GE-free marchers mass to retain moratorium

Thousands of people carrying anti-genetic engineering banners and placards protested in central Auckland on Saturday.

The GEtup, Stand up March, organised by GE-free groups, left Aotea Square at 12 noon. Watched by police, the protesters marched peacefully to a rally in Albert Park.

The protest was aimed at mobilising public opposition to ending the moratorium on genetic engineering (GE) next October. The Government has indicated the moratorium will be lifted.

Organisers Greenpeace and Mothers Against Genetic Engineering (Madge) yesterday said about 10,000 people had marched. Police said the number was about 6000.

Thanking the participants for their enthusiasm, Madge "head girl" Alannah Currie said the march was "a brilliant event".

"I am incredibly moved to see such a huge cross-section of fabulous New Zealanders turn up to make their voices heard and actively take part in this issue.

"It's time the Government listened to our message: Keep GE in the lab."

Meanwhile, animal rights protesters demonstrated outside the Sheraton Auckland yesterday afternoon as delegates arrived for the opening reception of the Pacific Rim Biotechnology Conference.

The three-day conference is the biggest international biotechnology event New Zealand has hosted. Security had been tightened in case there were protests against genetic engineering.

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