Great Leader Mourned
GE Free New Zealand (in food and environment) shares a deep sense of loss with the whanau of Del Wihongi and with the
wider community of Aotearoa New Zealand, on news of her passing.
Del was a courageous guardian of this country's indigenous flora and fauna, and of the rights of all people to live in a
world where indigenous cultures and human values are respected.
Mrs Wihongi's efforts around the"Wai 262" Waitangi Tribunal claim are particularly important in a world increasingly
characterised by greed, biopiracy, and efforts to patent lifeforms.
"Del Wihongi was a great advocate for a GE-Free future in New Zealand and for respect of natural systems in all their
wonder and complexity," says Jon Carapiet from GE free NZ (in food and environment). "Her vision aligns with the values
and aspirations of the majority of New Zealanders and will remain a testament to her work."
ENDS