A Northland Conservation board member says the regional council is flouting public opinion by weakening its policy on genetically modified organisms.

The Northland Regional Council this week stepped away from efforts by councils from Auckland to the Far North, to exert local controls on genetically modified organisms.

Its chairman Mark Farnsworth says the job is one for central government not local councils.

Robin Lieffering, from the Conservation Board, says there was no mandate to change the council's long-term plan and the chairman has indulged his own political leanings.

Mr Farnsworth says the new GE policy is still precautionary but better reflects his council's position.

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