6 April 2004
The Environmental Risk Management Authority will hold a hearing on the 7 April 2004 - to consider an application from New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited to release the weevil Cleopus japonicus for the purpose of biological control of the plant Buddleja davidii (Buddleia).
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.
The hearing is open to the public and will be held at the Kingsgate Hotel, Fenton Street, Rotorua, starting at 9am. It is expected to run to approximately midday.
The applicant is applying to introduce and release the weevil to combat the plant Buddleia, which is a serious weed of natural environments and forestry in eastern central North Island. Buddleia may colonise gravels and stony soils better than native plants can, and is steadily and can push out native plants and other organisms from the beds and banks of some streams and rivers in places like Te Urewera National Park.
The application was formally received on 12 December 2003 and publicly notified on 17 December 2003. In addition, interested parties identified by ERMA New Zealand were notified of the receipt of the application by letter, and provided with an opportunity to make a public submission on the application. Public submissions closed on 25 February 2004.
A total of 11 submissions were received on this application, of which four submitters will present their views to the Authority.
The application will be considered by a committee comprising Authority members: Dr Lin Roberts (Chair), Dr Max Suckling and Mr Neil Walter (Authority Chairperson).
For further information during the hearing Dr Libby Harrison will be available to assist the media on 021 701 381.
NOTE: The hearing will be open to the media. Tape recording, video recording, photographing or filing of the hearing by media or others will not generally be allowed. The Chair may, however, permit the recording, photographs or filming of preliminary proceedings. This policy will be announced by the Chair at the commencement of the hearing.