The Soil & Health Association will provide a grant of up to $100 for the running of any public event led and organised by an association member.
Grant conditions
Applications for grant funding must use the form provided below
Applications should show how the proposed event will deliver benefits to one or more of the strategic priorities of the Soil & Health Association: Organic regenerative agriculture; Climate change; Healthy Food; Cohesion and unity
Events must be open to the general public
Any information, photography, video or material resulting from the event should be made available to the Association.
Apply now
These grants are available to any Soil & Health member
Note: the total amount of grant funding available is limited to a total of $1200 over one financial year, the Association will take this limit into account when considering applications.
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Counting-earthworms-at-Tapu-Te-Ranga-for-web-1.jpg11541732editorhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgeditor2022-06-14 12:48:282022-06-14 12:48:28Event grants for Soil & Health members
Jenny Lux opened the meeting with a karakia at 10.00am.
Acceptance of Agenda
Jenny provided the opportunity for items to be added to the agenda. No items were added.
Attendance and Apologies
Attendees: Jenny Lux (Chair), Charles Hyland (S&H National Council), Rebecka Keeling (S&H National Council), David McNeill (S&H National Council), Leane Makey (S&H National Council), Brendan Hoare, Chris Morrison, Emma Wilson, Ian Fielding, Jamie Tucker, Lou Vicente, Marion Thomson, Philippa Jamieson, Tiffany Tompkins, Ian Fielding, David Woods, Jon Merrick, Gillian Woods, Greg and Joanne Turner, Jim Drury, Scott Walters, Alison White, Matt Morris, Marion Wood, Joseph Stuart, Laurence Speedy, Sophora Grace, Liz Fenwick (S&H staff and minute taker), Richard Wallis (from 10.15am) Zane Brown (from 10.20am) Peter Davis (from 10.35am)
Apologies: Kaitlyn Lamb, Steffan Browning, Dave Kennedy, Derek Broadmore
Confirmation of the Minutes of the 2023 AGM and the May 2024 SGM
Jenny proposed that the Minutes of the 2023 AGM be approved as a true and accurate record. Seconded by Joanne Turner. All in favour. Carried.
Jenny proposed that the Minutes of the 2024 Special General Meeting be approved as a true and accurate record. Seconded by Philippa Jamieson. All in favour. Carried.
Introduction of the Voting Section
Philippa Jamieson explained the voting process. There are seven places available on National Council. Rebecka Keeling is continuing in the second year of her 2-year term. Four candidates are standing for the remaining six positions.
While there are more places than candidates, we want to ensure we have a mandate from members and our constitution says that we give the option to vote. Advance online votes will be tallied with the votes cast during the meeting.
Nominees
The meeting heard from each of the nominees (three minutes each), followed by questions from the floor before voting.
Charles Hyland
Charles got involved in Soil & Health a few years ago through the Auckland branch. He got to know S&H as something other than a magazine producer. S&H is in a period of change with the transition to digital. He believes this is the natural progression of S&H and that we need to embrace it and get excited about it. He would like members to be involved in the new media.
Charles has been on the board of BioGro for the past year representing S&H. There is a lot of important work that needs to occur there. He is looking forward to working together for the benefit of organics in New Zealand. We are all part of the organic community and it is very important that we truly align with each other. We are too small to be divided.
Leane Makey
Leane has joined the last three Soil & Health meetings. She lives in the Kaipara region. She has been involved with non-profit and environmental organisations for the last 15 years (in NZ and Australia). She has a PhD in environmental science. Soil and human relationships are her particular interest.
Leane works out of the University of Auckland. She is a Hua Parakore food grower and sheep farmer. She is a specialist in developing strategic actions. She would like to enable S&H to continue to educate, and advocate for the soil’s future. She is passionate about building the organisation at a time when things are desperate and dire for soil.
David McNeill
David is a passionate soil campaigner and organics advocate. He is an organic avocado grower and is keen for advocacy and promoting greater protections for the soil. He has been in the Treasurer role since he started. There is a huge amount to do which will require volunteers and more core volunteers are needed. The core crew is fewer than 10.
David would like to see advocacy grow and local branches re-started. Community gardens are needed to build resilience against supply chain issues. He wants to see the health of people grow as we grow organic food and create healthy spaces. David would like to see 16 branches of local, organic and energetic people. He is keen to contribute for another year.
Richard Wallis
Richard became interested in joining because the world needs a more coherent understanding of what is causing extreme weather events and global heating that is happening more rapidly than models predict. The missing piece is Soil & Health. It all comes down to a functional soil microbiome, and decent compost. We need to apply it in our agriculture and forestry. If we can implement this successfully across landscapes, the world will be a much better place.
Richard has hands-on experience of composting over the last 16 or so years. This has given him a good feel for what the soil microbiome can do. S&H is the natural organisation to sponsor the movement. We need to get a common understanding amongst politicians and businesses and community groups. All three of these components need to come together with a common understanding. We need a coherent voice to solve the problems we are facing.
Questions to nominees
Sophora Grace asked the nominees what types of campaigns they are most passionate about? E.g. GE, climate change, other?
Charles is keen to advocate about soil erosion, which is often overlooked, even amongst people who care a lot about soils.
Leane has been trying to source funding to implement the digital strategy over the last few months. She is interested in investing in designing branches and creating more grassroots spaces.
David is an advocate for a Soil Act. No person or organisation should do anything to harm the soil. Four inches of topsoil supports life and is everything to us.
Richard supports the idea of a Soil Act. Even better is soil action. He would like to see S&H leading the debate. He would like to contribute a lot of the science around it so that we can understand not just that the soil needs to be healthy, but what that means and how we generate it. We need to get back to times before the industrial revolution when the earth was gaining carbon at 50 billion tonnes per year. It comes back to reforestation and farming without nitrates. We need to champion the solutions.
Philippa said she is keen to see fundraising that Leane mentioned. It will be crucial to keeping S&H alive.
Philippa asked Richard what skills and experience he can bring to S&H.
Richard commented that he sees his strengths in the advocacy role. He was a lawyer for 30 years practicing in commercial litigation. His real capacity is doing some of the writing of the papers that we need to be able to publish which get to the nub of restoring soil and health. Richard’s business currently has composting systems in 80 schools. The plan is that one day every school will be learning about ecosystems and restoring the microbiome.
Voting
Attendees were asked to cast their votes if they hadn’t already done so; results to be reported later in the meeting.
Reports
Financial Report
David commented on the Audited Financial Statements.
The financial results are tough. The magazine wasn’t affordable and had to cease. Membership would have needed to double and the price would have had to double to keep it going. S&H is now needing to be a grassroots organisation.
BioGro is having a tough time too. The costs are at the same level as revenue. The BioGro Board need to return it to some semblance of a surplus.
The S&H website has had a refresh. This has eliminated a lot of the operating costs of the website.
The audit has been a challenge this year. There were delays from BioGro in getting information to the auditors. There are still some issues to work through this year.
S&H isn’t spending excessively. All magazine costs have been eliminated, we no longer have an office and there is not much more to trim unless we go down to a completely voluntary organisation. Membership renewals are down significantly. Thankfully we have the moon calendar back which is popular.
Cash reserves are down. They have continued to the decline in the 6 months since the reports were published. S&H can’t afford much at all. However, we can still act as a great facilitator between funding bodies and projects we want to spend funds on, such as advocacy and digital publishing.
The balance sheet shows we have no physical assets. It comes down to cash and cash reserves. We have BioGro but it’s not for sale so the value is not relevant.
David asked if there were any questions. No questions were asked.
Richard commented that we need funding to implement the digital strategy.
Philippa commented that she is moving on as Editor and we need new volunteers.
Jenny commented that Organic Week was very successful. We are continuing to work on keeping the budget extremely tight.
Marion Thomson asked if there was time to digest the report and provide comments before it goes to Charities Services. Jenny apologised that the Audit report was not able to be provided earlier. The audit was a very drawn-out process, and Jenny was sorry that it wasn’t provided in good time to digest it. It is now complete and provides some clarity as to the financial position.
Jenny commented that we are now 6 months on since the end of the financial year. S&H currently has $16,000 in the bank. BioGro’s cash reserves are also very tight.
Brendon Hoare left the meeting at 10.51am.
Tiffany Tompkins asked if the $16,000 bank balance included the $10,000 reserved for Organic Week. Jenny responded that some of the funding is tagged to re-start Organic Week and is being kept to hopefully support the next Organic Week.
Jenny proposed that the Auditor’s report be accepted and submitted to Charities Services on Monday 30th September 2024. Seconded by David. All in favour. Carried.
Chair’s Report
Jenny read her written report to the meeting (provided online prior to the AGM). She explained that S&H is a Tier 2 charity because it owns BioGro, meaning it is required to complete a more detailed audit.
Jenny also shared a presentation on the Digital Strategy.
BioGro Report
Joseph Stuart (chair of BioGro) provided a verbal report to the meeting.
This is my 8th or 9th AGM, and I have been on BioGro board for 11 years. BioGro has come a long way in the last decade. The company is turning over more than $2m per annum. I am very proud of the growth in the business, but it is very challenging at the moment.
BioGro got back to profit in the last year. This time last year we were talking about the loss but as it went through the year it became apparent that a lot of the loss was an HR challenge and invoicing which should have happened in the year happened a month late. The actual loss was therefore only about $70,000. The change in the invoicing and accounting has enabled BioGro to make a profit this year.
I am proud that BioGro can make a dividend to the shareholder. In saying that, the operating environment we are working in is challenging. Our key metric is keeping customers. As a service-based business, looking at customer numbers and ensuring people are happy is a key focus for the team. Licensee numbers are holding. When we look through to March next year, we are forecast to make a small profit (smaller than this year). Given the environment we are in, this is a good result for the business.
When looking at the Group, we are looking at ways to work better with S&H to ensure the group survives. It is a big challenge. I am pleased to hear about the changes at S&H. BioGro have been through the same thing – we are now a very lean ship.
There have been some changes around the Board table. We have new people coming which brings new opportunities and lots of good new energy. David has also joined which is great given his audit background.
BioGro apologises to S&H for the audit issues. The delays were due to HR issues with new staff not understanding the process. An Audit and Finance Committee has been reinstated to ensure there are no big challenges moving forward. I am looking forward to David’s input in this. BioGro have also engaged a virtual part time CFO. This has helped to structure performance reporting – forward looking forecast with certainty. While it has been challenging financially, we have the right processes in place.
I am happy with appointment of Peter Harris as this gives me the opportunity to step down. I am not resigning but with the new appointments around the table, we have the opportunity to look at succession. Peter’s experience will enable governance activity to be structured. I am looking forward to future opportunities to work together with S&H and the organic community. We need to recognise that we are big influencers. We are three times bigger than AsureQuality. We are also nimble. We have a new Intellectual Property strategy in play and I am excited about work going on in the regenerative space. BioGro is looking to develop a regenerative standard and is hoping to put it in the budget for the 2025/26 financial year.
Joseph asked if there were any questions.
Leane Makey asked how BioGro interfaces with the science and research space.
Joseph said that at its heart BioGro is a certification business focussed on organics. Supportive of licensees getting in amongst it, within the requirements of BioGro’s standards. BioGro is not in the space of R&D. BioGro is focussed on how to make it easier for people to become certified organic, and once certified, how to make compliance costs as small as possible.
Zane Woods noted that he has been discussing with Charles getting some digital content from BioGro licensees to put it out to the general public about what are doing and how it’s beneficial.
Joseph said there are communication opportunities and raising public awareness of farming organically. There is a lot of opportunity in demystifying it. Agrichemical companies will downplay the impact they have. We need to raise the profile and ensure we are strong together. This is squarely in S&H’s remit to support this. If we are going to survive as a human race we need to look after our soil. A lot of people don’t get that.
Sophora asked how BioGro responds to new contaminants coming into our growing products, specifically things like PFAs in compost and potting mixes.
Joseph said it requires quite a bit of science to explain. At a governance level, they don’t dive into the operations (but it would be a good question for Donald). Private inputs must be reputable and are what they say they are on the tin. Testing is undertaken by the certification team.
Jenny commented that there are standards for inputs to compost. Compost certification has six-monthly checks (more frequent than other licensees).
Jenny said there is a proposal from the S&H National Council that BioGro licensees become S&H members because they would be part of the shareholder company. This is currently with the BioGro board to consider.
Joseph commented that it is a great suggestion and that it will need to go through the proper process. The intent is there to align as best we can. There should be something tangible on the table by the next AGM.
Report from the Auckland branch
A verbal report was provided by Emma Wilson, Secretary/Treasurer of the Auckland branch.
I have moved to Kaiwaka and stepped down as president; Charles Hyland has stepped in. Also in attendance from the Auckland branch are Dave and Gillian Woods, Laurence Speedy and Zane Woods.
It is a privilege to be part of the Auckland branch. We have had some struggles in the last five years and have come through them really well. We have gone from being a committee to being a fun, enjoyable, hardworking committee and a real pleasure to get to know and operate with.
We have also been affected by Covid changes – we lost older members and are still losing members. We need to get used to the changing dynamics of our group. We have lots of people with a variety of skills – health, composting, soil science. This makes it very interesting.
There are lots of areas of focus which is also challenging. Zane, Laurence and others have been looking at what meetings will look like in terms of speakers and interests. A lot of organic producers are struggling. Joy Lowyim from IE Produce was invited to speak to find out what it is like for her personally and her business. Our following online is steadily increasing (65 on Facebook and on YouTube). We meet in Western Springs. Our membership has reduced to 34.
Subscription fees have recently increased from $6 to $15. Members gave us a hard mandate – retain the funds we had (do not spend them). We had approximately $6,000 and didn’t want to spend it right away, we wanted to see how it would go. We currently have approximately $2,600 (had expected it to be lower). I have encouraged the committee to start spending on the digital side and working closely with the national level to work on the digital strategy. We have purchased cameras etc. Zane has a team of editorial volunteers to assist with filming. National members will be able to access the footage they create at their field trips. We want to share more with a wider audience in a different way.
We have changed the financial period so that it is now in line with the national body (1 April to 31 March). We are going through a big process of constitutional upgrade. Some want the easy road of using the national S&H one but some people want us to have something different.
Overall, we are doing well. We are updating all our digital platforms and media. We look forward to working more closely with National Council and are privileged to have Charles on the Board.
Voting Results
Jenny reported that all 4 nominees were unanimously voted in. Richard Wallis, Leane Makey and David McNeill were confirmed as new councillors and Charles Hyland’s reappointment was confirmed.
Remits
The National Council recommended to members that Soil & Health changes its auditor to Kudos Murray Audit to audit the current financial year, ending 31st March 2025.
The main reasons to change the auditor were cost and timeliness.
Jenny has investigated different options. Kudos Murray have stated that they will charge $10,000 (no more). We have been paying $20,000 plus GST to Moore Markhams.
Annual auditing is required for Soil & Health as a Tier 2 charity. BioGro pays 80% of the audit from its turnover.
As Chair of the National Council, Jenny proposed that the remit be adopted.There was no opposition to the remit and it passed unanimously.
General Business
Philippa expressed her gratitude to Jenny Lux for her massive contribution to S&H particularly over the past year as chair and stepping into staff management in the absence of a manager.
Philippa also asked the meeting to take a moment to send best wishes to Patricia Fielding who suffered a heart attack recently, and to acknowledge both Ian and Patricia Fielding (Auckland branch, and life members of Soil & Health) for all their work and support.
Philippa also expressed thanks to Soil & Health’s Treaty partner, Te Waka Kai Ora: The National Māori Organics Authority of Aotearoa, for all the work they are doing.
Philippa also thanked OrganicFarmNZ – acknowledging the difficulties and the hard times and pressures that some of the smaller growers and producers are under.
Philippa said that all in the organic sector need to support each other and work together as a movement.
Closing
Jenny closed the meeting with a karakia. The meeting finished at 12.00pm.
The 2025 AGM will be held from 10am-12pm on Saturday 27th September 2025, online.
In attendance will be Soil & Health’s National Councillors, NC candidates, Organic NZ newsletter editor and Soil & Health administrator. We welcome all members to join us to review the 2024/25 year.
If you are unable to attend and would like to send your apologies, please email manager@organicnz.org.nz.
The meeting will be conducted according to our constitution.
Register
Please register your attendance here on this page. The zoom meeting link will be sent to current financial members who register. If uncertain of your membership status please contact info@organicnz.org.nz, or to renew or join please go to the join up page.
2025 Annual General Meeting
Agenda
Welcome and Notice of General Business
Confirmation of Facilitator, Minute Taker and Returning Officer
There are seven positions available on National Council, and each councillor is elected for a two-year term.
Of the current councillors, Charles Hyland (current chair), David McNeill (treasurer) and Richard Wallis continue the second year of their terms. Their biographies can be read here.
Leane Makey will step down at the AGM. This leaves four positions open for election at this year’s AGM.
The nomination period has now closed. However the NC can co-opt members during the year, so further nominations or recommendations at the meeting are welcome. The following nominations have been received:
Asha Andersen, nominated by Brendan Hoare, seconded by Di Maxwell.
Rebecka Keeling, nominated by Philippa Jamieson, seconded by Charles Hyland.
Candidate Details
Asha Andersen
Hello from the Far North! My name is Asha, and I’m putting myself forward for nomination to the Soil & Health National Council.
I am passionate about sustainable living, health and community. I have many years of experience at a grassroots level building community resilience, both as a volunteer and coordinator. At the governance level, I am currently a trustee and committee member for the Far North Resilient Communities Charitable Trust and Flora and Fauna of Aotearoa.
My passion for nature and our local community has led to hosting long-running, much-loved crop swap gatherings, publishing regular newsletters and working to develop a community garden educational hub, where all ages can learn to garden and connect with nature.
If elected I will work with the Council to provide value for members and impactful advocacy for core values, particularly on pesticides, GMOs and a healthy environment.
Rebecka Bjelfvenstam Keeling
Rebecka Keeling shares her time between Slow Blooms sustainable permaculture flower farm in Matakana and as a communications advisor at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. A digital native who brings international experience in marketing and communications, and is passionate about practicing PR with a purpose.
She holds a degree from AUT in PR and Communications, as well as a New Zealand Certificate of Horticulture and a Permaculture Design Certificate. Co-founder of Permaculture Mahurangi, a freelance writer, and an outspoken advocate for produce grown locally, in its natural season, with care for the earth.
Rebecka has been on the National Council since 2023 and is looking forward to continuing to support Soil & Health in reaching more people with its important messages, while strengthening its profile in the media.
Voting for National Council Members
While we have fewer candidates (two) than vacancies (four), we still encourage you to vote. This ensures a strong mandate and support from our members for these volunteers.
The National Council also has the ability to co-opt members onto National Council or for specific projects.
How to Vote
If attending the AGM online, you can cast your vote during the meeting.
If you are unable to attend the AGM on the day, we encourage you to cast your vote online prior to the meeting by completing this form.
Voting by Post
If you wish to cast a postal vote, please download and complete this form and return it to the postal address provided by Friday 26th September.
Other Votes
Members can vote on three other procedural motions
Reappointment of the current auditors, who have been very helpful.
Approve the 2024 AGM minutes as an accurate record of that meeting.
Approve the 2025 Financials as accepted and adopted.
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/seal-square.jpg799799Tracey Admin Nieuwelaarhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgTracey Admin Nieuwelaar2025-08-05 18:25:242025-09-01 21:44:502025 AGM of the Soil & Health Association
Aotearoa New Zealand – Consumers have just lost a fundamental right to informed choice about the food they’re eating, says the Soil & Health Association.
New Zealand Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard and his eight Australian state counterparts have approved a decision to allow genetically engineered food ingredients enter unlabelled into the food chain of both countries.
“This is an alarming and unscientific move that removes our right to know what’s in our food,” says Charles Hyland, chair of the Soil & Health Association.
“New Zealanders want to know what they’re eating, and be able to avoid things they don’t want.”
“Allowing unlabelled GE ingredients that have no novel DNA ignores the fact that changes can and do occur as a result of all types of genetic engineering – whether it introduces novel DNA or not.”
Gene edited cattle in the USA were heralded as a success and claimed to have no novel DNA. However it was then found that bacterial DNA had been introduced, conferring antibiotic resistance, and the cattle were withdrawn from the market.
Similar situations could happen with food that supposedly has no novel DNA.
Our knowledge of the risks to health from GE foods is still very limited, and there is very little long-term independent research to draw from.
“What happens if there is a health issue from GE food? How could we pinpoint it to that GE food? If it’s unlabelled, authorities won’t be able to trace it or issue a food recall.”
The onus will now be on consumers to ask retailers and food companies whether there are any GE ingredients in their food.
“The best ways to avoid GE food ingredients are to eat organic food, grow your own, favour whole foods and avoid ultra-processed foods.”
Charles Hyland, Chair, Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, 027 707 0747 Philippa Jamieson, Organic NZ editor, Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, 027 547 3929
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/joshua-rawson-harris-YNaSz-E7Qss-unsplash.jpg427640membershiphttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgmembership2025-08-03 18:14:322025-08-03 18:14:33Unlabelled GE food leaves consumers in the dark
Nominations are open for Soil & Health’s National Council
The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand is calling for nominations to the National Council, its governing body, and for any remits from members. For a thriving organisation we need keen and energetic people to be part of the team steering our Association.
National Council members lead projects including advocacy, events, publishing, research, outreach and participation. Find out more about the National Council role here.
The National Council usually consists of seven members, each elected for a two-year term. The current members are Charles Hyland (chair), David McNeill (treasurer), Rebecka Keeling, Leane Makey and Richard Wallis. Rebecka Keeling’s two-year term is up for renewal at the AGM. Leane Makey has indicated she will step down at the AGM. The other three councillors are halfway through their two-year terms.
Nominations and any remits from members must be received in writing to manager@organicnz.org.nz by 18 AUGUST 2025 – NOTE this new date – the call for nominations and remits has been extended, as the AGM will now be held on 27 September.
Nominations must be accompanied by a photo of the nominee, a short biography and your aspirations for Soil & Health (150 words maximum).
Nominations must include the names, email addresses and phone numbers of the nominator and seconder, who must be members of Soil & Health.
Nominee details will be published on the website and emailed to members.
Soil & Health’s 2025 AGM: 27 September
The AGM will be held online on Saturday 27 September 2025, 10am, via Zoom. NOTE the AGM date has been updated (was August). Further information will be issued, including the agenda, reports, voting and registration details.
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Call-for-nominations-pic.jpg788940membershiphttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgmembership2025-06-16 16:01:212025-07-31 15:03:35Call for nominations
We’re looking for a new administrator to keep our organisation humming. This is a work-from-home paid role, for 8 hours a week.
Tasks include managing our membership database, accounts receipts and payments, and responding to member enquiries, and assisting Soil & Health National Council with meetings.
We will assess applications as we receive them, with a final closing date of 15 June 2025. Applications have closed, and we have conducted interviews. The successful candidate will be introduced once engagement steps are complete.
Our online systems are Microsoft 365, Xero, CiviCRM and Stripe with WordPress.
The role reports to our treasurer and admin national council member.
We offer $30 for PAYE or $38 as independent contractor.
Soil & Health is mostly paperless. We have a PO box and lock-up archive storage in Wellington.
Specific tasks include the following (some are only occasional tasks):
Responding to member emails and updating membership database
Processing inbound and outbound invoices and payments
Supporting volunteers working on campaigns, research, publishing, events, website and projects
Supporting Soil & Health National Council activities and meetings with agenda collating and minutes
Supporting Organic Week preparation and delivery
Supporting Soil & Health teams working on fund raising activities and branch liaison.
Liaising with the Soil & Health editor on The Good Dirt e-newsletter, now Organic NZ.
Assisting with partner organisation activities
Assisting with getting new volunteers underway
Legal, regulatory and compliance administration
Assisting with information for the annual financial audit
Dealing with or routing any other email or written correspondence or stock movements.
Applicants should have a good quiet workspace with reliable internet, and ability to participate undisturbed in video meetings.
We are offering this role firstly to existing Soil & Health members and those in alignment with our healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people mission.
Submission to New Zealand Food Safety on Proposed Amendments to Glyphosate Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)
Introduction
The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand unequivocally opposes the proposed amendments to the Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds, which would significantly raise allowable glyphosate residues in staple crops. Specifically, the proposed increases from the current default MRL of 0.1 mg/kg to:
10 mg/kg in wheat, barley, and oat grain
6 mg/kg in dried field peas
These changes contradict the principles of precautionary public health protection, environmental stewardship, and sustainable agriculture that underpin New Zealand’s food system. They also pose substantial risks to our international trade relationships and the integrity of our agricultural exports.
Public Health Concerns
Glyphosate has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A). This classification is based on evidence linking glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. While some regulatory bodies have disputed this classification, the IARC’s assessment is grounded in peer-reviewed studies and reflects a precautionary approach to public health.
Increasing the allowable MRLs for glyphosate could lead to higher dietary exposure among consumers, including vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The long-term health effects of chronic low-level exposure to glyphosate are not fully understood, and raising MRLs without comprehensive risk assessments undermines public confidence in food safety.
Recent biomonitoring studies have found glyphosate residues in human urine in multiple countries, indicating widespread population exposure. A 2022 CDC report in the United States found detectable levels of glyphosate in 80% of urine samples tested, including from children. While these findings do not directly demonstrate harm, they highlight the need for stricter—not more lenient—residue controls to protect population health.
Emerging research also raises concerns about glyphosate’s potential endocrine-disrupting effects and its role in gut microbiome disruption, which are not accounted for in current MRL risk models.
Environmental and Soil Health Impacts
Glyphosate’s widespread use has been associated with adverse effects on soil health and biodiversity. Studies have shown that glyphosate can disrupt soil microbial communities, reduce earthworm populations, and negatively impact soil fertility. These effects compromise the resilience of agricultural ecosystems and can lead to increased reliance on chemical inputs.
A 2021 meta-analysis published in Science of the Total Environment found that glyphosate significantly alters soil microbial diversity, reducing populations of beneficial fungi and bacteria essential for nutrient cycling and plant resilience. This undermines long-term soil fertility and increases the need for synthetic inputs—counterproductive to climate and sustainability goals.
Furthermore, glyphosate’s degradation product, AMPA, is more persistent in the environment and has been shown to accumulate in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The New Zealand Pesticide Residues Committee has documented increasing AMPA detections in soil and water over the past decade, with insufficient understanding of its long-term ecotoxicity.
Trade and Market Access Risks
New Zealand’s reputation for producing clean, green, and safe food is a cornerstone of our export economy. Raising glyphosate MRLs could jeopardize access to key international markets that have stricter residue limits. For example, Japan has rejected New Zealand honey shipments due to glyphosate residues exceeding their permissible levels.
As of 2024, more than a dozen EU countries—including Austria, France, Germany, and Luxembourg—have announced partial or full bans on glyphosate use. The European Commission has approved glyphosate for only a temporary 10-year extension, amid growing pressure for a full phase-out. This creates a volatile regulatory climate in Europe where elevated MRLs could soon be interpreted as non-compliance.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan and South Korea have tightened import controls for glyphosate residues in cereals, and consumer groups in Japan have lobbied successfully for lower glyphosate thresholds in food imports. These dynamics place New Zealand exporters at risk of rejection and reputational damage if glyphosate levels are increased domestically
Policy Coherence and Future Agricultural Practices
The proposed MRL increases appear to facilitate the adoption of genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant crops, which are associated with increased herbicide use. This shift contradicts New Zealand’s commitments to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
The timing of this MRL proposal, alongside the Gene Technology Bill currently before Parliament, raises concerns about alignment. Increasing glyphosate residue limits could be perceived as regulatory paving for the eventual introduction of herbicide-tolerant genetically engineered crops—an issue not openly debated with the public or iwi.
In addition, lifting MRLs for glyphosate contradicts New Zealand’s commitments under the APEC Food Security Roadmap and the Global Biodiversity Framework, both of which prioritize reductions in agrichemical inputs and the promotion of agroecological practices.
Recommendations
In light of the concerns outlined above, the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand recommends the following actions:
Reject the proposed glyphosate MRL increases for wheat, oats, barley, and peas.
Maintain the current default MRL of 0.1 mg/kg, adhering to the precautionary principle in food safety regulation.
Conduct comprehensive, independent reviews of glyphosate’s health and environmental impacts, incorporating the latest scientific evidence.
Enhance monitoring and transparency regarding glyphosate residues in food products, ensuring public access to residue data.
Promote and support alternative weed management practices, including organic and regenerative agriculture methods that reduce reliance on chemical herbicides.
Conclusion
The proposed increase in glyphosate MRLs poses significant risks to public health, environmental sustainability, and New Zealand’s international trade relationships. Upholding our nation’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and high-quality food production requires adherence to precautionary principles and robust regulatory standards.
We urge New Zealand Food Safety to reconsider the proposed amendments and to engage in a comprehensive review process that prioritizes the health of our people, the integrity of our environment, and the resilience of our agricultural economy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals: Updated Tables, Volume One. Glyphosate and AMPA in urine. https://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/
Mesnage, R., & Antoniou, M. N. (2017). Facts and fallacies in the debate on glyphosate toxicity. Frontiers in Public Health, 5, 316. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2017.00316
Ding, J., Shen, Y., & Du, H. (2021). Effects of glyphosate on soil microbial communities and greenhouse gas emissions: A meta-analysis. Science of the Total Environment, 753, 142651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142651
Soil Association UK. (2016). Glyphosate and Soil Health: A Summary of Research. https://www.soilassociation.org/media/7202/glyphosate-and-soil-health.pdf
European Commission. (2023). Renewal Report for the Active Substance Glyphosate – Peer Review of the Risk Assessment by EFSA and ECHA. https://ec.europa.eu/food/plants/pesticides/approval-active- substances/renewal-glyphosate_en
APEC Policy Support Unit. (2021). APEC Food Security Roadmap Towards 2030: Implementation Plan. https://www.apec.org/docs/default-source/Publications/2021/4/APEC-Food- Security-Roadmap-Towards-2030-Implementation-Plan.pdf
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/istockimage.hazmatsuit.spraygun.pesticide.jpg13652048membershiphttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgmembership2025-05-19 15:39:562025-06-05 22:09:30Soil & Health submission on the proposal to increase glyphosate maximum residue levels
Event grants for Soil & Health members
/in Association Meetings and EventsThe Soil & Health Association will provide a grant of up to $100 for the running of any public event led and organised by an association member.
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Please complete the grant application form and email it to manager@organicnz.org.nz
Note: the total amount of grant funding available is limited to a total of $1200 over one financial year, the Association will take this limit into account when considering applications.
2025 AGM Paper Voting
/in Association Meetings and Events2025 AGM Financial Report
/in Association Meetings and EventsThis content is member only, until after the 27 Sep 2025 AGM
2024 AGM Minutes
/in Association Meetings and EventsSoil & Health Association of New Zealand
2024 Annual General Meeting
Held 10.00am, 28 September 2024, by Zoom
Draft Minutes
Chairperson: Jenny Lux
Returning Officer: Philippa Jamieson
Assistant Returning Officer: Sophora Grace
Minute Taker: Liz Fenwick
Jenny Lux opened the meeting with a karakia at 10.00am.
Jenny provided the opportunity for items to be added to the agenda. No items were added.
Attendees: Jenny Lux (Chair), Charles Hyland (S&H National Council), Rebecka Keeling (S&H National Council), David McNeill (S&H National Council), Leane Makey (S&H National Council), Brendan Hoare, Chris Morrison, Emma Wilson, Ian Fielding, Jamie Tucker, Lou Vicente, Marion Thomson, Philippa Jamieson, Tiffany Tompkins, Ian Fielding, David Woods, Jon Merrick, Gillian Woods, Greg and Joanne Turner, Jim Drury, Scott Walters, Alison White, Matt Morris, Marion Wood, Joseph Stuart, Laurence Speedy, Sophora Grace, Liz Fenwick (S&H staff and minute taker), Richard Wallis (from 10.15am) Zane Brown (from 10.20am) Peter Davis (from 10.35am)
Apologies: Kaitlyn Lamb, Steffan Browning, Dave Kennedy, Derek Broadmore
Jenny proposed that the Minutes of the 2023 AGM be approved as a true and accurate record. Seconded by Joanne Turner. All in favour. Carried.
Jenny proposed that the Minutes of the 2024 Special General Meeting be approved as a true and accurate record. Seconded by Philippa Jamieson. All in favour. Carried.
Philippa Jamieson explained the voting process. There are seven places available on National Council. Rebecka Keeling is continuing in the second year of her 2-year term. Four candidates are standing for the remaining six positions.
While there are more places than candidates, we want to ensure we have a mandate from members and our constitution says that we give the option to vote. Advance online votes will be tallied with the votes cast during the meeting.
Nominees
The meeting heard from each of the nominees (three minutes each), followed by questions from the floor before voting.
Charles Hyland
Charles got involved in Soil & Health a few years ago through the Auckland branch. He got to know S&H as something other than a magazine producer. S&H is in a period of change with the transition to digital. He believes this is the natural progression of S&H and that we need to embrace it and get excited about it. He would like members to be involved in the new media.
Charles has been on the board of BioGro for the past year representing S&H. There is a lot of important work that needs to occur there. He is looking forward to working together for the benefit of organics in New Zealand. We are all part of the organic community and it is very important that we truly align with each other. We are too small to be divided.
Leane Makey
Leane has joined the last three Soil & Health meetings. She lives in the Kaipara region. She has been involved with non-profit and environmental organisations for the last 15 years (in NZ and Australia). She has a PhD in environmental science. Soil and human relationships are her particular interest.
Leane works out of the University of Auckland. She is a Hua Parakore food grower and sheep farmer. She is a specialist in developing strategic actions. She would like to enable S&H to continue to educate, and advocate for the soil’s future. She is passionate about building the organisation at a time when things are desperate and dire for soil.
David McNeill
David is a passionate soil campaigner and organics advocate. He is an organic avocado grower and is keen for advocacy and promoting greater protections for the soil. He has been in the Treasurer role since he started. There is a huge amount to do which will require volunteers and more core volunteers are needed. The core crew is fewer than 10.
David would like to see advocacy grow and local branches re-started. Community gardens are needed to build resilience against supply chain issues. He wants to see the health of people grow as we grow organic food and create healthy spaces. David would like to see 16 branches of local, organic and energetic people. He is keen to contribute for another year.
Richard Wallis
Richard became interested in joining because the world needs a more coherent understanding of what is causing extreme weather events and global heating that is happening more rapidly than models predict. The missing piece is Soil & Health. It all comes down to a functional soil microbiome, and decent compost. We need to apply it in our agriculture and forestry. If we can implement this successfully across landscapes, the world will be a much better place.
Richard has hands-on experience of composting over the last 16 or so years. This has given him a good feel for what the soil microbiome can do. S&H is the natural organisation to sponsor the movement. We need to get a common understanding amongst politicians and businesses and community groups. All three of these components need to come together with a common understanding. We need a coherent voice to solve the problems we are facing.
Questions to nominees
Charles is keen to advocate about soil erosion, which is often overlooked, even amongst people who care a lot about soils.
Leane has been trying to source funding to implement the digital strategy over the last few months. She is interested in investing in designing branches and creating more grassroots spaces.
David is an advocate for a Soil Act. No person or organisation should do anything to harm the soil. Four inches of topsoil supports life and is everything to us.
Richard supports the idea of a Soil Act. Even better is soil action. He would like to see S&H leading the debate. He would like to contribute a lot of the science around it so that we can understand not just that the soil needs to be healthy, but what that means and how we generate it. We need to get back to times before the industrial revolution when the earth was gaining carbon at 50 billion tonnes per year. It comes back to reforestation and farming without nitrates. We need to champion the solutions.
Philippa said she is keen to see fundraising that Leane mentioned. It will be crucial to keeping S&H alive.
Richard commented that he sees his strengths in the advocacy role. He was a lawyer for 30 years practicing in commercial litigation. His real capacity is doing some of the writing of the papers that we need to be able to publish which get to the nub of restoring soil and health. Richard’s business currently has composting systems in 80 schools. The plan is that one day every school will be learning about ecosystems and restoring the microbiome.
Attendees were asked to cast their votes if they hadn’t already done so; results to be reported later in the meeting.
Financial Report
David commented on the Audited Financial Statements.
The financial results are tough. The magazine wasn’t affordable and had to cease. Membership would have needed to double and the price would have had to double to keep it going. S&H is now needing to be a grassroots organisation.
BioGro is having a tough time too. The costs are at the same level as revenue. The BioGro Board need to return it to some semblance of a surplus.
The S&H website has had a refresh. This has eliminated a lot of the operating costs of the website.
The audit has been a challenge this year. There were delays from BioGro in getting information to the auditors. There are still some issues to work through this year.
S&H isn’t spending excessively. All magazine costs have been eliminated, we no longer have an office and there is not much more to trim unless we go down to a completely voluntary organisation. Membership renewals are down significantly. Thankfully we have the moon calendar back which is popular.
Cash reserves are down. They have continued to the decline in the 6 months since the reports were published. S&H can’t afford much at all. However, we can still act as a great facilitator between funding bodies and projects we want to spend funds on, such as advocacy and digital publishing.
The balance sheet shows we have no physical assets. It comes down to cash and cash reserves. We have BioGro but it’s not for sale so the value is not relevant.
David asked if there were any questions. No questions were asked.
Richard commented that we need funding to implement the digital strategy.
Philippa commented that she is moving on as Editor and we need new volunteers.
Jenny commented that Organic Week was very successful. We are continuing to work on keeping the budget extremely tight.
Marion Thomson asked if there was time to digest the report and provide comments before it goes to Charities Services. Jenny apologised that the Audit report was not able to be provided earlier. The audit was a very drawn-out process, and Jenny was sorry that it wasn’t provided in good time to digest it. It is now complete and provides some clarity as to the financial position.
Jenny commented that we are now 6 months on since the end of the financial year. S&H currently has $16,000 in the bank. BioGro’s cash reserves are also very tight.
Brendon Hoare left the meeting at 10.51am.
Tiffany Tompkins asked if the $16,000 bank balance included the $10,000 reserved for Organic Week. Jenny responded that some of the funding is tagged to re-start Organic Week and is being kept to hopefully support the next Organic Week.
Jenny proposed that the Auditor’s report be accepted and submitted to Charities Services on Monday 30th September 2024. Seconded by David. All in favour. Carried.
Chair’s Report
Jenny read her written report to the meeting (provided online prior to the AGM). She explained that S&H is a Tier 2 charity because it owns BioGro, meaning it is required to complete a more detailed audit.
Jenny also shared a presentation on the Digital Strategy.
BioGro Report
Joseph Stuart (chair of BioGro) provided a verbal report to the meeting.
This is my 8th or 9th AGM, and I have been on BioGro board for 11 years. BioGro has come a long way in the last decade. The company is turning over more than $2m per annum. I am very proud of the growth in the business, but it is very challenging at the moment.
BioGro got back to profit in the last year. This time last year we were talking about the loss but as it went through the year it became apparent that a lot of the loss was an HR challenge and invoicing which should have happened in the year happened a month late. The actual loss was therefore only about $70,000. The change in the invoicing and accounting has enabled BioGro to make a profit this year.
I am proud that BioGro can make a dividend to the shareholder. In saying that, the operating environment we are working in is challenging. Our key metric is keeping customers. As a service-based business, looking at customer numbers and ensuring people are happy is a key focus for the team. Licensee numbers are holding. When we look through to March next year, we are forecast to make a small profit (smaller than this year). Given the environment we are in, this is a good result for the business.
When looking at the Group, we are looking at ways to work better with S&H to ensure the group survives. It is a big challenge. I am pleased to hear about the changes at S&H. BioGro have been through the same thing – we are now a very lean ship.
There have been some changes around the Board table. We have new people coming which brings new opportunities and lots of good new energy. David has also joined which is great given his audit background.
BioGro apologises to S&H for the audit issues. The delays were due to HR issues with new staff not understanding the process. An Audit and Finance Committee has been reinstated to ensure there are no big challenges moving forward. I am looking forward to David’s input in this. BioGro have also engaged a virtual part time CFO. This has helped to structure performance reporting – forward looking forecast with certainty. While it has been challenging financially, we have the right processes in place.
I am happy with appointment of Peter Harris as this gives me the opportunity to step down. I am not resigning but with the new appointments around the table, we have the opportunity to look at succession. Peter’s experience will enable governance activity to be structured. I am looking forward to future opportunities to work together with S&H and the organic community. We need to recognise that we are big influencers. We are three times bigger than AsureQuality. We are also nimble. We have a new Intellectual Property strategy in play and I am excited about work going on in the regenerative space. BioGro is looking to develop a regenerative standard and is hoping to put it in the budget for the 2025/26 financial year.
Joseph asked if there were any questions.
Leane Makey asked how BioGro interfaces with the science and research space.
Joseph said that at its heart BioGro is a certification business focussed on organics. Supportive of licensees getting in amongst it, within the requirements of BioGro’s standards. BioGro is not in the space of R&D. BioGro is focussed on how to make it easier for people to become certified organic, and once certified, how to make compliance costs as small as possible.
Zane Woods noted that he has been discussing with Charles getting some digital content from BioGro licensees to put it out to the general public about what are doing and how it’s beneficial.
Joseph said there are communication opportunities and raising public awareness of farming organically. There is a lot of opportunity in demystifying it. Agrichemical companies will downplay the impact they have. We need to raise the profile and ensure we are strong together. This is squarely in S&H’s remit to support this. If we are going to survive as a human race we need to look after our soil. A lot of people don’t get that.
Sophora asked how BioGro responds to new contaminants coming into our growing products, specifically things like PFAs in compost and potting mixes.
Joseph said it requires quite a bit of science to explain. At a governance level, they don’t dive into the operations (but it would be a good question for Donald). Private inputs must be reputable and are what they say they are on the tin. Testing is undertaken by the certification team.
Jenny commented that there are standards for inputs to compost. Compost certification has six-monthly checks (more frequent than other licensees).
Jenny said there is a proposal from the S&H National Council that BioGro licensees become S&H members because they would be part of the shareholder company. This is currently with the BioGro board to consider.
Joseph commented that it is a great suggestion and that it will need to go through the proper process. The intent is there to align as best we can. There should be something tangible on the table by the next AGM.
Report from the Auckland branch
A verbal report was provided by Emma Wilson, Secretary/Treasurer of the Auckland branch.
I have moved to Kaiwaka and stepped down as president; Charles Hyland has stepped in. Also in attendance from the Auckland branch are Dave and Gillian Woods, Laurence Speedy and Zane Woods.
It is a privilege to be part of the Auckland branch. We have had some struggles in the last five years and have come through them really well. We have gone from being a committee to being a fun, enjoyable, hardworking committee and a real pleasure to get to know and operate with.
We have also been affected by Covid changes – we lost older members and are still losing members. We need to get used to the changing dynamics of our group. We have lots of people with a variety of skills – health, composting, soil science. This makes it very interesting.
There are lots of areas of focus which is also challenging. Zane, Laurence and others have been looking at what meetings will look like in terms of speakers and interests. A lot of organic producers are struggling. Joy Lowyim from IE Produce was invited to speak to find out what it is like for her personally and her business. Our following online is steadily increasing (65 on Facebook and on YouTube). We meet in Western Springs. Our membership has reduced to 34.
Subscription fees have recently increased from $6 to $15. Members gave us a hard mandate – retain the funds we had (do not spend them). We had approximately $6,000 and didn’t want to spend it right away, we wanted to see how it would go. We currently have approximately $2,600 (had expected it to be lower). I have encouraged the committee to start spending on the digital side and working closely with the national level to work on the digital strategy. We have purchased cameras etc. Zane has a team of editorial volunteers to assist with filming. National members will be able to access the footage they create at their field trips. We want to share more with a wider audience in a different way.
We have changed the financial period so that it is now in line with the national body (1 April to 31 March). We are going through a big process of constitutional upgrade. Some want the easy road of using the national S&H one but some people want us to have something different.
Overall, we are doing well. We are updating all our digital platforms and media. We look forward to working more closely with National Council and are privileged to have Charles on the Board.
Voting Results
Jenny reported that all 4 nominees were unanimously voted in. Richard Wallis, Leane Makey and David McNeill were confirmed as new councillors and Charles Hyland’s reappointment was confirmed.
Remits
The National Council recommended to members that Soil & Health changes its auditor to Kudos Murray Audit to audit the current financial year, ending 31st March 2025.
The main reasons to change the auditor were cost and timeliness.
Jenny has investigated different options. Kudos Murray have stated that they will charge $10,000 (no more). We have been paying $20,000 plus GST to Moore Markhams.
Annual auditing is required for Soil & Health as a Tier 2 charity. BioGro pays 80% of the audit from its turnover.
As Chair of the National Council, Jenny proposed that the remit be adopted. There was no opposition to the remit and it passed unanimously.
Philippa expressed her gratitude to Jenny Lux for her massive contribution to S&H particularly over the past year as chair and stepping into staff management in the absence of a manager.
Philippa also asked the meeting to take a moment to send best wishes to Patricia Fielding who suffered a heart attack recently, and to acknowledge both Ian and Patricia Fielding (Auckland branch, and life members of Soil & Health) for all their work and support.
Philippa also expressed thanks to Soil & Health’s Treaty partner, Te Waka Kai Ora: The National Māori Organics Authority of Aotearoa, for all the work they are doing.
Philippa also thanked OrganicFarmNZ – acknowledging the difficulties and the hard times and pressures that some of the smaller growers and producers are under.
Philippa said that all in the organic sector need to support each other and work together as a movement.
Jenny closed the meeting with a karakia. The meeting finished at 12.00pm.
2025 AGM Voting
/in Association Meetings and EventsThis form is only available to members.
2025 Chair’s annual report
/in Association Meetings and EventsThis content is member only until after the 2025 AGM.
2025 AGM of the Soil & Health Association
/in Association Meetings and EventsThe 2025 AGM will be held from 10am-12pm on Saturday 27th September 2025, online.
In attendance will be Soil & Health’s National Councillors, NC candidates, Organic NZ newsletter editor and Soil & Health administrator. We welcome all members to join us to review the 2024/25 year.
If you are unable to attend and would like to send your apologies, please email manager@organicnz.org.nz.
The meeting will be conducted according to our constitution.
Register
Please register your attendance here on this page. The zoom meeting link will be sent to current financial members who register. If uncertain of your membership status please contact info@organicnz.org.nz, or to renew or join please go to the join up page.
2025 Annual General Meeting
Agenda
Links to Meeting Papers
Draft Minutes of the 2024 AGM
Financial & Audit Report FY 2025
Chair’s Report
2025 Election of National Council
There are seven positions available on National Council, and each councillor is elected for a two-year term.
Of the current councillors, Charles Hyland (current chair), David McNeill (treasurer) and Richard Wallis continue the second year of their terms. Their biographies can be read here.
Leane Makey will step down at the AGM. This leaves four positions open for election at this year’s AGM.
The nomination period has now closed. However the NC can co-opt members during the year, so further nominations or recommendations at the meeting are welcome. The following nominations have been received:
Candidate Details
Asha Andersen
Hello from the Far North! My name is Asha, and I’m putting myself forward for nomination to the Soil & Health National Council.
I am passionate about sustainable living, health and community. I have many years of experience at a grassroots level building community resilience, both as a volunteer and coordinator. At the governance level, I am currently a trustee and committee member for the Far North Resilient Communities Charitable Trust and Flora and Fauna of Aotearoa.
My passion for nature and our local community has led to hosting long-running, much-loved crop swap gatherings, publishing regular newsletters and working to develop a community garden educational hub, where all ages can learn to garden and connect with nature.
If elected I will work with the Council to provide value for members and impactful advocacy for core values, particularly on pesticides, GMOs and a healthy environment.
Rebecka Bjelfvenstam Keeling
Rebecka Keeling shares her time between Slow Blooms sustainable permaculture flower farm in Matakana and as a communications advisor at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. A digital native who brings international experience in marketing and communications, and is passionate about practicing PR with a purpose.
She holds a degree from AUT in PR and Communications, as well as a New Zealand Certificate of Horticulture and a Permaculture Design Certificate. Co-founder of Permaculture Mahurangi, a freelance writer, and an outspoken advocate for produce grown locally, in its natural season, with care for the earth.
Rebecka has been on the National Council since 2023 and is looking forward to continuing to support Soil & Health in reaching more people with its important messages, while strengthening its profile in the media.
Voting for National Council Members
While we have fewer candidates (two) than vacancies (four), we still encourage you to vote. This ensures a strong mandate and support from our members for these volunteers.
The National Council also has the ability to co-opt members onto National Council or for specific projects.
How to Vote
If attending the AGM online, you can cast your vote during the meeting.
If you are unable to attend the AGM on the day, we encourage you to cast your vote online prior to the meeting by completing this form.
Voting by Post
If you wish to cast a postal vote, please download and complete this form and return it to the postal address provided by Friday 26th September.
Other Votes
Members can vote on three other procedural motions
Unlabelled GE food leaves consumers in the dark
/in Food, GE, GM, Health and Food, Media Releases, NewsMEDIA RELEASE
3 AUGUST 2025
Aotearoa New Zealand – Consumers have just lost a fundamental right to informed choice about the food they’re eating, says the Soil & Health Association.
New Zealand Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard and his eight Australian state counterparts have approved a decision to allow genetically engineered food ingredients enter unlabelled into the food chain of both countries.
“This is an alarming and unscientific move that removes our right to know what’s in our food,” says Charles Hyland, chair of the Soil & Health Association.
“New Zealanders want to know what they’re eating, and be able to avoid things they don’t want.”
“Allowing unlabelled GE ingredients that have no novel DNA ignores the fact that changes can and do occur as a result of all types of genetic engineering – whether it introduces novel DNA or not.”
Gene edited cattle in the USA were heralded as a success and claimed to have no novel DNA. However it was then found that bacterial DNA had been introduced, conferring antibiotic resistance, and the cattle were withdrawn from the market.
Similar situations could happen with food that supposedly has no novel DNA.
Our knowledge of the risks to health from GE foods is still very limited, and there is very little long-term independent research to draw from.
“What happens if there is a health issue from GE food? How could we pinpoint it to that GE food? If it’s unlabelled, authorities won’t be able to trace it or issue a food recall.”
The onus will now be on consumers to ask retailers and food companies whether there are any GE ingredients in their food.
“The best ways to avoid GE food ingredients are to eat organic food, grow your own, favour whole foods and avoid ultra-processed foods.”
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION: Soil & Health’s submission to Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 10 September 2024
Contact:
Charles Hyland, Chair, Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, 027 707 0747
Philippa Jamieson, Organic NZ editor, Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, 027 547 3929
Email: editor@organicnz.org.nz
Website: www.soilandhealth.org.nz
Call for nominations
/in Association Meetings and Events, NewsNominations are open for Soil & Health’s National Council
The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand is calling for nominations to the National Council, its governing body, and for any remits from members. For a thriving organisation we need keen and energetic people to be part of the team steering our Association.
National Council members lead projects including advocacy, events, publishing, research, outreach and participation. Find out more about the National Council role here.
The National Council usually consists of seven members, each elected for a two-year term. The current members are Charles Hyland (chair), David McNeill (treasurer), Rebecka Keeling, Leane Makey and Richard Wallis. Rebecka Keeling’s two-year term is up for renewal at the AGM. Leane Makey has indicated she will step down at the AGM. The other three councillors are halfway through their two-year terms.
Soil & Health’s 2025 AGM: 27 September
The AGM will be held online on Saturday 27 September 2025, 10am, via Zoom. NOTE the AGM date has been updated (was August). Further information will be issued, including the agenda, reports, voting and registration details.
If you have any questions please email manager@organicnz.org.nz
We’re hiring
/in Employment, NewsSoil & Health Administrator
We’re looking for a new administrator to keep our organisation humming. This is a work-from-home paid role, for 8 hours a week.
Tasks include managing our membership database, accounts receipts and payments, and responding to member enquiries, and assisting Soil & Health National Council with meetings.
We will assess applications as we receive them, with a final closing date of 15 June 2025. Applications have closed, and we have conducted interviews. The successful candidate will be introduced once engagement steps are complete.
Our online systems are Microsoft 365, Xero, CiviCRM and Stripe with WordPress.
The role reports to our treasurer and admin national council member.
We offer $30 for PAYE or $38 as independent contractor.
Soil & Health is mostly paperless. We have a PO box and lock-up archive storage in Wellington.
Specific tasks include the following (some are only occasional tasks):
Applicants should have a good quiet workspace with reliable internet, and ability to participate undisturbed in video meetings.
We are offering this role firstly to existing Soil & Health members and those in alignment with our healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people mission.
Please apply by email to manager@organicnz.org.nz
Soil & Health submission on the proposal to increase glyphosate maximum residue levels
/in Campaigns, Health and Food, Submissions16 May 2025
To New Zealand Food Safety
Submission to New Zealand Food Safety on Proposed Amendments to Glyphosate Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)
Introduction
The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand unequivocally opposes the proposed amendments to the Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds, which would significantly raise allowable glyphosate residues in staple crops. Specifically, the proposed increases from the current default MRL of 0.1 mg/kg to:
These changes contradict the principles of precautionary public health protection, environmental stewardship, and sustainable agriculture that underpin New Zealand’s food system. They also pose substantial risks to our international trade relationships and the integrity of our agricultural exports.
Public Health Concerns
Glyphosate has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A). This classification is based on evidence linking glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. While some regulatory bodies have disputed this classification, the IARC’s assessment is grounded in peer-reviewed studies and reflects a precautionary approach to public health.
Increasing the allowable MRLs for glyphosate could lead to higher dietary exposure among consumers, including vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The long-term health effects of chronic low-level exposure to glyphosate are not fully understood, and raising MRLs without comprehensive risk assessments undermines public confidence in food safety.
Recent biomonitoring studies have found glyphosate residues in human urine in multiple countries, indicating widespread population exposure. A 2022 CDC report in the United States found detectable levels of glyphosate in 80% of urine samples tested, including from children. While these findings do not directly demonstrate harm, they highlight the need for stricter—not more lenient—residue controls to protect population health.
Emerging research also raises concerns about glyphosate’s potential endocrine-disrupting effects and its role in gut microbiome disruption, which are not accounted for in current MRL risk models.
Environmental and Soil Health Impacts
Glyphosate’s widespread use has been associated with adverse effects on soil health and biodiversity. Studies have shown that glyphosate can disrupt soil microbial communities, reduce earthworm populations, and negatively impact soil fertility. These effects compromise the resilience of agricultural ecosystems and can lead to increased reliance on chemical inputs.
A 2021 meta-analysis published in Science of the Total Environment found that glyphosate significantly alters soil microbial diversity, reducing populations of beneficial fungi and bacteria essential for nutrient cycling and plant resilience. This undermines long-term soil fertility and increases the need for synthetic inputs—counterproductive to climate and sustainability goals.
Furthermore, glyphosate’s degradation product, AMPA, is more persistent in the environment and has been shown to accumulate in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The New Zealand Pesticide Residues Committee has documented increasing AMPA detections in soil and water over the past decade, with insufficient understanding of its long-term ecotoxicity.
Trade and Market Access Risks
New Zealand’s reputation for producing clean, green, and safe food is a cornerstone of our export economy. Raising glyphosate MRLs could jeopardize access to key international markets that have stricter residue limits. For example, Japan has rejected New Zealand honey shipments due to glyphosate residues exceeding their permissible levels.
As of 2024, more than a dozen EU countries—including Austria, France, Germany, and Luxembourg—have announced partial or full bans on glyphosate use. The European Commission has approved glyphosate for only a temporary 10-year extension, amid growing pressure for a full phase-out. This creates a volatile regulatory climate in Europe where elevated MRLs could soon be interpreted as non-compliance.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan and South Korea have tightened import controls for glyphosate residues in cereals, and consumer groups in Japan have lobbied successfully for lower glyphosate thresholds in food imports. These dynamics place New Zealand exporters at risk of rejection and reputational damage if glyphosate levels are increased domestically
Policy Coherence and Future Agricultural Practices
The proposed MRL increases appear to facilitate the adoption of genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant crops, which are associated with increased herbicide use. This shift contradicts New Zealand’s commitments to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
The timing of this MRL proposal, alongside the Gene Technology Bill currently before Parliament, raises concerns about alignment. Increasing glyphosate residue limits could be perceived as regulatory paving for the eventual introduction of herbicide-tolerant genetically engineered crops—an issue not openly debated with the public or iwi.
In addition, lifting MRLs for glyphosate contradicts New Zealand’s commitments under the APEC Food Security Roadmap and the Global Biodiversity Framework, both of which prioritize reductions in agrichemical inputs and the promotion of agroecological practices.
Recommendations
In light of the concerns outlined above, the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand recommends the following actions:
Conclusion
The proposed increase in glyphosate MRLs poses significant risks to public health, environmental sustainability, and New Zealand’s international trade relationships. Upholding our nation’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and high-quality food production requires adherence to precautionary principles and robust regulatory standards.
We urge New Zealand Food Safety to reconsider the proposed amendments and to engage in a comprehensive review process that prioritizes the health of our people, the integrity of our environment, and the resilience of our agricultural economy.
References
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142651
https://www.soilassociation.org/media/7202/glyphosate-and-soil-health.pdf
https://detoxproject.org/japan-warns-it-will-block-new-zealand-honey-shipments-if-glyphosate-limits-breached
substances/renewal-glyphosate_en
https://www.apec.org/docs/default-source/Publications/2021/4/APEC-Food-
Security-Roadmap-Towards-2030-Implementation-Plan.pdf
https://www.cbd.int/article/cop15-final-text-kunming-montreal-gbf-221222
Submitted by:
Charles Hyland
Chair, Soil & Health Association of New Zealand
16 May 2025
Email: charles.hyland@soilandhealth.org.nz
See also our Glyphosate Campaign Page here.