Protect Aotearoa: Reinstate New Zealand’s Ban on Gene Technology Outside the Laboratory.

**Tēnā koutou katoa,**

We, the undersigned, urgently call upon Christopher Luxon, Judith Collins, and the New Zealand Government to reverse the recent decision to lift the nearly 30-year ban on gene technology outside the laboratory. This decision poses significant risks to our environment, economy, cultural heritage, and the well-being of future generations. We believe that this policy change is premature, insufficiently researched, and disregards the values that have long defined New Zealand as a global leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

### **Key Concerns:**

**1. Environmental Integrity and Biodiversity:**

The release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into our natural environment is fraught with unknowns. New Zealand's unique biodiversity is a taonga (treasure) that we are duty-bound to protect. The potential for GMOs to disrupt local ecosystems, contaminate non-GMO crops, and lead to the loss of native species is a risk we cannot afford to take. The long-term ecological impacts of genetic modification are still not fully understood, and introducing GMOs into the wild could have irreversible consequences for our flora and fauna.

**2. Economic Impact and International Reputation:**

New Zealand’s "clean, green" image is not just a marketing slogan—it is the foundation of our agricultural and tourism industries. Introducing GMOs could jeopardize our reputation in international markets that demand GMO-free products. Countries that value organic and non-GMO produce may turn away from New Zealand exports, leading to significant economic losses. Additionally, any contamination of non-GMO crops could result in costly litigation and loss of market access for farmers committed to sustainable practices.

**3. Cultural and Ethical Considerations:**

The decision to lift the ban on gene technology is in direct conflict with the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and whakapapa (lineage), which are central to Māori culture and identity. The introduction of GMOs into our environment threatens the natural order that Māori have maintained and respected for generations. This decision was made without adequate consultation with Māori communities, undermining the Treaty of Waitangi’s commitment to protecting Māori taonga and the environment.

**4. Health and Safety Risks:**

There is insufficient evidence to ensure the safety of GMOs for human health. Long-term studies on the consumption of genetically modified foods are limited, and the potential risks remain a subject of debate within the scientific community. Until there is conclusive evidence that GMOs are safe for consumption and do not pose a threat to public health, we must err on the side of caution and maintain the existing ban.

**5. Democratic Process and Public Consultation:**

The decision to end the gene technology ban was made without sufficient public consultation or a comprehensive review of the potential risks. We believe that such a significant policy change should be subject to a nationwide referendum, allowing all New Zealanders to have a say in a matter that will impact us all. The voices of the people must be heard, and the government should act transparently and democratically in making decisions that have far-reaching consequences.

### **Our Demands:**

1. **Immediate Reinstatement of the Ban:** We demand that the New Zealand Government immediately reinstates the ban on gene technology outside the laboratory until further comprehensive and independent research is conducted on its environmental, economic, and health impacts.

2. **Nationwide Consultation and Referendum:** We call for a nationwide public consultation process, including a referendum, to allow New Zealanders to directly decide on the future of gene technology in our country. This process must include meaningful engagement with Māori communities, environmental experts, and other key stakeholders.

3. **Strengthening of Environmental Protections:** We urge the government to strengthen environmental protections to prevent the accidental release of GMOs into our ecosystems. This includes stricter regulations on genetic research and robust monitoring systems to detect and mitigate any potential risks.

4. **Support for Sustainable Agriculture:** We advocate for increased support and funding for organic and sustainable farming practices that do not rely on genetic modification. By investing in agroecology and regenerative agriculture, New Zealand can continue to lead the world in producing safe, healthy, and sustainable food.

5. **Promotion of Independent Research:** We request that the government fund independent research into the long-term impacts of GMOs on health, the environment, and the economy. This research should be transparent, peer-reviewed, and free from corporate influence, ensuring that the findings are credible and reliable.

### **Why This Matters:**

New Zealand’s identity is deeply rooted in our connection to the land, the purity of our environment, and the cultural heritage of our indigenous people. The decision to lift the ban on gene technology threatens all of these aspects of our national character. By allowing GMOs to be released into the environment, we risk losing the very qualities that make Aotearoa unique.

This is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of sovereignty, cultural integrity, and public health. We must take a stand to protect our whenua, our people, and our future from the potentially devastating impacts of this decision. By signing this petition, you are joining a movement to preserve the values that make New Zealand a global leader in sustainability and to ensure that our legacy to future generations is one of stewardship, not exploitation.

**Mauri ora,**