A nationwide petition has been launched using #NoHarmToFood, opposing two government proposals that would undermine public health, food safety, and could hurt New Zealand’s clean, green economy:
• THE GLYPHOSATE INCREASE BILL would increase allowable glyphosate residue levels in food by up to 100 times in some cases. Glyphosate is sold under many brand names in NZ, including Roundup.
• THE GENE TECHNOLOGY BILL would deregulate oversight for certain gene-edited food products, potentially allowing pesticide-resistant genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food system and soil with minimal regulation.
“This petition is driven by concern for the well-being of New Zealanders and the long-term health of our environment and food industry,”
Public Awareness Gap
Awareness is limited because, while the organic sector is worth about NZ$1.8 billion annually (2025 Organic Market Report), many Kiwis can’t afford to buy organics regularly. They may miss news circulating within organic and sustainability circles.
But NZ home gardeners often reject chemical sprays and genetically engineered foods. ‘Spray-free’ produce is in demand at local and online markets. Organic, GE, and market group sectors actively promote these choices, and the turnout and social media comments for Green Expos, which draw tens of thousands of attendees each year, demonstrate a strong and growing public interest.
Health & Environmental Concerns
Independent scientific research has documented risks from glyphosate and deregulated gene editing:
• A 2025 peer-reviewed study (Panzacchi et al., Environmental Health) found increased rates of leukaemia, thyroid, breast, and liver tumours in animals exposed to glyphosate at levels below current “safety” limits.
• Other studies link glyphosate to hormone disruption, gut microbiome damage, oxidative organ injury, a 41% higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, prenatal neurodevelopmental harm, and neurological symptoms such as depression and memory loss.
• Glyphosate residues have been found in 99% of pregnant women tested in the US, with higher levels tied to premature births.
International bans/restrictions:
Many countries have restricted or banned glyphosate and pesticide-resistant GMOs. Some have implemented full bans, while others limit its use in public areas, households, or for crop drying.
Evidence from Argentina — where GM crops and glyphosate use are widespread — shows elevated cancer rates, congenital disabilities, and widespread environmental contamination.*
Economic Risks
The Sustainable Business Council’s members collectively represent NZ$169 billion in annual turnover, reflecting the significant economic scale of businesses committed to sustainability in NZ.
These bills could threaten key sectors:
Sustainable construction: NZ$5 billion/year, projected NZ$142 billion by 2050, dependent on healthy biodiversity and uncontaminated natural resources. Note that the projected NZ$142 billion is a future estimate contingent on sustained efforts and healthy ecosystems.
Responsible investment: NZ$153.5 billion in ESG-aligned funds, with NZ$4.74 billion in impact investments. Many exclude high chemical/GMO exposure; these changes could trigger divestment.
Sustainable tourism: Tourism contributes around NZ$40 billion annually to New Zealand’s economy. Sustainable and eco-tourism sectors are growing rapidly, with estimated growth rates of 10–15% per year, driven by increasing global demand for environmentally responsible travel. These sectors rely heavily on New Zealand’s clean environment, biodiversity, and food integrity to attract discerning international visitors.
Relying on pristine landscapes and natural food systems prized in markets sensitive to GMOs, such as the EU and Japan.
Public NZ Preference Investment Practice:
75% want to avoid investing in companies involved in genetic engineering (GMOs). | Shows public opposition to GMOs, directly supporting resistance to the Gene Technology Bill that would deregulate oversight of gene-edited agricultural products. |
89% want to avoid sectors linked to environmental degradation (air, land, and water damage). | Strengthens the case against the Glyphosate Increase Bill, as glyphosate use is tied to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and water contamination. |
92% want to avoid investments tied to human rights abuses | Highlights public concern for ethical supply chains, relevant to farming practices in GMO/chemical-intensive agriculture that often exploit workers globally. |
91% want to avoid labour rights violations | Reinforces that NZ cares about fair labour, which can be undermined in industrial agriculture reliant on high chemical inputs. |
85% reject violations of Indigenous peoples’ rights,
| Links to Māori land, water, and food sovereignty concerns — relevant to protecting Indigenous rights from industrial agricultural expansion. |
Across multiple environmental and social issues, public exclusion preferences consistently exceed 80%.
The petition calls for:
• No increase in glyphosate residue limits — and phased reductions.
• A shift toward organic, regenerative, and chemical-free farming.
• Protection of New Zealand’s food integrity, export reputation, and sustainable industries.
“NZ already faces high rates of certain cancers,” the petitioner says. “It’s reckless to increase chemical exposure or undermine the food brand our farmers have built over decades.”
A non-partisan, volunteer-led campaign grounded in science.
Sign the petition: www.change.org/noharmtofood
Condensed: www.facebook.com/NoHarmToFoodNZ’