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TPPA developments in New Zealand
Last
night I attended a public meeting where the two keynote speakers were
Jane Kelsey from Auckland University and Lori Wallach of Global Trade
Watch in the United States.
Apart
from going through the main arguments as to the purported economic
“beneftts” and how this will affect New Zealand's (other other
signatories') sovereigny there were two points that were clear to me.
One
was,with the determination of this government to sign the agreement
and lock this country in the fate of the TPPA depends on what happens
in other countries. There is consderable opposition to the Agreement
in the United States from both Democrat and Republican sides,
(despite the passing of Fast Track) – each for their own reasons as
well as opposition in other countries.
For
it to come into effect there has to be agreement from the United
States plus Japan as well as one or two other players such as,
perhaps Canada and Australia.
The
position of the United States is
the most important and that country's role as a blakmailer and bully.
A trade agreement between South Korea and the US went into abeyance
for several years for internal US considerations despite the Koreans
having agreed. When the US came back to the negotiations they came
with new DEMANDS despite
the earlier agreement.
There
is a lesson to be learned for countres such as New Zealand and other
smaller players.
Below
is a video of Jane Kelsey's preentation in Auckland the night before
as well as media coveage of the event.
I
shall post material from Lori Wallach in a seperate post.
This
is followed by some of the headlines from the last day or so.
Late last night info came in that the Sky City signing of the TPPA is being moved, if anyone can provide any further info into this that would be great, and also thought must share this info as many maybe traveling to the signing and is important destination is correct!!!
Don't rush into TPP, US critic
tells Kiwis
Lori
Wallach addresses the audience at the Anti - TPP town hall meeting.
Photo / Michael Craig
16
January, 2016
A
leading American critic of the Trans Pacific Partnership, Lori
Wallach, said New Zealand should not rush into the TPP because there
were not the numbers to pass it in the United States Congress.
It
was not a done deal and could yet become a "5000-page
doorstop."
She
could not understand why the New Zealand Government was pushing the
deal so strongly as it was not a done deal.
It
had very little upside for New Zealand and enormous downsides, she
told a meeting of about 1000 at the Auckland Town Hall tonight.
Yet
New Zealand had been one of the most enthusiastic.
"So
I thought it was really important to dig out of the snow and come
and say 'guys this is far from a done deal and your
Government is trying to run you guys towards a cliff.
"This
is no done deal - this is likely to be an undone deal. "
New
Zealand might change its laws to meet the terms of an agreement that
might never get finished.
"And
you'll have screwed yourselves over by passing that law," she
said.
"So
for God's sake don't go rushing into this because in all likelihood
it ain't going to happen."
Lori
Wallach is the director of the Washington-based Public Citizen
Global Trade Watch Group and tonight began a speaking tour with
Auckland University law professor Jane Kelsey against the TPP.
Lori
Wallach addresses the audience at the Anti - TPP town hall meeting.
Photo / Michael Craig
16
January, 2016
A
leading American critic of the Trans Pacific Partnership, Lori
Wallach, said New Zealand should not rush into the TPP because there
were not the numbers to pass it in the United States Congress.
It
was not a done deal and could yet become a "5000-page
doorstop."
She
could not understand why the New Zealand Government was pushing the
deal so strongly as it was not a done deal.
It
had very little upside for New Zealand and enormous downsides, she
told a meeting of about 1000 at the Auckland Town Hall tonight.
Yet
New Zealand had been one of the most enthusiastic.
"So
I thought it was really important to dig out of the snow and come
and say 'guys this is far from a done deal and your
Government is trying to run you guys towards a cliff.
"This
is no done deal - this is likely to be an undone deal. "
New
Zealand might change its laws to meet the terms of an agreement that
might never get finished.
"And
you'll have screwed yourselves over by passing that law," she
said.
"So
for God's sake don't go rushing into this because in all likelihood
it ain't going to happen."
Lori
Wallach is the director of the Washington-based Public Citizen
Global Trade Watch Group and tonight began a speaking tour with
Auckland University law professor Jane Kelsey against the TPP.
She
suggested that discontent in the United States on issues such as the
period of exclusivity for biologic drugs or barring tobacco companies
from investor-state dispute settlement could be changed in
side-letters between the US and other countries.
That
was how binding changes could be made to an agreement without opening
up the text for renegotiation.
She
also said the investor-dispute settlement (ISDS) rules were an
enormous risk.
She
disputed the New Zealand Government's claim that ISDS - allowing
disputes to be settled by private tribunal - would not attract cases.
While
the US has had 50 agreements with ISDS and had had hardly any
challenges over 50 years, there were now more than 50 a year. And
under TPP - an agreement of 12 countries - it would double its
exposure with 9500 new corporations from TPP countries being a
possible new threat.
And
while New Zealand had had no ISDS cases taken against it, it could
face exposure to 1608 United States companies - and the US was the
most litigious country in the world.
"This
is brand new liability. So when your Government says 'we've never
been sued,' I say 'hold on to your wallet and your tax dollars
because if TPPA happens, it is just a matter of time."
She
suggested that discontent in the United States on issues such as the
period of exclusivity for biologic drugs or barring tobacco companies
from investor-state dispute settlement could be changed in
side-letters between the US and other countries.
That
was how binding changes could be made to an agreement without opening
up the text for renegotiation.
She
also said the investor-dispute settlement (ISDS) rules were an
enormous risk.
She
disputed the New Zealand Government's claim that ISDS - allowing
disputes to be settled by private tribunal - would not attract cases.
While
the US has had 50 agreements with ISDS and had had hardly any
challenges over 50 years, there were now more than 50 a year. And
under TPP - an agreement of 12 countries - it would double its
exposure with 9500 new corporations from TPP countries being a
possible new threat.
And
while New Zealand had had no ISDS cases taken against it, it could
face exposure to 1608 United States companies - and the US was the
most litigious country in the world.
"This
is brand new liability. So when your Government says 'we've never
been sued,' I say 'hold on to your wallet and your tax dollars
because if TPPA happens, it is just a matter of time."
"A propaganda exercise"
Jane
Kelsey, New Zealand's leading campaigner against TPP over the five
years it was negotiated, took her place at the lectern with a stuffed
toy - a "dead rat" she has called Tim, after former Trade
Minister Tim Groser has talked of New Zealand having to swallow dead
rats.
She
said the national interest analysis on the TPP released today by the
Government was "devoid of any independent insight" because
it was drafted by the officials who negotiated the agreement.
"It
is nothing more than a propaganda exercise," she said.
She
said the $2.7 billion estimated increase in gdp by 2030 would be, on
current growth rates, a mere 0.9 per cent of gdp in 2030.
Next
Thursday the Trade Minister of the TPP countries would sign the deal
- but that was the end of it.
The
national interest assessment would be presented to the House and
legislation drafted - but it could not come into force for at least
two years.
"We
need to make our voices heard from that for at least the next two
years."
Politicians
from Labour, the Greens, New Zealand First and the Maori Party spoke
as well.
Jane
Kelsey, New Zealand's leading campaigner against TPP over the five
years it was negotiated, took her place at the lectern with a stuffed
toy - a "dead rat" she has called Tim, after former Trade
Minister Tim Groser has talked of New Zealand having to swallow dead
rats.
She
said the national interest analysis on the TPP released today by the
Government was "devoid of any independent insight" because
it was drafted by the officials who negotiated the agreement.
"It
is nothing more than a propaganda exercise," she said.
She
said the $2.7 billion estimated increase in gdp by 2030 would be, on
current growth rates, a mere 0.9 per cent of gdp in 2030.
Next
Thursday the Trade Minister of the TPP countries would sign the deal
- but that was the end of it.
The
national interest assessment would be presented to the House and
legislation drafted - but it could not come into force for at least
two years.
"We
need to make our voices heard from that for at least the next two
years."
Politicians
from Labour, the Greens, New Zealand First and the Maori Party spoke
as well.
Grant Robertson: Agreement undermines NZ's sovereignty
Labour
finance spokesman Grant Robertson the Government had undertaken a
"secretive, exclusory, unaccountable process driven by the
galactic ego and arrogance of Tim Groser."
He
quoted from the national interest analysis the sentence he said
identified the source of Labour's objection.
"The
agreement places new limitations on Government's ability to modify
New Zealand's policy settings to ensure they are appropriate for our
domestic circumstances."
"That
is the nub of the problem here," he said. It undermined
sovereign rights.
It
could, for example, prevent a Government legislation to get proper
public broadcasting.
He
said the agreement undermined New Zealand's sovereignty and while
there were modest economic benefits from TPP "you cannot put a
price on our democratic and constitutional freedoms to make our own
law."
Labour
finance spokesman Grant Robertson the Government had undertaken a
"secretive, exclusory, unaccountable process driven by the
galactic ego and arrogance of Tim Groser."
He
quoted from the national interest analysis the sentence he said
identified the source of Labour's objection.
"The
agreement places new limitations on Government's ability to modify
New Zealand's policy settings to ensure they are appropriate for our
domestic circumstances."
"That
is the nub of the problem here," he said. It undermined
sovereign rights.
It
could, for example, prevent a Government legislation to get proper
public broadcasting.
He
said the agreement undermined New Zealand's sovereignty and while
there were modest economic benefits from TPP "you cannot put a
price on our democratic and constitutional freedoms to make our own
law."
"It's about power
Greens'
co-leader Metiria Turei said the point of the TPP was "to take
power away from democratically elected Government, to give it to
multinational corporations" and where their interests clashed
with the interests of New Zealand, the investors interests would come
out on top. "It's not about trade; it's about power."
Greens'
co-leader Metiria Turei said the point of the TPP was "to take
power away from democratically elected Government, to give it to
multinational corporations" and where their interests clashed
with the interests of New Zealand, the investors interests would come
out on top. "It's not about trade; it's about power."
Marama Fox: Issue unifying for Kiwis
Maori
Party co-leader Marama Fox said the issue had been unifying because
now people might understand how Maori felt to have lost their
sovereign rights.
"We
have been fighting this fight for 175 years."
The
party objected to the Government having the power in the TPP to
interpret what rights were under the Treaty of Waitangi.
There
had been an irrational fear in New Zealand that if you give Maori
more rights it would take away others' rights, or that Maori "might
do to us what we have done to them."
"That
is wrong. We want to live in a country where we recognise our duality
of nationhood, that we are here as partners."
Maori
Party co-leader Marama Fox said the issue had been unifying because
now people might understand how Maori felt to have lost their
sovereign rights.
"We
have been fighting this fight for 175 years."
The
party objected to the Government having the power in the TPP to
interpret what rights were under the Treaty of Waitangi.
There
had been an irrational fear in New Zealand that if you give Maori
more rights it would take away others' rights, or that Maori "might
do to us what we have done to them."
"That
is wrong. We want to live in a country where we recognise our duality
of nationhood, that we are here as partners."
"Undermining NZ business"
New
Zealand First's Fletcher Tabuteau claimed that New Zealand First had
been the most vocal against the TPP and the most consistent.
He
said ISDS would give multi-national corporates an unfair advantage
over New Zealand companies in New Zealand because only they would
have access to ISDS.
He
suggested that minimum wage measures or environmental laws passed by
the Government could trigger the ISDS and let overseas companies sue
the Government but New Zealand companies would have to "like it
and lump it."
"It
will undermine New Zealand business into the future."
He
said National still had the numbers to approve the national interest
analysis but opponents of the TPP needed to talk to National MPs.
"Some
of those National MPs must fold under your pressure."
New
Zealand First's Fletcher Tabuteau claimed that New Zealand First had
been the most vocal against the TPP and the most consistent.
He
said ISDS would give multi-national corporates an unfair advantage
over New Zealand companies in New Zealand because only they would
have access to ISDS.
He
suggested that minimum wage measures or environmental laws passed by
the Government could trigger the ISDS and let overseas companies sue
the Government but New Zealand companies would have to "like it
and lump it."
"It
will undermine New Zealand business into the future."
He
said National still had the numbers to approve the national interest
analysis but opponents of the TPP needed to talk to National MPs.
"Some
of those National MPs must fold under your pressure."
TPP
analysis confirms sovereignty at stake
The
release of old and outdated information about the Trans Pacific
Partnership will disappoint the many New Zealanders who want
transparency around this controversial deal, Opposition Leader Andrew
Little says.
“The
National Impact Analysis made public today is nothing new.
“It
merely reinforces the marginal gains New Zealand will make – less
than 1 per cent of GDP by 2030.
“This
is a small economic gain and at the same time our sovereignty is
being compromised.
“This
analysis confirms the Trans Pacific Partnership will prevent future
governments making laws in the interest of New Zealand.
“The
public is still in the dark over what this deal means for Pharmac and
the future cost of medicines.
“Labour
has been behind some of New Zealand’s most successful genuine free
trade agreements but this goes far beyond just trade.
“National
knows many Kiwis people are opposed to this deal. That is why –
despite saying last week they wouldn’t release further details –
they have panicked and rushed out this tired old spin,” Andrew
Little says.
TPP
analysis confirms sovereignty at stake
The
release of old and outdated information about the Trans Pacific
Partnership will disappoint the many New Zealanders who want
transparency around this controversial deal, Opposition Leader Andrew
Little says.
“The
National Impact Analysis made public today is nothing new.
“It
merely reinforces the marginal gains New Zealand will make – less
than 1 per cent of GDP by 2030.
“This
is a small economic gain and at the same time our sovereignty is
being compromised.
“This
analysis confirms the Trans Pacific Partnership will prevent future
governments making laws in the interest of New Zealand.
“The
public is still in the dark over what this deal means for Pharmac and
the future cost of medicines.
“Labour
has been behind some of New Zealand’s most successful genuine free
trade agreements but this goes far beyond just trade.
“National
knows many Kiwis people are opposed to this deal. That is why –
despite saying last week they wouldn’t release further details –
they have panicked and rushed out this tired old spin,” Andrew
Little says.
Trans-Pacific Partnership: Ngati Whatua won't take part in powhiri
"
Piripi
Davis (L), chairman of the tribe's Orakei trust board, said its
"strong opposition" to the TPP meant it would not
participate in welcoming ceremonies. Photo / Dean Purcell
28 January, 2015
Ngati Whatua says it
will refuse to take part in any powhiri for international trade
ministers when they visit New Zealand to sign the Trans-Pacific
Partnership on February 4 because it opposes the agreement.
Piripi Davis, chairman
of the tribe's Orakei trust board, said its "strong opposition"
to the TPP meant it would not participate in welcoming ceremonies
when ministers from the 12 TPP countries gather in Auckland for the
signing.
A spokeswoman said the
iwi had not yet been asked if it would take part in the powhiri, but
in the past it had done so for visiting dignitaries as it had mana
whenua status in central Auckland.
It was letting the
Government know ahead of time that it would not take part.
Mr Davis said the iwi
had supported New Zealand's bid to win a seat on the United Nations
Security Council.
"We hosted dozens
of UN ambassadors on our marae and welcomed them in a joyous
occasion where they could experience our culture.
"We supported that
Government initiative because it was building relationships between
peoples and nations.
"We cannot support
or agree with this particular issue because, in our view, the TPPA
will harm not only our people but also New Zealand and its people
overall."
Mr Davis said there had
been a lot of anger and mistrust voiced about the TPP, and he
agreed. The iwi's stance was also out of concern about the
commercialisation of traditional uses of indigenous flora and fauna.
The Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Trade could not immediately say whether it already has a
group arranged for the powhiri.
Ngati Whatua's stance
follows calls from Ngapuhi elder Kingi Taurua for his tribe to
refuse to welcome the Government onto Te Tii Marae at Waitangi on
February 5 if the National-led Administration goes ahead with the
signing.
Ngapuhi is due to hold a
hui on February 2 to make a final decision.
Prime Minister John Key
has said he intends to travel to Waitangi, but will not "gatecrash"
the lower marae if he is not welcome
"Piripi
Davis (L), chairman of the tribe's Orakei trust board, said its
"strong opposition" to the TPP meant it would not
participate in welcoming ceremonies. Photo / Dean Purcell
Piripi
Davis (L), chairman of the tribe's Orakei trust board, said its
"strong opposition" to the TPP meant it would not
participate in welcoming ceremonies. Photo / Dean Purcell
28 January, 2015
Ngati Whatua says it
will refuse to take part in any powhiri for international trade
ministers when they visit New Zealand to sign the Trans-Pacific
Partnership on February 4 because it opposes the agreement.
Piripi Davis, chairman
of the tribe's Orakei trust board, said its "strong opposition"
to the TPP meant it would not participate in welcoming ceremonies
when ministers from the 12 TPP countries gather in Auckland for the
signing.
A spokeswoman said the
iwi had not yet been asked if it would take part in the powhiri, but
in the past it had done so for visiting dignitaries as it had mana
whenua status in central Auckland.
It was letting the
Government know ahead of time that it would not take part.
Mr Davis said the iwi
had supported New Zealand's bid to win a seat on the United Nations
Security Council.
"We hosted dozens
of UN ambassadors on our marae and welcomed them in a joyous
occasion where they could experience our culture.
"We supported that
Government initiative because it was building relationships between
peoples and nations.
"We cannot support
or agree with this particular issue because, in our view, the TPPA
will harm not only our people but also New Zealand and its people
overall."
Mr Davis said there had
been a lot of anger and mistrust voiced about the TPP, and he
agreed. The iwi's stance was also out of concern about the
commercialisation of traditional uses of indigenous flora and fauna.
The Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Trade could not immediately say whether it already has a
group arranged for the powhiri.
Ngati Whatua's stance
follows calls from Ngapuhi elder Kingi Taurua for his tribe to
refuse to welcome the Government onto Te Tii Marae at Waitangi on
February 5 if the National-led Administration goes ahead with the
signing.
Ngapuhi is due to hold a
hui on February 2 to make a final decision.
Prime Minister John Key
has said he intends to travel to Waitangi, but will not "gatecrash"
the lower marae if he is not welcome
