Campaigners opposed to the outdoor use of genetically engineered crops and animals organised a celebration after the Whangarei District Council decided to act on the issue.
Led by GE Free Northland spokesperson Zelka Grammer, the hordes of GE free supporters waved banners and placards at the Saturday market where non-GMO foodsales are encouraged.
Acting Whangarei mayor Phil Halse joined in the celebration, held in overcast conditions.
Whangarei District Councillors voted unanimously to investigate regulating the outdoor use of GE crops and animals at its Environment Committee meeting on April 13.
The council will also seek to undertake a District Plan change with other councils in Northland and the Auckland Council to manage or prevent harmful effects from GMOs in the wider region.
Ms Grammer said the move was a victory for common sense and showed the council listened to its ratepayers on such an important issue.
"We gathered to celebrate and acknowledge, not only the hard work of the council, but the many people who collected over 8000 signatures and those who wrote substantial submissions to the council.
"It is pleasing to note that the council has gone back and done its homework and said there's no strict liability to do research on the issue."
She said the Government's stand on the issue had been annoying because people such as farmers and primary producers were working hard to protect the community, and to ensure children had a nice environment to live in.
Ms Grammer said the tourism, farming, horticulture and forestry sectors would benefit from a change in the district plan.
She said changes would mean things like discharges to the harbour and use of toxic sprays in farms were managed.
