Media Release: 2 Aug 2015 – Immediate Release
Issued by: TPPA Auckland Call to Action Group

Concerned Citizens Chained to Museum in Protest of NZ Signing TPPA

The stalling of yesterday’s TPPA negotiations in Maui provide light relief for the citizens of New Zealand, but we cannot be complacent in thinking that our Government will not continue on signing our country up to a deal that may be detrimental for generations to come.

Seven concerned citizens have chained themselves to one another outside of the Auckland War Memorial Museum in protest at our Government’s intent to sign the TPPA without consulting democratic processes. “The TPPA undermines the sovereignty and democracy of our country. It will take away our freedom of choice and leave us vulnerable to the whims of foreign corporations with no right to appeal’’ protester Kathleen Lafferty.

The Museum has been chosen as it is symbolic of our country’s pioneering history, including the many lives lost in protecting our sovereignty. If New Zealand is signed up to the TPPA, all our history could be in vain, we need to protect our history as well as our future.

Protesters have adorned words on their t-shirts which represent the values that are being lost through the current undemocratic process our Government has undertaken so far, some of these values include honesty, sincerity, compassion and justice.

Therefore a call for full transparency in what the TPPA holds for New Zealand is being made. “It’s about the democratic process. The TPPA has the potential to have such a large impact on everyday New Zealanders that it needs to be debated in Parliament so we can all make sure that appropriate safeguards are in place, within a NZ context” says Rosie Gee.

If Malaysia are willing to show their citizens the text of the TPPA and hold a vote in their parliament, then protesters urge Prime Minister Key and Trade Minister Groser to do the same. With the revelations from Mr Key and Mr Groser over the past week, New Zealand cannot trust them to sign a deal where the benefits will outweigh the detrimental effects. Release the text for all New Zealand citizens to see and have their say!

Ends

For further information contact: tppaaucklandactiongroup@gmail.com

© Scoop Media