Thu, 4 Jul 2002

Helen Wiseman-Dare, Independent Candidate for Te Atatu and Chairperson, WASP (West Aucklanders Against Aerial Spraying) is appalled that aerial spraying is to continue despite the fact that Biosecurity Minister Jim Sutton has stated he has no way of knowing whether the Painted Apple Moth is a serious pest in New Zealand or even whether eradication would be successful.

He admits that no one in the world has done any real research on the moth.

Ms Wiseman-Dare is extremely concerned that in spite of this, a seventh aerial spray is to take place on 13 July, this time involving the New Lynn shopping and commercial centre, including Lynnmall.

She says that to date residents have received no notification. She is particularly concerned for the large number of elderly who live in the area and those passing through or shopping in New Lynn who will be caught in the spray.

She is also concerned that Mr Sutton is claiming that the Btk spray has a proven safety record. The Public Health Service has refused to do a properly funded cohort study which would prove the long term safety of Foray 48B (Health Risk Assessment of the 2002 Aerial Spray Programme, March 2002 - Public Health Service, Appendix 9). In the meantime, she says, the people of West Auckland are being used as guinea pigs. Many are suffering from illnesses they have never had before in their lives and feel their concerns are being ignored by government.

Helen Wiseman-Dare Independent Candidate for Te Atatu Chairperson, WASP (West Aucklanders Against Aerial Spraying) 09 827 2516

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