MEDIA RELEASE
August 23rd 2005 - For Immediate Release
People’s Inquiry into aerial spraying open for registration and submissions
The groundbreaking People's Inquiry to be held in Waitakere City, Auckland into the impacts and effects of aerial
spraying pesticides on people in urban areas, is now open for registration and submissions.
Hana Blackmore, convenor of the People’s Inquiry Steering Committee said today that over fifty registrations to give
evidence at the Inquiry in November 2005 had already been received.
The Inquiry will hear evidence over six days in the last week of November, and Mrs Blackmore said the Steering Committee
is working hard to ensure that everyone who wishes to present information has the opportunity to do so in a way that is
appropriate to their needs.
“We are encouraging everyone to provide information in written form, especially electronically, but anyone who wishes
to speak to their submission will be able to register for this, either individually or as part of a group or hui. We can
also make provision to record submissions for people who are housebound or ill”.
Whilst the People’s Inquiry is centred on the community affected by the Painted Apple Moth aerial spraying, the Inquiry
may consider information presented to it by members of the affected communities involved in the White spotted Tussock
Moth, and Asian gypsy Moth programmes.
Hana Blackmore said all requests to give evidence from these other two communities should be addressed to the Steering
Committee for their agreement, as should any supportive scientists and health personnel who have contributed from a
community perspective.
“We appreciate there is important information and experience relevant to the inquiry held by these other groups and
involved professionals, and we have made provision to consider their evidence” said Hana.
The People’s Inquiry which was endorsed by the community and launched at a Public Meeting at the end of July will be
held at the Waitakere City Council Chambers from November 25th to 30th. Evidence will be heard by five commissioners of
national and international standing with expertise in the areas of pesticide and chemical effects on human health, human
rights, and social, community and ecological impacts.
Hana Blackmore said today that everyone involved was overwhelmed by the support the People’s Inquiry was receiving.
“We are so grateful not only for the commitment, and even enthusiasm, of our five commissioners, but the support given
the community by Waitakere City Council in providing the venue for the Inquiry.”
This support is particularly welcome said Hana because it allows the Steering Committee to concentrate on organising and
co-ordinating the all-important submission process for the people.
All inquiries to:
The Steering Committee Convenor
People’s Inquiry
PO Box 25743
St Heliers
Auckland.
www.peoplesinquiry.co.nz
ENDS