Capital GE Free Media Release. October 1

Half of Wellington Mayoral Candidates commit to a GE Free City

Seven of Wellington's 14 mayoral candidates have committed to a GE Free Wellington City.

The candidates are Stephanie Cook, Andy Foster, Rob Goulden, Thomas Morgan, Bryan Pepperell, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait and Mary Varnham.

Local body candidates were surveyed by Wellington group, Capital GE FREE. Mayoral and council candidates can be viewed at http://www.gefree.net.nz

"We congratulate those candidates for showing leadership," said Edwin Dando, spokesperson for Capital GE Free. "A GE Free Environment policy is a sensible, middle ground to take. It would not stop medical and scientific research and development using gene technology but would confine all genetically engineered organisms to contained laboratories."

"Wellingtonians should use this opportunity to show their support for these candidates and vote for a GE Free environment in Wellington City. "

"The message is clear from the people of New Zealand - we want our environment to remain GE Free. Nelson, Napier and Buller have lead the way. We want the capital city to make the same commitment," said Dando.

The Vote GE Free register lists only those candidates that are fully committed to a GE Free Environment. Capital GE Free urges candidates that have not yet responded to their survey to make their position on this issue clear.

"This is not an issue for fence-sitting," said Dando.

Capital GE Free is Wellingtonians for a GE Free Environment and Food chain. We believe that genetic engineering and GMOs should be kept in the laboratory.

ENDS

For further information contact: Edwin Dando, Capital GE Free spokesperson tel: 918 8781; 021 1652 669

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