MAF Puts Pressure on Aerial Spraying Evacuees to Remain in Spray Zone during Spraying

Helen Wiseman-Dare said today she was disgusted at reports from evacuees of pressure being put on them by MAF's doctors at Aer Aqua who now appear to be trying to deny them the right to be evacuated to motels, citing cost cutting. Some who have previously been relocated are now being told there is no proof the spray is causing their health effects. Instead they are being pressured to attend the MAF funded breakfasts instead, which take place at several locations on spray days. Attendees are then sent back to their homes in the spray zone on the same day, putting their health at risk, in spite of the fact that some have letters from their own doctors saying they must remain away for 48 hours or longer in some cases. MAF evacuated more than 55 families during the last spray.

During the last spray evacuees being transferred by MAF between breakfast venues were sprayed on and many, including children and a pregnant woman, became ill.

Helen Wiseman-Dare said that hundreds of protestors are due to take to the streets this Saturday to show overseas visitors here for the Americas Cup, that this is not the clean, green country they have been led to believe it is. Marchers will assemble at 11.00 am, Saturday 9 November, outside the entrance to the Viaduct Basin on Quay Street, Downtown Auckland.

Also at the March will be the official release of the anti spray, Painted Apple Moth song - "Moffee" by west Auckland resident Ray McKay of Kiwi Songbird Karaoke, himself one of the evacuees. Ray says this is the first in a series of anti spray songs which will culminate in "Moffee's Trilogy". The songs are sung from the point of view of the persecuted Australian moth - homesick for Aussie beer !

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