Local groups lobbying against TPP

July 20th, 2014
[Press release]

The Renewables of Motueka, along with Nelson TPP Action, have been lobbying local government authorities and councils in respect to the public interest on free trade and investment treaties including TPP (Transpacific Partnership).

They have requested that LGNZ (Local Government New Zealand) include TPP in their election manifesto being presented to political parties at the LGNZ Conference being held over the next three days in Nelson.

The Renewables say this is a vitally important issues because while TPP addresses both trade issues and domestic regulatory concerns and standards, most of the 29 chapters in TPP are about non-trade matters.

"Each of these is a claim made on behalf of corporate and trade interests that we Kiwis alter our standards to provide opportunities to profit," says Renewables spokesman Greg Rzesniowiecki.

"Transnational corporations and trade interests have enormous influence over the USA trade negotiating position and use that to gain changes to our domestic law and international law and conventions that have application in New Zealand. Domestic trade interests also feature heavily in their lobby of our NZ negotiating position.

"This treaty is being negotiated in secret. What we know of it comes from leaks. We are told that people will be consulted on these potentially dramatic changes to our domestic laws only after the government has concluded the deal and signed the treaty.

"But Parliament cannot block its ratification. We are the ones who will be required to pay the increased prices that flow for products and services." The Renewables say this is a local government issue because local government will be significantly affected by a TPP treaty, and several local councils have passed resolutions which express these concerns.

"Many Councils are now calling on Local Government NZ to take a stand on TPP arising from The Renewables having placed the TPP issue before Councils in our 20th March open letter to all NZ Local Government and Territorial Authorities," says Greg.

"LGNZ provides a strong voice for local Government on issues which are both national and local. All national issues have a local effect.

"Local Government will face the rising costs associated with reforms, through free trade and investment agreements such as TPP. These they will seek to pass onto ratepayers through increased rates and taxes."

LGNZ recognises some of these impacts on its constituents and is taking steps to review methods of funding local and regional Councils (http://www.lgnz.co.nz/home/our-work/our-policy-priorities/3.-sustainable-funding/).

"It is in every Kiwi's interests that any free trade or investment agreements entered into by New Zealand governments upholds the public interest. We assert that public interest is the main criteria when assessing national interest.

"We will have a public presence at the Rutherford Hotel on Tuesday 22nd July from 8:30am to remind both Local Government and the political parties - who is their constituents. Our interests must be protected in free trade and investment treaties.

"We welcome everyone to attend our peaceful gathering."

Comment by Geoffrey Waring:
[Posted 21 July 2014]

Globalisation does not mean re-colonisation by stealth via the TPPA. Politicians need to be reminded they are servants of the people and the people are sovereign ... not any corporation or political party machine. The TPPA is a dangerous drift to fascism, defined as an alliance of corporate business and government.

Comment by Phil Grimmett:
[Posted 28 July 2014]

I note that the 'f' word, 'fascism' is becoming more prevalent in the media nowadays. I also noted a similar upsurge in usage of the 'c' word 'corrupt', over the past few years. Interesting times ahead folks!

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