Auckland Council considers future of GMO use

The Inter Council Working Party (ICWP) will today release its recommendations on risk evaluation and management options associated with the outdoor use of genetically modified organisms (GMO).

While GMOs are regulated through the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, the ICWP recommends that councils can also regulate and manage GMOs under the Resource Management Act 1991 in their local area. The ICWP proposed plan change provisions include prohibiting the release of food and non-food related GMOs on the land or in the sea.

The Auckland Plan Committee will consider the ICWP report at their February meeting and determine whether any provisions will be included in the draft Unitary Plan, which will be released for public feedback on 15 March.

Auckland Council is a member of the ICWP along with Far North, Kaipara and Whangarei District Councils. Northland Regional Council is a member but did not participate in the project.

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Metservice: Where Will Snow Fall And What To Look Out For

The deep Antarctic air that is expected to sweep across the country this week is bringing very significant weather to many provinces.Here's the official MetService view of the key weather concerns for the country.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Dan Corbett commented,"While snow will be a major issue for those in the South Island, wind and hail will affect many North Island districts."

Snow is expected to fall to sea level, or very near it, from Southland to South Canterbury from late Wednesday into Thursday and Friday. The snow level is expected to rise to 200m from about Christchurch northwards... More>>