Editorial: Rotorua snoozing on TPP

While the rest of the country was protesting the TPP, it appears Rotorua slept in. Pictured is the protest in the Bay of Plenty.

While the rest of the country got out on to the streets to protest against the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal on Saturday it seems Rotorua slept in and forgot about the demonstrations.

That seems a little strange considering Trade Minister Tim Groser's right-hand man and Associate Minister Todd McClay is Rotorua's MP.

Fletcher Tabuteau is our New Zealand First list MP based in Rotorua and is also an outspoken opponent of the deal. Where was he?

The Rotorua electorate's Labour Party spokesman Tamati Coffey did his protesting in Tauranga where hundreds turned out for the event.

In fact, protesters took to the streets in 20 towns and cities across the country.

What happened Rotorua?

I'm sure there are people here who are unhappy with the Government's secret trade deal.

I'm not saying people had to get up and protest. I just wondered where they were.

While Mr Groser's arrogance on this issue is unquestionable, the fact is we know very little about the deal, as it is still a secret.

Bits and pieces have been leaked during the last few years, but the nuts and bolts surrounding the deal are still under wraps.

We've been told it's going to be great for the regions. What's so great about it? I'd really like to know.

But one thing is for sure, I, like many other New Zealanders, want to know what's in the deal before it's signed and sealed.

If it's going to be a great deal for us then why not tell us what it is?

I may be a bit naive, but I like to think we can trust our politicians. After all that's why they were voted into positions of responsibility.

But they have to be responsible to us, the voters. And if the voters want to know what's in the deal then they should tell us. It's our right to know.