Do you know how the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) will affect business in New Zealand?

The TPPA, a so-called ‘free trade agreement’, is being negotiated secretly by 11 countries round the Pacific rim and is likely to lead to:

  • Loss of sovereignty and ability for the NZ Government to legislate for the well-being of its people. Corporations will be able to overturn our decisions.
  • Decreased ability for New Zealand to protect itself from a collapsing global economy. With capital controls it would be impossible to impose a financial transaction tax, demand a minimum stay of capital etc. New Zealand is very vulnerable because the NZD is the 10th most traded currency and our current account deficit is large.
  • Loss of New Zealand SME’s ability to genuinely compete for central and local Government tenders. Greater competition for local businesses.
  • Increased sale of land and assets to overseas owners
  • Further deregulation of the already weakly regulated and increasingly powerful financial industry. Lessened ability to regulate against toxic financial products.
  • Possibility for Government being sued if legislation reduces corporate profits e.g. climate change, environmental protection, public health (tobacco, alcohol, food, gambling), financial re-regulation.
  • Restricting or requiring payment for access to internet information, thus reducing the ability of SMEs to compete.
  • More overseas ownership of banks, telecommunications, insurance companies, media, supermarkets, elderly care facilities and transport firms.
  • More unemployment and a lower tax take
  • Fewer opportunities for democratic participation by citizens

The 15th (and final?) round of negotiations takes place in Auckland from 3-12 December.  Time is really short.

Please

  1. Go to www.itsourfuture.org.nz or www.fairdeal.net.nz to learn more.
  2. Write to the Minister of Trade, the Prime Minister and ask the negotiators to insert an opt-out clause for future governments.
  3. Organise your sector to oppose the secrecy and the trend to give increasing rights to Trans National Corporations.

This brochure prepared by the New Economics Party https://neweconomics.net.nz Contact: deirdre.kent@gmail.com

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