The Community of Michael Park School, Ellerslie, Auckland - PDF document

The Community of Michael Park School, Ellerslie, Auckland Presentation to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee of Auckland Council on September 1 st , 2016. I am here today as a concerned parent, a representative of the Community of Michael Park School in Ellerslie, an Auckland resident and member of the wider global community. Thirty years ago the forbearers of Michal Park School community stood up for something that they believed in. In those days people knew enough to know the harmful effects they [chemicals] were having on their children. Today we know a lot more about what these chemicals can do to us, with the development of science. These people were pivotal in the 80’s and 90’s in calling a cease to chemical sprays. It was the deteriorating health of their children that motivated them. It was their perseverance as well as the commitment of the then council to work together that eventually brought about the Weed Management Policy of 1999 and no chemicals being used on the streets and in the parks. As parents don’t we all want what’s best for our children? As well as the right to decide what is good or not so good for them. To have

them grow in a safe environment. We cherish a chemical free environment for our children. When the children began to inquire about this matter, they had a lot to say about it. In part due to the fact that a few weeks ago the social studies lessons at their school were about how to speak up for something that you feel strongly about, via song/verse. But primarily because children are naturally curious about things and they are thinkers. These children have thought enough about this to write their own verse and they are very keen to share that with you now. They don’t want to be sprayed. They are asking you. Do you? Fiona McKee ============================================ A plea written and recited by the children of Class 5 and 7 of Michael Park School, Ellerslie, to Auckland Council. Two, four, six, eight… Please stop spraying us with Glyphosate! It pollutes our waters, It ruins our air, We don’t want it, Don’t you care?! Two, four, six, eight…

Please stop spraying us with Glyphosate! This is our planet This is our place We’ve only got one Lets not put it to waste! Two, four, six, eight Please stop spraying us with Glyphosate! We all need to feel safe To breathe our air Animals, people… I t’s so unfair ! Two, four, six, eight… Please stop spraying us with Glyphosate! You will be breathing it too! It will be everywhere! In the water and the ground It will eventually surround us. Two, four, six, eight… Please stop spraying us with Glyphosate. To watch the video of the presentations to Auckland Council see here: (Forward to 9.0 minutes in) http://councillive.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ video/010916-regional-strategy-and- policy-committee-items-05-part-01