12 Aug 2015 – Immediate Release

Issued by: Auckland TPPA Call to Action Group

Thousands to Rally Against Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

Thousands are expected to turn out to this Saturday’s protest rally and march in Auckland against the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), starting at 1pm in Aotea Square, as part of a nationwide day of action organised by itsourfuture.org.nz. The message is unequivocal: ‘TPPA – Walk Away’.

Advertising around the city has included light shows, street theatre and a massive banner drop off Watchman Island.

Barry Coates, who will MC the Auckland rally, says: “The silent majority is stirring. The movement of citizens concerned about the TPPA is growing. Across New Zealand people are mobilising this week in meetings, marches and rallies. They include lawyers and economists, doctors and librarians, from farms and businesses and from across the political spectrum. They are intelligent and well-informed, frustrated at the government’s patronising dismissal of TPPA critics as anti-trade.”

"The issues in the TPPA are becoming clearer as further leaks emerge and the government concedes that it will cost taxpayers more for medicines and give new protections to foreign investors. There are no big gains they can show for New Zealand’s farmers or businesses, and the costs for businesses and consumers are likely to be far higher."

“It is the loss of our sovereignty that will cost us the most. The TPPA is not in our interests. The negotiations are looking shaky and it is clear that our farmers will get little benefit. This week’s national day of action, including in Auckland, will send a simple message to the government: now it the time to walk away from the negotiations.”

The protest will begin with a rally in Aotea square at 1pm with music and street theatre. Speakers include Moana Maniapoto, one of the claimants in the Waitangi Tribunal challenge to the TPPA, and Professor Jane Kelsey. The march will end up at the US Consulate in Customs St East.

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