Maryan STREET
Foreign Affairs, Trade and
Overseas Development Assistance Spokesperson
Thursday, 31 March 2011
MEDIA STATEMENT
Government must defend New Zealand’s interests in TPP talks
The leaked text on intellectual property, copyright and parallel importing in the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations
requires an emphatic rejection from the New Zealand government, says Opposition Trade Spokesperson, Maryan Street.
“Intellectual property was always going to be one of those areas to be closely watched in the TPP negotiations. The
secrecy surrounding these provisions is of real concern. The leaked United States provisions are plainly not in New
Zealand’s interests. The leaked draft on medicines, copyright and patent law would increase costs for all New
Zealanders,” said Maryan Street.
“If these provisions were to be adopted, they would have the effect of pushing up the price of pharmaceuticals, amongst
other things. Parallel imports of branded goods such as shoes would cost more. We need the government to be explicit and
unequivocal in their rejection of these clauses, especially as they affect the price of products Kiwis need,” said
Maryan Street.
“At a time when the cost of living is soaring, the last thing Kiwi families need is the government agreeing to deals
which make life harder, not easier,” she said.
“Trade agreements must work for Kiwis – that is the government’s responsibility when negotiating on our behalf. Labour
is in favour of good trade agreements like the one with China, in which we protected New Zealand’s interests, including
land sales,” she said.
ENDS