Police called to Remove Protesters

A group of about 25 Aucklanders held a sit protest this morning outside the office doors of the Aer'Aqua Medical Services, the company contracted by M.A.F, to provide the health service for those affected by the aerial spraying of BTK foray 48B.

The protesters were demanding that the numbers of people whose health is affected by the aerial spraying, must be released to the public. They also want to be informed of the ingredients in this pesticide, claiming if it were so safe they would be told.

However, their call was not answered as Aer'Aqua staff locked the door and refused to speak to any of the protesters, or the media who were present. "This just emphasizes the point we're making - we are not being heard, we are not being given information. M.A.F and their contractors are becoming increasingly secretive about the operation. What have they got to hide? " says spokesperson Rachel Wapenaar. "We ask if this spray is so safe why are about 1000 people evacuated by M.A.F, & why are many more suffering ill effects ?"

Also secretive is the fact that M.A.F is no longer publishing the results of the trap and ground surveys on their website, so the public does not know how many moths have been found & where.

Just as concerning was the sudden decision to spray Hobsonville, residents weren't given adequate notice should they need to evacutate themselves. To make matters worse, the aerial spraying began this morning, & included in the zone was one of the breakfast venues provided for evacuees by M.A.F & Aer'aqua.

As the group left the building, flanked by two policemen ,one protester wanted to know, "If it's so safe, why do they need to spend $10 million to provide a health service?"

The group will continue to protest against the spraying in a variety of ways. "We have had public rallies and marches in West Auckland and in the city, we have lobbied MPs and ministers. We are being ignored. Now we are taking the protest further".

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