PAM Aerial Spraying 'Health Concerns' Study

Late this afternoon Thurs. 10 July a meeting was held with Simon Hales and the representatives of vertually all anti aerial spray groups. I was invited to this meeting on behalf of Sprayfree Coalition.

Unfortunately Rachel Wapenaar was unable to attend. This will serve also to inform all at 'No Way Spray'. Simon Hales is a Research Fellow and Epidemiologist from the Wellington School of Medicine, and has been asked by the Ministry of Health to quote 'recieve, collect and summerize reports from the public, community groups, territorial authorities, Aer Aqua and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service ( as well as other stakeholders, community groups, organisations and individuals) on their health concerns associated with the Foray 48B Aerial Spraying programme.' unquote.

The participants at the meeting, asked that the wording in the terms of reference be changed from 'health concerns' to 'health concerns, effects and symptoms'

Mr Hales will look to get this changed. Mr Hales asked the meeting, how best the information could be documented and summerized from our perspective. Suggestions included, meeting with schools', businesses and community groups.

Also, having input from individuals affected by the aerial spraying programme on a face to face basis. It does appear that very soon we will all get the chance to submit in writing, how this aerial spraying has affected our health and our daily lives for the past year or more.

When we at Sprayfree Coalition, know more regarding these written submissions, we will let you all know. It is extremely important that we all contribute to the gathering of information for Simon Hales, as it may led to further studies eg Community Impact Report etc being conducted.

This gathering of information is not going to be the silver bullet to stop the aerial spraying programme, but, I would like to think it is a step in the right direction.

Kindest Regards, Alan Samuels

Sprayfree Coalition

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