CAPITAL GE FREE

Wellingtonians for a GE Free Environment and Food Chain

Media Release October 6

Wellington people spell it out to the Government

Over 2,500 gathered in Wellington's Civic Square today to send a clear message to the Government. Wellington joined 20 centres around the country in order to show the public want New Zealand to remain GE Free.

The crowd assembled to spell it out to the Government, forming the letters "GE Free". Around 2000 people made up the 5 letters.

In results counted from the morning alone, over 1000 people signed a petition for Wellington City to become a GE Free zone.

"The Government should not underestimate the depth of public concern about GE. Many many New Zealanders want GE kept in the lab. This is a sensible position, and one that the Government must adopt for economic and ecological reasons.

It does not shut down the use of the technology, as has been suggested. It keeps it where it can be managed and contribute to the New Zealand's scientific advancement and economy without contaminating the environment and threatening exports" said Edwin Dando of Capital GE Free.

The world's longest GE Free sandwich stretched 64.5 metres across Civic Square. The bread was donated by Pondoros, and the fillings by Commonsense Organics, Poneke Organics, Soulfoods, Chantal Organic Wholesaler, Clean Greenz Organics, Nikau Gallery Café, and Lawsons Organic Farm. Other sponsors for the day included Purebread Organics and Freshco Fruits.

"We eat the bread we make every day and our children eat it too. We are concerned as individuals and a company about the long-term effects of genetic engineering on our food and eventually on our bodies and the environment. We say 'Keep GE in the lab and off our tables!" said Anita McIlhagga of Pandoros, Auckland.

"In just 3 weeks the Government will announce its decision on NZ's GE Free status. We are concerned that this decision is being steamrollered by the deep pockets of the biotech industry. The Government has to make the right decision for the right reasons. And that decision is a GE Free environment" said Dando.

ENDS

For further information or digital footage of the day:

Edwin Dando, Capital GE Free spokesperson tel: 918 8781; 021 1652 669

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