16 July 2004

Waitakere Council considers genetic action options

Where to from here?

Waitakere City’s Environmental Management Committee has decided on a course of action for how to manage genetically modified organisms in the City.

In November 2001 Waitakere City was declared GE-Free in field and food, but the use of genetic modification for medical purposes and research in a laboratory situation was not opposed.

The Committee decided to maintain the status quo that it will be involved as an interested party in Environmental Risk Management Authority processes and to continue to consult with the Organics business sector on the implications of commercial release of genetically modified organisms for the city.

The Council will take part in a GE discussion group made up of four Northland Councils and Local Government New Zealand. All relevant information will be collated and used in the public consultation process of Waitakere’s future attitude towards genetically modified organisms during the Review of the Long Term Council Community Plan 2006/2016.

Environmental Committee Chair Councillor Penny Hulse says that it is possible that analysis of the District Plan GE options could begin straightaway, but that this could be premature.

“By far the better option is for the Council to analyse the issues surrounding genetically modified organisms in the broader view afforded by LTCCP.

ENDS

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