The New Zealand GE (genetically engineered) Free campaign is establishing a GE-Free register which allows all New Zealand residents and businesses to stake their claim for a GE free environment. The project has support from Greenpeace, Bio-gro New Zealand, GE Free New Zealand, the Green Party and many businesses.

The register will record the position of every property in the country whose owners or managers will not accept any risk of contamination on their property from GE crops grown on neighbouring properties. The criteria for a "neighbouring property" will be any property within the foraging range of Bees, currently set at 8 kms, on advice from the National Beekeepers Association of New Zealand.

As registrations are entered into the database an interactive New Zealand map will be filled in with corresponding "no go" areas around each property. These "no go" areas will be represented on the map by a green 8 kms radius circle.

The GE free register map will be used to pressure Councils and the Government to declare New Zealand a GE-free environment. We believe that a map, that gradually fills up with green "no go" areas during the run up to the Government making a decision will be a powerful tool, a media focus and an inspiration for the GE Free campaign.

How people can register

• On our website at http://www.gefreeregister.co.nz
• By Phone on 09 4388 649
• Maps will be set up throughout the country at business or offices that support a GE free environment.

Funding
The register is being run on a voluntary basis by Chris Bone from Mamaki Eco-village and Anna Murphy, a local Green Party member and local body election candidate. Funds are being raised by donations, the sale of "Proud to be GE Free" Gate signs and business sponsorships

Chris Bone ( chris@gefreeregister.co.nz ).