Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal to be signed in NZ

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key pictured with other leaders at a Trans Pacific Partnership leaders meeting. Photo / Alan Gibson

The controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal will be signed into existence in New Zealand.

Chile let the cat out of the bag early by announcing the signing last week, before officials were ready, leading to swift backpedaling from organisers.

But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has just confirmed an event will be held in Auckland in early February.

The exact date has yet to be announced, as some of the twelve signatory countries still need to finalise home country preparations for the deal to come into force.