Apply GM brakes says Fitzsimons

A poll showing little public confidence in genetic modification watchdog Erma shows the brakes must go back on, says Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.

The One News-Colmar Brunton poll found that while 34 per cent had confidence in Erma (Environmental Risk Management Authority), 53 per cent did not, and 13 per cent were not sure.

The poll was published on a day Green Party efforts to halt GM legislation failed miserably.

Parliament voted 92-24 on Tuesday to pass the New Organisms and Other Matters Bill, which allows conditional release of GM organisms.

Labour, National, Act and United Future supported it, with the Greens, New Zealand First and Labour's partner the Progressive Coalition opposed.

The Green Party virulently oppose the October 29 lifting of the GM moratorium, staking their political future on the issue.

Ms Fitzsimons said the poll result meant the main plank in the Government's plan to proceed with GM releases was gone.

"The Government's entire case for GE releases into the environment rests on the credibility to do case-by-case assessment.

"With most New Zealanders saying they don't trust Erma ... it is incumbent on the Government to immediately extend the moratorium."

The moratorium lifts automatically and the Government has made it clear it has no intention of extending it.

Ms Fitzsimons called the passage of the bill "the final act of an inexorably unfolding Greek Tragedy". She warned the fight was not over.

- NZPA