Wellington - 17 January 2001: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification today announced it will be consulting
specifically with New Zealand youth.
A one-day forum will be held at Te Papa in Wellington on 5 March 2001 for this purpose.
"Any recommendations we make as a Commission on the future of genetic modification in this country will have a direct
impact on the youth of today," says Chairman Sir Thomas Eichelbaum. "We are therefore consulting directly with young New
Zealanders to ascertain their views on this important subject."
The Forum is open to young New Zealanders and registration forms are available from the Commission office or its
website: www.gmcommission.govt.nz.
In addition, the Commission will pay for 20 youth, aged 16 to 18, to travel to Wellington to attend the forum. Selection
will be based on responses to a short essay competition. Details about the competition can be obtained by contacting the
Commission office or viewing its website.
All registration forms and competition entries must be received by 5pm on Monday, 12 February 2001.
The Youth Forum is one of five consultation methods used by the Commission as part of its enquiry process. The others
are: public meetings, formal hearings of "interested persons", written submissions and hui.
"We look forward to hearing the articulate and informed views of young New Zealanders in March and welcome their input
in this decision-making process."
ENDS
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.