Media Release TPP policy solution adopted by Hutt City Council 24-3-2015

A packed gallery of locals on Tuesday 24th March witnessed Hutt City Council become the 7th New Zealand Council to support the public interest TPP policy originally adopted by Auckland in December 2012. Hutt City joins Nelson, Tasman, Christchurch, Dunedin, and last month Wellington City Council.

Speakers in Council's public forum offered support to the Council's adoption of the policy.

Greg Rzesniowiecki of TPP Action thanked the Council for allowing its forums consider the TPP implication and urged Councillors to unite behind the Mayor's recommendaton..

Local Wainuiomata resident Mick McCrohon, “Medical professionals viewed the TPP negotiations suspiciously, knowing that Transnational Corporations influenced the 12 Nations in TPP negotiations. They were concerned at the undermining of Pharmac and the introduction of longer patent periods for pharmacueticals."

Lower Hutt small businessman Antony Maddock drew comparisions with the Wellington Super City project, “The Supercity proposal will diminish local democracy. TPP is like Wellington Super City forced onto the 12 TPP Nations, only much worse as it is worked out behind closed doors. If it is so good the negotiators should place it in front of the public not negotiate in secret."

The TPP policy was moved by Mayor Ray Wallace who said, “this Council has a proud record of fighting for and protecting local democracy and that is why I believe we must support the “12 points of policy” to ensure locals are protected by any international agreement particularly in the area of health with Pharmac. Anything that undermines that undermines the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our society. We are a democracy and the '12 points of policy' endeavours to strengthen and protect our democracy."

A group of Councillors led by Cr Max Shierlaw were opposed moving an amendment that would have rejected the Mayor's recommendation of the 12 point resolution. After a lengthy debate involving most Councillors the amendment was rejected.

Council then voted 8 to 5 in favour of adoption of the TPP policy solution.

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