The People’s Inquiry into the Impacts and Effects of Toxic Chemicals and Poisons on our People, Wildlife and Environment.
He Uiuinga e pā ana ki nga Pātanga me nga Tukinotanga a nga Matū Tāoke me nga Paitini ki ngā Tāngata, nga Kararehe Kōwao me te Taiao.
The People’s Inquiry 2020 resulted from a meeting held April 2019 which included organisers of the 2006 Peoples’ Inquiry into the Impacts and Effects of Aerial Spraying of Pesticide (Foray 48B) over Urban areas of Auckland, New Zealand. Then, in mid-November a strong alliance of people and organisations gathered in Auckland to form a committee and begin plans for the People’s Inquiry 2020.
The Inquiry is open from 2020 – 2021 and will be accepting written submissions from people in the following key areas:
- those negatively affected or harmed by toxic chemicals or poisons, and those wishing to give evidence about their own experiences or situations they have witnessed.
- scientists, researchers and other experts wishing to share their knowledge and expertise on the impacts and effects of toxic chemicals and poisons on the people, wildlife or environment.
- those working with, or wishing to present, non-toxic solutions and alternatives to toxic chemicals and poisons in use.
Read – The Terms Of Reference for The People’s Inquiry 2020
Why a People’s Inquiry?
Researchers and activists have been working tirelessly over many decades to create change and raise awareness around the issues of harm from toxic chemical exposure. However, the use of toxic chemicals continues and the harm created is still largely ignored by those in positions of authority.
This must change. We see a People’s Inquiry as a catalyst for that change. We see strength in a broad environmental alliance. This alliance is focused on a paradigm shift towards our shared aspiration for a truly clean, safe and sustainable environment for all.
The Inquiry is open to everyone in New Zealand, and all people are welcome to send in their written submission. The Inquiry will cover harm from chemical and poison exposure as well as existing and new innovative solutions to the problems of toxic chemical use. You can register your interest in making a submission here.
The Inquiry is modelled on The People’s Inquiry of 2005-2006 into the impacts and effects of aerial spraying pesticide over urban areas of Auckland, which was held in March 2006 in Waitakere City, Auckland, New Zealand.
The previous People’s Inquiry 2006 has provided a solid foundation of knowledge for the new Executive Committee into how to organise and run a People’s Inquiry for a new era. Back in 2006, the People’s Inquiry investigated the impacts and effects of aerial spraying pesticide over urban areas of Auckland. The details of that successful People’s Inquiry are archived and available to view here: peoplesinquiry.co.nz
Who are the organisers?
The People’s Inquiry 2020 is an alliance of organisations, groups and individuals working towards raising awareness about environmental health and the impacts of the use of toxic chemicals and poisons in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The Executive Committee includes several of the organisers of the The People’s Inquiry 2005-2006.
Meet the Executive Committee.
Supporting Organisations
We also give thanks to:
Aerial Vision – for donating film footage of Great Barrier Island for our People’s Inquiry Video. www.aerialvision.co.nz
Liquid Light Media – for donating professional services in film work, editing and photography. – www.joarmstrong.co.nz
What People Say
A paradigm shift in thinking towards a poison-free Aotearoa
Listen to a song “Ceasefire”, by Steph McKee 2019.
The Inquiry will also have a solutions-based focus. It will invite, encourage and welcome testimony from those working with established and newly developed solutions and innovations that will help us shift away from harmful practices to non-toxic sustainable ones
Hana Blackmore, Convener of the first NZ People’s Inquiry in 2006
We see strength in a broad environmental cross-disciplinary alliance focused on a paradigm shift towards our shared aspiration for a truly clean, safe and sustainable environment for all.
Asha Andersen, Flora and Fauna of Aotearoa Inc.
The People's Inquiry 2020 - Te Uiuinga a Ngā Tāngata 