Hawke's Bay looks likely to remain GM free

Craig Foss is thrilled with the agreement between the National Party and Maori Party regarding the Resource Management Act. Photo / File

Hawke's Bay is one step closer to staying GM-free after an agreement was reached between the National Party and Maori Party yesterday.

Hastings became the first council in the country to declare itself GM (genetic modification) free in 2015 but there were concerns that this would be overturned when Environment Minister Nick Smith proposed changes to section 360D in the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill.

Last night the Maori Party put forward a supplementary order paper which supported the Resource Management Act but said the minister would not be able to override the local councils' decision for GM declarations as far as crops were concerned under section 360D.

This meant plans or regulations made by local councils such as the Hastings District Council's GM-free food producer status could not be vetoed by the minister.

Maori Party leader Marama Fox said the party did not succumb to pressure and this issue had always been an area of contention.

"The reality of the agreement protects growers in Hawke's Bay and ensures organic produce is maintained and the region's economy is upheld. It is a good outcome for the Bay."

The bill was still being debated last night in Parliament and Pure Hawke's Bay, which has been seeking to secure the region's current GM-free food producer status, was waiting nervously to hear the verdict.

Spokesman Bruce Chambers said it was still to early to comment because he was waiting for the final vote to take place.

"Fingers crossed it goes the right way for us."

The group had been working to protect the region against economic risk and create branding opportunities for the local economy.

Ikaroa-Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri said Labour would support the decision but wanted to be sure that all organic growers could remain GM free through the amendments.

She said there were still hurdles to overcome.

"We want to make sure it includes everything so that it does protect GM-free regions like Hawke's Bay."

"If it does go through it can be put down to the work of organisations like Pure Hawke's Bay, local iwi and local councils who have put the heat on the Maori Party."

Tukituki MP Craig Foss was thrilled with the "elegant" and "excellent" solution reached for Hawke's Bay.

"Minister Smith has said he has not been concerned by the Hastings District Council declaration, rather he has been concerned by the Auckland Council which could prohibit new medical treatments."

Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule said this agreement meant the council would be able to continue its support for exporters in their quest for high-value products.

"The Hastings District Council never sought to ban or control medicines or medical treatments," Mr Yule said.

"The agreement effectively allows councils to have a say on behalf of their communities around the field release of GMOs [genetically modified organisms]."

The bill was still being debated in Parliament last night but Mr Foss said it was looking really good for Hawke's Bay at this stage.