Self-Described Eminent New Zealanders Raise Suspicions

Wednesday 3 Jul 2002

The credibility of Sir Peter Elworthy's grandly named "Sustainability Council" has to be challenged, ACT Environment Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said.

"The ACT Party is always suspicious of people who describe themselves as eminent New Zealanders.

"Sir Peter does not represent New Zealand farmers. Now retired himself he is out of the mainstream of farmer opinion. Extending the moratorium has no support in rural NZ, has no scientific basis and will certainly delay the day when answers to important questions on Genetic Modification can be found.

"If Sir Peter and his merry band of movie stars and socialites were really concerned for the environment and not just with promoting one point of view during an election they would have made submissions to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification.

"Perhaps they should come out of the closet and commend the Water Mellon party position advocating a science free New Zealand governed by mysticism," Gerry Eckhoff said.

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