August 9, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority will hold a hearing tomorrow - Thursday 10 August - to consider an application from the Auckland Regional Council to release a small gall fly into the environment.
This is not a genetically modified organism (GMO) - but it is a proposal to introduce a new animal into New Zealand and therefore requires approval under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.
If approved, the insect would be used to control a weed called mist flower, or Agerarina riparia.
The hearing is open to the public and will be held at ERMA New Zealand's offices, Level 1, BP House, 20 Customhouse Quay, starting at 9.30am. It is expected to last most of the day.
The applicant is applying to introduce and release the mistflower gallfly Procecidochares alani (Steyskal) to combat the mist flower, which it says is a serious weed in conservation areas in Northland and is becoming a problem in Auckland. The plant can form a dense mat, limiting forest regeneration and threatening rare plants.
The applicant, ERMA New Zealand staff and the Authority's Maori advisory group, Nga Kaihautu Tikango Taiao will make presentations to the hearing.
The applicant has also called witnesses, including Dr Andy Pearce, the CEO of Landcare Research.
Of the 14 submissions received, the two who are opposed to the application will present their views to the Authority: the Ngatiwai Trust Board and Roger Shelton, of Auckland. Two submitters in support (Northland Regional Council and Environment Bay of Plenty) will also appear.
The application will be considered by a committee comprising Authority members: Mrs Helen Hughes (Chair), Mr John Maasland and Dr Terry Lomax.
To access appropriate documents/reports there is a feature page on the small gall fly as well as a summary feature page on Biological Control Agents.
For further information contact:
Karen Cronin,
Communications Manager
ERMA New Zealand
Ph 04 918 4826