Protest to reinforce TPPA opposition

Marama Meikle

Rotorua people who don't agree with the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) are being encouraged to turn out this weekend to help send a clear message to the Government.

The event on Saturday is part of a nationwide "day of action" against the TPPA.

It will start at the Kuirau Park Courts at 10.30am and is expected to take about two hours.

The Rotorua event is being organised by Marama Meikle, who said there was an growing concern about the impact of the agreement on many aspects of New Zealand life.

"The evidence I have to date indicates that the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement is the work of private corporations looking to usurp the citizens sovereignty of member nations making all treaties and constitutions subservient to the wants and desires of the corporations involved, and not in the best interests or wellbeing of the citizens of participating nations. The most disturbing aspect of all this is the delegates' refusal to disclose to the public anything about the content of the agreement or how it will affect New Zealand, her peoples and their sovereignty."

She said it followed on from a march held in Rotorua in November, which attracted about 200 people.

"Last November 10,000 New Zealanders told Prime Minister John Key he has no right to make this deal in our name. He ignored us, so we are sending him an even stronger message on Saturday."

The theme of the national day of action is "TPPA: No Deal". Speakers include Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty, Rotorua-based NZ First MP Fletcher Tabuteau and Mana Party's Annette Sykes.

Rotorua's Potaua Baisiny-Tule from TangataWhenua.com will also speak.

Ms Delahunty will later speak at the Rotorua Arts Village on gold exploration.