Media Release Friday April 27, 2007

Kiwi’s March In Nationwide Protests Against “Anti-Vitamin” Bill

Tomorrow morning thousands of concerned Kiwis from across New Zealand will take to the streets in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Whangarei and Tauranga, in opposition to the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill, which many are calling the “Anti-Vitamin” Bill.

The protesters aim to send a clear message to Parliament that the proposed legislation is not acceptable and any plans to place New Zealanders’ health in the hands of an unaccountable Australian corporation will not be tolerated.

This Bill has attracted cross party opposition from National, Act, Maori Party, Green Party and independent MP Taito Phillip Field, with various party members speaking at the nationwide protests.

Among those giving speeches in Auckland include: National’s Associate spokeswoman for Health Dr Jackie Blue, Maori Party MP Hone Harawira and Minister and natural health rights advocate in the UK Felicity Corban Wheeler.

Wellington speakers will include Green Party spokesperson for Health, Sue Kedgley and in Christchurch, legal advisor and NZ Health Trust spokesperson, Amy Adams.

Green MP Sue Kedgley said of the proposed legislation, "We are being expected to pass legislation before it has even been introduced into the Australian Parliament, before we know any of the detail about how the agency will operate, or how many products will become illegal. It is madness."

Nationwide Protest Action organiser Nicola Grace says, “the word is getting out there and many New Zealanders are hearing for the first time that an estimated 700 of their favorite natural health supplements are about to become illegal to sell, due to high administration costs under the Australian Regime. The phones have been ringing all day every day with angry Kiwis ready to take to the streets in protest of this.”

To show their support protesters will also be able to purchase red umbrellas, which gained recognition as a symbol of daring when a group of women took on the draconian supplement regulations of Health Canada. For more details see www.theredumbrellas.com.

The group’s 0900 number may also be used to pledge an automatic $20 donation – 0900 89 89 9

Nationwide Protest Action details, Saturday April 28

Auckland – 9:30am Marchers will progress from Western Park at the top of Ponsonby Road, along Karangahape Road, and down Queen Street to Myers Park
Wellington – 10am Civic Square
Christchurch – 10:30am Amphitheatre, corner of Cashel Street and High Street
Whangarei – 9:30am outside the Library on Rust Street
Tauranga – 10:30am Red Square

www.healthfreedom.co.nz

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