Hidden From the Unsuspecting Visitors: The Dangers of Exposure to Excessive UV Radiation in New Zealand
Open Letter To PM Helen Clark
The Management School of Restorative Business (MSRB) notes with growing concern a new advertising campaign for New
Zealand tourism broadcast through the cable TV networks throughout South East Asia under the Orwellian rubric of "Pure
NZ!"
Unfortunately, the ads fail to carry the vital health warning:
1. Non-melanoma skin cancer. One in 29 people in New Zealand is diagnosed with skin cancer each year. New Zealand is the
second worst hotspot for skin cancer in the world.
2. Melanoma. The potentially fatal melanoma incidence rates in New Zealand are about 10 times higher than in other
countries. At lease two-thirds of all melanoma cases are directly associated to UV radiation exposure.
3. Immunodeficiency. Exposure to the excessive UV radiation in New Zealand impairs human immune system; it causes
genetic mutations, increases risk of diseases from the human immunodeficiency virus HIV- 1, herpes viruses, malaria,
tuberculosis, leprosy, dermatitis, and E. coli as well as several blood diseases.
4. Cataracts. The exposure to excessive UV radiation in New Zealand results in increased incidents of cataracts (as well
as other eye damage).
NZ authorities are acting dishonestly and reprehensibly by preying on unsuspecting foreign tourists, students and new
immigrants, while failing to inform them about the dangers of exposure to the excessive UV radiation in New Zealand.
MSRB anticipates that NZ Parliament would enact legislation
1. Mandating detailed health warnings concerning the dangers of exposure to the excessive UV radiation in New Zealand on
all advertising, including radio, television and Internet, prepared by or broadcast for govt. agencies especially NZ
Ministry of Tourism, NZ Ministry of Education and NZ Immigration Services as well as the tourist industry forthwith.
2. Allocating a substantial fund for compensating the foreign visitors, students and recent immigrants whom NZ
authorities failed to warn about the dangers of exposure to the excessive UV radiation in New Zealand .
Signed for MSRB by
Harry Saloor Founder The Management School of Restorative Business (MSRB)