A public action page with ready-to-send templates for parents, teachers, trustees & ratepayers
Why This Matters — And Why Now
A major international study used for more than two decades to reassure governments that glyphosate was “safe when used as directed” has just been formally retracted.
Not corrected.
Not revised.
Retracted.
Why?
Because the journal found ghostwriting by Monsanto staff, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and suppressed toxicity data.
For 25 years, this now-withdrawn study shaped reassurance messaging across schools, councils, and communities in New Zealand. It influenced spray policies, contractor decisions, and the “don’t worry, it’s safe” narrative we’ve all heard.
But when the foundation collapses, the structure built on top of it cannot simply stay standing.
New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has never assessed the full formulation of glyphosate-based weedkillers — the exact product mixtures being sprayed around children, teachers, contractors, and the wider public.
Only the active ingredient has been evaluated, not the real-world product.
Now that the cornerstone safety paper has fallen, this is exactly the moment when the Precautionary Principle must apply:
When credible risk emerges, you pause use until independent evidence is reassessed.
Schools, councils, and employers also have a duty of care — including clear health and safety obligations — to provide a safe environment for students, staff, contractors, and the public.
A temporary pause is the responsible step while the evidence is reviewed.
That’s why we’re asking New Zealanders to take one simple, practical step:
Ask your school or council to suspend glyphosate use until a full, independent review is completed.
One email can begin the process.
Ten emails can change policy.
Below are ready-to-send templates you can copy, paste, and send today.
These templates are here to help, but your own voice will always carry more weight. Even a few personal sentences make a big difference.
1. TEMPLATE FOR PARENTS
To principals, ECE centre managers, property managers
Subject: Request to Pause Glyphosate-Based Weedkiller Use at Our School
Hello,
I am writing to request that our school temporarily suspend the use of glyphosate-based weedkillers on school grounds.
A major study used globally for decades to claim glyphosate was “safe when used as directed” has recently been retracted due to ghostwriting, undisclosed industry involvement, and omitted toxicity data. Given this development, and in line with the Precautionary Principle, I ask that the school pause glyphosate use until the EPA completes a full, independent assessment of the entire formulation, not just glyphosate alone.
Many schools and councils already use non-glyphosate alternatives. Safer options exist.
Thank you for considering this request. I would appreciate a response when convenient.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Details]
2. TEMPLATE FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS
For internal agenda items, health & safety discussions
Subject: Agenda Request: Temporary Suspension of Glyphosate Use
Hello,
With the recent retraction of a key glyphosate safety study due to ghostwriting and undisclosed conflicts, I request that the temporary suspension of glyphosate-based weedkillers be included on the agenda for our next Board meeting.
Given our duty of care toward students, staff, and contractors, and given the uncertainty raised by the retraction, applying the Precautionary Principle is both reasonable and responsible. A pause allows time for the EPA to complete a full review of the complete product formulations currently used in New Zealand.
Thank you,
[Name]
Board of Trustees Member
3. TEMPLATE FOR TEACHERS / STAFF / NZEI / PPTA MEMBERS
Subject: Request for Temporary Pause on Glyphosate Use at School
Hello,
With the recent retraction of a foundational glyphosate safety study for ghostwriting and withheld toxicity data, I am asking that our school adopt a precautionary pause on the use of glyphosate-based weedkillers.
Students, pregnant staff, immunocompromised individuals, and grounds teams should not be exposed while safety assessments are under review. A temporary suspension would demonstrate a strong commitment to wellbeing.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Role]
4. TEMPLATE FOR RATEPAYERS CONTACTING COUNCILS
Subject: Request to Suspend Glyphosate-Based Weedkiller Use in Public Spaces
Hello,
I am writing to request that the council temporarily suspend glyphosate-based weedkiller use in parks, playgrounds, berms, footpaths, and reserves.
A major study used to justify glyphosate’s safety internationally has just been withdrawn for ghostwriting, undisclosed conflicts, and omitted toxicity data. Until the EPA reassesses the full formulation of these products — not just glyphosate in isolation — suspending use is the responsible and precautionary approach.
Thank you,
[Name]
[Address]
[Ward/Suburb]
5. Want to Help Even More?
Copy and share this message into your school’s parent group, community page, or neighbourhood chat:
“A major study used to claim glyphosate is ‘safe’ has been retracted for ghostwriting and hidden conflicts.
We’re asking parents to email their school and request a precautionary pause on glyphosate use.
It takes 2 minutes. Templates here: https://nomoreglyphosate.nz/suspend-glyphosate-use/“
The more people who ask, the faster schools and councils respond.
6. Where This Leaves Us
We don’t need to wait for someone else to act.
We don’t need a petition.
We don’t need a ministerial directive.
Schools and councils already have the authority to pause glyphosate use.
All they need is a nudge — and in many cases, a single well-worded email is all it takes to start the internal review process.
If you send a letter, let us know.
Tracking responses helps us map change across New Zealand.
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