Well our "contamination action" went well, about 30 people showed up at the Whangarei Town Basin including quite a few kids. The local press (Northern Advocate) came along and took photos of our stall and GE FREE sausage sizzle and the kids releasing the balloons.
Rodney:
Four Balloons set off from Gulf Harbour on Sunday 3rd, perfect day but breeze from the South/West so we decided to wait for a better wind i.e. Northerly before releasing the rest. Regards, Margaret & Clare
Auckland:
12 balloons were released from Mt Eden. It looked fantastic from the piccies - see 'photos from auckland'. Steve & Karyn hard out untangling balloons apparently!
Pukekohe:
- went well with the whole school involved in the action. Thanks to Karyn for organising this one!
Hauraki:
-GE Free market day.. - The rain largely held off and we were situated in an excellent position (just ouside Paeroa Post office on main street) for all the Labour weekend traffic going back to Auckland. We had an organic sausage sizzle (Harmony meats) ; approximately 20 stalls . many many Madge balloons , Jeanette Fitzsimons spoke just before 12.00 when all the children present released their balloons the wind whipped them away smartly in the direction of Waihi/Whangamata. We all enjoyed the day and feel information was disseminated. The pressure must stay on this Govt throughout the coming year Jill Bradley (GE Free Hauraki)
Tauranga:
- we sent off 12 balloons with help of local children at 11 am on Saturday - fresh winds took the balloons off I dont know where...... No media returned our invitation to attend -however a circle of children and adults had a wonderful time sharing balloons and GE discussions.We took photos - All balloons labeled and freed to raise awareness where ever they landed. Merrill
Taupo:
went well if a tad cold & windy! 25 locals attended after 2 local papers printed our press releases. Thanks for organising this. Nick Fisher, Taupo GE Free
Palmerston North:
We released our ballons (Tuesday) at 12.30 as we couldnt get helium any sooner.Anyway Manawatu Evening Standard turned up and took photos and reporter to do a story. It was great fun seeing them go off into the ether.Margaret
Horowhenua:
- about 30 adults and children released 12 balloons at Otaki Community Gardens on the Saturday. It was a lovely action, local media turned up and the balloons headed for the hills. Gaye
Wairarapa:
We had a great four seasons in one day, around 100 people saw the launching of the balloons. Had ten stalls of all sorts and a great sausage sizzle. All our ballons took off at 12.10 because they all got tangled up. They went ahead of the southerly, hail storm that followed an hour later, all into the wild blue/grey yonder Woodville way!!! Our local papers took lots of photos. Hopefully the balloons will come down in a findable place. What I know is ours won't be found near Carterton ! Claire
Kapiti:
We had a very successful and very enjoyable picnic day on Labour Day. Over seventy there, more than half children who had a glorious time. We all found it relaxed, pleasant and laid back. The balloon release was done in a huge circle in a paddock, with little kids holding them in the centre. People were reminded we are into a new phase of celebrating and claiming NZ's GE Free status and that it is only people power that is going to win this campaign. We had a great day, a really nice friendly time and there were games and face painting and a puppet show for the children, courtesy of Te Ra parents. We'll be very interested to know if any of our tags are picked up. They headed for the hills in a strong westerly! Cheers, Barbara.
Wellington:
- The Madge balloon release was reported in the local newspaper and looked successful. Thanks Kara
Nelson:
attracted around 45 people, we had good weather and walked up the hill to the centre of New Zealand for our release. The little children released the balloons hanging on to them really well except for one which flew away ahead of time. Winds were due east so hopefully ballooons headed to Blenheim or Wellington. The Nelson Mail reporter and photographer also made the trek up the hill to take photos. We all picnicked on the hill after, a good action
Motueka:
our balloon release went well with about 20 people, and the press turned up as well. Went to take them out to the field opposite Hort Research where we were releasing them and 6 escaped prematurely, though as one of the group pointed out thats exactly what we were protesting about - unintended release! Anne
Buller:
- Pete Lusk, Buller Conservation group gave me some (8) gefreeballoons to dispatch which My daughter and I and a friend and reporter did on Tuesday 1pm from the railway ramps in Greymouth! We got our photos in the local paper "The Messenger' with a bit of a write up ,so some publicity! We did it on Tuesday as there were motorbike races in town on Labour day and also no helium! So they went up and inland pretty quickly I wonder where they went!!!???!! Anyhow... a great idea! FANTASTIC I am always keen to help out.
Christchurch:
The Monday event was cancelled due to bad weather so Tremane released the balloons midday Tuesday at Landcare, Lincoln. "Got some good photos with balloons attached their road sign blowing in the wind. One staff member came by and I explained what I was doing and it amused them. Ka kite, Tremane Barr"
Sorry if we have missed anyone that has given us feedback.
