June 2009

HIGH COURT RULING ON GMOs SHOWS THAT COUNCILS HAVE GOT IT RIGHT

GE FREE NORTHLAND Press Release
15 June 2009

GE FREE NORTHLAND applauds a High Court ruling that has overturned ERMA's (Environmental Risk Management Authority) decision to accept applications from AgResearch to release GM animals throughout New Zealand.

The Auckland Regional Council's (ARC) elected representative on the Inter Council Working Party on GMO Risk Evaluation & Options, Cr Brent Morrissey, said in the ARC's 11 June 2009 Press Release

High Court ruling gives nod to ARC’s cautious take on GMOs

11 June 2009:
Auckland Regional Council Media release

A High Court ruling overturning the government’s Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) decision to accept GMO applications from AgResearch is applauded by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC).

In 2007, the ARC adopted a precautionary position in relation to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in response to both concerns expressed by a significant number of communities and individuals, as well as some serious questions around local government liability should things go wrong.

High Court appeal upheld - GM animal applications invalid

GE FREE NZ Press Release 7 June 2009

In a precedent setting case, the High Court has upheld the appeal by GE Free NZ in Food and Environment against ERMA and AgResearch.

After 12 weeks of deliberation, Justice Clifford found that ERMA erred in receiving the applications from AgResearch and has declared them invalid. The decision sets aside the decisions by ERMA to proceed with the applications. ERMA is to take no further steps toward hearing and assessing the applications.