Anger over Asia trade secrecy

Thousands have taken to the streets to protest the TPPA

Ten thousand Kiwis have hit the streets in protest, while thousands have jumped online to demand the Government open up about a secret trade agreement.

It is a contract called the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and involves 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region coming together to sign a proposed free-trade agreement.

The New Zealand Government has promised the pact will increase foreign investment and regional trading.

Leaked documents published on WikiLeaks, however, detail other side effects which could prove devastating for New Zealand.

Hawke's Bay Today asked readers how much they knew about the TPP and whether they were concerned. The online response showed many Kiwis were indeed worried.

Reader Phil Tasker-Poland wrote: "It's the most un-democratic legislative process to make laws and deals with overseas corporations and governments that will serve only a few very wealthy NZ citizens and seriously disadvantage the rest of us, this from a PM who is sending our soldiers to the most hostile and dangerous place on earth right now, in the name of democracy.

"Why, simply WHY, does JK need to keep it all as secretive as possible until it's all irreversibly put in place? He could at least explain that."

Another reader, Marty Stewart, wrote: "I know it's a corporate coup - it's not a trade agreement. It gives companies all the rights to make sure they can make money at any cost and anyone who dares question should be silenced.

"It's a huge worry because this secret agreement is going to take our rights away. Like Monsanto or Syngenta with GMOs, if the product is so good then label it.

"If this agreement is so good, then tell us exactly what's in it."