Protest against free trade

People have gathered in Red Square today to show their opposition to Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP).

The TPP is a free trade agreement proposed between 12 Asian and Pacific countries, including New Zealand and the United States.


People protesting in Red Square. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

Today's protest is one of 15 taking place around New Zealand.

Our Future spokesperson Edward Miller says concern about the TPPA crossed a number of areas of public life.

'Some are worried about the price of medicines, while others about the impacts on local libraries. Tangata whenua are battling to uphold their Treaty rights against foreign mining companies. City councillors and unions fear that more local jobs may go and workshops close as government buys offshore.

'But for many, it is simply a matter of democracy and sovereignty. The TPPA puts our sovereignty at risk, violates our democratic right to decide our own future, and wastes taxpayers' money that should be spent on social, not corporate, welfare. It needs to stop.”

Edward says after four years of talks, the corporate deal of the century – aka the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement – is still being negotiated in secret.

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