West Coast multi-site dialogue on Animal to Human Transplantation – first of its kind West Coasters will have a unique
opportunity in early May when the Bioethics Council, in partnership with the local Tai Poutini Polytechnic and WestREAP,
hold a facilitated multi-site dialogue on xenotransplantation – animal to human transplantation supported by web and
teleconference technology.
With people meeting at five out-post sites, this is the first, and only, multi-site dialogue being undertaken by the
Council for the xenotransplantation dialogue and was initially encouraged by the local community.
NB MEDIA: Further information will follow closer to event. In the meantime, local West Coast public are invited to
register their interest to participate…
West Coast Multi-Site Dialogue Information
Dates: Monday 9 May from 1.00pm– 5.00pm; reconvening on Monday 16 May from 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Locations: Westport, Reefton, Greymouth, Hokitika, Harihari Public can register their interest to participate by
emailing xeno@bioethics.org.nz Or by phoning Tai Poutini Polytechnic on 03 769 9400 or 0800 800 411.
Visit www.bioethics.org.nz for further information and the xenotransplantation discussion document Feedback from the
Council’s dialogue, written submission process and online discussions will complement the review of human tissue
regulation being undertaken by the Ministry of Health, and will provide valuable input into the recommendations the
Council make to Government on xenotransplantation later this year.
Dialogue seeks to build understanding, rather than persuade people to adopt a particular position. It provides
participants with a non-threatening ‘space’ where they do not need to fear personal attack and can examine their own
convictions.
To stimulate discussions and inform people of the issues around xenotransplantation before the dialogue process, the
Council launched a discussion document in February entitled “The Cultural, Spiritual and Ethical Aspects of
Xenotransplantation: Animal-to-Human Transplantation” – it can be found at www.bioethics.org.nz.
Public are also invited to become involved in one or more of the following activities which will be taking place between
March and May 2005: Visit www.bioethics.org.nzfor background info and links to more detailed background research Join
the online discussion forum, to register, log on to www.bioethics.org.nz/dialogue/forum/ Make a submission by mail,
email or online.
There is a submission form on our website, or just send a letter or email. Get together with whanau, friends or
workmates and have a discussion. We want people thinking and talking about these topics, even if you do not end up
writing anything down. Our website has links to ideas on running dialogue groups.