VOTE ORGANIC: 2026 ORGANIC ELECTION MANIFESTO
This November, New Zealanders head to the polls. For the organic sector, this election is a turning point. Organic farming in Aotearoa can either grow into the resilient, high-value sector it has the potential to be, or it can stall under policy settings that haven't caught up with where the world, and our export markets, are heading. That's why Organics Aotearoa New Zealand has released our 2026 Organic Election Manifesto, five priorities we're asking every political party to commit to.
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Organic Manifesto Goes to Parliament—Sector Calls for Policy & Investment
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) spent two days in Wellington last week meeting political parties and key stakeholders to press the case for a National Organic Policy and investment, and the message coming back to members is blunt: not one party currently has a specific policy for growing organics in New Zealand.
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New Zealand's Organic Sector Showcased During Associate Minister's Regional Visit
Hon Mike Butterick visited Hawke's Bay's leading organic businesses last week highlighting the innovation, economic contribution and community impact of NewZealand's $1.18 billion organic sector.
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We are Recruiting. Join the OANZ Board.
OANZ is looking to co-opt up to two new board directors, and we want to hear from you. The organic sector is entering an exciting period, with the Organic Products and Production Act now in force, new regulations taking shape, and a dedicated Associate Minister for Organics in place. This is a real opportunity to help shape what that means for our members and the wider sector.
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Four Days to Protect Organic and GE-free farming | Submission Template
Right now, three pieces of legislation are moving through Parliament simultaneously, together representing a serious threat to the organic and GE-free sectors and our wider environment and health. We have four days to encourage submissions opposing these bills, use our submission guides to take action today.
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Three Bills, One Big Picture. What the HSNO and ACVM Amendment Bills Mean for Organic
There are currently three bills moving through Parliament that, taken together, represent a significant shift in how the government regulates new organisms, agricultural chemicals, and genetic technologies. Understanding each one individually is important. But understanding how they connect is critical.
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[WEBINAR] READING BETWEEN THE BILLS: OANZ’s POSITION ON THE HSNO AND ACVM ACTS.
Join our team on 10 June as we outline OANZ's submission on both the HSNO and ACVM Amendment Bills, how they connect to the Gene Tech Bill, and what it could mean for organic and non-GMO producers and consumers.
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The Buzz, May 2026 Edition
Catch up on all the latest organic news from home and abroad with Organic Aotearoa's monthly newsletter, The BUZZ - May 2026 edition. Covering news, events, and so much more.
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New Zealand Organic Sector Secures Dedicated Voice in Government
The New Zealand Government has appointed Mike Butterick MP as Associate Minister of Agriculture - Organics, a dedicated ministerial role for the organic sector and, as far as Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is aware, a world first. No other country currently has a minister with a dedicated organic portfolio at the national government level.
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Preparing for the Organic Products and Production Act 2023
The Organic Products and Production Act 2023 brings cost recovery from mid-2026. Here's what Aotearoa New Zealand organic operators can do this quarter to be ready.
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Growing Organic: Fonterra's South Island Plans Gather Momentum
There is real momentum building in the organic dairy sector, and for South Island farmers, a significant opportunity has arrived. Fonterra has announced its intention to expand organic milk collection to the South Island for the first time, with plans targeting the 2028-29 season. A formal board decision is expected later this month. But whether that expansion proceeds depends on one thing: farmer commitment.
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Policy Lessons for NZ’s Organic Sector
Webinar Alert: What can New Zealand learn from Europe's organic policy journey? Join international expert Professor Nic Lampkin and OANZ economist Alistair Schorn to discuss what it takes to grow an organic sector.
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Organic Week 2026 is here, and it's worth celebrating
Organic Week runs from 1 to 10 May 2026, and this year the Soil and Health Association NZ has pulled together a wonderful programme of events to mark it. Take a look at what’s on and join us in celebrating organics and a thriving natural world.
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[WEBINAR] Standing Our Ground: Where the Gene Technology Bill Stands and Why It Matters
Join us as we reflect on the past, present and future of the fight for a GE-Free Future.
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[WEBINAR] Transitioning to Organic, Lessons From the Paddock
Organic milk prices are at record highs, and farmers across Aotearoa are taking notice. But what does transition actually involve? Join us live as three organic farmers share the honest story of what it takes to move to certified organic production, the hard lessons, the wins, and everything in between.
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[WEBINAR] Next Gen Organic, Farming beyond convention.
Join us for a conversation with emerging voices from across the organic and regenerative sector as they share their experiences, challenges, and ambitions for agriculture beyond conventional systems.
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[WEBINAR] What happens if NZ loses its GE-Free Status?
Join Matt Scarf, 2024 Kellogg Scholar, to learn what a GE policy change means for organic farmers, exports, and NZ’s food integrity.
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Our Year in Review 2025. A Defining Year for Organics
2025 was one of the most challenging and consequential years in OANZ’s history. It was a year of defence and disruption, but also one of leadership, evidence-based advocacy, and renewed direction for the organic sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Jim Kebbell (1938–2026): A Tōtara Has Fallen.
A tribute to Jim Kebbell (1938–2026), one of the great pioneers of New Zealand’s organic movement. A friend to many and a tireless advocate for organics for over 50 years, Jim, alongside his wife Marion, helped shape everything from Common Property to Commonsense, and played a vital role in BioGro, the Organic Traders Association, and OANZ. We honour his legacy of service, integrity, and encouragement to the movement.
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Haere rā, and thank you, Tiffany Tompkins
We farewell our CEO, Tiffany Tompkins, and acknowledge the extraordinary contribution she has made to OANZ and Aotearoa New Zealand’s organic sector over the past six years.
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![[WEBINAR] READING BETWEEN THE BILLS: OANZ’s POSITION ON THE HSNO AND ACVM ACTS.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eba06f24e33d476335dc271/1780562044678-LJWQOGOGLE34809Q8MLN/Front+Line+Perspectives+Blog++Web+thumbnail+%281%29.png)
![[WEBINAR] Standing Our Ground: Where the Gene Technology Bill Stands and Why It Matters](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eba06f24e33d476335dc271/1775953748237-MH9T55WZANLEQE3LD9L4/5.png)
![[WEBINAR] Transitioning to Organic, Lessons From the Paddock](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eba06f24e33d476335dc271/1775953205576-KZ0KC2E23JJPNE3RJXV2/4.png)
![[WEBINAR] Next Gen Organic, Farming beyond convention.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eba06f24e33d476335dc271/1775952752615-H1T3AGJI5BS8VHOIB7NJ/3.png)
![[WEBINAR] What happens if NZ loses its GE-Free Status?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eba06f24e33d476335dc271/1771194719513-ND7VK4BHPERFGS522SJY/Frontline+Perspectives+The+GE+Turning+Point+with+Matt+Scarf+%28Instagram+Post+%2845%29%29.png)
