Christchurch student on hunger strike for GE free cause

Thom Davis is so passionate about keeping New Zealand GE-free he is prepared to starve himself to draw attention to his cause.

The 22-year-old Christchurch student has been on a hunger strike for 14 days and plans to continue his fast for a further week.

Mr Davis spends several hours each day sitting on the steps of Parliament with a poster alerting the public and MPs to his hunger strike and his belief in the importance of keeping the environment free of genetically modified organisms.

He said he was concerned the Government was ignoring the majority of New Zealanders, who wanted the country GE-free.

Mr Davis believed it was important to be certain that genetic engineering did not present any threat to the environment before allowing its release.

He has been drinking mineral water during his fast and since Tuesday has eaten a teaspoonful of honey each morning to help him to get up and make the 30-minute walk to Parliament.

He has had pains in his chest and kidney areas but has not visited a doctor.

"I have complete faith that what I'm doing is important and I'm protected." said Mr Thom.

"I just want people to go out and act. You have to be positive and have faith that what you are going to do will make a difference."

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