CHRISTCHURCH: Greenpeace has today launched its Eliminate Dioxin Drive which will highlight the extent of dangerous dioxin pollution around New Zealand, and call on the government to eliminate dioxins.

"The Eliminate Dioxin Drive has been launched at one of New Zealand's many dioxin polluting sites, the Christchurch Medical Waste Incinerator operated by the Medical Waste Group. The nine-centre tour will highlight dioxin polluting sites around the country to show New Zealanders just how widespread the problem is," says Greenpeace Toxics Campaigner, Sue Connor.

Dioxins are some of the most dangerous chemicals known - they cause cancer, birth defects and infertility.

"Greenpeace will be encouraging people and communities to join with it in calling on the government to agree to eliminate dangerous dioxins. At present the greatest obstacle to protecting New Zealanders, the environment and future generations from dangerous dioxins is the New Zealand government," says Connor.

"Only a handful of nations involved in developing an international toxics treaty have so far refused to aim to eliminate dioxins. New Zealand is one of those. The vast majority of countries have agreed to eliminate dioxins - and at present New Zealand is undermining that global aim.

"Dioxin elimination is the only way to protect future generations and the environment," concludes Connor.

Greenpeace today also launches the Toxics-Map website which highlights 40 dioxin polluting sites around the country. The web site will allow people to take immediate action to call on their member of parliament and the Minister for the Environment, Marian Hobbs to urge the government to stand up for New Zealander's health and environment and aim to eliminate dioxins. Check it out on

www.greenpeace.org.nz/toxics-map

To interview Sue Connor please call her on 025 269 5001 or Auckland-based Media co-ordinator, Margaret Taylor, phone 09 630 6317

media co-ordinator, greenpeace

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