People across New Zealand are coming together to protest against the controversial Gene Technology Bill.

This Saturday, 29th November will see community events in Whangarei and Kerikeri, bringing the tally to over 27 centres across the country.

"Whangarei is the heart of the Northland/Auckland 'GE Free Food Producer Region'. Northland and Auckland farmers oppose this latest attempt by the National Party to destroy existing GM Free Zones. We support our local councils, who have worked together in a collaborative and fiscally responsible manner since 2003, achieving much needed protection for the environment, farmers and other ratepayers from the risks of outdoor GE experiments, field trials, and releases," said Martin Robinson, spokesman for GE Free Northland.

"The Gene Technology Bill is centred on extreme, impractical, undemocratic, and dangerous proposals. There is no built-in protection for the rights of existing GM free farmers and their valuable enterprises, or the basic right to choose. The Precautionary Principle, which acts as a backstop to prevent catastrophic mistakes, has been removed from the Bill. Ethical considerations, such as animal welfare, and liability have also been removed," said Robinson.

"The bill proposes stripping local councils of their authority and jurisdiction regarding outdoor GE/GMO experiments, field trials, and releases- including existing GM Free Food Producer Regions in Northland, Auckland, and Hawke's Bay- as well as Nelson City Council. This is undemocratic and totally unacceptable" said Zelka Grammer, chairperson GE Free Tai Tokerau.

“New Zealanders have a right to know what we’re growing and eating – we will fight to protect our "Northland, naturally" brand, food sovereignty, and biosecurity. Northland has led the way in protecting its farmers against the risks of GMOs in the outdoors" said Grammer.

“This dangerous Bill would allow GE into our farms, gardens and food, risking widespread and irreversible contamination, loss of organic certification, loss of access to key markets and premiums, loss of our valuable "Northland, naturally" brand, and Aotearoa’s GE-free status."

GE Free Northland is calling for the Government to stop the Bill, warning that the proposed law would not only open the door to undesirable GMOs in NZ's environment, food system, farms, forests, and conservation estate, but also destroy existing valuable GE-free food producer regions and districts.

Northland protest locations:
Whangarei
Outside Kensington stadium 9am- llam Saturday, 29 November
Kerikeri 12-2pm Saturday, 29 November
Two locations:
Roundabout- State Highway 10 and Kerikeri road
Roundabout- Caltex, Kerikeri road & Hobson Avenue (Kerikeri CBD)

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