What is Gene Technology, you may well ask. This is a modern branch of Biotechnology that allows direct modification or the removal of genes, or the transfer of a gene from one species to another (Gene Technology Regulator Australian Govt) New Zealand Ministry Of Primary Industries call it ‘Fit For A Better World’ with economic potential. New breeding techniques, allowing gene editing of plants, animals that create specific changes to the DNA.

NZ Government MPI are in partnership with Nga Pouwhiri Taimatua (The Iwi/ Māori Primary Sector Forum) whom have introduced a plan to support Iwi/Māori Food & Fibre sector describing this as ‘Embracing Change For Prosperity’ (60 Pages PDF 1st December) Post Covid ‘Another of those so called ‘Build Back Better’ For a more sustainable economy, a partnership with Iwi/Maori Industry leading the way forwards to UN Agenda 2030 SDG’s (Global Goals)

The Iwi/Maori Partnership Roadmap ‘Fit For A Better world’ partnership opportunities bringing together actions, opportunities, accelerating transformation that they (Govt MPI and Iwi/Maori Primary Sector Forum) say we ‘the people’ need. This spans all goods, fibre sectors, agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, marine, forestry sectors etc., Includes reducing methane emissions – farming. Iwi redirected existing funding to kick start delivery of this roadmap in two areas. (1) using $11.6 million from the 1 Billion Trees fund (2) Bringing forward $84 million to upscale sustainable Food and Fibre Futures. Further funding will be required.

Already building plans on delivering the roadmap which includes seafood, horticulture and dairy (Described as in response to COVID19) ‘Fit For A Better World’ Action Plan – the partnership between Iwi/Māori Primary Group and MPI Government)

A partnership approach leading to $170 million committed funding over 4 years (2023 report) for climate action joint venture and almost $560 million invested through so called ‘sustainable Food & Fibre Fund). Which was actually launched in 2018, prior to COVID 19. . Fit For A Better World Wananga in Christchurch brought together 100 food & fibre leaders from businesses and science academics, also Iwi/Maori businesses, government & youth as they referred to the ‘collective owners of ‘Fit For A better World’ Partnership Iwi/Maori and MPI Govt. (The Food & Fibre Think Tank conducts, accelerates the development of the food and fibre sector for providing research, strategic insightsm advice to sector participants, industry leaders, Iwi/Maori and other agribusinesses.

One must question- what is the name of this Food & Fibre Think Tank?? Answer is ‘Te Puna Whakaaronui, which has an independent voice but is enabled to provokem inform sectors on technologies, capabilities, resources, regulations, systems for long term resilience and prosperity. There take is ‘The Need for A More Sustainable Global Food System’. Alternative Protein technologies, supplier in food ingredients, demands of global food source. Carbon Capture and biochemicals research into high income markets. Food transformation for lower emissions. Access to capital ‘2030 Is Not Far Away’

Ethical and Moral concern as to ‘how to govern’ Germline editing technologies in the Health Sector. Germline refers to Genetic Modification that can be inherited by an offspring. This raises many ethical questions. (Genetically designed (edited) children have been born in China. One may remember ‘Dolly’ the sheep that was produced by British Scientist (Human Cloning Research 2004) The genetic changes to the population can lead to unforeseen ecological impact. For instance ‘the combatting of Malaria using genes- there is no recall button once used. Intended benefits and unintended risks. The susceptibility to fraud and manipulation

Patent Protection, intellectual property rights and information that is stored behind these patents. (Transparency ? I think NOT). The World Health Org., (UIN) have held meetings, consultations with relevant stakeholders providing recommendations for a one global governance framework (Global Agenda 2030 SDGs) That focuses on International, Regional, National and Local levels. Standards which are described as ‘aspirational, forward looking

Gene Technology editing of genes the ability to manipulate transform properties of cells, the sequence of cells in seeds, plants, animals and even humans. Pushing the frontiers of Science. Gregor Mandel is the father of Genetic Technology in the 1850’s. It is said out of concern that the upside of Gene Technology is promising but we must not ignore the need to seriously consider the downside. The Productivity gaps in Agricultural, disadvantaging small farms, risks to health, contamination of crops, foods and the loss of biodiversity. The creating of opportunities for ‘Use’ and ‘Abuse’. The weighing of opportunistic benefits also mean there still remains serious risks, and these are an urgent challenge.

Let us be aware of UN Agenda 2030 includes two global development goals (SDGs) that references Genetic Technology. Sustainable Development (UN Dept of Economic & Social Affairs ‘DESA’) To enrich policy as they have a strong interest in the Economic analysis and the Policy Division. Big Pharma dominates the Genetic Therapy domain, Australia’s Initiative ‘Gene Technology Health Futures Mission- to enhance data, encouraging Public -Private Stakeholder Partnerships (Klaus Schwab’s baby Multistake-holderism- Govts partnering Corporations). Australian Initiative encouraging government to partner with philanthropists and businesses (corporations) Economic Fascism.

Parliaments first reading in the House 17th December 2024 ‘Gene Technology Bill’ introduced by Judith Collins, calling this a great day for Science. Agreement with Coalition Partners, Restrictive rules have been in place since the 1970’s as she says that she presents a safe enabling regulatory regime. The enabling of NZ’s Biotech ecosystem to deliver solutions to climate change, increasing productivity, advancing health treatments and supporting farmers which she calls an transformative path. Regulating predictability (of the unknowns). The approach will be safe, fair, logical and science based. Collins also states this does not mean we cannot have GE free, however does not mention GE contaminated pollution. She refers to genetically modified apples, fruit and produce.

Where is the public consultation, as this stands to benefit those with invested interests. Where is the published research? What about the unknowns, the uncertainties, unintended consequences, ethical breaches, inadequate information. The exclusion of expertise whom are concerned and are fully knowledgeable about Gene Editing, technologies (https://www.parliament.nz/…/HansDeb_20241217_20241217_32)

It was Te Puna whakaaronui that recommended conversation within Parliament on Gene Technology. The Office of the Prime Ministers Chief Science Advisor ‘The WELL-NZ Report of Genetic Modification this is a reference document produced by Te Puna Whakaaronui, the going Govt and Industry Food & Fibre Sector Think Tank on Gene Technology (Gene Editing) n modern genetic technologies and their regulation in NZ. n 2019 Maui Hudson and colleagues published a research article, Indigenous perspectives on gene editing in Aotearoa New Zealand, that examined how Māori viewed the potential impact of gene editing in the context of their world view.

In 2024 the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge reported on research titled “Genetic Technologies and Our Environment”. This examined the public and Māori perceptions of gene technologies used in the natural environment using deliberative processes. Fundamentally, the introduction of gene technology into the environmental management architecture to be less about the gene technology ‘ gene editing’ , and more about the social, economic and environmental factors.”( https://www.pmcsa.ac.nz/topics/gene-editing/)

In 2019 Minister Parker asked officials to advise him on ‘lower regulatory hurdles to be considered to enable medical used. 2021 Climate Change Commission provided the govt with advice on emissions budgets with submissions proposed for Genetic engineering as an approach to reduce emissions. There appears to be clear evidence that the Dark Side of Gene Technology has been totally ignored’

(ME- This sure makes me think about the COVID Shots-Economical FASCISM)

RESEARCHER: Cassie

WakeUpNZ NOW