July 08, 2015
TPPA Maori consultation creates mystery
Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri is calling out the Government for its claim Maori have been consulted on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement.
Answering for Trade Minister Tim Groser, Attorney General Chris Finlayson told the house there have been talks with Ngati Kahungunu, Ngapuhi, the Federation of Maori Authorities and two Maori health organisations.
Ms Whaitiri says as a former chief executive of Ngati Kahungunu Inc she is unaware of any formal discussions with the Wairoa to Wairarapa iwi.
She says the nature of the negotiations around the still-secret document is indicative of the wider approach that National takes to government.
"We don’t get the full answers. We get smokes and daggers and I think the public is tiring of it. I definitely am tiring of it. In terms of the questions that Finlayson answered in the House, he needs to say who in those organisations, when did he meet with them, and what was exchanged," Ms Whaitiri says.
Labour isn't opposed to trade deals, but it doesn't want to see a future government's ability to make legislation for the good of New Zealanders be traded off to give more power to multinational corporations.
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