Whakatane

Date: 27th February 2004
Venue: Whakatane Motor Inn
34 Domain Road
Whakatane

• It is a subject ignored by 95% of the populace. It is too large an issue to let go by. Environment BOP are actively involved. Ten of 12 councillors engaged in this issue and are well informed about the issues. Council is keen to understand the Māori perspective.
• I am very critical of government processes. Often, a hui with small population can result in very rich discussions. Pity more of my age group are not here. Some are not here because they feel this topic is above them. The only way they can become informed is to participate in hui such as this.
• Communities have essentially uninformed conversations about, for example, human genes into cows and then eating the cow. But then we think about our tupuna kai tangata and how that relates to biotechnology and the debate over the use of human genes.
• Within our community of Ruatahuna, this technology is an absolute no-no.
• There are key people, Tohunga with points of view and knowledge on this issue who should be here, and it is important that they have a say.
• We have a escalating population and a world shortage of food. Perhaps genetic modification and biotechnology is an option for us. However we take a risk with this technology. In Aotearoa we don't have a shortage of food. The risk of this procedure and the risk from contamination of gene modifications are unknown. Will this mean we strip the mana of the person?
• The public is uninformed. This technology is not the same as hybridisation. The key difference with gene transfer and modification is that you cannot reverse what you have done.
• Māori have no knowledge of emerging biotechnologies. There is an information void on issues such as nanotechnology.
• When you inject genes into food it lasts longer and is bigger and looks better.
• My husband worked in maize. I was shocked to discover the beautiful tasting corn I was eating was GE, and this was in the mid 90's.
• Cancer is rife in this community. Some say this is because of the chemicals we put in our food.
• I'd like to see a correlation between what Māori refer to as Māori, and homeopathic.
• The thing that makes us different is the 'I' or the ego.
• If we transfer human genes into animals, we interfere with this life force, we give animals ego; we upset the balance.
• We come from the atua; everything derives from whakapapa. Everything has a mauri or essence. Some have the ability to whakatau mauri. Everything in this universe is interrelated. My whakapapa connects me to my maunga, my rivers, my whenua.
• The whakapapa of the kumara was connected to the rat. If there is a whakapapa connection such as this, it should be okay to transfer genes within genetically connected whanau.
• Organics are in greater demand these days. There is an issue with the cost of organics. Much is out of the price range of many people.
• I find it abhorrent that they cross boundaries of what is natural.
• My fear is that pharmaceutical crops will contaminate the food chain. Also, the ethics behind immunisation of populations through food without their knowledge.
• There is a real lack of understanding of what the scientists actually do as part of this research. Any information on this issue is shut down pretty quickly. There is also the real frustration of not being listened to.
• It is hard to find scientists who will truthfully explain what it is they are doing within their research.
• We are not totally opposed to this issue. We are very concerned about the risk and management.
• We have to be guarded that we are not bought by money. We need to exercise caution, re. the influence of the US.
• There is no integrity within government. They have taken the position that they know best when they know so little about spiritual and cultural implications.
• The ownership of people's genes is a huge issue. DNA is now being taken by international corporations seeking to place patents on them.
• I can understand the pursuit of this knowledge but it is how this knowledge is applied.
• Debating ownership of the gene. Who owns the gene.
• It is totally irresponsible that Ruakura can use the genes of any mammal except pigs to conduct research.
• But we eat these animals. What is the difference between eating a pig and genetic modification?
• The issues of containment of GM are important. There is no stability should something go wrong.
• The effectiveness of the Bioethics Council is in question.
• The ministerial call is when an issue is contentious, to seek advice on GM issues.
• How biased is the process?
• There is a level of complacency out there. People see one or two others pro-active on the issues and leave it to them.

Recommendations

• That the Bioethics Council is given teeth.
• Any applications should be heard within the local region and the council should be represented at the hearings.
• That research continue with the condition that the management and accountability of biotechnology development reflect the expectations of the community at a local level.
• That the burgeoning expertise within Māoridom be recognised and engaged in the decision making process.
• Human genes should not be allowed to (re)enter the food chain.

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