10 December 2001

"We are going to war against GE protagonists" declared the first National Maori Hui on GE at Te Ao Hou Marae at Wanganui today.

"These GE protagonists are Life Sciences Network, Multi and Trans National Chemical and Fertiliser companies, and scientists at Universities and Research Institutes experimenting with GE on Agricultural, Horticulture, Aquaculture, Flora and Fauna" proclaimed the Hui.

"These GE protagonist's threaten our whakapapa, threaten our plant whakapapa and threaten our animal whakapapa" went on the Hui. "We have a responsibility to protect the existing environment for the future of our mokopuna."

"Every Maori has the exclusive right under the Treaty to their whakapapa and every Maori is asked to protest against GE" added the Hui.

"Our strategies are being developed to mount a political campaign which is wide ranging targeting for instance all political parties, all scientists at universities and scientific research institutions, involved in experimenting and researching GE" stated the Hui.

"A strong voice at the Hui called for immediate direct action," concluded the Hui.

ENDS

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