The end of GE-Free New Zealand?
Learn more about the Gene Technology Bill and what it means for you and your plate.
What is Gene Technology?
Gene technology involves altering the DNA of plants, animals, or microorganisms in a lab, creating Genetically Engineered (GE) or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). New Gene Technologies (NGTs), such as CRISPR-Cas, allow for quick DNA edits, often without inserting foreign genes. While proponents of the Bill argue NGTs shouldn’t be considered GMOs, consumers disagree. NGTs still make significant changes to the genetic makeup, which could have unknown impacts on health, the environment, and food safety. The Gene Technology Bill would allow these gene-edited organisms to be released without proper labelling or regulation.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s GE-Free Status
Right now, New Zealand has strict regulations on GE and GMOs. While they can be used in labs, they are not allowed in our environment or food production. This means:
There are no GE/GMO crops grown in New Zealand.
All major supermarkets have a GE-Free policy for their house brands.
Imported GE/GMO foods must be labelled; most shoppers avoid them.
These rules have protected us from risks like new food allergies or increased chemical residues linked to GE crops overseas. However, the Gene Technology Bill aims to remove these protections—bringing significant changes to our food and environment.
Strong regulations have protected us from GMOs—but the Gene Technology Bill threatens to end these safeguards.
Hidden GMOs in Your Food
Food made with gene-edited ingredients won’t be labelled—meaning you won’t know if you’re eating GMOs.
GMOs Redefined as ‘Natural’
New gene-edited organisms will be treated as if they occur naturally, removing oversight and transparency.
Coexistence is Not possible!
GMO seeds will spread without traceability, contaminating crops, soil, and waterways, making it impossible for farmers to grow GE-free produce.
No Protection for Organic & GE-Free Food
Farmers and food producers will no longer be able to guarantee GE-free products for Kiwi consumers or export markets.
Loss of Consumer Rights
The right to know and choose GE-free food is being taken away, removing informed choice for all New Zealanders.
Increased Costs for Everyone
New compliance and production costs will hit the food industry—leading to higher prices at the checkout.
What’s Changed?
Aotearoa New Zealand is on the verge of becoming one of the most deregulated countries in the world in terms of gene technology.
The government is working to end our nearly 30-year ban on gene technology outside of the lab and aims to pass the Gene Technology Bill into law by the end of 2025.
The government and biotech companies claim gene technology will save the environment, mitigate climate change and deliver massive economic gains. Unfortunately, no research can back up these claims. Yet the risks to our health and environment is huge.
What this means for you
The Right to Know — GONE!
You won’t be able to tell if food has been gene-edited. GE ingredients will be hidden, and labels won’t be required, removing your ability to make informed choices for your family.
Nature Under Threat
GE organisms could disrupt natural ecosystems, harm bees and beneficial insects, and undermine the balance needed for food production. The Bill removes precautionary safeguards, putting biodiversity and our taonga species at risk.
GE Impact on Animals
Animal welfare concerns arise as gene editing experiments may cause suffering and deformities. The Bill lacks protections against GE animal testing that has historically produced harmful mutations and health problems in multiple species.
Natural Food at Risk
People who want natural, GE-free food won’t be able to trust what they’re buying. Even home gardens and heritage seeds could be contaminated by GE organisms in the environment.
Economy at Stake
New Zealand's premium export markets value our GE-free status. Allowing genetic engineering threatens our clean, green reputation and could close doors to high-value international customers who specifically seek GE-free products.
Risks to Human Health
GMOs in food may pose potential health risks, including toxicity, allergies, antibiotic resistance, immune suppression, cancer risk, and reduced nutrition—yet these products remain unlabeled and largely untested before reaching consumers.
Patents on Life – Corporate Control
Multinational companies will be able to patent GE plants, animals, and even microorganisms—giving them control over seeds, food production, and biodiversity, while farmers lose their right to save and share seeds.
Our Kiwi Values Under Threat
The Gene Tech Bill compromises New Zealand's identity—built on our deep connection to the land, environmental stewardship, and commitment to conservation. Our GE-free and nuclear-free heritage stands alongside values of honesty and transparency. Now our democratic right to know what's in our food and choose non-GMO farming hangs in the balance.
NZ - From Pristine to Petri Dish?
Our isolated geography could make New Zealand an attractive location for multinational companies seeking to trial new gene technologies with minimal risk of cross-border spread, potentially turning our pristine environment into a commercial testing ground without adequate safeguards or public oversight.
RESOURCES
Use examples of how to write to companies and MP’s
Is genetic engineering merely an extension of traditional breeding? Can it make food more nutritious and eliminate pesticide use? Learn more about common myths and realities about GE crops.
