MEDIA STATEMENT: BIODYNAMICS NZ SUPPORTS OANZ IN APPEAL TO PARLIAMENT AGAINST GENE TECH BILL
Biodynamics New Zealand protests Highly Contentious Gene Tech Bill
New Zealand, October 2025 – The Biodynamic Association of New Zealand (BDNZ) supports Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) in their efforts to disseminate information on the highly contentious Gene Tech Bill; following the profoundly disappointing news that the Government plans to move forward with passing the bill despite the overwhelming public opposition.
BDNZ promotes biodynamic methods to safeguard agricultural, horticultural, farming and animal husbandry in New Zealand; by offering practices that regenerate soils and keep our farmers connected to the land through holistic management practices.
Research has shown time again the highly nutritious value of organic and especially biodynamically produced food is greatly superior; not to mention the softer environmental impact of this more holistic and natural farming method. BDNZ submitted to oppose the Gene Tech bill, seeing the real threats of losing our GE free status to such important export markets as the UK and EU which hold NZ’s organic sector in such high regard.
The proposed amendment to the Bill jeopardises the integrity of our country’s food system; by making New Zealand one of the most deregulated countries in the world for genetic engineering (GE)/genetically modified organisms (GMOs). With a clear lack of success with GE crops and farmed animals anywhere in the world over the past 20 years or more, it is evident that the best path forward for us to continue farming our food more in harmony with and working with the cycles of nature.
After months of hearings and nearly 15,000 public submissions in which 97% opposed the Bill — the Committee has recommended that it be passed, with only minor amendments. Most alarmingly, many MPs, farmers and public are unaware of the full implications of this proposed regime, posing a serious challenge as this new bill could significantly damage our agricultural landscape.
Furthermore, despite overwhelming public opposition, along with serious, legitimate concerns raised by scientists, farmers and consumers, the government continues to push the proposed Bill that will turn New Zealand into a mecca for unethical and unregulated genetic modification practices.
“We stand with OANZ and the wider organics community in protest against this Bill, which threatens not only New Zealand’s food Sovereignty, but also our internationally recognised status as producers of high quality sustainable and organic products”, said BDNZ Council Chair, Bridget Henderson. “We’re also incredibly grateful for the tireless energy and ongoing efforts that OANZ has put into opposing this bill on behalf of the extended organic community in Aotearoa”.
The Government is prioritising an update to a Bill in favour of scientific development that could make New Zealand farms more productive; while in fact contradicting themselves by removing appropriate protections for the environment including the right of food producers to be free from novel genetic contamination.
BDNZ’s Key Concerns with the Gene Tech Bill include:
- The proposed legislation does not require decision-makers to take a precautionary approach
- There is no protection for farmers wishing to maintain GE-free status
- Proposed legislation does not require the consideration of ethics in the use of gene technology
- The Bill could eliminate clear labelling, denying consumers right to choose GE-Free products by removing traceability of gene-edited product
- The legislation removes the right of local councils for their areas to remain GE-free
The proposed amendments, overall, threaten New Zealand’s 100% proposition to the world. It is impossible to practice coexistence between GE and non-GE systems; and the lack of regulation proposed in the Gene Tech Bill will result in loss of integrity and biosecurity that we work so hard to maintain in New Zealand.
BDNZ agrees that the Bill requires a significant update, but calls on the National Party and its coalition partners to seek additional public consultation prior to advancing with the proposed amendments. BDNZ encourages members of the association and invested individuals to contact their local MPs. A detailed guide can be found at www.oanz.org/gefree-future-activation-toolkit.
About Biodynamics Association of New Zealand: The Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association in New Zealand (Inc) was formed in 1939 to promote biodynamic methods. Our objectives are to foster, guide and safeguard in New Zealand the biodynamic approach to agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry initiated by Rudolf Steiner in 1924 and practised progressively since. Membership is open to anyone interested in growing or farming biodynamically. Our membership currently includes farmers, viticulturalists, processors, orchardists, commercial and home gardeners.
Media Contact:
Jayne Craig
Please head to Organics Aotearoa New Zealand to find letter writing templates, information and resources and to download the helpful Activation Toolkit
Kind regards, the council of Biodynamics New Zealand
