Government Caught In Secret Deal on Terminator Genes

The government has been revealed to has made a deal that has set New Zealand against the rest of the world by supporting the introduction of Terminator Genes.

Earlier this week news leaked from Canada that a plan had been hatched by its representatives to overturn the de facto global moratorium on Terminator genes that are designed to render all seeds barren after the first generation. In leaked documents it was clear that Canada would block consensus if it couldn't win sufficient backing from the rest of the world.

Initially Canada was believed to working alone at the UN-backed convention in Bangkok- possibly as a front for Biotech interests in North America. But during the conference New Zealand and Australia were reported to have supported Canada in a move that will anger New Zealanders and threatens to undermine our standing in the international community.

Marion Hobbs - Minister of Environment has been challenged to front up on the issue and there is widespread support for an immediate change policy before the vote on Friday 11th February.

Terminator is an anathema to indigenous peoples, farmers and civil society as it threatens basic rights, the environment and food security. Such was the terror created by the concept in the late 1990's that industry agreed not to use it, until the current push by Canada and New Zealand to bring it in ."The government has to back down on this. It goes to the heart of our relationship with the rest of the world. It is completely contradictory to any claims the Labour Government makes for New Zealand as a caring, concerned or descent member of the world community," says Jon Carapiet from GE Free NZ in food and environment."

GE Free NZ in food and environment has also contacted Prime Minister Helen Clark and other Ministers asking them to intervene before the vote on Friday.

"We have had emails and calls from around the country and from overseas sent by people shocked that New Zealand is caught up in this deal.

"New Zealand is making a fundamental mistake that we may never live down. It is completely unethical for us to be part of this grubby arrangement to scupper protection for the world's most vulnerable people and the environment."

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