GM Inquiry submissions close in one month

News release

Submissions close in one month

WELLINGTON – 1 November 2000: The public has one more month in which to make a written submission to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification.

“The Commission wants to hear from all New Zealanders on this important subject, that impacts upon the future of all New Zealanders, our environment and its life forms,” says Commission Chairman Sir Thomas Eichelbaum.

“We want to know what strategic options are available so that New Zealand can address, now and in the future, genetic modification, genetically modified organisms and products as well as identify any changes required to current legislative, regulatory, policy or institutional arrangements.”

As stated at the Scoping Meetings in August, and in the Commission’s Call for Submissions, the Commission is looking for quality in the submissions, rather than quantity. As such, the work of the Commission will not be helped by persons who seek to flood the website or the Commission office with repeat or 'form' submissions based on a common template.

Submissions can be typed or handwritten, should be marked ‘Submission’ and addressed to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification at one of the following addresses:
 Post: PO Box 3554, Wellington
 Fax: 04 495 9153
 Email: submissions@gmcommission.govt.nz

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Closing date for submissions is 5pm, 1 December 2000.

To assist in the preparation of submissions, guidelines are available from the Commission’s website: www.gmcommission.govt.nz or by phoning the Commission office on 04 495 9151.

A proportion of the submissions received from the general public will be posted on the Commission’s website.

ENDS

The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification was established by Order in Council on 8 May 2000 and is chaired by Sir Thomas Eichelbaum. The other members of the Commission are Dr Jacqueline Allan, Dr Jean Fleming and the Rt Rev Richard Randerson. The Commission is required to report by 1 June 2001.

Reminder: The Royal Commission’s first hui will be held at Te Ao Hou Marae, Wanganui, this Saturday, 4 November, between 9:15am and 5:00pm.

Please note: For further information, please contact: Sarah Adamson, Media Relations Officer, phone: 04 495 9151 or 021 499 510.

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