HOW DID THE INQUIRY COME ABOUT?
Since the early days of the first urban aerial spraying programme against the White spotted Tussock Moth in the eastern suburbs of Auckland in 1996, and the subsequent subject of this Inquiry, the Painted Apple Moth, there has been a consistent pattern of failing to hear the voice of the people being sprayed.
Their concerns and experience, particularly the adverse health effects, have been trivialised and dismissed and even basic human rights denied. Dissenting opinions within the scientific, medical and political fields on operational aspects of the government-conducted eradication campaigns have also been sidelined or silenced.
In spite of a number of community studies and reports over the years detailing these concerns, all requests to the Government for an official review or inquiry into the impacts and effects of the aerial spraying have been denied. The community decided the only option was to hold its own People’s Inquiry.
See Background to People’s Inquiry – Brief History
See Community Studies and Reports
WHO RAN THE PEOPLE’S INQUIRY?
The People’s Inquiry, which is now an incorporated society, was co-ordinated by a Steering Committee of members from the PAM (Painted Apple Moth) Community Network. The PAM community Network comprises representatives from nine community groups actively involved in the six year PAM eradication campaign.
See The People’s Inquiry Incorporated
WHAT DID THE INQUIRY CONSIDER?
This innovative and groundbreaking community Inquiry considered the impacts of urban aerial spraying programmes from a community perspective. It was heard in front of four commissioners of national and international standing with expertise in the areas of pesticide and chemical effects on human health, human rights, social, community and ecological impacts.
See Terms of Reference for full details of the scope and objectives of the Inquiry.
WHO DID IT HEAR?
The Inquiry considered information presented to it by members of the affected community, and community health workers and advocates who have been involved in the Painted Apple Moth programme. It also considered information from the community affected by the White Spotted Tussock Moth and Asian Gypsy Moth campaigns, and scientists and health personnel who come from, or contributed to, a community perspective.
HOW WAS IT FUNDED?
The Inquiry was entirely funded by the community and supporting individuals, groups, organizations and businesses. With a basic budget of $20,000 this target was achieved shortly before the Inquiry was held. The unswerving support of the Waitakere City Council and the free use of their Council chambers for the five days of hearings made it all possible on such a tight budget.
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
Publication of the Inquiry Report & Recommendations is the priority for the Executive of the Society. Its presentation to the community and supporters will be followed by detailed discussion of the best methods to fund and pursue the recommendations. Completing the documentation of the whole Inquiry process and outcomes will be the subject of a separate report. The use of the People’s Inquiry as a model for other communities to set up their own inquiries will be explored, set up and promoted as a special project.
See Terms of Reference for details of the post-Inquiry objectives.