submission to the whangarei district council...health of our environment. please ensure that this...
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From: Pedro and ToniTo: Mail RoomSubject: Submission to the Whangarei District CouncilDate: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 2:48:52 p.m.
Submission to the Whangarei District Council Plan change number – Proposed Plan Change 131Plan Change name – Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Dear Sir / Madam, I fully support the excellent Whangarei District Council & Far North District Councilcollaborative GMO Plan change which will ban ALL GMO releases in Northland. I alsowant any EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved outdoor GE experiments orfield trials PROHIBITED as well as all GMO releases PROHIBITED in Northland andpreferably nationwide. I am happy to contribute further comments and reasoning if necessary. Date: 9 September 2014Name: Peter WilsonAddress: 3744 SH10 RD1 Kaeo 0478 NorthlandEmail: [email protected] Kind regardsPeter Wilson
-----Original Message-----
From: Rebecca Thompson [mailto:[email protected]];
Sent: 9/09/2014 2:49:58 p.m.
To: Mail Room [mailto:[email protected]];
Subject: ATT Melissa Needham GMO Plan Change
GMO PLAN CHANGE
SUBMISSION TO WHANGEREI DISTRICT COUNCIL AND FAR NORTH DISTRICT
COUNCIL
re PROPOSED WDC GMO PLAN CHANGE 131 AND FNDC PLAN CHANGE 18
Yes GMO's if released would destroy our 100% guaranteed organic status which in turn
would effect our health and our business.
Hi Melissa,
I am unable to make a formal submission at present as I do not have a form handy to
complete but I am absolutely 100% opposed to GE field trials in my heart, in my mind, in my
body and in my spirit. I don't even agree with it happening in the lab. I am into a holistic
approach to life whether it be in science, art, business, environment or social matters. To be
playing around with genomes has gone too far scientifically and economically without due
consideration to spiritual values, the meaning of life and humanity.
I would like FNDC and Whangerei councils to prohibit field trials and release of GMO
substances in Northland and to support whole heartedly a GE Free New Zealand.
I would like my home-made submission to be recognized and acknowledged and counted as
valid in this survey.
Yours sincerely
Rebecca Thompson (busy mother of 4 young children of the future generation)
Kerikeri Organic,
1188 State Highway 10,
Kerikeri 0293
Northland,
New Zealand.
Phone 09 4078650
From: [email protected]: Mail RoomSubject: Plan Change submissionDate: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 2:52:42 p.m.
Date: 09.09.2014Submitter: Albert BarrPlan Change # 131Address: 01 Punga Grove Ave, Riverside, Whangarei.
Hi,
I am submitting in support of plan change #131 relating to the ban on genetically modifiedorganisms by the WDC. I would like to voice my concerns in person at the submission hearing date.
RegardsAlby Barr
Sent from my iPhone
From: Guy HatchardTo: Mail RoomSubject: Genetically Modified Organisms Plan Change SubmissionDate: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 2:53:39 p.m.
From:Dr Guy David Hatchard53 Keyte StWhangareiNew ZealandHome 094372012Mob +64 22 636 7760Email: [email protected]
Re Plan Change 18
I completely support your wonderful proposal to amend the district plan toexclude GMO organisms. I wish to submit that the dangers of GMO organisms aresufficient to warrant the additional exclusion of any EPA approved experiments orfield trials. I note that GMO field trials and experiments overseas have not beensafely contained. Any release of GMO organisms into the environment cannot berecalled.
As a previous senior employee of an international genetic testing corporation, Inote that we found in USA and Canada consistent genetic contamination of cropsresulting from unwanted cross contamination of modified organisms at levels thatprecluded their export to the EU and Japan. I also note that widespread use ofGMO crops in South America and India have damaged export markets, loweredcrop yields, and caused increased use of more powerful pesticides.
I have previously prepared reports on the economic impacts of GMOs forcorporations and governments agencies in USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and India.
More recent research has pointed to potential health hazards of GMO foods.
I am happy to be heard in support of this submission.
From: [email protected]: Mail Room; [email protected]: WDC Plan Change 131 and FNDC Plan Change 18Date: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 2:55:20 p.m.
Date: 8/9/2014Submission in support of WDC proposed GMO Plan change 131 andFNDC proposed GMO Plan change 18 Contact details:Name Anna MurphyAddress 1807a Ngunguru RdRD3WhangareiE-mail [email protected] Council,I strongly support the Whangarei District Council and Far North District Councilcollaborative GMO plan change. My family is absolutely behind protecting Northlandpeople’s health, our economy and the environment by keeping GE organisms out of ourregion. We believe that this is an advantage for farmers and gardeners who cancontinue to grow, eat and sell produce that has been conventionally or organicallygrown. We believe in securing a safe food future for our people and even creating aniche to be able to supply safe food to other areas. This has huge relevance as othercountries continue to ban GE foods from their supply chain.The food basket of theNorth. I would also like to request that any Environmental Protection Authority approvedoutdoor GE experiments or field trials also be prohibited, and also for the totalprohibition of all GMO releases in Northland. I would especially like to emphasise thispoint because we cannot rely on the EPA alone to keep these risky field trials undercontainment or enforce satisfactory ongoing monitoring of the trial sites. We have to berealistic about the fact that human error does occur and that this could lead to GMOsbeing transferred into the air, soil or waterways. Although rules and procedures may bein place on paper we know that employees come and go, people who have beenresponsible for a task may be absent due to sickness or family circumstances or agenuine oversight may be made. I personally visited the site in Kerikeri where the GEtamarillo trial had taken place. The trees had been removed but there was no solidcontainment of the area. It was open to the air and the soil. This is not good enough.What is the EPA doing about this now? Nothing, so how can we rely on them alone toensure this doesn't occur at the next trial site. Even laboratory research could lead tobreaches of GMOs into the environment.I find it outrageous that the Ministry for the Environment is submitting against the WDCand FNDC making this plan change. There is no harm in making sure we have an extralevel of protection in the future especially as we are still learning from the problemsand challenges that GMOs are presenting to other countries. GMO are a risk and agamble and I think we would be wise to put our own local rules and regulations inplace, that is what local council is for surely!The government should be supporting and celebrating our Northland Councils
proactive approach to managing this issue and showing that they are true leaders indemocracy and are listening to community and iwi concerns and are doing somethingabout it.
The following themes provide the context for local government – (taken from the localGovernment NZ website)
Local democracy – local people electing local people to make decisions on local issues.
Diversity – to recognise the diversity that exists within New Zealand and the variable
circumstances faced by councils (including geographical, financial and social).
Local choice – to reflect the diverse circumstances of individual councils, and to promote
public participation in their community's governance.
Local accountability – local authorities are primarily accountable to their communities (for
decisions taken and outcomes achieved) rather than to central government or the Minister of
Local Government.
The outcomes above say to me that by putting in place this plan change WDC and FNDCwould be doing what they are supposed to. I have underlined what I think is relevant tothis decision.I ask the WDC and FNDC to vote responsibly to protect our local ratepayers and thehealth of our environment. Please ensure that this plan change goes through as well ascompletely banning GMO releases in Northland. At the end of the day, people want andneed to be able to provide safe healthy food for their children and families and we areasking that the WDC/FNDC recognises this.Thank youAnna Murphy and Deighton Miller.
From: Marianna YoungTo: [email protected]; Mail RoomSubject: Supportive submission in response to the WDC and FNDC proposed GMO Plan changes (#I3I and # I8)Date: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 3:05:39 p.m.
9 September 2014
Submission in support of WDC proposed GMO Plan change #l31 andFNDC proposed GMO Plan change #l8
Submitter:
Name: Marianna YoungPostal address: 3B Campbell Road, Totara North, RD2 KaeoEmail address: [email protected]: 022 699 4672
Submission:
I strongly support the excellent Whangarei District Council and Far North DistrictCouncil collaborative GMO plan change, but want any Environmental ProtectionAuthority (EPA) approved outdoor GE experiments or field trials prohibited aswell, and prohibition of all GMO releases.
I cannot gain an advantage in trade competition through this submission.
I wish to be heard in support of this submission.
Sincerely,
Marianna Young
From: Michael DraytonTo: [email protected]; Mail RoomSubject: Supportive submission in response to the WDC and FNDC proposed GMO Plan changes (#131 and #18)Date: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 3:08:43 p.m.
Date: 09 September 2014 Contact details:Name: Michael DraytonAddress: 203 Remuera Settlement Road RD 2 Kaikohe 0472email: [email protected]: (09) 4059382 I am delighted by and strongly support the far sighted Whangarei District Counciland Far North District Council collaborative GMO plan change however, I do notwant to see any Environmental Protection Authority approved outdoor GEexperiments or field trials. Furthermore I would like to see all GMO releasesprohibited. I stand to make no trade competition advantage through this submission. I do not wish to be heard in person. Yours sincerely,Michael Drayton
From: [email protected]: Mail Room; [email protected]: Re: Genetically Modified Organisms Plan Change SubmissionDate: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 3:22:56 p.m.
This is my address and phone numbers which I left of my submission below.Thanks Angela Hatchard.
53 Keyte StWhangarei 011209 437 2012022 636 7760
> On 9/09/2014, at 3:09 pm, [email protected] wrote:>> I completely support your very good proposal to amend the district plan to exclude GMOorganisms. I would also like to submit that the dangers of GMO organisms are sufficient to demandthe additional exclusion of any EPA approved experiments or field trials.GMO Field trials andexperiments overseas have not been safely contained. Any release of GMO into the the environmentcan't be recalled.>> In the USA and Canada a genetic testing company found consistent genetic contamination ofcrops resulting from unwanted cross contamination of modified organisms at levels that precludedtheir export to the EU and Japan.>> Widespread use of GMO crops in South America and India have damaged export markets andlowered crop yields. It has also caused increased use of more powerful pesticides.>> We have seventeen acres in the district which we farm organically>> Let's be sensible and protect NZ from this poison.>> Angela Hatchard>>>>>>>>>> Sent from my iPad
From: Kaile Nahi-Taihia NRC on behalf of mailroomTo: Mail RoomSubject: FW: FNDC - GMO SubmissionDate: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 3:20:09 p.m.Attachments: 09092014143910-0001.pdf
Hi there
Please pass onto the relevant department.
Kind regards
Mailroom
Kaile Nahi-Taihia |EDRMS Officer - Information ManagementNorthland Regional Council | Te Kaunihera A Rohe O Te TaitokerauFreephone: 0800 002 004 | DDI: 09 470 1142 | Fax: 09 470 1202
-----Original Message-----From: Tammy Wooster [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 2:43 p.m.To: mailroomSubject: FNDC - GMO Submission
Good Afternoon
On behalf of the Acting CEO of the Far North District Council
Please find attached a submission on plan change 131 - GMOs
Kind RegardsTammy WoosterSenior Policy Planner
Get it done online at your convenience, visit our website - www.fndc.govt.nz-----------------------------------------------------------Attention: The information contained in this email (including any attachments) is intended solely for theaddressee(s).It is confidential and may be legally privileged.If you have received this email in error you must not use, copy, disclose or distribute it or any informationin it.Please simply notify the sender and delete or destroy all copies of the email immediately.Unless formally stated, this e-mail and any attachments do not necessarily reflect the views of the FarNorth District Council.The Far North District Council accepts no responsibility for any interception of, or changes to, our emailafter it leaves us.We do not accept responsibility for any viruses or similar carried with our email, or any effects our emailmay have on the recipients computer system or network.-----------------------------------------------------------Far North District Council | Te Kaunihera o Tai Tokerau Ki Te Raki Ph. 09 401 5200 | Fax. 09 401 2137 |Email. [email protected] Address. Memorial Avenue, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440, New Zealand
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
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From: Guy RobinsonTo: Mail Room; [email protected]: Fwd: Deadline for submissions to the GMO Plan Changes 4 p.m. todayDate: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 3:24:45 p.m.
Attn: Melissa Needham
SUBMISSION TO Whangarei District Council and Far North District Council
RE: PROPOSED WDC GMO Plan change # 131 and FNDC GMO Plan change 18
Email to WDC [email protected]: Melissa Needham
Email to FNDC [email protected]
Submitter: Guy Robinson.Address for service: 62 Tuatara Drive, Kamo.Contact name Guy Robinson.email address [email protected] number 09 435 2760 021 160 2925 I do not wish to be heard delete the one that does not apply If so where ? Whangarei / Far North I could not gain an advantage in trade competition through this submission.delete the one that does not apply. I am directly affected by an effect of the subject matter of the submissiondelete the one that does not apply Thanks to the council for its work with the Northern councils, the community andothers to share resources and funding to fully investigate the GMO issue andcome up with a sensible solution. I support the WDC and FNDC collaborative GMO Plan changes to prohibit theoutdoor release of GMOs but would like the rules to be strengthened to prohibit alloutdoor GE experiments or field trials as well as the prohibiting of all GMOreleases. The specific provisions of the Plan Change that my submission relates to
arethe Plan Change in its entirety I support the inclusion of rules in the District Plans to prohibit the outdoor releaseof GMOs in the District and Region ( I include Whangarei, Kaipara and AucklandRegion/Super City ) I oppose the proposal to allow Field Trials of GMOs in the District and Region My submission isthat the WDC and FNDC strengthen their respective notified Plan Changes ( 131and 18 ) to prohibit the use, release and trials of GMOs in Northland. My reasons are .GMOs are patently different to their host genome and the argument of substantialequivalence is disingenuous.GMOs are untried, unproven and untested.GMOs are a threat to the Four Cornerstones - Economic, Environmental, Culturaland SocialUntil there is sufficient evidence to the contrary the District Plan should protect thestatus quo of a Regional exclusion zone and a GE free environment. GMOs are an issue of public concern amongst all residents and ratepayers in theRegion, not just tangata whenua.This was evidenced by the Colmar Brunton telephone survey in 2009. The Colmar Brunton follow-up survey in 2013 confirmed the public's widespreadconcern. GMOs once released will be as impossible to contain as PSA with kiwifruit, Varroamite with bees, Rock Snot in rivers, kauri die-back, and will contaminate other(substantially equivalent ) host crops by a number of vectors including machinery,wind, birds, insects, animals, humans, water ... There have been recorded escapes of GMO material from contained facilitiesand breaches of rules of containment of Field Trails. As a result I submit that thereshould not be any GMO Trials in Northland as there will inevitably be an escapeand distribution of a GMO throughout the Region. The result of escapes of GMOs will be to the detriment of the environment, anerosion of the Natural GE free Northland Brand, further degradation of the healthof our food, loss of our reputation as producers of quality food, and economic loss.I agree with the sentiment of tangata whenua that the Mauri of the food supply willbe harmed. Our food production should be focussed on naturally healthy, quality-driven andvalue-added production, not a race to the bottom of commodity-driven production. I support the use of gene technology in the lab to learn the secrets of the genomebut do not support the release of GMOs in any form,even in field trial conditions,
until the science is sufficiently proven to be beneficial and not detrimental toneighbouring activities. . I oppose the discretionary use of GMO field trials in the District. I share the concern of others that the groups wanting to introduce GE technologyare arguing from a position of self-interest, that the science being touted as safe isbiased "Industry Good Science", and is not beneficial to the wider community, letalone the community of interest involved.The scientists from both sides of the GE debate are not in agreement as to thesafety of the technology, and consumers have every right to be concerned aboutthe effects of GMOs. There have been too many examples of poorly managed, maintained andmonitored field trials in New Zealand to consider allowing their use in Northland.Environmental challenges that proponents of GE suggest can be solved by usinggenetic engineering, such as methane emissions, global warming and kauridieback should not be approached using quick-fix responses that can often addmore to the problem than solve it ( viz, cane toad introduced to eradicate snakesfrom sugar-cane fields became a bigger problem than the snakes, which couldhave been managed by using appropriate protective clothing) The status quo of a GE free Northland must be preserved by using rules in theDistrict and Regional Plans until GE not only proves itself safe but also provesthat it is advantageous to introduce and not detrimental to present non-users.This includes Field Trials, which I argue should be carried out ( if that is what isconsidered desirable and necessary ) elsewhere rather than risk compromising theenvironment and reputation of the Northland Region as a producer of GE freefoods.When the GMO protagonists are able to prove that the science is not onlybeneficial but is also not detrimental, then there is the ability to introduce a PlanChange in the future.A bond, evidence of financial fitness and proper plan for implementation, riskmitigation and remediation is definitely required as a pre-requisite for theintroduction of any GE activityThe onus of proof of safety must be the responsibility of those wishing to introducethe technology Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the proposed Plan Change.
From: [email protected]: Mail RoomSubject: ATT:Melissa NeedhamDate: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 3:26:05 p.m.Attachments: Submission on GMO Plan Change 131.pdf
Please find attached HFM's submission on Plan change 131.
Regards,
Ursula BuckinghamHancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd.Environmental Planner09 470 13 25 0274 998 416 [email protected] Fraser Street, PO Box 1860, Whangarei
PLEASE NOTE: I'm in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays, if you need to contact me outsidethose days please do so on mobile.
STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITYThe information contained in this email message and any attachments may be confidential andlegally privileged intended for the use of the addressee(s) only. If you are not an intendedrecipient, please: (1) notify me immediately by replying to this message; (2) do not use,disseminate, distribute or reproduce any part of the message or any attachment; and (3) destroy allcopies of this message and any attachments.
Whangarei District Council – Proposed Plan Change 131
TO: Whangarei District Council Private Bag 9023 WHANGAREI 0148 [email protected]
SUBMISSION ON: Proposed Plan Change 131 – Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
NAME: Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd
ADDRESS: DATE:
PO Box 1860 WHANGAREI 0100 9 September 2014
CONTACT NAME: Ursula Buckingham
TELEPHONE 09 4701325
Email: [email protected] Introduction 1.1 Hancock Forest Management New Zealand Limited (HFM) manages approximately
11,600 hectares of plantation forest in the Whangarei District on behalf of our client Taumata Plantations Limited of which approximately 95% is freehold, and the remainder predominantly Maori lease. Of the total area under management, 8,614ha are productive land and the remainder (25%) indigenous reserves. This makes HFM one of the largest private land managers in the district.
1.2 Our forests provide employment, both direct and indirect, and a recreational resource
along with their primary purpose of being a sustainable source of wood fibre for the domestic and export market. The forest also provides many environmental benefits including soil conservation, improved water quality and quantity, carbon sequestration and habitat for biodiversity.
Submission 2.1 HFM is in support of the submissions lodged by Scion and Agcarm. 2.2 HFM is opposed to the plan change in its entity. Particularly where the application of
a precautionary approach shall mean that the release of a GMO is a prohibited Activity, (GMO.1.1 Description and Expectations).
2.3 HFM does support Policy GMO.2.2.6 which takes an adaptive approach particularly if
new information on the benefits and/or adverse effects of a GMO activity becomes available. This Policy is in direct conflict with GMO.1.1 Description and Expectations and HFM are interested to understand how Council intend to implement this Policy.
2.4 While HFM do not currently deploy GMO's in the field and have no plans to, it is quite
possible that in the future GMO's will be developed that can provide significant environmental and economic benefits, in a manner that poses minimal risk to the environment. To prohibit the use of GMO's giving no ability to consider the actual risks and benefits of an application seems short sighted. It could potentially prevent
the use of technology that could bring significant benefits to the region, including the regions forest industry.
2.5 HFM understands the control of GMO's is a matter currently being considered in the
next round of RMA reforms. It would therefore seem premature to propose a plan change at this point while awaiting the outcome of that process.
Conclusion 3.1 HFM strongly opposes Plan Change 131 in its entity due to the reason outlined
above and in Scion and Agcarm’s submission. We strongly urge Council to review all the information available regarding GMO testing and outdoor release. At the very least we encourage Council to await the decision pending the next round of RMA reforms.
3.2 If others make a similar submission, HFM will consider presenting a joint case with
them at a hearing.
Ursula Buckingham Environmental Planner Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd
-----Original Message-----
From: Melanie Closs [mailto:[email protected]];
Sent: 9/09/2014 3:26:13 p.m.
To: Mail Room [mailto:[email protected]];
Subject: GMO
Hello Name: Melanie Jane Closs address 110 Handforth St Onerahi whangarei I support the WDC/FNDC collaborative GMO Plan. I want the GMO Plan change retained as it is written Kind Regards Melanie Closs
From: Glen BowlerTo: Mail RoomSubject: FW: Scan Data from PIH-3Date: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 3:28:37 p.m.Attachments: 09092014152624-0001.pdf
This has been sent to you via the i-Site in Paihia on behalf ofIna HoeferKind Regards
-----Original Message-----From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 3:26 p.m.To: Glen BowlerSubject: Scan Data from PIH-3
Sent by: gbowler [[email protected]] Number of Images: 2 Attachment File Type: PDF
Device Name: ApeosPort-IV C4475Device Location:
Get it done online at your convenience, visit our website - www.fndc.govt.nz-----------------------------------------------------------Attention: The information contained in this email (including any attachments) is intended solely forthe addressee(s).It is confidential and may be legally privileged.If you have received this email in error you must not use, copy, disclose or distribute it or anyinformation in it.Please simply notify the sender and delete or destroy all copies of the email immediately.Unless formally stated, this e-mail and any attachments do not necessarily reflect the views of theFar North District Council.The Far North District Council accepts no responsibility for any interception of, or changes to, ouremail after it leaves us.We do not accept responsibility for any viruses or similar carried with our email,or any effects our email may have on the recipients computer system or network.-----------------------------------------------------------Far North District Council | Te Kaunihera o Tai Tokerau Ki Te RakiPh. 09 401 5200 | Fax. 09 401 2137 | Email. [email protected]. Memorial Avenue, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440, New Zealand
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-----Original Message-----
From: Narayani Hatchard [mailto:[email protected]];
Sent: 9/09/2014 3:31:10 p.m.
To: Mail Room [mailto:[email protected]]; [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]];
Subject: Genetically Modified Organism Plan Change Submission
Re Plan Change 18
I wholeheartedly support your proposal to amend the district plan to
exclude GMO organisms. I submit that the dangers of GMO organisms are
sufficient to warrant the additional exclusion of any EPA approved
experiments or field trials. GMO field trials and experiments done overseas
have not been safely contained. Any release of GMO organisms into the
environment cannot be recalled. We can not underestimate the threat that
this poses to our Northland Eco system.
Genetic ID a genetic testing company in the USA and Canada found consistent
genetic contamination of crops resulting from the unwanted cross
contamination of modified organisms at levels that precluded their export
to the EU and Japan. And as such we can't predict how much this could cost
our export economy. Also the widespread use of GMO crops in developing
countries such as South America and India have damaged their export
markets, lowered their crop yields, and caused the increased use of more
powerful pesticides which in turn has caused significant health problems
for the farmers.
Sincerely Yours
Narayani Hatchard
53 Keyte St
Kensington
Whangarei
0112
Ph 437 2012
From: Glen MackieTo: Mail RoomSubject: Submission - Genetically Modified OrganismsDate: Tuesday, 9 September 2014 3:37:41 p.m.Attachments: image001.png
WDC-GM Submission.pdf
Plse find attached a submission on proposed plan change – Genetically Modified Organisms, onbehalf of the Forest Owners Assn RegardsGlen MackieTechnical ManagerFOA04 473 4769
Level 9, 93 The Terrace, Wellington. PO Box 10986, The Terrace, Wellington 6143
