Posted on 26-6-2002

Enthusiastic Turnout For GE-Free Rally
From Gypsy Bruce-Griffin iin Napier

The skies cleared and committed and concerned families arrived at Clive
Square, Napier on Saturday 22 June, National GE Free Awareness Day, laden
with placards warning of the dangers of GE.

Amidst a festive atmosphere and camaraderie a crowd of between 200-300
people warmed to GE Free HB spokesperson, Steve Porteous and his relaxed
introduction to the day's events. Several speakers, including local organic
farmers, Adrian White and Andrew Seager, took it in turns to enlighten and
inform the gathered crowd. International biodynamics field adviser, Peter
Proctor, recently returned from India and South Africa, local artist, Kate
White and local Green Party candidates for Tukituki and Napier, Rich
Wernham and Terry Creighton also spoke.

The Rally then formed into an enthusiastic March through the city and the
numbers of participants increased as more locals joined in. The March
culminated at the Napier Cathedral with a Mother Earth Concert kicked off
dramatically with a welcome and performance from the EIT Kapa Haka group
led by Joe Te Rito. This was followed by lunch and further performances
from a number of local musicians and singers, including concert organisers
Sean and Amanda O'Connor.

The next event on the GE Free HB calendar is a further talk in the public
lecture series, titles "GE and Gumboots" with guest speakers Dr Peter Wells
(Auckland University) and Ian Ewen-Street, MP, organic sheep farmer and
Green Party spokesperson on organics, agriculture and biosecurity. This
talk will be held this Friday, 28 June, 7:30pm at the Angus Inn, Hastings

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