Plans For National Hui Announced

Wellington - 22 February 2001: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification today announced final details of its national hui.

The Commission will be holding a three-day hui at Ngaruawahia to conclude its Maori Consultation Programme.

This is also the regional hui for the Waikato, King Country and Counties area, following the Commission's workshops in Hamilton, Te Kuiti and Pukekohe.

The hui will be held at Turangawaewae Marae, Ngaruawahia, on 6, 7 and 8 April 2001. The programme will start at 4:00pm on Friday and conclude on Sunday at midday.

"This hui will present an opportunity for local Maori to have their say and for representatives from the 10 regional hui to present summaries of their discussions," says Maori consultation programme coordinator Matt McMillan.

This will be the Commission's final consultation with the New Zealand public. The following nine weeks will be spent on deliberations and preparations of the Commission's report, which it is required to present to the Governor General on 1 June 2001.

"This is an issue that affects all New Zealanders and I encourage Maori to have their say on the risks and benefits genetic modification presents to them," says Commission chairman Sir Thomas Eichelbaum.

All are welcome to attend the hui. Presentations can be made to the Commission on the Saturday from 9:15am until 5:30pm. Registration forms and additional details are available from the Commission's website: www.gmcommission.govt.nz or by calling 0800 001 480.

ENDS

Please note: For further information, please contact: Matt McMillan, Maori consultation programme coordinator, 0800 001 480 or 021 137 3549 or Sarah Adamson, media relations officer, phone: 04 495 9151 or 021 499 510.

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