19 JUNE 2015

No Gains for New Zealand under TPPA

National’s continued pursuit of the TPPA proves yet again they never intended to act in the best interests of New Zealanders, says New Zealand First.

“They have been so secretive that New Zealanders are getting more information about the TPPA by watching the drama unfold in American politics,” says Spokesperson for Trade Fletcher Tabuteau.

“The National government remains supportive of the TPPA despite the fact the US Congress today dropped measures intended to support workers who lost their jobs through deals like the TPPA.

“This National government has no backbone. They are content to wait and accept whatever terms the deal is going to offer.

“New Zealand First is in favour of trade, but National has yet to show which markets will be opening up to our producers.

“United States farmers get billions in handouts and Japanese farmers are the second most subsidised farmers in the world with $US45 billion every year in direct support. Even Canada supports its farmers to the tune of $US7.5 billion every year. Farmers getting these subsidies will not roll over and welcome our primary exports. New Zealand will gain little if anything.

“Certainly the South Korean free trade agreement is another example of just how little these deals achieve for our farmers.

“These countries have outfoxed Trade Minister Tim Groser and John Key.

“Foreign corporates are getting the better deal here – not New Zealanders. Unfortunately this is the kind of leadership we have come to expect from our government,” says Mr Tabuteau.

ENDS

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