May 4, 2001
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has been advised that Ag Research has this afternoon filed a stay of application in the High Court, following the outcome of the appeal on its GM cattle research.
Ag Research is seeking an order that the 2 May High Court decision be set aside or stayed, pending reconsideration of the original field test application by the Authority.
ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive, Dr Bas Walker said that the outcome should clarify the status of the animals involved in the field trial, including calves due to be born shortly.
"Until this issue is decided by the Court, and the Authority has had the opportunity to consider it, we will not be in a position to take any further steps in respect of the cows or calves.
The Authority will take careful notice of what the Court has to say. It would be precipitate to pursue any course of action until we have a clear view on the legal situation."
ERMA New Zealand is currently analysing the complex High Court decision, received late Wednesday. The Authority aims to provide a further statement by the end of next week, outlining how it will proceed in implementing the instructions of the Court for a reconsideration of the application.
For further information:
| Dr Bas Walker, Chief Executive, ERMA New Zealand. Ph +64 4 473 8426. |
Karen Cronin, Communications Manager, ERMA New Zealand. Ph +64 4 918 4826. |
For more information on the cattle applicaton go to our focus page.