ROYAL COMMISSION ON GENETIC MODIFICATION ­ July 27 2000

The Commission has been appointed to receive representations on, inquire into and report on the following matters:

1) The strategic options available to enable New Zealand to address genetic modification, genetically modified organisms and products, now and in the future; and

2) Any changes considered desirable to the current legislative, regulatory, policy or institutional arrangements for addressing genetic modification, genetically modified organisms and products, in New Zealand.

Scoping Meetings

The Commission invites assistance in scoping the issues arising from the terms of reference contained in the Warrant appointing the Commission. Meetings solely for this purpose will be held on Monday 7 August, Tuesday 8 August, and Wednesday 9 August 2000, in the St James Theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington starting at 9.30 am each day.

The meeting will commence with a Powhiri followed by the Commission¹s Opening Statement at 9.30 am on Monday 7 August.

The questions will be discussed in a facilitated group setting, with everyone free to participate and contribute. Members of the public will also be able to participate via a link with our website. The Commission will not require formal submissions on the nature or form of the questions.

A package of information relevant to the Scoping Meetings, including the full terms of reference, may be obtained from the Commission, or at its website.

Formal Applications

In terms of Section 4A(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908 any person (including organisations) who satisfies the Commission that such person "has an interest in the Inquiry apart from any interest in common with the public" shall be entitled to appear and be heard at the Inquiry. The Commission will hear any applications from such persons on Thursday 10 August 2000 at Hearing Room 6, 5th Floor, Wellington District Court, Ballance Street, Wellington starting at 9.30 am.

Those intending to make application should give Notice to the Commission no later than 3 pm on Friday, 4 August 2000, stating the name, address, telephone, fax and e-mail address of the person or organisation, and identifying the way in which the applicant¹s interest is different from that of the public.

Public Hearings

The Commission will commence public hearings in Wellington on Monday 18 September 2000. After the Scoping Meetings, there will be a further advertisement with details of the timetable, and of the procedure for public submissions.

Information

The Commission¹s offices are at Dalmuir House, 114 The Terrace, Wellington; PO Box 3554, Wellington; Tel (04) 495 9151; Fax (04) 495 9153; e-mail info@gmcommission.govt.nz. The Commission¹s website is at www.gmcommission.govt.nz (available from 31 July 2000)

Ends.

Naaku Na -- Ms D CHRIS WEBSTER PO Box 10804 WELLINGTON

EMAIL: dcwebster@xtra.co.nz Ngati Whawhakia, Ngati Mahanga, Ngati Te Weehi, Waikato-Maniopoto, Tainui ----- Kia whawhai tonu matou - ake, ake, ake!

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