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.

Genetically engineered pine trees, fruit, vegetables, farm animals - even kauri and manuka trees - could also be introduced in Kaipara, she said.

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Whangarei and Far North District Councils' strict rules meant no GMOs can be released on land in those districts, but Kaipara has not yet put rules in place and was vulnerable, Grammar said.

This would damage the "clean, green" image used by producers to charge a premium price on their products, she said.

But proponents of GMOs said they could be used for good, such as to create vaccines for animals or to help stop pests, such as the marine pest Mediterranean Fanworm (Sabella).

Any trial or release would first have to be approved by the Government's Environmental Protection Authority, and that was where the authority should lie, according to Northland Regional Council chairman Bill Shepherd.

"I totally oppose the transferring of responsibility from the shoulders of the taxpayer onto the shoulders of the ratepayer ... without even asking them if it's okay, and especially if we don't even know what the costs will be."

Shepherd used his casting vote on Tuesday to ensure the council's Regional Plan for Northland did not mention GMOs.

​Those opposed to the move said the plan should have precautionary rules - or provisions - for the coastal marine area.

Councillor Joce Yoeman said any monitoring, compliance and enforcement costs could be covered by consenting fees and a bond on those companies who wanted to trial GMOs.

The community, especially tangata whenua, wanted rules on GMOs, she said.

ar said.

This would damage the "clean, green" image used by producers to charge a premium price on their products, she said.

But proponents of GMOs said they could be used for good, such as to create vaccines for animals or to help stop pests, such as the marine pest Mediterranean Fanworm (Sabella).

Any trial or release would first have to be approved by the Government's Environmental Protection Authority, and that was where the authority should lie, according to Northland Regional Council chairman Bill Shepherd.

"I totally oppose the transferring of responsibility from the shoulders of the taxpayer onto the shoulders of the ratepayer ... without even asking them if it's okay, and especially if we don't even know what the costs will be."

Shepherd used his casting vote on Tuesday to ensure the council's Regional Plan for Northland did not mention GMOs.

​Those opposed to the move said the plan should have precautionary rules - or provisions - for the coastal marine area.

Councillor Joce Yoeman said any monitoring, compliance and enforcement costs could be covered by consenting fees and a bond on those companies who wanted to trial GMOs.

The community, especially tangata whenua, wanted rules on GMOs, she said.

"If we do not include provisions, then our community has no say whether or not GMOs would be introduced in Northland."

Councillor Mike Finlayson was less diplomatic, claiming the council had been "hi-jacked by Federated Farmers".

The council received 83 submissions on GMOs, 82 from the community asking for provisions and just one - from Federated Farmers - in opposition, he said.

Federated Farmers previously took the council to court over its plan to introduce a GE-free zone but lost in 2016, with the High Court ruling it was appropriate for councils to set GMO rules.

The farming organisation also started legal action against Whangārei and Far North District Councils but dropped this action in 2018.

Councillor John Bain said Federated Farmers represented hundreds, if not thousands, of farmers in Northland.

He said the science of genetic engineering was rapidly advancing and he did not want to put a hurdle in front of something that could benefit humankind or animal kind.

The debate looks set to head back to court, with GE Free Northland appealing and expecting other groups to follow suit.

Grammar said the council not only ignored the "overwhelming scientific, legal, economic, environmental, and cultural evidence" from the majority of submitters, it also went against the Northland " Regional Policy Statement".

The ability of GE Free Northland to raise the tens of thousands of dollars needed for court action showed just how much the community cared, she said.ENDS