July 2019

Conservationists dispute genetic modification rule (by NRC) in Northland

Flawed Northland Regional Council decision bound for court


https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/article.cfm?c_id=16&objectid=12251870
 

23 July 2019

Northland Age

by editor Peter Jackson

 

"Flawed Northland Regional Council decision bound for court"

Northland Regional Council chairman Bill Shepherd's use of his casting vote to break a 4-4 deadlock over the issue of whether or not to include provisions for the management of genetically modified organisms in the council's proposed regional plan has outraged critics of the technology, who have vowed to fight it in court.

Northland Regional Council's GMO decision and process met with outrage

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/article.cfm?c_id=16&objectid=12251776

23 July 2019 Northern Advocate article

"Northland Regional Council's GMO decision and process met with outrage"

by reporter Lindy Laird

 

Environmental groups and individuals have been scathing about the regional council turning its back on provisions that would prohibit genetically modified organisms being trialled in or introduced to Northland.

At its general meeting last Tuesday, a casting vote by chairman Bill Shepherd narrowly tipped the vote against a GMO precautionary approach being stipulated in the new Northland Regional Plan.

Critics, including at least one NRC member, say the decision was based on processes which were ''flawed'', ''hard to justify'', ''a betrayal'' and ''undemocratic''.

It also puts Northland out of sync with the anti-GMO policies of the Far North and Whangārei District Councils and the super-sized unitary Auckland Council. Small, in-recovery Kaipara District Council has not yet formed a GMO policy.

NRC Clr Mike Finlayson expose: Northland Regional Council hi-jacked by Federated Farmers

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northland-age/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503402&objectid=12250571&fbclid=IwAR2DVMJRMhBdWUT-HUlx-aw0ghpxzbh8Seq0E_rsbJdtCZ   

 

Cr Mike Finlayson: Hijacked by Federated Farmers- 18 July 2019 Northland Age

 

Many Northlanders share serious concerns over letting loose genetically engineered (GE) organisms into our natural environment. Possums, stoats and wild ginger are but of a few of the 'bright ideas' that have had disastrous consequences. On Tuesday our council voted to let this happen in Northland. I was shocked and dismayed.

"Door open to GMOs in the North" There are fears genetically engineered plants and gene-modified animals could be used if restrictions aren't put in place" "Genetically modified organisms could be released in Northland"

https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/114332326/genetically-modified-organisms-could-be-released-in-northland-after-council-vote

GE Free Northland is furious with Northland Regional Council's decision not to put controls on genetically engineered plants (GE) and gene-modified animals.

The grassroots organisation - which in 2000 was backed by a 7000-name petition calling for Northland to be GE free - fears genetically modified organisms (GMOs) could now be used in the area.

Chairwoman Zelka Grammar said without restrictions, the likes of genetically engineered salmon - which were found to mutate in a South Island trial - could be introduced in a marine farm anywhere in Northland.

Council Vote Leaves Northlanders Feeling Betrayed

https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20190716.htm

 

16/07/2019

Council Vote Leaves Northlanders Feeling Betrayed