Press release 5.4.01
Tonight’s vote by Nelson City Council to make Nelson city a GE Free zone makes Nelson the first GE Free and Nuclear Free
city to be established in New Zealand (possibly the world).
In a landmark resolution, Nelson city declared its intent to protect its environment for future generations, after
petitions signed by over 4000 people, recognised the wishes of the public.
Mayor Paul Matheson stated that the decision gave the city a new 'brand', which will benefit the local economy,
primarily based on tourism, and organic and primary production.
GE Free Nelson's spokesperson Susie Lees stated “The vote is a great step forward for our local bio-integrity. The
Nelson community has made a statement to central government which suggests that they are no longer prepared to wait for
laws to protect communities from irreversible genetic pollution.
The people have given no mandate to the government to allow the introduction of GMO's into our food and environment. We
hope that this will now encourage other communities to declare themselves GE Free.”
Contact:
Susie Lees, Secretary
GE Free NZ, Nelson GE Awareness Group
106A Grove Street, Nelson
Ph/Fax:03-546-7966
Email: susie@tasman.net