On show at Gantry, Jellicoe St,Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland
Part of the Auckland Festival of Photography
The photographs in pure NZ recall events that span over 25 years and helped define New Zealand’s identity.
The GE-free movement is a fight for regulation of Genetic Engineering (GE) / Genetic Modification (GM). Its aim is to protect nature, health and the right to choose natural food.
GE-Free is part of New Zealand’s history of people’s movements that includes establishing the right of women to vote, fighting against apartheid and keeping New Zealand nuclear-free.
Staying GE-Free has turned out to be an economic asset.
Today, the kiwi celebrities who took part in “Up Against the Wall” can be considered economic heroes.
People around the world want what New Zealand has to offer.
We know that New Zealand is not pure and urgently need to do better.
But GE-free is part of the New Zealand story, and export success. Our reputation is built on trust in our safe, natural food.
But that is under threat from a push by industry to relax regulations and release GMOs.
Our exports, environment and food are at risk from The Gene Technology Bill.
New proposals to change the current legislation (The HSNO Act) are no better.
Both Bills lack the guardrails to prevent GE contamination and stop cruel experiments happening again..
The risks to people and the environment are growing as GE is combined with AI, nanotechnology and synthetic biology. With great power comes great responsibility.