Genetic Engineering (GE) is back on the table in Aotearoa — but how much do most of us really know about it? Whether you’re for it, against it, or not quite sure what it is — this is a space to learn, ask questions, and engage respectfully.
As new legislation looms, we’re bringing together scientists, farmers, iwi, trade and consumer voices for a candid, constructive conversation.
From CRISPR to consumer trust, this event brings together a diverse panel of experts and lived experiences to unpack the opportunities, risks, and unknowns of GE in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. The purpose of this event is not to debate who’s right — but a conversation to learn, to better understand what’s at stake and how we can navigate these choices together.
This event invites you into an open, diverse and educational conversation designed to unpack the opportunities, risks and realities of GE in Aotearoa
Note: Future Farmers NZ holds no official stance on GE. Our mission is to create space for constructive, courageous conversation.
Forum Rules:
○ This is the space to respect opinion and foster constructive conversations. Framing opposing views as diverse contributions, not divisions.
○ Acknowledging we won’t all agree on the topic, but we need to have the tough conversations.
○ Acknowledge the discomfort — We know GE can be polarising, but that’s exactly why we’re having this conversation today.
Timings
● 3.30pm Doors open
● 4.00pm Opening Remarks from FFNZ / Lincoln
● 4.10pm Forum Start
● 5.10pm Forum Finish
● 5.15pm Networking and Refreshments.
● 7.00pm Event Concludes
Wednesday 12th November
3.30pm - 7.00pm
Waimarie Building, Lincoln University
Brought to you in partnership with:
Future Farmers New Zealand
Future Farmers NZ is a collective of New Zealanders passionate about Aotearoa's food and fibre sector. Its members include farmers, researchers, consultants, and entrepreneurs, all united by a shared belief in the potential of agriculture to benefit both people and the planet.
The group exists to start constructive conversations about the future in order to move forward together, empowering hope and solutions. Future Farmers believe that what unites us, our shared values, are so much more important than what may divide us.
About Our Speakers
Andrew Allan
Professor Andrew Allan FRSNZ is a scientist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute and the University of Auckland. His research focuses on plant genomics, understanding the basis of plant metabolism and responses to the environment. He has long been calling for a reasoned debate on genetic technologies.
Jack Heinemann
Professor Jack Heinemann is a scientist at the University of Canterbury. His research focus is evolution of antibiotic resistance and biosafety, having served for over a decade on the Convention for Biological Diversity Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group for Risk Assessment and Risk Mitigation, and as a researcher for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). He is an active advocate for genuine and effective risk assessment of gene technologies so that everyone can benefit from responsible and safe products.
Simon Lambert
Dr Simon Lambert (Tūhoe, Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana) is Chief Scientist at Te Tira Whakamātaki & Hono, helping to build Māori-led disaster response systems. Working at the intersection of many fields, he advocates to restore and reassert mātauranga Māori in decision-making that affects whenua, wai and whānau.
William Rolleston
Dr William Rolleston CNZM CRSNZ has had many roles across the farming and biotech industries. He is the co-founder of South Pacific Sera, a biotechnology and vaccine manufacturing company, and chairs Genomics Aotearoa. He has previously been President of Federated Farmers, and the World Farmers Organisation.
Jon Carapiet
Jon is a market researcher, consumer advocate and art-photographer. A former senior researcher at Colmar Brunton he has worked with some of New Zealand's leading public and commercial organisations across branding, customer experience and sustainability. Jon is an advocate for Brand New Zealand and takes a global consumer perspective on gene technology and the value of New Zealand's capacity to produce and sell non-GMO food. He is long-time national spokesperson for GE Free NZ (in food and environment) and a trustee for Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility.
Dr Ruth Williams
Ruth is a vet and a conventional sheep/beef farmer with her husband Mike on a Banks Peninsula intergenerational hill country property. Like most farmers, Ruth and family have a deep connection to the land and a strong sense of responsibility as stewards. They are NZFAP+ accredited and former recipients of the Canterbury Balance Farm Award for farm stewardship. As a farmer, Ruth wants to be able to continue to farm sensitively and profitably into the future. She is a co-founder of Concerned Farmers NZ, a group that believes that no matter what farmer views on gene technology are, all farmers need a good decision-making framework that recognises the real world issues farmers are confronting – in the market place as well as on-farm. She believes it’s crucial that farmers understand the impact of all aspects of using gene technology in the field before choosing to proceed in that direction
Facilitators
Eve McCallum, Future Farmers
Eve is one of the board members of Future Farmers. Her rural roots come from her upbringing on a dairy farm in Northland and while she has traded redbands for blazers in her career as a lawyer, she still holds a passion for the agricultural sector. She believes in the importance of being prepared to have the hard conversations and creating spaces where people can respectfully disagree. Eve is also a political nerd, having co-hosted the political podcast "Both Sides Now".
Alan Renwick, Lincoln University Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agribusiness
Alan Renwick has been Professor of Agriculture Economics at Lincoln University since November 2015. Prior to moving to New Zealand, he worked in academic institutions in England, Scotland and Ireland. During his 30 year career he has undertaken research on a wide range of issues facing the agrifood sector for both government bodies and industry. Recently a key focus of his work has been on the economics of existing and novel land uses and the processes involved in land-use transformation and adaptation to climate change. He is currently Co-Chair of the Lincoln University Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agribusiness which aims to be at the international forefront of solutions that will enhance the sustainability of the food and fibre sectors. Its role is to support the development of new products and new ways of working that increase economic and social value while reducing the environmental impacts of agribusinesses.