Scientists outraged by GE tree vandalism

The Life Sciences Network has condemned the actions of "eco-terrorists" who broke into a genetically engineered tree trial on Monday.

Crown research institute Scion's base in Rotorua was breached and around 20 pine trees chopped down in an apparent protest.

Scion, which is a member of LSN, had been studying how 80 radiata pine and Norway spruce trees reproduce.

A hole was dug under the fence and a spade with a GE Free New Zealand sticker was left behind.

"The deliberate destruction of genetically modified trees at Scion is eco-terrorism and destroys knowledge and opportunity for all New Zealanders," LSN chairman Dr William Rolleston said.

"Scion is undertaking legal research which has been approved by the Environmental Risk Management Authority. The break-in at the research facility is an attempt by anti-GM fundamentalists to destroy years of hard work and the knowledge gained. Knowledge which is aimed at producing positive environmental, social or economic outcomes for New Zealand."

Soil and Health association spokesman Steffan Browning said today Biosecurity NZ had indicated it would investigate the breach, which the association hoped would lead to far more rigorous controls and compliance checks of the trial.

Dr Rolleston hopes it will lead to arrests.

"All New Zealanders should be concerned that a small fundamentalist minority stoops to break the law in an attempt to further its cause and send New Zealand back to the scientific dark ages. The perpetrators should be brought to justice with the full force of the law."

- NZPA