A diverse mix of organisations and individuals have formed a coalition to promote country of origin labelling (CoOL).

In Auckland’s Grey Lynn tomorrow two panels of speakers – one representing producers and the other consumers – will be opining on CoOL

Head of the consumer CoOLness group is economist and intrepid traveller Gareth Morgan. He’s joined by champion athlete Allison Roe, Consumer New Zealand chief executive Sue Chetwin and Green Party safe food campaigner Sue Kedgley.

The producers’ panel is made up of New Zealand Pork chief executive Sam McIvor, Horticulture New Zealand director and tomato grower Tony Ivicevich, Bay of Plenty nashi grower Mark Fort and dry stock farmer Max Purnell.

While HortNZ has been pushing to expand the country of origin labelling debate, it is using the next week to remind the government that producers are still waiting for details on a previously mooting voluntary CoOL regime.

Also involved in the promotion of the CoOL concept are the National Beekeepers’ Association, new Zealand Flower Growers Association and Organics Aotearoa New Zealand. In addition, the Green Party, Council of Trade Unions, Consumer New Zealand, Rural Women New Zealand, NZ Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women.

For those up to the CoOLness discussion, be at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on Richmond Rd between 12pm-2pm.

CoOLness guaranteed.