Scientist does about turn on GE onions 

The Southland Times, 01 October 2003 
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,2676352a7693,00.html

A scientist who participated in early work to genetically engineer
onions – but has since turned her back on the technology – will speak
against the project in Gore next week. 
                             
Elvira Dommisse will return to her hometown for a one-night public
speaking engagement to discuss genetic engineering and its implications,
on the eve of a crown science company seeking approval for field trials
of GE onions. 
                             
From 1985 to 1993 Dr Dommisse worked for Crop and Food's predecessor,
helping set up the GE onion research as part of a PhD she later
completed while working at Crop and Food. Anna Butcher said yesterday
her sister left Crop and Food a decade ago because she no longer wanted
to play a part in research on the genetic engineering of food crops. 
                             
The decision to quit was based on several factors apparent at the time,
and her resolve to keep New Zealand free of GE crops had since been
strengthened through the increasing knowledge of the potential risks and
benefits. 
                             
Dr Dommisse, who teaches music and plays in the Christchurch Symphony
Orchestra, has remained involved in the GE debate and wrote a scientific
argument for the Greenpeace submissions to Erma in opposition to the
proposed field testing of GE onions. 

Public hearings on the application by Crop and Food will be held in
Christchurch on November 3.