February 12, 2016
Fox hoping TPP will trade fair
Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox says she’ll look for opportunities in the parliamentary process to shore up protections for Maori in the Trans Pacific Partnership.
New Zealand’s chief negotiator David Walker yesterday briefed the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade committee in what Labour MPs complained was more a selling operation rather than a way to get to the facts.
Ms Fox says the Maori Party commissioned advice from Maori law firm Kahui Legal, and is talking to the Government about ensuring the TPPA won’t affect protection of the environment, fresh water and getting action on the recommendations from the WAI 262 fauna and flora claim
She says the party isn’t against trade but it wants fair trade.
"If there is not distribution of wealth to all people then any free trade agreement isn't worth the salt to our people, who are experiencing poverty and hardship who are homeless right now and if the government does nothing to ensure that all people realise the benefits of free trade agreement including the TPP then they're a waste of time in my eyes," says Marama Fox.
Once the select committee has considered the agreement the Government will table law changes needed to bring the TPP into effect.
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