​Thousands say 'no way' to TPPA

UPDATE: Te Waha Nui's video coverage of Auckland's Trans Pacific Partnership protest.

Thousands of Aucklanders displayed their opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP or TPPA) in a large central city protest yesterday.

Protest organiser Barry Coates, of lobby group It's Our Future, estimated the crowd to be around 10,000, with more conservative estimates putting it at 5000.

Law professor Jane Kelsey, seen here speaking to the crowd, said it was clear New Zealand has only got a "lose-lose" out of the TPPA. Photo: Michael Neilson

Beginning at Aotea Square at 1pm, the protesters braved the rain, umbrellas at the ready, and proceeded down Queen Street before rallying outside the US Consulate General on Customs Street East.

Musicians Tiki Taane and Moana Maniapoto sang for the crowd and a range of speakers gave their views on the TPP at Aotea Square.

Dr Joshua Freeman, of Ora Taiao – the New Zealand Climate and Health Council, spoke up against the TPP’s effects on the cost of medicine and its impact on climate change.

He said the TPP would “lock in business as usual”, protecting the fossil fuel industry and making a transition to a low-carbon economy impossible.

“It is an agreement that prioritises the short-term profits over securing the decent survival of future generations,” said Mr Freeman.

Outside the US Consulate General the crowd heard from Green MP Denise Roche, Māori Party co-leader Marama Fox, and Labour’s economic development spokesperson David Parker.

Ms Fox compared the struggle against the TPP with that of Māori and the Crown over the past 175 years.

“We don’t want our sovereignty stripped away anymore,” she said.

Mr Parker was met with mixed reactions as he spoke to the crowd, discussing Labour’s “bottom lines” for accepting a TPP.

“We will not support a TPP that undermines our sovereignty. The Treaty of Waitangi should trump the TPP,” he said.

But cries of “sell-out” and “no deal” came from the crowd that grew increasingly vocal as Mr Parker continued to speak.

"T-P-P-A, taking people's power away!" Protesters chanted as they moved down Queen Street. Along with the thousands marching, hundreds of onlookers lined the street as police escorted the peaceful protest. Photo: Michael Neilson

Law professor Jane Kelsey also spoke to the crowd.

“The talks are in a state of disarray already, it is clear New Zealand has only got a ‘lose-lose’ out of it, so it is time to walk away,” said Ms Kelsey.

Mr Coates said the turnout was amazing, especially given the rain.

“It shows that this campaign is reaching right through New Zealand society. It is not able to be dismissed as a particular group of anti-trade people, or a bunch of lefties, this is a citizens’ campaign,” he said.

AUT student Jay Acton was at the protest with a group of friends.

“I am here primarily to protest because it is secret and undemocratic, and I don’t think that is the way they should deal with something that will affect the whole country,” said Mr Acton.

The Auckland protest was one of 16 different actions that took place around the country today in opposition to the TPP.

The TPP is a trade liberalisation deal currently being negotiated between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.

If signed it will comprise 40 percent of the world’s trade, making it the largest economic agreement in the world.

The Kiwi versus Uncle Sam. At Aotea Square the crowd witnessed a dramatic battle between the two, with the Kiwi prevailing, much to the crowd's pleasure. Photo: Michael Neilson

The Government says the TPPA will be of huge benefit to New Zealand, especially if the country can gain more access to markets for its dairy products.

Negotiations fell over a week ago after disputes over dairy tariffs and intellectual property during a meeting in Maui.