MEDIA RELEASE

August 23rd 2005 - For Immediate Release

People’s Inquiry into aerial spraying open for registration and submissions

The groundbreaking People's Inquiry to be held in Waitakere City, Auckland into the impacts and effects of aerial spraying pesticides on people in urban areas, is now open for registration and submissions.

Hana Blackmore, convenor of the People’s Inquiry Steering Committee said today that over fifty registrations to give evidence at the Inquiry in November 2005 had already been received.

The Inquiry will hear evidence over six days in the last week of November, and Mrs Blackmore said the Steering Committee is working hard to ensure that everyone who wishes to present information has the opportunity to do so in a way that is appropriate to their needs.

“We are encouraging everyone to provide information in written form, especially electronically, but anyone who wishes to speak to their submission will be able to register for this, either individually or as part of a group or hui. We can also make provision to record submissions for people who are housebound or ill”.

Whilst the People’s Inquiry is centred on the community affected by the Painted Apple Moth aerial spraying, the Inquiry may consider information presented to it by members of the affected communities involved in the White spotted Tussock Moth, and Asian gypsy Moth programmes.

Hana Blackmore said all requests to give evidence from these other two communities should be addressed to the Steering Committee for their agreement, as should any supportive scientists and health personnel who have contributed from a community perspective.

“We appreciate there is important information and experience relevant to the inquiry held by these other groups and involved professionals, and we have made provision to consider their evidence” said Hana.

The People’s Inquiry which was endorsed by the community and launched at a Public Meeting at the end of July will be held at the Waitakere City Council Chambers from November 25th to 30th. Evidence will be heard by five commissioners of national and international standing with expertise in the areas of pesticide and chemical effects on human health, human rights, and social, community and ecological impacts.

Hana Blackmore said today that everyone involved was overwhelmed by the support the People’s Inquiry was receiving.

“We are so grateful not only for the commitment, and even enthusiasm, of our five commissioners, but the support given the community by Waitakere City Council in providing the venue for the Inquiry.”

This support is particularly welcome said Hana because it allows the Steering Committee to concentrate on organising and co-ordinating the all-important submission process for the people.

All inquiries to:
The Steering Committee Convenor
People’s Inquiry
PO Box 25743 
St Heliers
Auckland.
www.peoplesinquiry.co.nz

ENDS

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