Genetic Engineering sends websites through roof

Kiwi concerns over Genetic Engineering sends websites through the roof.

Auckland, 6th October 2003: Hitwise, the world's leading online competitive intelligence service has reported that the number of New Zealand Internet users visiting websites relating to genetically engineered foods have skyrocketed.

Since the talk of genetically engineered foods in New Zealand intensified recently, traffic to related websites has risen accordingly. Hitwise ranking statistics report that traffic to agricultural related websites as well as some food manufacturing websites have gone 'through the roof'.

Such data demonstrates that Kiwi's have shown particular interest in the following websites:

Mothers Against Genetic Engineering - www.madge.net.nz Rank last week among agricultural related websites was 90th. Rank this week: 11th position.

Last week, the 'Madge' website didn't have enough visits to rank among political websites. It made its debut in 15th position among all political websites that New Zealand Internet users are visiting. 'Madge' is a rapidly growing network of politically non-aligned women who have decided to actively resist the use of genetically engineered organisms in our food and on our land. A list of brands who commit to GE free foods can be found on this website.

Genetic modification in New Zealand - www.gm.govt.nz Rank last week among agricultural related websites was 93rd. Rank this week: 35th position.

PSRG - www.psrg.org.nz Last week, this website hardly have enough visits to rank within the Hitwise charts. This week, the website debuts in 11th position among all political related websites.

This is the homepage of the Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics which features opinions and resources about the GM debate.

Tegel Chicken - www.tegel.co.nz The Tegal website has increased a massive 55 places among all food & beverage related websites. Last week the website ranked 71st position among all food and beverage websites, this week, the website ranked in 16th position. This website promotes and provides information about Tegel's range of poultry products.

Greenpeace New Zealand - www.greenpeace.org.nz When comparing the performance of the Greenpeace New Zealand website against all other websites that Kiwi's are visiting, the website increased by 410% market since September 28th.

This website offers information on the New Zealand branch of this global environmental organisation. The site provides details on the group's latest activities and campaigns, as well as a GE Free food guide.