Authority concerning the absence of any evidence on the safety of Dow Agrochemical's multi-herbicide (2,4-D, Glyphosate, Glufosinate) tolerant GE soybean [1] for entry into the food chain....more
Approval of GE Salmon is a Concern for New Zealand (10/01/2013)
The FDA decision has caused alarm in the United States because the GE fish could be sold without any safety testing and would not be labelled, leaving consumers 'none the wiser'.
GE-Free NZ (in food and environment) has written an urgent request for information to Kate Wilkinson - Minister for food safety, seeking guarantees that the New Zealand government will require feeding trials be conducted to prove food safety before the GE salmon can be considered for sale here....more
Ideas for Holiday eating go to www.gefreepolicy.com a great place to find food companies committed to a GE Free food chain. Organically certified foods are guaranteed to be GE Free.
New Zealand Food Safety Undermined by Secret Deal with FDA (18/12/2012)
This deal is a dangerous and unprecedented move. It opens up New Zealand's biosecurity to increased risks, which is the price to pay for delivering what the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) calls a reduction in "regulatory burden for foods traded between the countries" said Jon Carapiet...more
Seed Discovery Makes Increased Biosecurity and Scrutiny of Feed Vital (11/12/2012)
"We share the concern about the risk of any viable weed seeds entering the country, regardless of the GE content. However, over and above the biosecurity concern is the issue of brand integrity and safe food reputation," says Jon Carapiet...more
Trade Stance Threatens Farmers With Cost of Bio-security Insurance (26/11/2012)
"The argument that farmers must pay the costs of protection against GM contamination could be extended to other costs vital to maintain the integrity of the food system." said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-FreeNZ in food and environment...more
Public Demand Authorities "Stop the Clock" on GE soybean toxic cocktail (22/11/2012)
"The clock must be stopped on this application until proper studies have been done. This food has never been tested, but other feeding studies on animals have shown the potential for serious organ and reproductive problems and a high incidence of death. If these results were extrapolated to humans our young adults would be developing liver and kidney cancers and reproductive problems in their early twenties," said Claire Bleakley president of GE Free NZ ...more
Submission on A1073 GE Free NZ submission and examples.
Obama's Legacy - The Right to Know What's In Food (08/11/2012)
The re-election of President Obama provides a second chance for him to deliver on his past promises to label GE foods. He must restore safety and integrity to the whole US food chain...more
Vote in California Will Impact TPPA Trade Deal (06/11/2012)
Proposals to label GM food being voted on in California alongside the presidential elections, could determine the fate of international negotiations for the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) ...more
Scientists Fight Over GE Moratorium in India (05/11/2012)
The Interim Report unanimously presented its view that all field trials should be stopped in India until:
· biosafety tests are conducted before any field trial, including sub-chronic toxicity in small animals
· qualified scientists fully evaluate biosafety data of previous and new GM crops
· serious conflicts of interest at the regulators are addressed, and specific sites and monitoring of trials are established...more
Loss of Value For Fonterra From Imported GE feed (4/11/2012)
"Action is needed to stop the entry of GMOs into the wider New Zealand agricultural environment through animal feed," says Jon Carapiet,spokesman for GE-free NZ in food and environment. "Securing a local and international supply of animal feed that is non-GM is vital to keep food safety as a foundation for New Zealand exports."...more
Public Become Lab Rats in FSANZ Cocktail Approval (31/10/2012)
The lack of any animal feeding studies on a GE soybean designed to survive spraying with a cocktail of herbicides, will leave the public no better than lab rats unless the approval is immediately stopped.
"FSANZ is deliberately misleading the public by pretending they have assessed safety data that doesn't even exist." said Claire Bleakley...more
Authority Begins Approval of New Generation '2,4-D Soy' (26/10/2012)
"FSANZ's approval system is not fit for purpose. Until officials adopt the necessary testing and safety standards they should not be accepting this or similar applications," says Jon Carapiet more...
Fonterra And Federated Farmers Owe it to New Zealand to Reject GE-feed (18/10/2012)
"The lack of transparency by large importers like Monsanto/ Cargill has placed farmers in an extremely compromised situation. For New Zealand to sell its produce to the world we need businesses to act with authenticity and protect our GE Free status," says Jon Carapiet. "Those involved have cast doubt on our global reputation for food safety. Doubt is exactly what you don't want when it comes to building New Zealand's position in the world market."...more
World Food Day Report here: FED UP with FSANZ* -allowing GM in our food"- unlabelled, unethical, unwanted.
*Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Almost all processed foods contain GM (GE) ingredients but shoppers are in the dark as most GM-derived ingredients escape labelling,
The report, which details numerous tests raising health concerns while our food regulator FSANZ continues to let GM foods into Australia and New Zealand, will be launched to mark World Food Day in Melbourne, Perth and Wellington.
It is unethical and unscientific for FSANZ to continue assuming GM is safe on the basis of patchy data provided by the GM companies themselves. Regulators appear to have a double standard of accepting GM company science without comment but fiercely attacking independent science that is published in peer-reviewed journals, whenever it contradicts their pre-conceived view of safety.
The MADGE Report: ""Fed Up with FSANZ" is being launched in Australia in Melbourne, Perth and in Wellington, New Zealand.
Wellington, NZ:
Place: the MPI office on 25 The Terrace
Time: 12.15pm start of a walk to FSANZ and then Parliament where a dossier will be presented to the Minister of Health
Contact GE-Free New Zealand 021 0507681 email@example.com
Melbourne, Vic:
Place: The Pavillion Café, Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne
Time: 2-3pm
Contact: Jessica Harrison 0407 307 231 or Fran Murrell 0401 407 944
Perth, WA:
Place: The Bodhi Tree, Cnr Oxford St and Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn
Time: 12.30-1.30pm
Contact Janet Grogan 0420 820 713.
For further comment contact:
Wellington: Claire Bleakley 027 348 6731
Melbourne: Fran Murrell 0401 407 944 or
Perth: Jessica Harrison 0407 307 231
World Food Day - Call for Accountability (15/10/2012)
16th of October at
12pm, meeting at the
Ministry of Primary Industries at 25 The Terrace
moving to FSANZ offices on 154 Featherston Street
and to Parliament.
"We spend our lives trying to avoid foods that will cause us harm, and government has a duty to ensure this remains possible...with the advent of GE foods this right has been taken away, with contamination being forced onto conventional and organic producers everywhere."...more
Increased Sprays On GE Crops Threaten The Health of New Zealanders (8/10/2012)
"...consumer health is being put at risk from increased exposure to toxic chemicals in imported food as our food regulators authorise food sprayed with 2,4-D," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-Free NZ in food and environment. "Human health is now the collateral damage in an unsustainable war against superweeds." ...more
BLG lacking cows frightening development not a breakthrough (02/10/2012)
"This is a frightening development not a breakthrough. Researchers that stoop so low as to manipulate the Mauri of an animal causing suffering, then pretend that this is a significant breakthrough when we already have business using technology to remove BLG, are inhumane". said Claire Bleakley ...more
Authorities Slow to Recall GE Maize Linked to Tumours (30/09/2012)
The latest information from South Africa [4] says that the GE maize comprises up to 40% of the maize grown in the country. GE-Free NZ has been trying to find out for two years what is in the South African maize-meal and breakfast cereal imported by Zebra Zoo and sold at Countdown and South African shops....more
Animal Tumours Demand FSANZ Follows Science not Opinion (24/09/12)
FSANZ assessors have shown that they are highly conflicted. Their subjective opinions not objectivity, drive their approach to science and they are not open to considering the dangers of GE foods...The Board of FSANZ should resign in light of their repeated failure to consider public health that might arise from the results of Seralini's long-term scientific feeding studies, dramatically improve their regulation and immediately recall all GE RoundUp Ready resistant foods...more
Animal Feeding Studies Prompt Food Safety Alert (20/09/2012)
"These results are horrific and suggest there has either been a cover up or criminal negligence - probably both - on the part of GE seed companies and the Trans Tasman Food Standards Authority meant to protect public health," said Claire Bleakley president of GE-Free NZ ...more
New Zealand Scientist Leads Scrutiny of Novel Food Risks (17/09/2012)
Professor Jack Heinemann and Associate Professor Judy Carman, released an expert report evaluating the risks associated with the use of RNA molecules in genetically engineered wheat.
"Wheat is a staple food. Many families are "Wheat- bix" families and may be exposed to wheat products in everyday meals from sandwiches to pasta," say's Claire Bleakley. ...more
Crown Research Institute Speaks With Forked Tongue In Opposing GMO Accountability (13/09/2012)
GE Free NZ and Bay of Plenty ratepayers have received notice of an appeal to the Environment Court, lodged by Crown Research Institute (CRI), Scion. This appeal contests the Environment Bay of Plenty Regional council's (BOPRC) "Precautionary approach" to GE release and field trialling in the region...more
'Find Ethical Path' Biotech Delegates Urged: "Don't be Evil" (1/09/2012)
Delegates to AgBio 2012 in Rotorua are being urged to reject the extremes of commercialised science and navigate the middle path for non-GE biotechnology in New Zealand.
Contrary to claims made by companies pushing their GE products, there are alternatives already identified that can double food production in the developing world...more
Otago Uni. Genetics Lecture Outdated and Unfair 30/08/2012
"John Knight seems to be out of his depth and to have been seduced into a false understanding of GE. His findings were unable to differentiate between natural selection of plant breeding and laboratory transgenics (GE) of plants," says Claire Bleakley....more
Farmers Face Dire Reality As GE Crops Backfire (28/08/2012)
"Staple foods have become chemical factories and store houses; farmers are not benefiting, consumers are not buying if they can avoid doing so, and consumer health is at risk of compromise by increased exposure to these toxins," says Claire Bleakley, president of GE-Free NZ in food and environment "Monsanto, Syngenta, Du Pont, and Dow are all now big players with a history. Monsanto brought us Thalidomide, DDT, PCB's and 2,4,5T, of which 2,4-D makes up 40%. Their need to feed their bottom line has become an unprecedented threat to human health and the environment," ...more
Otago University Genetics Lecture 'Outdated' and Likely to Mislead (26/08/2012)
These basic assumptions are now highly doubtful, which means the data is unreliable and could likely mislead decision-makers," says Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-Free NZ in food and environment.
The research is also totally blind to Brand marketing: promoting New Zealand products as GE-free and meeting the highest organic standards for purity in the world, both of which fit our values and clean green image....more
AgBio Conference Guests Fight Amongst Themselves (20/08/2012)
It is an embarrassment that keynote speakers at an upcoming AgBio conference in Rotorua are from companies facing criminal charges and which are already embroiled in a bitter war with each other as well as against natural ecosystems....more
Māori Must Demand Moderation, Not Extreme Science from Agbio Leaders (15/08/2012)
Maori have long held values around food that are shared by people around the world. The AgBio conference in Rotorua must be told to reject unethical and extreme uses of gene science that are already occurring, and to protect the choice for organic and GE-free production for future generations.... [and] be told to listen to consumers and farmers and not force acceptance of GE crops and agriculture onto Maori," says Jon Carapiet ...more
GE Free NZ AGM, 12.00-2.00 pm, 9th September 2012, Toi Poneke Arts Centre, Wellington, Everyone Welcome.
Rise in Pesticide Use in GE Food Must Not Be Ignored (4/8/2012)
The risks of increasing levels of pesticides in imported food produced with genetic engineering (GE) technology cannot be ignored, after one study found pesticide use had trebled since 2005.
"The health system is struggling with a significant rise in irritable bowel syndrome, digestive aliments, new and unknown 'viruses' and unexplained illnesses. There is potential that a change to a healthy diet free of GE-ingredients, and foods that are grown in New Zealand can help reduce illness," ...more
Warning for Farmers Against GE Crops (26/07/2012)
"It is time that scientists and chemical companies realized that farmers are essential for keeping the food chain healthy by using sustainable production methods that serve future generations. This means production that is free of herbicide and insecticide- laden GMO foods that cause serious endocrine effects."...more.
Farmers GE Awareness Tour
Julie Newman and Bob Mackley, the two speakers in this GE tour have experienced first-hand the effects that the release of GE crops have had on their communities and businesses. They will cover the issues of liability and co-existence for organic and non-GM farmers
2 August -- Dunedin
3 August -- Ashburton
4 August -- Lincoln (North Canterbury), Kaikoura
5 August -- Blenheim, Nelson
6 August -- Wellington
7 August -- Palmerston North,Clive (Hawkes Bay)
8 August -- Tauranga (Bay of Plenty)
9 August -- Hamilton (Waikato)
10 August -- West Auckland, North Shore (Auckland), CBD (Auckland)
11 August -- Northland
Stagg's Chili Holds GE Surprise for Customers (18/07/2012)
It is not known which type of GE corn is being used, and there is no official monitoring to require it be listed on the label," says Jon Carapiet from GE Free NZ in food and environment...more
Higher Levels of Toxins in GE Foods (13/07/2012)
Consumers are being left in the dark about increasing levels of pesticides used in GE foods, as authorities quietly rubber-stamp an even wider range of chemical tolerant GE foods for entry into the food chain. "This is damning evidence of the increasing levels of pesticidal toxicity in the food supply" ...more
EPA Hears GE Promise But Not All The Facts (22/06/2012)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held its first hearing on GE to consider a plan to leave company managers overseeing their own biosecurity compliance, but the applicants are irresponsible in not mentioning serious breaches of biosecurity that have happened before...more
GE Scientists Warn Against risks of GE Food (19/06/2012)
UK scientists who are themselves genetic engineers, have published a review of research into GMOs and warned against believing claims made for their benefits and safety.The warning comes just days after it was revealed that biotechnology company Syngenta had deliberately hidden the death of animals that had been fed one of its GE products....more
Ombudsmen help sought on Trans Tasman jurisdiction (6/6/2012)
"This is extraordinary, as the New Zealand public has no ability to challenge or have a voice in long-term decisions made on their behalf by Australia. The Tribunal decision implies New Zealanders have nowhere to go if they believe decisions made on their behalf are wrong," says Claire Bleakley ...more.
Dow's 'Stacked' Chemical-Resistant Soy Coming to NZ (1/6/2012)
"The latest application is a frightening example of the chemical industry collaborating on the use of a toxic cocktail of herbicides to poison the food chain. Food derived from such products will inevitably receive approval, as every previous application has, making a mockery of the regulatory process. The deal with companies like Dow Agrichemicals, Bayer Crop Science, and Monsanto is a good as done." said Jon Carapiet ...more
Harm to Mothers from GE-Soy Must be Investigated (6/5/2012)
GE-Free NZ is calling for urgent follow-up on animal evidence that points to a strong possibility that there could be adverse effects in unborn children from GE soya in the maternal diet....more
GE-Weeds Costing Farmers Dearly (2/5/2012)
The emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds as a result of planting genetically engineered crops is costing farmers dearly and shows the benefits of New Zealand's GE-free status.
"It's time for a re-direction of Science and Innovation funding away from the replanting of herbicide resistant GE Trees at Scion. Targeting valuable research funding on GE organisms, that harms our environment and internationally respected clean, green, natural brand position, must stop" ...more.
Time to End Public Money Wasted on GE pine trees at Scion? (14/4/2012)
Incompetent running of a long-term GE trial which has the potential to pollute the soil, kill insects and cause damage to the surrounding Kaingaroa forest, demands a halt to GE trials in the open environment. The national interest must not be undermined by the commercial partners and government agencies with biotech interests choosing where to funnel public money for science and innovation...more
GE Maize and Soya bean Foods Could Be Illegal and Dangerous to Health (9/4/2012)
- Bokomo's Wheat Free Pronutro was found to contain both GE maize and GE soya: 90.36% GE maize and 71.42% GE soya.
- Impala / Springbok maize meal was found to contain 66.18% GE maize. This maize is labelled as Free of Additives and Gluten Free.
"These are doubly dangerous as animals feeding studies showed that at 33% dietary level of GE maize meal there were significant adverse changes to the liver, kidney, pancreas, GI tract and immune system, as well as reproductive problems, sterility and deaths". said Claire Bleakley ....more
GE-Free Status a Benefit For NZ, Chinese Decision Shows (12/3/2012)
"This move has enormous implications about food safety. The US is facing significant problems from its deregulation of GE crops, and other countries are taking positive action after learning from their mistakes" says Claire Bleakley...more
NZ farmers could face impact of Monsanto Court win through TPPA (5/3/2012)
"The Court decision has huge implications for farmers if the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement exposes all trade partners to the same minimum standards" said Jon Carapiet....more
Professor Seralini Tour dates of Australia and biography.
Gilles -Eric Seraliani is a Professor of molecular biology at the University of CAEN. He has written over 100 scientific articles and conference papers for International specialist symposiums on food safety. Seralini has been the most published in the world in scientific peer reviewed papers on pesticides and their use in association with GMO's on health of animals and humans...
Tribunal Appeal Against 2,4-D resistant Corn (1/2/2012).
"Health concerns made in submissions must be considered in a measured and scientific way, yet no reply or validation of FSANZ failure to do so has been made" said Jon Carapiet ...more
New Non - GM corn hybrid could benefit farmers (15/1/2012)
"This is a welcome development, the corn has good yields and if grown organically has no chemicals. This is in stark contrast to GE grown crops that have unstable yields and are laden with insecticidal toxins and heavily sprayed with herbicides that affect reproduction and the endocrine system" ...more
NZ Food Authority being used by big US Biotech Company (9/1/2012)
There are concerns that the NZ Food regulator FSANZ, is being manipulated by a Chemical company to gain US governmental approval for new GE crops designed to survive their proprietary herbicide 2,4-D. "The Trans Tasman body [FSANZ] rubber stamped the toxic chemical laden foods with no recognised safety tests" ...more
China Symposium on GMO technology and Human Security (14/12/2011)
Speakers from diffiernt countries reported similar findings of Consumer rejection of GM food, poor crop performance and health issues. "Seeing such a strong concern for food safety for people and farmers was refreshing " ...more
MAdGE "copy in" Minister to trace and label GM Food 5/12/2011
New Zealand's Minister of Health would be doing the right thing for Public Health and the integrity of the food system by voting for the labelling of GM food, when she attends the trans-Tasman meeting this Friday...more
New Zealand must support US consumers on GM labelling 24/11/2011
"Testing, traceability and labelling is in the interests of food safety globally" says Jon Carapiet ...more
Government Research Agenda goes against New Zealand Brand 21/11/2011
"The proposed research is not aimed at promoting ethical and contained biotechnology research, but at promoting more new and modified organisms, including Genetically engineered organisms, in the open environment" said Jon Carapiet spokesperson of GE Free NZ...more
Ministers backing of '2,4-D' corn not good for Public Health 16/11/2011
"The Minister referred to the FSANZ final report which is littered with flaws and misleading commentary" said Claire Bleakley, president of GE free NZ "The report cannot justify any assumption that this food is safe. The product needs to be sent back for comprehensive long term studies looking into the effects of its chemical residues and metabolites on animals and humans"...more
Keep GE out of our FOOD and ENVIRONMENT in NZ,
Spread the word, tell your friends, send your MP and local candidates an e-card with your concerns, view the card
'Pure NZ' Quality Standards Face Destruction under TPPA 8/11/2011
Infomation about the TPP agreement is to remain secret for four years, but there are strong signals that the agreement will lead to a loss of sovereignty over issues that directly affect every New Zealander. "New Zealand must not compromise the economic advantage of being World class and maintaining the gold standard for the least toxic, leat contaminated, and most ethical food production systems" said Jon Carapiet more...
Rich is wrong in World Food Day 19/10/2011
"Consumers have just sent retailers a letter asking for help over a food issue" said Claire Bleakley president of GE Free NZ more...
NZ Joins Millions Against Monsanto and R2K on World Food Day 16/10/2011
Consumers all over the world care about safe, GM-free, natural, organic, sustainable and ethical food production. more...
Food Fight Returns to Supermarkets 15/10/2011
Consumer concern about safety of GE foods is the hands of supermarket owners.
That is the message behind this week's supermarket actions in locations across New Zealand, marking World Food Day this Sunday, and coinciding with the consumer Right2Know march in the United States. more...
Visitors Back GE-free Policy for New Zealand 13/10/2011
"When up to 80% of overseas visitors say no to New Zealand releasing GMOs, our food exporters, farmers and tourism industry should listen," says Jon Carapiet,spokesperson for GE Free NZ. more...
Bizarre Advice To Editors from NZ Science Media Centre 6/10/2011
The spin being pushed by the New Zealand Science Media Centre is obscurification of important debates in science. more...
Call for Moratorium as Farmers Switch Off GE-Canola, and Sales Fall 02/10/2011
"Our GE-free status is gaining us a marketing edge where organic and GE-free is in demand, and this must be protected," says Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-Free NZ more...
Official Smokescreen Undermines Science & Food Safety 28/09/2011
Lost in the FSANZ smokescreen is the internationally recognised need for GE foods to be regulated for safety due to the unknown effects of the foreign gene carrying viral and bacterial DNA. This regulation loses all credibility when it relies on the rejection of statistics and published peer-reviewed data. more...
Supermarkets Asked to Pull GE Maize After Study Finds GE Feed Toxic 14/09/2011
The adverse effects showing up in the animal testing of GE foods directly implicate the type of maize and soya being sold in New Zealand,"says Claire Bleakley, president of GE Free Nz. "These foods were approved safe without any rigorous or published safety tests. They should not be on sale given the organ damage confirmed by this meta study" more....
Call for Review of Contaminated Gardasil Vaccine 12/09/2011
The Ministry of Health must immediately recall and review the potentially life threatening Gardasil vaccine as six New Zealand batches have tested positive for the synthetic recombinant Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) DNA [1] [2]. This finding is highly concerning as the Health Authorities were told that all viral DNA had been removed from the vaccine through purification. more...
GE-Free NZ in food and environment are asking that the New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council and Health Minister immediately review the Food Standards Australia New Zealand approval to release 2, 4-D corn line DAS-40278-9 into the food supply more...
Minister called to Intervene against 2,4 D in Food 25/8/2011
This corn event is totally new to consumers, it has caused concerning and deleterious effects even in small doses in animal feeding studies more...
Lesson for NZ: New Herbicide Withdrawn As Side Effects Disclosed 17/08/2011
"It is not clear if FSANZ have simply ignored the issue, and the effects of synthetic hormones have not been investigated, or if the data have been withheld, and kept secret because of evidence of negative health effects," more...
In Honour of Sir Paul Reeves 15/08/2011
"Sir Paul's leadership, compassion and humanity have been an enormous asset to New Zealand and he will be sorely missed, " says Jon Carapiet from GE Free NZ in food and environment.
"Our thoughts are with his family, and we extend our deepest sympathies and aroha." more...
Consumers want GE pulled off shelf: UK study 11/08/2011
"Even when people are told the GM product uses less pesticides or increases yields, despite undisclosed evidence that the opposite is true, most UK consumers are able to smell a rat." more...
Compromise of Biosecurity and Brand too High a Price to pay for TTPA deal 2/08/2011
Confidential trade negotiations may be covering up dangerous compromises that will undermine the clean-green foundations of New Zealands economy more...
Fear of New Toxic Soy Bean Cocktail 25/07/2011
'This untested and unsafe level of new proteins that will be added to our food chain has potentially serious dangers to health, especially when we already have a cocktail of other GE proteins and chemicals in the diet that could cause interactions," ...more
Human Trials of GE-Wheat Unethical 19/07/2011
"No GE foods should have been allowed into the food chain. More comprehensive research has to be done first, before allowing millions to eat any GE food, but biotech companies have stopped this being done. more...
There are serious concerns of a conflict of interest emerging in the Government's push for agricultural innovation using recombinant biotechnology, especially in the context of protecting New Zealand's Brand image. more...
GE Free AGM 14th August, The Arts Centre, 61 Abel Smith Street, Wellington 10.00-12.00am
Federated Farmers "lobbying" Role Must Not Conflict With New Zealand GE Free Values 04/07/2011
"Federated Farmers is now being part-led by someone who has a real conflict of interest between Dr Rolleston's own commercial investment in GE. The national interest is best served by research into non-GE biotechnology, MAB (Marker Assisted Breeding), organic and ethical production," says Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE Free NZ more...
Minister Must Act On AgResearch Chicanery 24/06/2011
Documents released under the Official information Act (OIA) to the Dominion Post are a serious reflection on the way AgResearch has sought to cover up their lack of expertise and understanding on issues that are integral to animal and environmental safety, namely horizontal gene transfer...more....
E.coli Raises Issues for Food Authority Approvals 10/06/2011
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) must consider if the latest outbreak of E.coli in Europe has implications for its impending approval of GE corn and soy more...
Maternal Blood Tests Cause for Rethink on GE Science Advice 24/05/2011
These findings show that the presumptions of safety were not made on scientific grounds and therefore pose and unknown threat to our most vulnerable, our children more...
Major Problems For Bio-Security as AgResearch Chops Roles 20/05/2011
The GE animal facility at Ruakura could be further compromised with the announcement the AgResearch is downsizing its executive positions more...
Infant Nutrition Council Misleading Parents With Attack 16/05/2011
GE Free NZ rejects the attack by the INC over the warning to parents that the supply chain for infant formula is being allowed to be contaminated [with GE ingredients] to the point where companies are no longer committed to stopping it more...
Parents warned over Oz baby formula 10/5/2011
Parents may want to avoid Nestle and Heinz baby formula made in Australia, and stock up on Organic New Zealand made products, after the companies they announced they will accept GM contaminants in their formula more....
The review by Professor Heinemann and colleagues published in the The Journal of Organic Systems found that there was a failure by Agresearch and ERMA to properly test and monitor environmental effects from GE field experiments more...
GE Cover up or just bad Science? 5/5/2011
Soil contamination and the spread of novel genes, could devestate New Zealands agricultural sector more...
GE Red Apple scientists pipped to the post 3/5/2011
Happy Mothers Day! A delicious red apple naturally bred and tasty more...
AgResearch Ignoring Biosecurity risks 1/5/2011
The conditions in the Ruakura fields were shocking, with waste matter from blood, effluent and milk visible. After ten years there are still no published studies into the possibility of horizontal gene transfer to soil microorganisms from the waste material more....
2 4-D GE corn about to be approved
Further assessment of A1042 a GE Corn line herbicide resistant to 2,4-D.
For more information on GE FREE NZ submission or to send and personalise one see an outline submission
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) are set to approve a 2, 4-D resistant corn. Public health will lose again as Food Standards Australia New Zealand Authority (FSANZ) is set to approve GE crops designed to survive spraying with a new range of toxic herbicides. FSANZ are risking the integrity of the food system by ignoring the toxicity of 2, 4-D and missing research data.
2, 4 -D is highly toxic to the thyroid and male reproductive system classing it as a potent endocrine disruptor. The approval of GE foods that promote the overuse of chemicals in our food chain must be stopped. Our food is being engineered to produce and be sprayed with increasing levels of highly toxic pesticides. Regulatory approvals are turning a blind eye to the health effects and allowing our food to become commercial toxic disposal factories".
Congratulations WDC for listening to your Community.
The Whangarei District Council have voted to unanimously reject the outdoor use of genetically engineered crops and animals. The WDC decision here
Fonterra must avoid Human-Cow Milk 08/04/2011
The transgenic creation of human /cow milk is ill-conceived and cruel to sentient animals. Animals should not pay for man's arrogance and lack of ethical balance in the application of powerful technologies," says Claire Bleakley
GE Free and Nuclear values not a "Myth" 04/04/2011
The Pressure to get rid of New Zealand's GE Free status is now as high as the pressure brought to bare on NZ when David Lange declared New Zealand a Nuclear Free nation.
"It is sad that the Government continues to put money into the failed but costly Genetic Engineering research instead of the alternatives that have real benefit to farmers and consumers"...
Call for Otago report to be "withdrawn" 03/04/2011
A marketing professor and team from the University of Otago "Clean Green Image" are...
"The claims made by the report are only true within a framework of deceptive practices, which raise questions of ethics and academic credibility...withdrawn" says Jon Carapiet.
4000 GE Trees are being planted at Scion, in April 2011
Submissionon Application ERMA200479: Scion, Rotorua site...
To field test Pinus radiata with genetic modifications to alter plant growth/biomass acquisition, reproductive development, herbicide tolerance, biomass utilisation, wood density and wood dimensional stability.
Approved: December 2010 There were 234 Submissions recieved 217 against, 6 against, 11 undecided. See more...
A big "thank you" to all who have supported us.
We won a landmark High Court case regarding "open ended, carte blanche" applications from AgResearch. The aplications sought to modify 9 species of animals with a huge range of genetic material from bacteria, viruses as well as human and monkey genes in undisclosed locations around NZ for an unlimited time. After an appeal by AgResearch the original decision was overturned by the Appeal Court. It was then submitted to the Supreme Court who did not agree to hear the case. All information on cases here...
Please join us to help in the fight to keep New Zealand GE FREE.
We would still love any donation to the cause. Please send a cheque to GE Free NZ, PO Box 13402, Johnsonville, or donate by Internet Banking: Account # 06-0996-0521358-00 (National Bank)
Inghams deliberately using GM feed - despite their advertising claims! (11/2009)
The Commerce Commission has warned Inghams about misleading the public about its products. It is worth reading the scientific advice provided to the Commission showing that GM-feed can result in differences in the animal eating the GM material. See: "Report on Animals Exposed to GM Ingredients in Feed" - J Heinemann.
Report on animals exposed to GM in animal feed (PDF) »
Inghams has chosen to remove their GE Free label rather than keeping faith with their customers. Email: email@example.com , Phone Inghams: (07) 884 6549
READ MORE: TV one News: Inghams gets ticking off over "no GM" claims, TVNZ Breakfast News: GM Chickens, NZ Herald: Inghams warned over GM claims
GE Telephone Poll in Auckland and Northland (COLMAR BRUNTON). The Auckland Regional Council and most of the territorial authorities north of Auckland right up to Cape Reinga surveyed their communities on Genetically Modified Organisms. See results...
Plans for GE grasses threaten NZ
See our press releases: 19/07, 9/08 and 19/10.
GM grass trial aims to cut cows' gas
EU says no to High-Lysine GE corn Approved in NZ (09/2009)
Monsanto pulls GM corn amid serious food safety concerns. Applicant's dossiers contained wide-ranging fraudulent research.
Heinemann also indicated that from comments released to him, it appears that Finland for example, was not satisfied with either the number or the of animal-feeding studies, and Malta voted to reject the maize on the basis of the INBI submission, "the same science that FSANZ attempted to bury down here." High Lysine GM Maize Withdrawn, Safety Concerns.
GE Animals: putting New Zealand at risk
It's NOT O.K.
Government research institute 'AgResearch' has applied to develop genetically modified (GM) animals and commercialise their products.
This move could pose the single biggest threat to farm animals and New Zealand's cultural identity.
If approved, AgResearch will be able to conduct broad-ranging genetic experiments on cows, goats, sheep, pigs, deer, llama, horses, rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens. They will even use cells taken from humans and monkeys.
Their intention is to mix genes from different species to make transgenic animals. The process creates animal deformities, and new risks to human health, the environment and our reputation.
It's not ok for overseas biotech investors to exploit New Zealand as an experimental playground when the public is liable for costs of clean-up when things go wrong
It's not ok to create deformities and suffering in animals in order to make 'cheaper' pharmaceuticals, when other production methods are available
It's not ok to undermine New Zealand's reputation and brand-image as a producer of safe, natural, clean food the world wants
It's not ok to genetically engineer animals with human genes and have no respect for the integrity of species, just to make 'healthier' nutriceutical milks
It's not ok to deliberately create sick animals as 'models' of human disease when the Bioethics Council has called for an ethical review of such practices
It's not ok to risk creating new diseases by experimenting on NZ animals when they are currently free of Mad Cow Disease and Scrapie
It's not ok for GE animal waste to be used as compost or sprayed onto ...read more
GE Free New Zealand victory in landmark case (06/2009)
AgResearch open ended genetic engineering experimentation has been overturned by a high court decision. The case taken by GE Free New Zealand was due to concerns that without a clear understanding of the organisms to be created any risk could not be evaluated. GE Free New Zealand argued that ERMA was wrong to accept the application in the first instance. Justice Clifford agreed that ERMA erred in its decision to accept the AgResearch application under the HSNO Act. This application can therefore no longer be processed.
This application if approved could have allowed any DNA from animals (including human and monkey), plants, fungi, micro-organisms, viruses and/or synthetic sequences to be used in 9 livestock species. It would have set a precedent for carte blanche genetic engineering experiments in unidentified locations endangering New Zealand's agricultural economy and environment
More information please see GE Free New Zealand Press Release.
See the complete (46 pages pdf file) court document.
High Court Appeal On GE Animals Continues (02/2010)
Earlier this year the High Court upheld GE Free NZ's complaint against other applications for GE animals by AgResearch. These applications for 'anywhere, anything, anytime' have the same flaws as the latest application (see: call for submissions). The decision is being appealed by AgResearch, with a hearing expected early 2010. See press release.
Submissions on GE animals ERMA200223:
1545 Submissions recieved, 1527 against, 4 for, 11 ambivalent.
AgResearch has applied to develop (in indoor and outdoor containment) goats, sheep and cows genetically modified to produce human therapeutic proteins, and to alter levels of gene activities and proteins for the study of gene function, milk composition and disease resistance. See press releases from 9/11 and 17/11.
Read the full application.
ERMA Brassica Field Trial (2007-2009)
GE Free NZ (in food and environment) has filed High Court Papers on 25 June 2007. After much consideration papers were filed in relation to errors in law relating to approvals for field trials of GE Brassica..... read more
Crop & Food Research in the South island have applied to ERMA (the Environmental Risk Management Authority) for a 10-year field-trial of Genetically Engineered brassicas. The plants were engineered with 'Bt' Bacillus thuringiensis toxic CRY genes and bacteria and virus genes to kill cabbage white and diamond backed moth.
On the 22nd December 2008 Soil and Health spokesperson Steffan Browning photographed a flowering brassica. ERMA and MAF were notified and were presented with the photographic evidence presentation and the written submission. The field trial was closed down all documents on breaches can be found at...
Brassica Trial Breach Fiasco...
Plant & Food Research has cancelled its genetic engineering trials on the breaches at the field trial of GE broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and forage kale after recommendation on the breach from their internal report. This follows photographic and written evidence of the trial breaches presented at an urgent meeting to ERMA and MAF -BNZ by GE Free NZ and Soil and Health.
See photos and documentation from GE Free NZ: See documentation of breach of consent conditions and re-assessment application to Irma by GE Free NZ.
Plant & Food Report: Brassica Review of Procedures
Local Government ACTION:
From March all councils will be consulting you regarding plans for the next 10 years. It is imperative that they hear from you that GE release into our environment is an issue that must be taken seriously.
Start your own Petition and give your GE Free requests more weight. Download a Petition Form and collect signatures of likeminded people in your community.
Valuable resources to this are also available at: http://www.giantexperiment.co.nz in the Take Action -> Resources section.
Basic Council Lobbying Kit
Find out how to effectively lobby your Local and Regional Council
Xenotransplantation: Animal-to-Human Transplantation
New Zealand's Bioethics Council has launched a discussion document on the subject entitled "The Cultural, Spiritual and Ethical Aspects of Xenotransplantation: Animal-to-Human Transplantation". The Council is embarking on a public dialogue project to listen to the views of New Zealanders on the cultural, ethical and social aspects of xenotransplantation.
>> Read more here <<
A test for Bt10 is currently available within the EU!
The detection of Bt10 maize as well as the distinction from Bt11 is possible immediately. »Read more here«
Meningococcal vaccine Information (MeNZB) for members interest
This vaccine is now withdrawn. GE Free has collated information on the Meningococcal vaccine (MeNZB) for members interest. >> Read more here <<
GE Moratorium Reinstatement Bill was defeated in Parliament last night. >> Here is how the parties voted <<
Sign on to the GE Free Register and declare your property to stay GE free. Give a powerful message to those who intent to pollute the country with GE organisms. Research overseas shows that GE cannot be contained and threatens neighbouring properties. Check out how many have signed on in your area already!!
The GE Free marches around the country were supported by thousands of people. Government however acted undemocratically deciding to lift the ge moratorium anyway, despite 70% of New Zealanders calling for it to stay in place.
At parliament's "Tent City" the People's Moratorium was launched and the Peoples Moratorium enforcement agency was set up. (see website)
Things you can do:
1. Get as many people as you can in your area to sign the GE Free Register to support your calls for councilors to adopt a GE Free stance.
2. Contact your local councilors, encourage them to declare your local area GE Free. This year is local election year, find out prospective councilors opinions and support green candidates.
3. Visit your local Government MP–today, tell them your concerns and ask them to support their electorate!
URGENT: Write or talk to your local authority - questions referring to their new responsibilities in your area after the moratorium on GE is lifted.
Check out suggested questions.
New amendments are soon to be made to the Resource Management Act with more limited public notification on applications. 95% of resource consent applications are already processed on a non-notified basis and decisions are based solely on information provided by the applicant.
Human Cloning?
The New Zealand government is planning to become the first in the world to legalise the inheritable genetic modification of human beings within the next 6 months. They claim they are doing this because "There is potential for therapies that use germ-line genetic modification to rectify inherited genetic conditions such as Huntington's Disease." They are going to do this through a piece of legislation called the Human Assisted Reproduction Technology (HART) Bill.
Although this Bill does make some positive changes, for example, ban reproductive cloning, the legal precedent it will set with inheritable genetic modification could change forever the evolutionary history of Homo sapiens.
GE-Free NZ submission to the Hart Bill in MS-Word format(750kb) or in PDF format(930kb)
The Beginning of the End of the Human Race and the Start of a Transhuman Future?
Analysis of the New Zealand Governments Proposals to Amend the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill. Read article by Tremane Barr - also includes lots of LINKS to "cloning related" sites or check out the "International Treaty Prohibiting Human Cloning and Inheritable Alterations"
ERMA DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON MAORI ISSUES AND GE http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/Consultation/Discussion-paper-Maori-concerns.pdf
About 10,000 people marched in Aucklandat a Rally on November 16, 2002 demanding Aotearoa New Zealand remain GE-Free in food and environment.
New Edition of the GE Free Food Guide out now
Search the database or download your free guide now at www.gefreefood.org.nz
What is Monsanto doing to farmers? The case of Percy Schmeiser and its implications -see cropchoice article.
Seeds of Distrust: The story of a GE Cover-up
In November, 2000 - in the middle of the Royal Commission on genetic engineering - the Government learned that a shipment of GE contaminated sweet corn seeds had been planted in three regions of New Zealand. Imposing strict secrecy, Prime Minister Helen Clark took control of the issue and said that the crops must be pulled out.
Then the big business lobbying began.
You can find the book here: www.craigpotton.co.nz
'Coexistence' or the End of GM in NZ?-A Public Perspective - by Jon Carapiet- spokesperson for GE-Free NZ (in food and environment)
Prepared for the 'Life Sciences Network' / NZ Journalist Training Organisation workshop, Wellington 23 April 2002.
Read the article online or alternatively download it here.
Commission Fails Its Mission - How the Report Of The Royal Commission On Genetic Modification Presents An Erroneous And Unjustifiably Favourable Picture of Bioengineered Foods, Steven M. Druker, Executive Director, Alliance for Bio-Integrity
Open Letter to the Royal Commission on Genetic Engineering - Dr. Mae-Wan Ho, Director, Institute of Science in Society
Royal Commission on Genetic Modification
The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification has delivered its recommendations to the Government. You can download the full report as a zipped up version from our website.
Note: It's 5 MB in size.


text:
Well, really it's just the best of the decade, since, you know, the millennium is only one decade long so far. Anyway, Max has put together an impressive panel of about 60 experts to vote for the best. Each day, they're posting five books, with the number one book coming on Friday, so stay tuned for that. I've seen the whole list, but I'm not spilling the beans about what's number one.
I had the pleasure of writing about the #17 book on the list, Jonathan Lethem's The Fortress of Solitude, a book about which I have mixed feelings. Click through to read my post.

subset: commoncrawl


text: ATLANTA, April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN and GTN.A) today announced that it will release its earnings results for the quarter ending March 31, 2011 on Monday, May 9, 2011. Earnings Conference Call Information Gray Television, Inc. will host a conference call to discuss its operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 on Monday, May 9, 2011. The call will begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1-877-874-1589 and the confirmation code is 7632816. The call will be webcast live and available for replay at www.gray.tv. The taped replay of the conference call will be available at 1-888-203-1112 Confirmation Code: 7632816 until June 8, 2011. Gray Television, Inc. Gray Television, Inc. is a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, GA. We currently operate 36 television stations serving 30 markets. Each of the stations are affiliated with either CBS (17 stations), NBC (10 stations), ABC (8 stations) or FOX (1 station). In addition, we currently operate 40 digital second channels including 1 ABC, 4 Fox, 8 CW, 18 MyNetworkTV, 2 Universal Sports Network, 1 The Country Network affiliates and 6 local news/weather channels in certain of our existing markets. SOURCE Gray Television, Inc.


text:
This Long Island boy calls Delmarva home. I have been here with Delmarva Broadcasting
and Cool 101.3 for almost 10 years! I grew up with the Eagles, the Police and Earth
Wind & Fire. I Love the music we play on Cool 101.3. When I'm not in the studio or at
Steve's Seaside Saloon, you can find me on anyone of Delmarva's golf courses seeking
to break 90. Thank you for listening to Cool 101.3. And check this blog for my rants,
entertaining videos and anything else I might think you will enjoy!
Big Foot in North Carolina
Comments...from buy cheap oem software
6BLi08 Develop the topic further! It is interesting to know more details..!!
2012-02-11 14:26:18
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text:
in design stuff on May 26, 2014
#Deadmau5 is set to release his new album next month (June 2014) and I'm extremely excited about this.
In the attempt to keep myself, bizarrely, even more busy than my life is currently expecting me to be, I spent an evening throwing together a quick bit of design work since it's been almost a year since I did any.
The lyrics are from Deadmau5's Miami Ultra festival 2014 appearance where we played a few early demos of upcoming tracks to the new album. I believe the name of the song the lyrics for the poster come from, is titled "Somewhere Up Here".
![Deadmau5 Typography Poster](http://callumhopkins.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lettering.png)
![Deadmau5 Typography Poster](http://callumhopkins.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/man-poster.jpg)
![Deadmau5 Typography Poster](http://callumhopkins.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/closeups.jpg)