31 July 2008
Proposals for new regulations for the management of genetically modified crops under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act are open for public input. The proposed regulations were announced by Environment Minister Trevor Mallard today.
On 14 July 2008 the Cabinet Business Committee considered a series of proposals from Environment Minister Trevor Mallard relating to New Zealand's future management of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.
The proposals, aimed primarily at providing a greater level of transparency, increased accountability and greater public openness in the management of genetically modified (GM) crops should they be approved for use in New Zealand, include the development of regulations. In accordance with the HSNO Act, the Minister has asked the Environmental Risk Management Authority to begin consultation on the regulation proposals and to report back by 22 August.
For more information about the changes agreed to by the government see the Ministry for the Environment website: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/organisms/conditionally-released/index.html
Documentation here:
ERMA New Zealand Media Release
Correspondence from the Minister, Hon Trevor Mallard to ERMA New Zealand
Please take this opportunity to have your say.
Submissions can be made by
mail, fax or email and
should be addressed to:
GM Crop Management
C/o ERMA New Zealand
PO Box 131
Wellington
Fax: 04 9140433
Email:
gmsubmissions@ermanz.govt.nz
All submissions must
be received by 5pm Friday 15
August 2008.