Gene Tech Bill Sparks Māori Food Sovereignty Concerns
The government’s Gene Technology bill is one step closer to becoming law, but a Māori kai sovereignty leader warns it could have far-reaching consequences for how Māori grow and protect their own food.
Last Friday, the Select Committee report on the bill was released, recommending recognition of kaitiaki relationships with both indigenous and non-indigenous species of significance – defined as species brought to Aotearoa before 1769 on waka, prior to Captain Cook’s arrival.
Jessica Hutchings, co-founder of the Papawhakaritorito Trust, says the bill threatens Māori control over their food systems. “Māori are relegated to that consultative role. There’s no Treaty model here in terms of making decisions about our environment,” says Hutchings.
The bill could open the door for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be released in Aotearoa, risking contamination of traditional seeds and undermining Māori food sovereignty.
Author summary: Gene Tech Bill threatens Māori food sovereignty.
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