Royal Commission In Auckland Next Week

Wellington - 7 February 2001: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification will be holding Formal Hearings in Auckland next week.

The hearings will be held at Tribunals Division, Level 8, District Court, 3 Kingston Street (off Albert Street), Auckland, on 15 and 16 February 2001 between 9:30am and 5:00pm.

Scheduled to make presentations are: 15 February 2001: 1. Soil & Health Association of New Zealand (Inc) 2. Save Animals from Exploitation (SAFE) - part I 16 February 2001: 1. Save Animals from Exploitation (SAFE) - part II 2. Greenpeace New Zealand

Copies of the submissions and expert witnesses' briefs of evidence can be found at www.gmcommission.govt.nz.

Members of the public are welcome to view the proceedings and transcripts of the hearings will be posted on the Commission's website.

Deadline for Youth Forum is Monday Closing date for Youth Forum registration and competition entries is 5:00 pm, Monday, 12 February 2001.

The Commission will pay for 20 youth, aged 16 to 18, to travel to Wellington to attend the Youth Forum on 5 March 2001. Selection will be based on responses to the 500-word essay topic "What future does genetic modification have in New Zealand?"

Registration forms and competition details are available from the Commission website (www.gmcommission.govt.nz) or by telephoning 04 495 9151.

Workshops in South Island next week As part of the Commission's Maori Consultation Programme, workshops will be held in Christchurch on 12 February 2001 between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm (Te Puni Kokiri Office, 158 Hereford Street) and Hokitika on 13 February 2001 between 10:00am and 12:00 pm (Te Puni Kokiri Office, Mountain Jade Complex, corner Sewell and Weld streets).

A regional hui will be held in Gisborne on 17 February 2001 between 9:15 am and 5:00 pm at Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae, Park Drive. All are welcome to attend.

Further details about the Maori Consultation Programme are available on the Commission's website (www.gmcommission.govt.nz) or by contacting 0800 001 480.

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.

© Scoop Media