National GE Free Coalition.
After consideration of the threat from Mayor Prendergast to issue trespass notices to all 78 GE Free campaigners, the
National GE Free coalition will move on to Parliament grounds to peacefully continue its national hui.
GE Free supporters are no longer permitted to camp on recreation reserve outside Parliament. This is a direct order from
Kerry Prendergast. “We believe that this is a political decision by the Mayor to stand in the way of our democratic
right to peacefully protest,” said Lenka Rochford, Wellington GE Free Spokesperson.
The GE Free Supporters were told by the council representative that they were obstructing public access to the land. The
council however, would not confirm whether or not any members of the public had actually complained over their inability
to use the reserve.
“The public have been really supportive of us so far. We are here representing the public, and this is a space where
anyone is free to come and go. Wellington City Council has not given us a good reason for why we should leave.
Parliament has also denied us the right to peacefully express the people’s view. Both of these institutions are
accountable to the wider public, and clearly they’re not listening,” said George Darroch, Wellington GE Free
Spokesperson. . “We have maintained a peaceful, well-organised camp within the law. The authorities just want us to keep
quiet and go home. Now is the time to turn up the pressure on the government and highlight the fact that the
overwhelming majority of New Zealanders want Aotearoa to remain GE-Free,” said Rochford.
“GE Free campaigners have been working for GE Free Aotearoa for several years and we are not about to go away,” said
Rochford.