LATEST News !!!!!!

 

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 info@gefree.org.nz

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

DATE PLACE
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

...more

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)

"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) 

ARCHIVE INTEREST  

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: NZcomments@inghams.com.au , 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 (08/2009)

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:        

YOU SHOULD HAVE A SAY RE GENETIC ENGINEERING
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
LobbyingYourLocalGovt-LSNov2004.doc
SuggestedCnlPresentation.dc

 

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 propterty to stay GE FREE 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!!

 

R.I.P. GE MORATORIUM

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.

HSNO ACT AMENDMENT INFORMATION 

 

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 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. File in portable document format

 

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

Report of the 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.