GE march proceeds peacefully

3.00pm

Auckland city centre traffic came to a standstill today as thousands of protesters carrying banners and placards marched against genetic engineering (GE).

The march, organised by GE-free groups and called the GEtup, Stand up March, proceeded peacefully under the watchful eye of police. The march started in Aotea Square at 12 noon and protesters moved on to a rally in Albert Park.

The aim of the protest was to mobilise the public to stop the GE moratorium being lifted next October. The government has indicated the moratorium will be lifted.

In a press release before the march, Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said: "We have to get out there and let the Government know New Zealanders do not want GE in our environment.

"The Government, scientists and agencies like ERMA are already acting as if the moratorium has been lifted. We have to put the brakes on now," she said.

- HERALD STAFF

Further reading
nzherald.co.nz/ge

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