WELLINGTON – 4 October 2000: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification will begin its formal Maori consultation process next month in Wanganui with a hui at Te Ao Hou Marae.

The programme will include 10 regional hui and some 25 planning sessions throughout the country.

“This programme is one of several consultation methods we have adopted to ensure we ‘consult with the public in a way that allows people to express clearly their views’ and ‘consult and engage with Maori in a manner that specifically provides for their needs’, as outlined in our terms of reference,” says Commission chairman Sir Thomas Eichelbaum.
“These include a number of regional hui, public meetings, formal sittings and written submissions.”

Attendees of the 10 hui will have the opportunity to present the Commission with a verbal and/or written submission. These hui will be preceded by up to 25 planning sessions which will outline the role of the Commission and the submission process.

“Our role is to listen to the views of all New Zealanders on the issues surrounding genetic modification. We encourage people to read the background papers we commissioned to provide us with information about genetic modification. These are available on our website or summaries can be obtained from our office.”

The programme is planning on concluding with a national hui early next year.

The Commission’s Maori consultation programme is being developed and facilitated by Matthew McMillan and Reece Kohatu. Further information is available by contacting Mr McMillan on 0800 00 14 80 or visiting the Commission’s website: www.gmcommission.govt.nz.

The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification was established by Order in Council on 8 May 2000 and is chaired by Sir Thomas Eichelbaum. The other members of the Commission are Dr Jacqueline Allan, Dr Jean Fleming and the Rt Rev Richard Randerson. The Commission is required to report by 1 June 2001.

Please note: Attached is a schedule of hui. For an interview with the Commissioners, please contact: Sarah Adamson, Media Relations Officer, phone: 04 495 9151 or 021 499 510. For further details, please view: http://www.gmcommission.govt.nz.

Maori consultation programme

1. Regional Hui (10)

Date Location Time Venue
4 November
Saturday Wanganui 9:15am – 5pm Te Ao Hou Marae
17 November
Friday Whangarei 9:15am – 5pm Pehiaraweri Marae
2 December
Saturday Rotorua 9:15am – 5pm Ohinemotu Marae
15 December
Friday Wellington 9:15am – 5pm Waiwhetu Marae
20 January
Saturday Dunedin 9:15am – 5pm The Otago Polytechnic Student Centre
27 January
Saturday Blenheim 9:15am – 5pm Omaka Marae
10 February
Saturday Hastings 9:15am – 5pm Omahu Pa
17 February
Saturday Gisborne 9:15am – 5pm Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae
24 February
Saturday Christchurch 9:15am – 5pm Te Waipounamu House
10 March
Saturday Auckland 9:15am – 5pm Orakei Marae

2. Planning sessions (about 25)

To be advised

3. National hui (1)

To be advised

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