News

The organic sector in Aotearoa New Zealand continues to grow, and it’s time to share the latest data, insights and opportunities. Join us for the official online launch of the 2025 Organic Sector Market Report. Live via Zoom on Thursday, 5 June, 9:00 –10:00 am,

OANZ strongly opposes increasing the allowable glyphosate residue levels in food crops.. The New Zealand Government has quietly proposed a significant change to food safety rules: raising the maximum allowable residue limits (MRLs) for glyphosate, a controversial weedkiller widely used in agriculture.

At OANZ, we believe a healthier, more resilient future starts with the choices we make today. Whether you're deeply involved in the organic movement or just beginning to explore what it means, you have the power to help protect Aotearoa’s food system.

New Zealand Food Safety is proposing to raise glyphosate residue limits in staple foods like wheat, oats, and peas — by up to 100 times. Learn what this means, why it matters, and how to make a quick submission before 16 May to help stop it.

Catch up on all the latest organic news from home and abroad with Organic Aotearoa's monthly newsletter, The BUZZ - April 2025 edition. Covering news, events and so much more.

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) told Parliament yesterday that the proposed Gene Technology Bill will have devastating impacts on the organic sector. Delivering its oral submission to the Health Select Committee, OANZ urged the government to include stronger controls over the environmental release of GMOs.

OANZ is calling on the government to make critical amendments to the proposed Gene Technology Bill to ensure the survival and continued success of the country’s organic sector

The latest campaign update with law specialist Mai Chen was sobering. While we may be unable to stop this Bill, OANZ is working tirelessly to ensure key amendments are heard to protect New Zealand’s primary production sector.

In this deeply moving and personal interview, Western Australian organic farmer Ian James reveals how his farm was hit by spray drift from a neighbouring GE canola crop in 2018—resulting in total crop loss, financial hardship, and a gruelling legal battle.

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has submitted strong opposition to the proposed Gene Tech Bill, which threatens New Zealand’s organic sector, food sovereignty, and global reputation for clean, green exports. Our submission urges the government to abandon the bill and calls for a robust, transparent consultation process to ensure New Zealanders retain their right to GE-free food choices.

We invited Todd Muller, a former MP with nine years of experience in Parliament, to share his insights on crafting effective submissions and presenting to Select Committees. Watch the 30min recording and take action today.

The proposed Gene Technology Bill poses significant threats to Aotearoa’s GE-free status and the rights guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

As we reflect on the past year, we are incredibly proud of the strides made at Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ). From supporting the growth of the organic sector to engaging with critical policy debates, 2024 was a year of advocacy, impact and collective effort. 

This paper examines the impact of domestic environmental and climate policies on the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement (NZ-UK FTA) and their implications for New Zealand’s primary sector economy. Key areas of focus include emissions reductions, soil and water quality, and biodiversity protection.

Join us for a practical and action-focused webinar as we share our Submissions Guide and Activation Toolkit. Learn how you can make a difference by submitting against the Gene Tech Bill and mobilising your network to do the same.

Catch up on all the latest organic news from home and abroad with Organic Aotearoa's monthly newsletter, The BUZZ - December 2024 edition. Covering news, events and more.

The Government is rushing through a radical overhaul of gene technology laws without doing the necessary groundwork, leaving farmers, growers, food companies and exporters trying to understand the risks, compliance costs, and impacts on their businesses.

We are looking for a well-rounded 2iC to provide strategic and admin support part-time for three months to support our CEO and ensure smooth day-to-day operations within our small team.

Last night, when the Gene Technology Bill was read in Parliament for the first time, we were incredibly proud to hear opposition parties quoting our work back in their speeches. This milestone proves just how impactful your generosity has been—and how much further we can go together.

Media Statement: New Zealand’s primary sector exports could reduce by $10billion to $20billion annually were genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be released into the environment, according to a study by New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER).

Watch this important briefing on the government's plans regarding GE deregulation. Learn about the key findings from our meetings with government officials and stakeholders, and understand the significant risks that GE deregulation poses to New Zealand’s environment and agricultural sectors.

Media Statement: Is New Zealand heading into risky, uncharted territory in terms of the release of GMOs into the environment?

Discover key findings from OANZ's Wellington GE delegation and join our November 7th webinar to explore the impacts on New Zealand’s organic sector and more.

An uplift to New Zealand’s organic product trade is expected through a new upgraded arrangement with China, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.

We’re launching a nationwide campaign to stand up for farmers, protect consumers, and inform Kiwis of the critical risks posed by GE deregulation. Find out more.

Catch up on all the latest organic news from home and abroad with Organic Aotearoa's monthly newsletter, The BUZZ - August 2024 edition. Covering news, events and more.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is currently seeking feedback on Proposal P1055, which aims to redefine how genetically modified (GM) foods are classified. We urge the organic sector to unite in requesting an extension to the submission deadline and advocating for an open forum with civil society organisations.

Media Statement: New Gene Technology Rules Discussion Welcomed. The organic sector has welcomed the New Zealand government’s review of gene technology rules to meet changes in scientific advancements.

OANZ is leading an exciting initiative to create a unified, sustainable sector body for the growing organic industry. We're forming three strategy-focused sub-committees—Research, Finance, and Organisation—and need passionate, knowledgeable individuals to help guide this critical work.

The quality of our food is deeply intertwined with the way it is grown. Recent research conducted by Plant & Food Research Rangahau Ahumara Kai, commissioned by Kete Ora Trust, underscores the importance of farming systems in shaping not only the health of our soils but also the nutrient density of the foods we consume.