Media Update Information
17 September 2008
Today we are advertising a public hearing of the Environmental Risk Management Authority to be held on Tuesday 7 October to hear information from the applicant and submitters relating to an application to import for release genetically modified vaccines (Proteqflu and Proteqflu Te) to protect horses against Equine Influenza.
We want to ensure that news media representatives who attend the hearing receive our full assistance, including a reserved seat at the hearing, comprehensive background information on the application, information on the process, interviews with staff or other parties who are willing to be interviewed, and any other reasonable assistance we can provide.
Therefore we are asking news media organisations to register their intent to send a reporter or news crew to the hearing, by contacting me on or before Monday 6 October.
It is a public hearing, and you can simply turn up on the day. However, we can help you obtain better information if you let us know in advance. I look forward to hearing from media organisations that expect to attend.
Lesley Meadows, Communications Manager, ERMA New Zealand.
¨ Telephone +64 4 918 4835 ¨ Mobile 021 224 3304
¨ Facsimile +64 4 914 0433
¨ Email: lesley.meadows@ermanz.govt.nz
Some General Information About ERMA Hearings
Hearings are held so the Environmental Risk Management Authority can
be fully informed on an application under the Hazardous Substances and
New Organisms Act, and can gain additional information from the
applicant and submitters who have requested an opportunity to speak to
their submissions.
The Authority is a semi judicial body and therefore Hearing Committee
members do not comment on applications. We can arrange for a senior
staff member to talk about process, if asked with reasonable notice.
Seats will be provided in the hearing room for the news media.
Space will be available for conducting interviews.
Copies of relevant papers may be available beforehand. They will be
available at the hearing.
No cameras (still or video) or tape recordings are permitted after
proceedings are formally under way. However, if requested our staff will
help media obtain shots before the start of proceedings or during the
breaks.
The Authority’s decision is usually available within 30 working days of
a hearing.
More information is available at:
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/media-policy.html
Information About the Equine Flu Application and Hearing
A public hearing on an application to use a genetically
modified equine influenza vaccine has been scheduled to be held:
Tuesday 7 October, 9am - approximately 2pm.
Te Aro Room 1, Terrace Conference Centre, L4 St John's House, 114 The
Terrace, Wellington
Public submissions on the application have now closed. A total of
29 submissions were received. Seven submitters
have requested to be heard.
ERMA New Zealand is preparing to produce an Evaluation and Review Report
on the application as a source of information to the Authority. It will
analyse the risks, costs and benefits of the GM vaccine. It will also
look at the types of conditions that could be placed on the vaccine if
it were to be approved. This will be available on 23 September on the
ERMA New Zealand website.
ERMA New Zealand's responsibility is limited to the GM micro-organism
component of the vaccine. Approval to use the vaccine must also be
obtained from the NZ Food Safety Authority's Agricultural Compounds and
Veterinary Medicines group.
Link to questions and answers regarding the application
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/archives/media-releases/2008/qandagm.html