Commission In Christchurch Next Week

Wellington - 16 February 2001: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification will hear from a variety of human interest groups, including the churches, during its Formal Hearings next week.

Presentations will be heard from the following organisations next week in the Wellington Formal Hearings room: 19 February 2001: 1. New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO 2. Rural Women New Zealand 3. Eubios Ethics Institute 20 February 2001: 1. The Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand & Public Questions Committee (Methodist, Presbyterian, Churches of Christ, Quaker) 21 February 2001: 1. New Zealand Jewish Community 2. Interchurch Commission 22 February 2001: 1. Quaker Spiritual Ecology Group (of the Religious Society of Friends 2. New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

The Commission will also hold a Formal Hearing in Christchurch at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, 161 Cashel Street from 9:30am until 5:00pm on 23 February 2001. Presentations will be made by: 1. Canterbury Commercial Organic Group 2. Dr Patrick Moore (on behalf of New Zealand Life Sciences) 3. Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu

Copies of the submissions and expert witnesses' briefs of evidence can be found at www.gmcommission.govt.nz. Members of the public are welcome to view the proceedings and transcripts of the hearings will be posted on the Commission's website.

The Commission will conclude its week with a Regional Hui at Te Waipounamu House, 158 Hereford Street, Christchurch, on 24 February 2001 from 9:15am.

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.

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