Rallies against the TPPA

Thousands rally against TPP

Radio NZ,

7 March, 2015

Thousands of people marched in towns and cities around New Zealand today protesting against the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership.

In Auckland, protesters first gathered in Myers Park to listen to speeches about how the deal will erode the country's sovereignty and disadvantage low-income earners.

TPPA rally in Wellington   Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp

The crowd then marched, led by a giant wooden horse with TPPA written on it, down Queen Street to outside the United States Consulate General on Customs Street.

The Master of Ceremonies for the event, Barry Coates, said citizens' rights will be reduced under the TPPA.

Protesters on Riccarton Road, Christchurch  Photo: RNZ / Patrick Phelps

He said said under an agreement, an international tribunal above New Zealand's court system will rule on a number of important economic issues.

Maori Party politician Marama Fox who marched in protest against the Trans-Pacific Partnership in Christchurch said discussion of the deal must become public.

TPPA rally in Auckland   Photo: RNZ / Henry Aland

Ms Fox said discussion about the deal needs to be public, not behind closed doors and the government must be questioned on the nature of the deal, and that economic prosperity should not be at all and any costs.

In Wellington, hundreds of people marched from Midland Park to Parliament.

Similar rallies last November attracted about 10,000 protesters.

Protestors on Riccarton Street, Christchurch.