To all GE-Free NZ supporters,

-- What does GE-Free mean? -- GE-Free means that no genetically engineered organisms are released into our environment or the food chain, and that any experimentation or product development of genetically engineered organisms is confined to the laboratory.

12 noon, Friday July 27, at YOUR town hall ( council office ) ______________________________________________

GE-Free Nation. It's NOW or never

On Friday July 27, the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification will deliver its report to the Government. The Government will then have just one month to decide whether we become a GE-Free (environment) nation or whether genetically engineered organisms are released into our environment and their introduction into the food chain continues. On 31st August the moratorium on GE trials and crops could be lifted.

-- IT REALLY IS NOW OR NEVER -- Many of you signed the petition to get a Royal Commission, wrote submissions, or sent off postcards recently to the government. We need to keep the pressure up for the next few weeks, as the Government makes a decision on the place of GE. Tell at least 5-8 friends and ask them to do the same. Help spread the word.

-- 12 noon -1pm July 27, nationwide --

At 12 noon, July 27, New Zealanders across the country will congregate at their town halls to usher in our GE-Free future.Come along and show you support a GE Free nation. Tell at least 5-8 friends and ask them to do the same. Help spread the word.

-- Let's make it nationwide -- A number of environmental and organic agriculture organisations, among them Soil and Health, Bio-Gro, Greenpeace, GE Free NZ, ECO & the Greens have joined forces. All are supporting a nationwide rally for a GE-Free nation.

-- Presence, no matter how small, is important --

It would be good to have as many people along as possible, outside YOUR town hall at that hour, but even a few counts. If you can't make it see below. The fact that across the country, in as many towns and cities as possible, people go to their town hall to show the Government they want a GE-Free environment and food chain is the important part.

-- Check the website. Perhaps if there isn't a local contact in your area, you could do it. There's not much to it -- At each town, we need a local contact, who will do local advertising, a local ring around and ensure that there is a visual presence (for example,banners) at the town hall, so that it is clear that the people congregating are not waiting to contest their parking fines!

You could decide what happens in your town. Some might be able to organise a band or street theatre. Some might decide on everyone bringing GE free food to go to the local foodbank or hospital. In some places it may be just a couple of you with a banner or posters. Everyone counts.

We will support you as far as we are able, just let us know how.We have posters that can be sent out to you electronically or by post.

Reply to this email or our phone no. 03-548-6606. Contact green.party@parliament.govt.nz or call Stephanie Howard at 04-470 6767 to be a local contact and organiser for the day. (or you can just reply to me)

-- What if I can't make it or there is no local meeting.-- Don't worry we have thought about those people who can't make it and ask you to contact your local council and ask them to send a letter on your behalf to the government making them aware that there people in your area who are not happy at the idea of genetically modified organisms and crops being released into the environment or to be eating the products of genetic engineering. They will need to send any letters in the week beginning 30.7.01 but definitely before 31 August. Ask them to register your call/letter/fax/email.

Please pass this on through your networks.

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