Wellington, 16 July 1999
Media information
Immediate Release
ecology discovery foundation new zealand (charitable trust)
Gene Crops and Foods, Lunchtime Public Forums
Tuesdays 20th and 27th July 1999, 12 noon, at the Wellington Senior Centre, Mezzanine Floor, Wellington Central Library,
Victoria St, Wellington
The Wellington Senior Centre will host two "Gene Crops and Foods" public forums with the participation of six political
parties.
The first meeting will be on Tuesday 20th July, 12.15 - 1.45 pm. Hon. Denis Marshall (MP, National), Hon. Ken Shirley
(MP, ACT) and Jenny Bloxham (MP, NZ First) will speak on genetically modified organisms and foods. The forum will take
place at the Senior Centre in Wellington's Public Library on Victoria Street, Mezzanine floor.
On Tuesday 27th July, 12.15 - 1.45 pm, Mark Peck (MP, Labour), Phillida Bunkle (MP, Alliance) and Jeanette Fitzsimons
(MP, The Greens) will meet the public at the second forum, also at the Senior Centre in the Public Library.
The forums are organised by ecology discovery foundation new zealand (charitable trust). Edf-ecoglobe is politically
neutral and committed to the promotion of environmental knowledge.
"The public is anxious to learn more about GMOs, genetic engineering and labelling," says Helmut Lubbers, trustee of
ecology discovery foundation. "We believe that people want to know what our parties think of GMOs, without the usual
'political bickering'. That's why we have invited parties of one side of the political spectrum on one Tuesday, and the
other side a week later."
The forums will be moderated by an independent chairperson. The speakers will speak for approx. ten minutes each. This
will leave a large share of the time for public participation and debate.
The forums are free of charge and open to young and old. A koha to assist with the costs will be appreciated.
ENDS
Contact:
Helmut Lubbers
BE MsSocSci DipEcol
trustee
ecology discovery foundation
new zealand (charitable trust)
Further information:
Helmut Lubbers tel. 3843269