Nicola Young: We must fight this secret treaty

SPEAKING OUT: There was such a cross-section of people present - young and old, Maori and Pakeha, people from across the political spectrum, even a wet dog joined in at the Majestic Square protest. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

I hope the rain, hail and wind stays away for the TPPA protesters marching to Parliament in Wellington today.

Last weekend I was among the Whanganui crowd who braved the freezing weather to walk from the market to Majestic Square to be part of the movement against this contentious agreement.

I haven't previously written about the TPPA - the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement - because I try to only write about things I know something about so my column can stand up to a little scrutiny. The TPPA still doesn't fit that criteria and I guess that's the point.

It's being negotiated in secrecy. Initially, I thought it's hard to argue against some level of confidentiality in a trade agreement. How can you get a good deal if everyone can see the cards you're holding? But I've adjusted my position.

The problem is the fundamental approach - our elected MPs don't get to review the conditions and implications, while apparently representatives of major international corporates do. The conditions of the agreement stay secret for four years after it's signed. The Prime Minister has been denying concerns coming out only through leaks - although in the past weeks he has acknowledged there is some truth in them, like the cost of medication.

One of the major concerns raised by respected academics like professor of law Jane Kelsey is that foreign investors could sue our Government for compensation if they believe new laws or policies would significantly hurt their investments. This would both cost us, the taxpayer, and potentially impact on our independence to develop policy solutions that create a healthy country. This is already happening in Australia, with their government being tested on their plain packaging for cigarettes.

The latest hiccup in the negotiations is apparently linked to New Zealand not being prepared to meet the demands on trade conditions around the dairy industry. If we keep negotiating, compromise surely is a given. Is there still a chance they can walk away? Our farmers won't appreciate another kick in the guts, with the dive in global milk prices.

Last Saturday's local protest saw our own Dr Chris Cresswell speak out. He and others from the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, as well as the NZ Nurses Organisation and the NZ Medical Association, have serious concerns about the potential impact of the TPPA on Kiwis' access to drugs and the price they will have to pay. These are not politically driven or anti-trade organisations. They are made up of educated, intelligent people who have committed their careers to caring for others.

However, Dr Chris didn't leave us feeling like it was hopeless. He reminded us of the rapid progress our society had made of late, using examples like banning smoking in bars and legalising same-sex marriage.

Fellow columnist Terry Sarten serenaded us with the classic Australian protest song From Little Things Big Things Grow. I don't think this is a little thing though - the crowd that turned up in Whanganui was huge, given our community's size and the atrocious weather. And there was such a cross-section of people present - young and old, Maori and Pakeha, people from across the political spectrum, even a wet dog joined in.

It felt good to be part of a diverse group ready to stick to its principles, rain or shine. So I'm expecting great things at today's protests around the country. It might be the Springbok Tour of our generation. "Where did you stand on the TPPA?" might be a question our children ask of us.

-Nicola Young has worked in the government and private sectors in Australia and NZ, and now works from home in Taranaki for a national charitable foundation. Educated at Wanganui Girls' College, she has a science degree and is the mother of two boys.