GE planning a regional task: Ruling

Steffan Browning

Regional councils have the right to make planning decisions about the outdoor use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their regions following a ruling in the Environment Court.

Judge Laurie Newhook decided, on Tuesday, in favour of Northland Regional Council, that councils were able to make provisions for the control of GMOs through their regional policy statements and plans

The case was brought by Federated Farmers of NZ, that had lodged an appeal with the Environment Court opposing precautionary provisions for GMOs in the Proposed Northland Regional Policy Statement. Soil & Health and GE Free Northland co-ordinated a group of 12 interested parties in support of Whangarei District and Northland Regional councils in the Environment Court.

Federated Farmers challenged whether there was jurisdiction for local authorities to make provisions for the management of the outdoor use of GMOs under the RMA. That challenge has been rejected by the Environment Court.

GE Free Northland spokesman Martin Robinson said authorities needed to be able to respond to their communities' aspirations.

"There are risks to the economy, the environment, biosecurity, and cultural and social values. Therefore councils may want take a precautionary approach and impose conditions on the outdoor use of GMOs in their area," he said.

Green Party GE spokesman Steffan Browning said communities such as Hawke's Bay and Northland were recognising the benefits of remaining GE-free.

"The decision means that should the Environmental Protection Authority allow GE crops into the country, communities can decide for themselves whether to allow them into their regions."