COUNTERSPIN MEDIA (OFFICIAL)

New post from a CSM writer:

Mike Bee gets off his statement (not a “submission”) regarding the Gene Technology Bill. Although such statements close tomorrow this may jolt others to do one at the last minute…

GENE TECHNOLOGY BILL – A PERSONAL STATEMENT

by Mike Bee

“The market for non-GMO food is growing at a rate of 12.5% per year in North America, China and India. Throwing away the rulebook on GMO organisms as this new legislation proposes risks all that. Trust, once lost, cannot be regained. For the sake of a few growers and some scientists that make up the “bio-tech industry” and who are chasing quick wealth, is New Zealand really prepared to risk whole markets, built up over years, on such a reckless venture?

“There is very little benefit to be expected from this bill and huge downside risks. I was shocked to hear our Prime Minister and Judith Collins gush like children with enthusiasm for doing away with the rules of the Nineties and opening up the country to GMO development with no limitations. They gave this presentation in front of a Camelia bush with many dead flowers on the ground behind them. To me, it was symbolic of the death and destruction that they are inviting into this country…”

To read more, go to the CSM blog at:
counterspinmedia.com/blog

or go to CSM substack articles at:

https://open.substack.com/pub/counterspinmedia/p/gene-technology-bill-a-personal-statement?r=28bz1v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Becoming a member of the CSM Substack community (free or a small donation) means you will receive an email whenever a new post is made.

Elon pretends he doesn’t know…

DR FRE AND MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY MATTERS PRESENT AT COUNCIL MEETING IN ATTEMPT TO STOP NEUROTOXIN

Read full article from The Press here

A group of Marlburians have fronted the council with concerns about water chlorination and the potential fluoridation of the region’s water supply.

The group, Marlborough Community Matters, wants the council to lobby with them against adding any fluoride to Marlborough’s water supply.

But at a public forum on Tuesday, one councillor argued the “science prevails” before being met with heckling from the group which had packed out the council’s public gallery.

To date, the Director-General of Health had not made any directive to add fluoride to Marlborough’s water, although it was being “actively considered” according to the Ministry of Health.

Two members of Marlborough Community Matters presented to the public forum.

Marlborough Community Matters member Cindy Haider told the council she recently moved back to Blenheim after living overseas for many years...

She said Marlborough Community Matters felt the mandatory fluoridation by the Government “without consent is both unethical and totalitarian”, making claims such as fluoride did not work by swallowing, any dose could not be guaranteed as safe and that fluoridation did not reduce dental decay.

Marlborough Community Matters, Dr Fre Timmermans, said councils were being forced to start “adding the additives” when it “makes no sense”.

Timmermans, a former Marlborough dentist, said he was a co-founder of New Zealand Doctors Speaking out with Science (NZDSOS).

THIS DESERVES YOUR URGENT ATTENTION

Can you help extend the deadline for the Mad Scientists Bill?

Here's a link and below the description:

https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/extend-the-public-comment-period-for-the-gene-technology-bill

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Bill sponsor Judith Collins must Extend the Say on their Gene Technology Bill by granting at least 90 additional days for public comment. This Bill—which combines sweeping changes to our Non-GM pasture -based agriculture system with unprecedented “emergency” medical powers—was rushed out on the last day of Parliament, leaving Kiwis virtually no chance to understand or debate its potentially massive consequences and now they seek to close public comment on 17th of February.

Why is this important?

This petition does not argue “for” or “against” genetic modification, mRNA medicine or the Gene Technology Bill itself. Our concern is that everyone—farmers, families, scientists, and everyday citizens—deserves adequate time to assess how this Bill could:

Reshape our agriculture industry and threaten the 100% Pure reputation upon which our exports rely.

Allow more glyphosate in “Round-up ready” GM crops, negatively impacting our waterways, honey bees, and animal products.

Introduce “emergency” genetic therapies without thorough public scrutiny, raising questions about medical autonomy and national sovereignty.

IF THIS BILL IS TRULY BENEFICIAL

It will still be beneficial after 90 days of additional fair public debate.

Rushing it through in just eight weeks disrespects our largest export sector and compromises democratic transparency.

BY SIGNING THIS PETITION, YOU CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO:

Grant an immediate extension of the Gene Technology Bill’s deadline for at least 90 days.

Provide clear information so all New Zealanders can fully grasp the Bill’s ramifications.

Honour fair and transparent governance by giving us the time to engage, ask hard questions, make informed submissions and consult our peers.

No matter where you stand on genetic modification, we all deserve the right to weigh the evidence and protect our environment, our economy, and our medical freedoms. Extend the Say—90 days is not too much to ask.

YOU CAN CALL OR FORWARD THIS LETTER TO YOUR MP

Your MP will want to know your position, no matter which party they serve. Call your MP’s office or copy and paste this petition and email it. You can your MP’s email address in the first link below.

ADDITONAL INFORMATION & REFERENCES

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/ministers

https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/22059628-b0cc-4931-5e07-08dd18a12bfb?Tab=history

https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2024/0110/7.0/LMS1009752.html

How it will be delivered
This petition will be delivered to Fonterra urging them as New Zealand's largest business and the world's most profitable dairy cooperative to support extending public comment on this Bill. This petition will also be delivered to Parliament and National Party headquarters.

BREAKING

DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HEALTH STEPS DOWN

Read full article from NZ Herald here:

Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati is stepping down, becoming the third senior health official to resign in the space of a week after the new Health Minister’s promised leadership changes.

In a statement, Sarfati highlighted the “challenge of restricting and unifying an entire health system” and how it was “not to be underestimated” as she announces her final day will be next Friday.

“Now, having made the decision to go, I have decided to leave promptly,” her statement said.

“I have appreciated the privilege, and responsibility that has come with leading the Ministry of Health during a time of significant change within the sector.

“It is now time to allow someone new to take up the mantle of one of the most challenging and rewarding roles within the health sector.”

Health Minister Shane Reti, flanked by the Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati (left), and Health NZ chief executive Margie Apa.

She acknowledged the “incredible people” who worked in the health sector. She said she would be taking time before considering “other opportunities”.

Sarfati is the latest senior health official to resign in a matter of days.

Earlier this week, director of Public Health Dr Nicholas Jones said he would be concluding his secondment as planned in February and resuming his previous role in Hawke’s Bay.

Last Friday, Health NZ chief executive Fepulea’i Margie Apa resigned amid the entity’s search for a new chief executive as Apa approached the end of her term.