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A summary of Green political happenings. You are welcome to send snippets that may interest other GreenWeek readers to Alison Coleman: alison.coleman@parliament.govt.nz
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Deformed calves don't enhance NZ's image, AgResearch
A huge press statement by AgResearch this week in which it tries to justify its application to genetically engineer a wide range of animals, plus human and monkey cells, inadvertently shows sad downsides to GE research. For example, it admits a less than 9 percent live birth rate, aborted deformed foetuses, deformed calves, gangrenous udders and 'animals suffering from respiratory conditions’, but denies there are animal welfare concerns.
 Read Jeanette's press release.
Greens aim to end pokie rorts
The Greens released their updated Gambling Policy on the eve of New Zealand's Gamble-Free Day - September 1 - stating that parts of the community sector need assistance to overcome addiction to pokies, just as individual gambling addicts do.
Read Sue B's press release.
Secret meetings wrong move on Lake Horowhenua
After the Lake Horowhenua sewerage ponds overflowed last month, Horizons Regional Council tests have shown high levels of e.coli in groundwater and the "wetted area between the sewage treatment plant and lake", according to information the Greens have obtained under the Official Information Act. Horowhenua District Council is making the wrong move by proposing secret meetings with a tiny number of invited members as the main community consultation, Russel said this week.
Read Russel's press release.
Greens disappointed at council rejection of harbour bridge cycleway
Keith is disappointed that Auckland City’s transport committee voted this Thursday against a walkway and cycleway over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. "It is a victory for narrow, conservative thinking," he said. "The walkway and cycleway would be a wonderful asset for Auckland, for commuting and recreation, and as a magnet for tourists. Unfortunately, the pessimists won out today."
Read Keith's press release.
Death raises need for urgent action on mental health services
Problems at Auckland Hospital's acute psychiatric unit came under the spotlight in Parliament this week when Green Party MP Sue bradford questioned the Health Minister about another tragedy associated with the Te Whetu Tawera unit. "I have been informed that Selwyn Wallace, the man whose body was found floating under Wynyard Wharf in Auckland on Sunday, 17 August, had been discharged from the acute unit a very short time before he died," Sue said.
Read Sue B's press release.
Housing a critical election issue
The housing crisis evident to many ordinary New Zealanders is not being treated seriously enough by either National or Labour. Sue bradford launched the Green Party’s housing policy at a public meeting in Otahuhu, South Auckland this week. "The Green Party strongly believes that neither Labour nor National go far enough in addressing the urgency and immediacy of the current housing crisis affecting many ordinary New Zealanders," she said. "The foundation of the Greens’ national housing strategy is that no one remains homeless or in inadequate or substandard housing."
Read Sue B's press release.
It’s a WRAP
The Greens have been working with environmental groups on a campaign to save the wild and special Mokihinui River from an inappropriate monster hydro dam. The plight of Frog's eely cousins has compelled frog to think about our insatiable thirst for energy and its increasing pressure on the environment: not just thermal on the atmosphere, but also hydro on wild rivers. One group of Kiwis, WRAP, are doing more than just thinking wider: they have a web petition and lots of info. Frog has enjoyed sploshing around their site and highly recommend you also leap in and sign their petition. Read the comments here.
For details on events in your area, check our website.
To see press releases on topics not covered by the items above, go to all media releases
Published by the Greens' Parliamentary Office, Bowen House, Parliament, Wellington.
Ph (04) 470 6700, Fax (04) 472 6003, green.party@parliament.govt.nz, http://www.greens.org.nz/.
Authorised by Jon Field, 73 Eden St, Wellington.
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