Saturday 15 August 2015

Happening NOW

People are turning out in Auckland, despite the weather

Thousands demonstrate against the TPPA

Here are some early pictures


Thousands are gathering at Aotea square to say TPPA No Way despite the dodgy weather




Thousands expected to rally against TPP


"Minister of Trade Tim Groser. Photo / NZME.Minister of Trade Tim Groser. Photo / NZME.
15 August, 2015

Thousands of people are expected to rally against the Trans-Pacific Partnership in both Auckland and Christchurch today.
More than 9000 people have RSVP'd to the Auckland event on Facebook, saying they'll be in the city to vent their rage.
The rally begins at Aotea Sq at 1pm and will be followed with a march to the US Consulate.
Barry Coates will act as MC and said there has been a rising wave of public concern about the behind-closed-doors trade deal.
"It comes from across society. It comes from lawyers, economists, public health specialists - a range of places," he explained.
"We're really hoping there's going to be a big turn out so we can send a strong message."
He's also delighted Americans living here have been given a warning about the gathering.
The US Consulate has advised US citizens to avoid the area, saying even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational. Mr Coates said the alert has had the opposite effect.
"We're very grateful to the US Consulate for spreading the word. We've heard back from a lot of people who are planning to join the march and received the letter, so it was a useful reminder to them."
Christchurch's movement will kick off at 12pm, going along Riccarton Rd.
Organisers are expecting slightly smaller turn out compared to Auckland's event, with only 3000 people anticipated.
Spokesperson Gen de Spa warned motorists to avoid Riccarton Rd and use alternative routes.
Despite the warning, she said it's ultimately about getting the message across.
"The idea for us is that people are hearing about it because they are being held up and interrupted in their busy day," she explained.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.