The Fight Isn’t Over – And We’ve Just Gained an Advantage

Parliament’s delay on the Gene Tech Bill gives us more time, let’s use it wisely.

Over the last month, OANZ has been hard at work representing the organic sector’s position on genetic engineering. We remain committed to upholding the global organic stance against GMOs in food and the environment here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Sixth Delegation to Wellington
Tiffany (CEO) and Brendan (GE Spokesperson) travelled to Wellington for their sixth round of meetings with political parties and government agencies. These face-to-face conversations are essential to keeping the Gene Tech Bill, and its risks, firmly on the political radar. The discussions are focused on:

  • The Gene Tech Bill – and how damaging it will be, not only for organic farmers and producers, but for the integrity, safety, and resilience of New Zealand’s entire food system.

  • FSANZ’s new definition of GMOs – labelling rules ease for genetically-modified food made without new DNA added

Welcome News from Parliament
While we were in Wellington, we received confirmation that the Health Select Committee’s report on the Gene Tech Bill has been extended from 31 July to 22 August. No reason was given for the delay, but it could mean that the coalition government is struggling to agree on the Bill in its current form. We welcome the extension, it gives us more time to advocate for the Bill to be fundamentally changed, and it allows more time for you to contact MPs, Ministers, and the Select Committee to share your concerns (use our letter templates).

This pause is an opportunity we must use.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Decision Undermines Transparency
FSANZ’s recent decision to exclude products made using New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) from the legal definition of GMOs is disappointing, but sadly, predictable. Initiated under the previous Labour-led Government, the change means NBT-derived foods will not need to be labelled or traced, and could even be falsely marketed as “Non-GMO”.

This creates serious risks for consumers, farmers, and exporters, and undermines trust in New Zealand’s food system. OANZ has raised these concerns with the Commerce Commission to address potential greenwashing in labelling.

Standing Firm, Staying Connected
OANZ continues to lead the national conversation by:

  • Meeting directly with Ministers, MPs across the political spectrum, key ministries, and affected industries.

  • Presenting the organic position from scientific, legal, commercial, social, and environmental angles, building trust and encouraging open dialogue.

  • Working with international allies, including Organics Australia, to ensure our advocacy is globally aligned and informed.

Action Toolkit – Your voice can influence decision-makers.
Here’s how you can help:

➜ Write to your local MP – share your concerns about the Gene Tech Bill and recent FSANZ decision.

➜ Write to relevant Ministers – including those responsible for agriculture, trade, and health.

➜ Write to your local newspaper editor – keep the GE issue in the public conversation.

➜ Share our campaign updates – help friends, whānau, and networks understand the stakes.

Every letter, email, and conversation you have in the next two weeks helps protect New Zealand’s GE-Free future.

DONATE TODAY
None of this work would be possible without our donors' support and generosity. Can you help power our campaign and help us demand that GMOs be kept in the lab? Donate Today >

Louise Vicente