The TPPA – big business plans to fight back

74 comments on “The TPPA – big business plans to fight back ”

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1. Sabine 1

   11 November 2014 at 8:17 am

   so lets hope that when the Labour Leadership Selection is over, the person who is selected will find the time to actually talk about these issues loudly and in plain english so that everyone, including our esteemed stenographer from the media circus will understand it.

   Alas, I don’t think this is going to happen.

   And also, someone who is a bit more savvy than I in these things, could we set up a crowd sourcing to provide funds so that we can counter the ads by the meat and milk barons of nz?
2. Tracey 2

   11 November 2014 at 8:25 am

   When someone talks about putting facts on the table but only wants to discuss benefits (not burdens), their credibility is a little dented from the get go.

   A bucket was sent around the crowd on Saturday to pay for any future action.

   People who say the left have money too are deliberately misleading. That bucket will probably fall short of just the first Business donation to the “facts on the table after the signatures” campaign of business.

   Interestingly, to date, the government only speaks of benefits in non specific ethereal terms.
3. Pat O'Dea 3

   11 November 2014 at 8:53 am

   Calls for TPP transparency are code for destroying it, says Groser
   NBR February 12, 2014

   Tim Groser is right!

   The first multinational corporation backed campaign to protect investor rights internationally, the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, the MAI which had attempted to enshrine investor state rights to sue governments for any loss of their profits, was destroyed when the complete text was leaked to the public.

   The same thing would happen to the TPPA if the official text became public knowledge.

   Why?

   Because the official text of the MAI showed that it required member countries to agree to be sued by if they passed legislation that impacted on the profits of the corporate multinationals.

   This revelation, when it got out, caused international public outrage. Forcing the cancellation of the MAI.
   But the corporates and their right wing stooges in governments around the world didn’t give up.
   And have resurected the MAI and mislabeled and repackaged it as trade deal.

   Make no mistake the TPPA is the MAI brought back to life, but this time its backers have learned not to let the official text of the restrictions on democracy and national sovereignty be released into the global public arena.

   Our only knowledge that such things will enacted in the TPPA are from unofficial leaks, this allows champions of the TPPA like Tim Groser and John Key to bat away criticisim of the agreement as uninformed and alarmist, while allowing them to remain vague when questioned about what exactly the Investor State Dispute Resolution really means for this country’s independent ability to pass legistlation that may impact corporate profits.
   • Chooky 3.1

     11 November 2014 at 2:02 pm

     ‘Obama’s TPP Negotiators Received Huge Bonuses from Big Banks’

     ….this is what is is really all about

     …Big Business , Big Banks ripping off the people!

     http://rt.com/usa/tpp-fang-big-banks-577/
     • Tracey 3.1.1

       11 November 2014 at 2:13 pm

       thanks for the link and information… i am sure its okay though, they seem to be people like john key so we can just trust them to put the interest of the people first just like they did in their previous jobs…. oh wait

       what date did obama delegate his spot as leader of a meeting to key?

       i asked cos i wonder if leaking of the news in may that countries were getting cold tpp feet resulted in key being obamas patsy to change the others minds without it being seen as usa bullying? proxy if you like

       “…Last month, leaked memos obtained by the Huffington Post suggested that the US has lost almost all international support from the 11 other Pacific Rim nations engaged in TPP discussions. …” may 2014
       • politikiwi 3.1.1.1

         11 November 2014 at 4:07 pm

         A few months ago when Dirty Politics was release, there were howls from the Right of “All Politicians Lie.”

         Now they claim “Our trade negotiators wouldn’t lie!”

         Can’t have it both ways, team.
         • Tracey 3.1.1.1.1

           11 November 2014 at 7:50 pm

           well observed
4. karol 4

   11 November 2014 at 8:57 am

   Well the big business people show exactly who/what they stand for, and their MO.

   Trying to use their money advantage to buy out democracy.

   And clearly Saturday’s day of action had an impact, and worried the corporates.
   • Tracey 4.1

     11 November 2014 at 9:10 am

     “And clearly Saturday’s day of action had an impact, and worried the corporates.”

     Yup, people waking up to the notion of their rights to make laws, unfettered, in their own country, is worth fighting for has prompted a multi million dollar fighting fund… Contributions to said fund will be open to public scrutiny and transparent, of course. Hoots got himself a new client?
5. Chooky 5

   11 November 2014 at 8:58 am

   lets hope this American corporate dominated agreement is not accepted by the other Pacific potential signatories .(.i am sure John Key would sign it without any qualms for NZers rights and democracy)

   ….and lets hope a far better broader liberal TPPA is signed including China and Russia (…Russia could be a far more favourable trading partner for New Zealand for agricultural products than USA…and it has huge reserves of oil with a new pipeline going to China)

   …we should be holding out for this second option
   • Tracey 5.1

     11 November 2014 at 9:12 am

     John key went to a TPPA meeting and listened to Obama telling everyone else what was left to do. There is a clue in that alone.
   • DoublePlus Good 5.2

     11 November 2014 at 11:51 am

     We really don’t want to be signing a TPPA-like agreement with either China or Russia. For a start we should be boycotting Russia for invading Crimea and Donbass. Let’s not pretend that those two countries are any more interested in our sovereignty and wellbeing than the USA
     • Tracey 5.2.1

       11 November 2014 at 12:06 pm

       wrong. neither of those countries has anything like the litigious history of usa corps under trade agreements. in any event russia and china are not part of the tpp. in any event to my knowledge the investor clause enabling suing govts for profits isnt in the china fta.

       go read up on nafta and other trade agreements involving usa and see how often their corps sue govts whn they pass laws, or try to pass laws they see as unfavourable to their business.

       i dont know if you are deliberately trying to make people take their eye off the ball or if you just dont know how often usa corps sue govts under investor provisions.
     • Chooky 5.2.2

       11 November 2014 at 12:34 pm

       of course you realise USA corporations have been meddling in Crimea as well…?

       NZ farmers recognise we could have very good farmer trade deals with Russia…
       • DoublePlus Good 5.2.2.1

         11 November 2014 at 2:08 pm

         I don’t agree with trade agreements with the US either. None of those three countries can be trusted with any kind of trade agreements, given how they conduct themselves in international relations.
   • Tracey 5.3

     11 November 2014 at 12:08 pm

     we have a fta with china?…

     russia just invaded a sovereign country an no one has suggested we send troops…

     lets not unduly muddy the waters chooky
     • Chooky 5.3.1

       11 November 2014 at 12:47 pm

       sorry Tracey there is debate about what has happened in Crimea ( just as there is debate about who did the downing of the Malaysian airliner)

       ….and I dont want to “muddy the waters”….but it seems to me we should be aiming a lot higher for our trade agreement than a TPP dominated by USA

       ( as you have so ably put the arguments… it amounts to little more than an economic takeover by USA corporates and an undermining of our business, environment ,laws, sovereignty , health and well being ,democracy and creativity …we will be serfs in our own land …all for very little …and not much in return by way of our agriculture trade benefits with USA …in other words USA is demanding too higher price for this agreement.

       …far better to look further afield towards Russia as a trading partner for agriculture and a more widely embracing TPP without USA corporate domination

       http://rt.com/business/202975-putin-china-apec-tpp/

       If it is trade…what is most important for our economy?…what is most important for the returns for our farmers?…and without compromising the future of the rest of our diversifying creative economy?
       • Chooky 5.3.1.1

         11 November 2014 at 1:44 pm

         http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/fieldays/8752961/Full-scale-Fieldays-assault-on-Russia-in-the-works

         https://www.nzte.govt.nz/en/export/market-research/food-and-beverage/food-and-beverage-market-in-russia/
6. Tracey 6

   11 November 2014 at 9:14 am

   I have asked Dr Mapp many times on this site to tell me how many jobs will be created from the TPP and how long before wages go up. I have asked him to base it on the speed of those events from previous trade agreements.

   Don’t bother searching for his answer…
7. Gareth 7

   11 November 2014 at 9:48 am

   People should also continue to counter this idea that protestors are anti-free trade.

   They are instead, or should be, anti-free movement of capital.

   We don’t want cheaper things per se, we want things cheaper relative to our incomes. To be able to buy more.

   We don’t want businesses to pack up and go someplace they can make stuff cheaper taking jobs with them and leaving us poorer.

   People should also be anti-a “trade deal” that negates or prevents NZ laws.

   If you haven’t already, read this: http://economixcomix.com/home/tpp/
8. Tautoko Mangō Mata 8

   11 November 2014 at 10:13 am

   Graeme Harrison is only looking at the cost benefit analysis for his own company. Sir Graeme said he was concerned that the public did not understand the benefits of TPP.
   He needs to listen to some of the medical people who signed the open letter to John Key pointing out the detrimental aspects of the TPPA on health both in the cost of drugs and the ability of NZ to legislate in areas which could improve the public health and thereby reduce medical costs spent on preventative illnesses. It is not the protestors that have myopia….
   • Tracey 8.1

     11 November 2014 at 10:17 am

     if not for the protestors the only information in the arena would be the glib and very shallow suggestions of benefits… business fund sets off on a flawed premise on its path to further mislead the public.

     Another good article from george monibot of the guardian a few days ago…

     Gunpowder plot against democracy

     includes

     “…The central problem is what the negotiators call investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). The treaty would allow corporations to sue governments before an arbitration panel composed of corporate lawyers, at which other people have no representation, and which is not subject to judicial review(12).

     Already, thanks to the insertion of ISDS into much smaller trade treaties, big business is engaged in an orgy of litigation, whose purpose is to strike down any law that might impinge on its anticipated future profits. The tobacco firm Philip Morris is suing both Uruguay and Australia for trying to discourage people from smoking(13). The oil firm Occidental was awarded $2.3bn in compensation from Ecuador, which terminated the company’s drilling concession in the Amazon when it discovered that Occidental had broken Ecuadorean law(14). The Swedish company Vattenfall is suing the German government for shutting down nuclear power(15). An Australian firm is suing El Salvador for $300m for refusing permission for a gold mine that would poison the drinking water(16).

     The same mechanism, under TTIP, could be used to prevent governments in the UK from reversing the privatisation of the railways and the National Health Service, or from defending public health and the natural world against corporate greed. Its overall effect is to chill the formation of any policy that puts people ahead of money….”

     http://www.monbiot.com/2014/11/04/a-gunpowder-plot-against-democracy/
   • Tracey 8.2

     11 November 2014 at 10:19 am

     some things are worth repeating in full

     “12 May 2014

     Rt Hon John Key
     Prime Minister
     Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160
     j.key@ministers.govt.nz, john.key@national.org.nz

     Dear Prime Minister

     The TPPA threatens the future of health in NZ, by elevating “investor rights” of transnational corporations over the right of the New Zealand people to develop, adapt or improve domestic regulatory policies according to changing health needs

     We as members of the New Zealand health professional community are writing to express serious concerns about a variety of important risks posed by the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) to health in NZ.

     This open letter to you as Prime Minister follows on from three previous letters sent by different health related groups to yourself or the Minister of Health dated 1 March, 4 October and 4 December 2013. Signatories to those letters totalled more than 400 health professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds in healthcare.

     We are writing to highlight the far-reaching unintended consequences that investor state dispute (ISDS) provisions proposed in the TPPA would have on the future of health in New Zealand. We base our concerns on the draft text of the investment chapter that was leaked in June 2012 and similar chapters in US free trade agreements. That leaked chapter revealed that Australia was the only party that opposed the application of ISDS to foreign investments in its country; New Zealand did not.

     ISDS provisions would allow foreign transnational corporations to seek compensation from the New Zealand government should the value of their investment and/or their anticipated profits be threatened by actions taken to improve the health of New Zealanders. The very existence of ISDS provisions can have a significant ‘chilling effect’ on national regulatory processes, due to the threat of litigation.

     While New Zealand does already have ISDS obligations in some of its agreements, the TPPA is far more sweeping in the number of parties it covers and the scope of the rules. The inclusion of the US alone marks it out as a major new development.

     The likely unintended health consequences of ISDS provisions in the TPPA relate to the tobacco, alcohol, fossil fuel and pharmaceutical industries, as follows:

     Firstly, the mere existence of ISDS provisions could seriously hinder the ability of New Zealand people, through our representative government, to tighten controls on harmful substances.

     Important examples include regulatory controls on the sale and marketing of alcohol and tobacco.

     The use of ISDS provisions by transnational tobacco companies is not hypothetical. The tobacco company Philip Morris Asia is currently exercising ISDS provisions under an existing treaty by seeking compensation from the Australian government in response to tobacco plain packaging laws. Philip Morris has also pursued ISDS claims against tobacco control policies in Uruguay and Norway. We can already see the chilling effect of threats to sue in your government’s decision to defer the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products until several legal actions against Australia, including an ISDS case being brought by Philip Morris, are concluded.

     The inclusion of these ISDS provisions in the TPPA would thus seriously undermine current progress toward achieving a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025, as well as achieving public health targets relating to other harmful substances.

     Secondly, ISDS provisions would limit the ability of the New Zealand government to improve regulatory controls on the activities of foreign fossil fuel companies that pose potential health risks due to toxic environmental contamination.

     A particular example of the need to increase regulation is hydraulic fracturing (fracking). According to the 2012 report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, fracking can only be performed safely when best practices are enforced through regulation rather than by voluntary agreement. The need to strengthen the current regulatory framework in NZ is indicated in the concluding chapter: “In New Zealand… companies appear to be not only regulating themselves, but monitoring their own performance”. The dangers of that light-handed approach of self-regulation have been exposed through the Pike River mining tragedy and the spate of deaths of forestry workers.

     Fossil fuel companies have an extensive track record of exercising ISDS provisions under investment treaties such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). As of March 2013, there were 60 ISDS cases relating to oil, mining or gas being brought before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Further claims for billions of additional dollars are pending.

     Thirdly, ISDS provisions would reduce the ability of the New Zealand government to improve regulatory controls on the sales and marketing of medicines by transnational pharmaceutical companies.

     New Zealand should retain the option to regulate direct to consumer advertising of drugs, such as antibiotics, the use of which must be urgently restricted according to a recent WHO report which warns that increasing antimicrobial resistance poses a global threat to public health.

     In the same way that both tobacco and fossil fuel companies have aggressively exercised ISDS provisions under NAFTA, the pharmaceutical industry has also sought compensation in response to new legislation or domestic legal rulings. For example, the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is currently bringing a case against the Canadian government for $500 million Canadian dollars in response to a patent ruling made in a Canadian federal court, which found that Eli Lilly had not satisfied Canada’s domestic legal requirements.

     These examples highlight our concerns about ISDS provisions. Including such provisions in the TPPA would jeopardise both the right and responsibility of the NZ government to implement policies to safeguard the health of the NZ public.

     Furthermore, while these specific examples of ISDS cases are alarming enough, even more concerning is the powerful deterrent effect that the continuous threat of such action would have on future New Zealand governments, even when faced with new evidence identifying that existing regulatory frameworks need to be revised in the interest of health.

     Other serious unintended consequences for health in New Zealand include the extension of patent monopoly rights on pharmaceuticals, diagnostic tests, and vaccines; all of which would result in significantly increased health costs for the NZ public.

     The inclusion in the TPPA of “transparency” provisions that undermine the current bargaining power of PHARMAC in its regular negotiations with the pharmaceutical industry would further exacerbate cost increases. Such cost increases will inevitably either erode the health gains available within DHBs’ health budgets, or require substantial increases in health spending to merely maintain the health gains from new pharmaceutical (and impending medical devices) spending; this patently will affect “the fundamentals of PHARMAC”, despite Ministerial assurances to the contrary.

     Similarly, New Zealand has no provision for a period of exclusive rights over clinical trial data, as some countries have and that has been a subject of TPPA negotiation. Any period of data exclusivity will delay the production of generic versions of new drugs, especially new cancer medicines that have greater efficacy and fewer side effects, and will increase PHARMAC’S costs.

     The potential ramifications of the TPPA are thus incredibly far-reaching for us as New Zealand people and the sovereignty of our representative government, both now and for our future generations.

     We therefore reiterate previous calls for:

     An unwavering commitment to provisions that rigorously safeguard the health of all New Zealanders.
     Immediate transparency and release of the TPPA negotiating texts so that a rigorous, fair and informed democratic public debate can be conducted prior to any irreversible concessions being made, let alone any agreement being signed. We echo the concerns of the Public Health Association that whereas hundreds of US corporate advisors have been granted access to the negotiation texts, similar access has been with-held from health experts and the wider public there and in NZ.
     An independent assessment of all chapters by teams of local experts and civil society, not only considering the implications for foreign policy and trade, but also potential for far reaching, long term adverse health consequences for the New Zealand people.
     In the interest of a healthy and functioning democracy, we ask the leaders of all political parties to clearly articulate their respective positions on the TPPA – specifically the proposed ISDS provisions – at the earliest possible opportunity.

     Yours sincerely

     New Zealand health organisations and 270+ individual health professionals:

     OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     New Zealand Nurses Organisation
     Australasian Society of Infectious Diseases, New Zealand branch
     New Zealand Medical Students’ Association
     Auckland University Medical Students’ Association

     TPPA_letter_logos_2.jpg

     Dr Joshua Freeman BSc MBChB PGDipID FRCPA, Clinical Microbiologist, Honorary Academic, University of Auckland
     Dr Rhys Jones MBChB MPH FNZCPHM, Public Health Physician, University of Auckland; Co-convenor, OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Prof Innes Asher, MBChB BSc MD FRACP, Paediatrician, Head of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
     Prof Evan Begg BSc, MBChB MD FRACP, Clinical Pharmacologist, member RACP, BPS, ASCEPT, University of Otago Christchurch
     E/Prof Carl Burgess MBChB MD MRCP FRACP FRCP, Clinical Pharmacologist, Professor Emeritus Wellington; ex-Chair Pharmacology and Therapeutics Committee (PTAC) of PHARMAC
     Prof Jenny Carryer RN PhD FCNA(NZ) MNZM, Executive Director, College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ) Inc.
     Prof Jennie Connor BSc MBChB PhD FNZCPHM, Head of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin
     Karen Guilliland MNZM MA RM RGON, Chief Executive New Zealand College of Midwives; ex-Board member PHARMAC
     Marion Guy MNurs, RN, President NZ Nurses Organisation (NZNO)
     Adj Prof Jill Clendon, NZ Nurses Organisation, Adjunctive Professor, Victoria University Wellington
     Prof John McCall MBChB MD FRACS Hepatobiliary & General Surgeon / Mckenzie Professor of Clinical Science, University of Otago Dunedin
     Dr Erik Monasterio MBChB FRANZCP, Consultant in Forensic Psychiatry, Senior Clinical Lecturer, Canterbury
     Kerri Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere NZ Nurses Organisation (NZNO)
     A/Prof Philip Pattemore MD FRACP, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, University of Otago, Christchurch
     Prof Phillippa Poole MBChB MD FRACP, Physician, Head of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
     A/Prof Papaarangi Reid MBChB FNZCPHM, Public Health Physician, Tumuaki, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
     Prof Doug Sellman MBChB PhD FRANZCP FAChAM, Psychiatrist, Director, National Addiction Centre, University of Otago, Christchurch
     Dr Ruth Spearing MBChB FRACP FRCPA, Haematologist, Canterbury; ex-PTAC Subcommittee member (PHARMAC)
     Marise Stuart, President New Zealand Medical Students’ Association
     Prof Boyd Swinburn MD MBChB FRACP, Chair of Population Nutrition and Global Health, University of Auckland
     Prof Les Toop MBChB MD(Brist) MRCGP (Dist) FRNZCGP (Dist), General Practitioner, Head of General Practice, University of Otago, Christchurch; ex-member Pharmacology and Therapeutics Committee (PTAC) of PHARMAC
     E/Prof Ian Town, MBChB MD DM(Soton), Professor Emeritus , University of Canterbury
     Mr Russell Tregonning MBChB FRACS, Orthopaedic Surgeon & Senior Clinical Lecturer, Executive Board member OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Prof Alistair Woodward MB BS MMedSci PhD FNZCPHM, Epidemiologist/Public Health Physician, University of Auckland
     Prof Shanthi Ameratunga MBChB MPH PhD FRACP FAFPHM, Professor of Epidemiology, Section of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland
     Natalie Arnold, Medical Student, Auckland
     Ranui Baillie, Medical Student, Wellington
     Dr Indira Basu PhD, Molecular Biologist, Auckland
     Robyn Beach BN MHealSc, Canterbury, Member TSANZ
     A/Prof Lutz Beckert FRACP MRCP MD, University of Otago Christchurch
     Dr Helen Bichan MBChB, DPM DHA FRACP FNZCPHM, Public Health Physician
     Dr Mark Birch MBBS FRACP MPHTM
     Dr Alison Blaiklock MBChB MPHTM FRNZCPM FAFPHM(RACP) GDipNFP GCertDisasRefugHlth, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, Department of Public Health, University of Otago Wellington
     Dr Sainimere Boladuadua MBChB, Public Health Medicine Registrar, New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine
     Dr Dennis Boon von Ochssee MBChB FANZCA, Canterbury
     A/Prof Roger Booth MSc PhD Academic Director, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland
     Dr James E Bower BSc MSc PhD, Auckland
     Dr Catherine Brett BMedSci BMBS FRANZCP, Canterbury
     Dr Danielle Brown FRNCGP, Pegasus Health Christchurch
     Michael Browne BA, Research Assistant, University of Auckland
     Dr Cheryl Brunton MBChB DipComH FNZCPHM, Senior Lecturer in Public Health, University of Otago, Christchurch
     Dr Christina Buchanan PhD, Senior Research Fellow, University of Auckland
     Adam Burnell, Medical Student, University of Auckland
     Dr Michael Butchard MBChB, BA(hons), BSc, DPH, Public Health Registrar, University of Otago
     Andrew Butler Haematologist FRACP FRCPath, Canterbury
     Dr Paul Butler BSc MBChB DipObst MSc. FRNZCGP
     A/Prof Anthony Butler, University of Otago and University of Canterbury
     Dr Jennifer Butler, Canterbury
     Isobel Cairns BA(Hons) GradDipSci, MPH (pending), School of Population Health, University of Auckland
     P Calton, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Paediatrics, Palmerston North
     Shaun Cavanagh BHsc, Recreation Therapy
     Dr Emily Chang FRACP MBChB DipPaed, Paediatrician, Auckland
     Marie Chester DipOT MOccTher DHSc candidate / Professional Leader Occupational Therapy, Auckland
     Dr Monika Clark-Grill MD PhD FRNZCGP, Faculty of Medicine, University of Otago
     Dr Chris Collins FRANZCP, Psychiatrist, Christchurch
     Dr Hera Cook BA(Hons) PhD FRHistS, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington
     Nicola Corna RN MNurs, Member of New Zealand Nurses Organisation Respiratory Nurses section, Clinical nurse specialist – Respiratory, Counties Manukau
     Dr Paul Corwin BSc MBChB FRNZCGP, General Practitioner, Greymouth
     Dr Angela Craig MBChB DCH FRACP, General Paediatrician, Hawkes Bay
     Dr Brian JS Craig MBChB MRCPsych; DCH.RCPS; FRANZCP, Canterbury
     Dr Andrea Crichton MBChB, General Practitioner, Wellington
     Dr Sonja Crone, BSC BHB MBChB FRACP(Paeds), Rotorua
     Dr Ruth Cunningham MBChB MPH FNZCPHM, University of Otago, Wellington
     Dr Elana Tai Curtis MPH MBChB NZCPHM, University of Auckland
     Lorna Davies RN, RM BSc(Hons) MA PGCEA, PhD Candidate; Principal Midwifery Lecturer, Department of Applied Sciences and Allied Health, School of Midwifery, Christchurch; Executive Board member, OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council, NZCOM
     Dr Anne Davis MBBS BSc(med) FRACP, Dermatologist,
     Ryan Davis, Medical Student, Hamilton
     Louise Dawson RN, Auckland
     Karen Day RN RM MA PhD FACHI, Senior Lecturer, Health Informatics, University of Auckland
     Dr Mary De Almeida MBCHB, Auckland
     Dr Danny de Lore MBChB FRACP, Paediatrician, Rotorua
     Dr José Derraik BSc MSc PhD MRSNZ, Liggins Institute, University of Auckland
     Gina Donk, Medical Student, Auckland
     A/Prof Matthew Doogue FRACP, Clinical Pharmacologist & Endocrinologist, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Canterbury
     Dr John Doran MBChB FRACP, Paediatrician, Taranaki
     Dr Tamsin Dovell BMedSci(UK) BMBS(UK) FRCA(UK) FANZCA, Consultant Anaesthetist, Christchurch
     Dr Niels Dugan BMedSc MBChB, Physician, Internal Medicine and Diabetes, Masterton
     Dr Tess Edmond MBChB DipPaed, Rotorua
     Dr Elizabeth Edwards PhD FRACP MBChB DCH, Paediatrician, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Auckland
     Dr Hinemoa Elder MBChB FRANZCP PhD, Professorial Fellow in Indigenous Mental Health Research and Director of Te Whare Mātai Aronui, Eru Pomare Post Doctoral Fellowship Health Research Council of New Zealand
     Prof Carl Elliott MD PhD, Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota, ex-University of Otago
     Sharon Erdrich, RN, PGDipHsc (MHsc in progress), University of Auckland, Nursing Council of NZ, NZAMH, Nat Health Council of NZ.
     Mr Jeremy Evison MBChB FRACS
     Dr Rachel Eyre MBChB MPH FNZCPHM, Executive Board member OraTaiao: New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Emma Farmer RN RM MHSc(Hons), Head of Division – Midwifery, New Zealand College of Midwives, Waitemata.
     Dr Janet Ferguson MBChB FRACP, Canterbury
     Dr Jeremy A Foate FANZCA, Anaesthetist, Canterbury.
     Dr Abigail Angelique Frank MBBCh, member of bpacNZ
     Trish Fraser MPH, Global Public Health, University of Auckland
     Dr Rosemary Frey PhD Sociology, University of Auckland
     Dr Peter Ganly PhD FRACP FRCPA, Haematologist, Christchurch
     Dr Kate Gardner MBChB FRACP, Medical Oncologist, Christchurch
     Dr John Garrett BMedSci MBChB FRACP, Paediatrician, Christchurch
     Dr Raewyn Gavin MBChB FRACP, Paediatrician, Auckland
     Dr S Gibbons MBChB MMed FRACP FRCPA, Haematologist, Canterbury
     Shawn Gielen-Relph, 5th year Medical Student, University of Otago, Wellington
     Katherine Given, 4th year Medical Student, Auckland
     Karan Govindpani, BSc Biomedical Science, University of Auckland
     Dr Fiona (Fi) Graham, Senior Lecturer Rehabilitation Teaching & Research Unit (Rtru), Department Of Medicine, University Of Otago, Wellington
     Dr Erik Grangaard FRACP, Consultant Paediatrician, member of NZ Paediatric Society, Rotorua
     Dr Ben Gray MBChB MBHL FRNZCGP, Otago University Wellington
     Angela Greetham PGDipNurs, AdDipUrology, Dip(HE), Coordinator, Moving, Handling & Restraint Minimisation, Tauranga
     Dr John Gregson MRCP(UK) MRCPsych FRANZCP, Hutt Valley
     Dr Corina Grey MBChB DipPaeds MPH FNZCPHM, University of Auckland
     Graham Gulbransen MBChB FRNZCGP FAChAM, Kingsland Family Health Centre
     A/Prof Simon Hales, BA MBBChir MPH PhD, Research Associate Professor, Epidemiologist, University of Otago Wellington
     Dr David Hammer MBChB MRCP FRCPA
     Prof Gil Hardy PhD FRSC, Honorary Professor of Pharmaceutical Nutrition, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
     Katrina Harper MBChB FRNZCGP, Newtown Union Health Service
     Dr Wil Harrison MBChB MMedSci(Hons) FRACP, Cardiologist, Auckland
     Dr Daniel Hartwell MBChB BSc FANZCA, Specialist Anaesthetist, Senior Clinical Lecturer for the University of Otago, Canterbury
     Dr NM Hartwell MBChB Christchurch
     A/Prof Michael P Hay PhD, Associate Professor, Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
     Marilyn Head, BA DipTchg MSc, Snr Policy Analyst, New Zealand Nurses Organisation
     John Hewitt DipHE PGDip RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist , Canterbury
     Dr Rachel Highton MBCHB FRNZCGP, General Practitioner, Wellington
     Dr Karole Hogarth RN BSc PhD, Senior Lecturer, Curriculum Leader, Otago Polytechnic
     Dr Jamie Hosking MBChB FNZCPHM, Public Health Physician, University of Auckland, Executive Board member OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Dr James Houghton MBChB FANZCA, Specialist Anaesthetist, Auckland
     Dr Kuang Hsiao BHB, MBChB DipPaeds, Paediatric Allergy & Immunology Fellow
     Charlotte Huckson RN
     Dr Ben Hudson MBBS MRCGP FRNZCGP, Senior Lecturer, Department of General Practice, University of Otago, Christchurch
     Phoebe Hunt, Medical Student, Wellington
     Dr Mike Hurrell, MBChB FRANZCR, Head of Academic Department of Radiology, University of Otago Christchurch.
     Dr Fiona Imlach PhD MBChB FNZCPHM, Royal New Zealand Plunket Society
     Dr Susan Jack MBChB DipPaeds MPH PhD FNZCPHM, Senior Research Fellow, University of Otago
     Dr Catherine Jackson FNZCPHM, New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine
     Dr Estelle Jaine BMLSc MBChB, General Practitioner
     Dr Richard Jaine MBChB MPH FNZCPHM, University of Otago, Wellington, Executive Board member OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Doreen James BHSc Nursing, Charge Nurse Manager, Member New Zealand Nurses Organisation & New Zealand Urological Nurses Society.
     Gordon Johnston Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing), Northland, Member of Te Ao Maramatanga
     Dr Monique Jonas PhD, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
     Rhiannon Jones, Masters of Dietetics, Dietitian, Te Awakairangi Health Network
     Juliet Kane, Medical Student, Wellington
     Rohit Katial, 4th year Medical Student
     Marianne Kayes MHSc AdvDipTchg Dip EI, Registered Hospital Play Specialist
     Dr Gay Keating MBChB, Public Health Medicine Specialist, Wellington
     Dr Archie Kerr MBChB FRACP, Paediatrician (retired), Lower Hutt
     Dr Julie Kidd, Consultant Physician, Older Persons Health, Canterbury
     Dr Alexa MJ Kidd MBBS BSc MSC MRCP MRCGP, Member of Human Genetic Society of Australasia
     Dr Ed Kiddle BSc MBChB FNZCPHM, Nelson
     Dr Paula Thérèse King BHB BMUS MBChB DCH DPH MPH(Dist), Associate Member NZCPHM, University of Otago, Wellington
     Olga Korduke, 5th year Medical Student, Wellington
     Dr George Laking MBChB BMedSci MD(Manchester) PhD(London) FRACP, Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa, Executive Board member OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Markus Lang, PG Dip RN, Nurse Educator, NZNO member, Intensive Care, Auckland
     Dr Chris Leathart MBChB DRCOG FRNZCGP, Canterbury
     Dr Euphemia Leung PhD, University of Auckland
     Dr Graeme Lindsay MBChB MPH DipCEM FNZCPHM, Public Health Physician, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Executive Board member OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Dr Anne MacLennan MPM FRCP(Ed) FAChPM. Palliative Care Physician, Wellington, Executive Board member OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Dr Alexandra Macmillan MBChB MPH(Hons) PhD,FNZCPHM, Public Health Physician and Senior Lecturer Environmental Health, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago; Acting Co-Convenor, OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Heath Council
     Dr Helene Macnab, SMO in O&G Christchurch
     Briar Mannering, 4th year Medical Student, University of Auckland
     Dr Andrew Manning MBChB Dip Obs FRNZCGP, Canterbury
     Dr Osman David Mansoor MA MSc MBBChir MNZCPHM, Public Health Physician, Wellington
     Kate Margetts, Medical Student, Otago Medical School, Blenheim
     Cameron Marjoribanks BHSc (MI) PGDip (MRI), Member of New Zealand Institute of Medical Imaging Technology, the Australian Institute of Radiography, the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine – Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologist., Department Team leader and MRI Technologist, Auckland
     Jane Marjoribanks BHsc BA(Hons) MPH(Hons), University of Auckland
     Dr Johanna Martin MBChB RACP, Physician, Canterbury
     Dr Robert Martynoga BSc(Hons) MBChB FRCA, Consultant Intensive Care/Anaesthesia Waikato
     Dr Philippa Mary Jerram MBChB(dist) BMedSci(Hons) , Canterbury
     Dr Kaaren Mathias MBChB MPH DipOB DipPaed, FNZCPHM, Emmanuel Hospital Assocation, India
     Dr Sam McBride MBChB,FRANZCP, Psychiatrist/Addiction Specialist
     Dr Hamish McCay MBChB DipPaed,FRACP(paed) PGCertPubHlth, General & Developmental Paediatrician, RACP Paediatrics & Child Health Division Councillor, PSNZ Scientific Committee member, Waikato / Dept of Paediatrics, University of Auckland / RACP
     A/Prof Tim McCreanor, Whariki Research Group, Massey University
     Louise McDermott MClinPharm, RegParmNZ Pharmacist Team Leader Women’s and Children’s Health, Canterbury
     Dr Anne-Thea McGill BSc PhD MBChB FRNZCGP, School of Population Health and Human Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland.
     Dr Malcolm McKellar Cataract & Refractive Surgeon BOptom MBChB FRANZCO, Canterbury
     Dr Jill McKie MBChB FRACP(Paediatrics), Canterbury
     Dr Margot McLean MBChB MPH FAFPHM, Public Health Physician, New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine
     Clare McLean, Trainee Intern, University of Auckland
     Dr Rachael McLean MBChB FAFPHM, Public Health Physician
     Dr Jeremy McMinn MBBS FRANZCP FAChAM, Director McMinn and Quiller Ltd Wellington
     Jo McMullan Bachelor of Midwifery, DPH, University of Otago
     Dr Suneela Mehta BHB MBChB MPH ANZCPHM, Public Health Medicine Registrar, New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine
     Dr Sarah Metcalf MBChB FRACP DTM&H, Consultant in Infectious Diseases & Honorary Clinical Lecturer University of Otago Christchurch School of Medicine.
     Ghazi Metoui MSc (Psychology),PGDipClinPsychology; Clinical Psychologist, Member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists
     Riah Mildenhall, 4th year Medical Student, Auckland
     Bonnie Miller PhD, Clinical Psychologist
     Dr Liz Millow MBChB FRANZCP, Canterbury
     Dr Clair Mills MBChB MSc(HPP&F) FNZCPHM, Senior Lecturer University of Auckland, Medical Officer of Health Northland
     A/Prof Richard Milne BSc(Hons) MSc PhD MRSNZ, President, NZ Chapter of International Society for Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research (ISPOR), University of Auckland
     Kathleen Moffitt, Visiting Neurodevelopmental Therapist, Diploma of Occupational Therapy
     Dr Stephanie Moor MBChB MRCPsych(UK), Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Canterbury
     Dr Johan Morreau BSc MBCHB FRACP ARACMA GAICD MNZM, Paediatrician, Rotorua
     Dr DJ Murchison MBChB FFARACS FANZCA ANZCA NZSA NZMA ASMS CHMSA, Anaesthetist, Canterbury
     Raquel Murphy, Student Nurse, Auckland.
     Dr Raymond Nairn PhD, Fellow NZ Psychological Society, Honorary Research Associate SHORE/ Whariki Research Centre Massey University.
     Dr Pat Neuwelt PhD FRNZCGP FNZCPHM, Senior Lecturer, Te Kupenga Hauora Maori, University of Auckland
     Caroline Newson (BSc), Medical Student, University of Otago; National Coordinator Medical Students for Global Awareness
     Dr Brigid O’Brien MBChB MPH(Hons), MPHTM, Public Health Registrar (NZCPHM) and Research Fellow, School of Population Health, University of Auckland
     Dr Susannah O’Sullivan PhD FRACP, University of Auckland
     Dr Lisa O’Connell, Canterbury
     Dr Viola Palmer MBChB, DA(Lond), FRNZCGP, retired GP
     Rosie Parke, Medical Student, Otago University
     Dr Lianne Parkin, Public Health Physician
     Dr Mariam Parwaiz, House Officer, Canterbury
     Dr Maria Peach NZCPHM, Public Health Registrar, Dunedin
     Hamuera Pere, Medical Student, Auckland
     Dr Julia Peters MBChB FRNZCGP MPH(Hons) FNZCPHM, Public Health Physician
     A/Prof Patricia Priest MBChB MPH DPhil FNZCPHM, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago
     Dr Megan Pybus FRACP, Paediatrician, Hutt Valley
     Eileen Quigley Registered Nurse, NZNO
     Caroline Quine RN, Duty Nurse Manager, Member of NZNO
     Dr TP Quirke FNZCPHM, Public Health Physician
     Dr Peter Radue MBBCh FRNZCGP MInstD, Professional Practice Fellow at University of Otago, Member of NZ Medical Association.
     Dr Kerry Read BSc MBChB FRACP, Chair of NZ ASID subcommittee, Infectious Disease Specialist, Auckland
     Dr Ian Ritchie retired, Feilding
     Dr Joanne Ritchie MBChB FANZCA FCICM PGDipEcho, Intensive Care Specialist, Auckland
     Dr Stephen John Roberts MBBCh BSc(Hons), member of ANZCA
     Bridget Robson BA(Maori) DPH, University of Otago
     Dr Anne Roche MBChB FRACP, Physician, General Medicine and Older Persons Health, Canterbury
     Dr Oliver Rooke BM M(med)Sc MRCPsych MRCGP.
     Nicola Russell RN M.Phil (nursing), Board member – College of Nurses Aotearoa, Horowhenua Community Practice, Levin
     Dr Jin Russell MBChB DipPaed, University of Auckland, member of OraTaiao: New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Sara Samuelu, Medical Student, Auckland
     Dr Joanna Santa Barbara MBBS, FRANZCP FRACP(C) O.Ont. (retired)
     Dr Nina Scott MBChB FAFPHM FNZCPHM MPH DipComChildH DipChildH, Waikato
     Dr Richard Seigne MBBS FRCA, Specialist Anaesthetist, Canterbury
     Dr Sarah Sharpe MBChB MPH FNZCPHM, University of Auckland
     Dr Caroline Shaw MBChB MPH FNZCPHM, Public Health Physician, University of Otago Wellington
     Dr Jeff K Shornick MD MHA, Locum Dermatologist, Canterbury
     Dr AJ Simpson FRANZCO MBChB, Opthalmologist, Christchurch
     Dr Julia Singhal MBBS, Anaesthetic Registrar, Canterbury
     A/Prof John F Smith PhD, Dept of Community Medicine & Postgrad Tropical Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
     Mr Mark D Smith BHB MBChB MMedSci FRACS, Consultant Surgeon, Invercargill, Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Otago, Executive Board member OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council
     Frances Smith, Medical Student, Wellington
     Dr Anthony J Spencer MBBS MRCP FRACP, General Physician, Canterbury
     Sonia Srinivasan BSc, University of Auckland
     Dr Kai Steinmann MD FRACP, Head of Paediatrics, Hawke’s Bay
     Dr Anna Stevenson MBChB PGDipEpi MPH FNZCPHM, Public Health Medicine Specialist
     Clark Stevenson, 5th Year Medical Student, Wellington
     Dr Prudence Stone MA PhD, Smokefree Coalition
     Dr Peter Strang MBChB FRNZCGP FACTM DipObst PGCertTropMed, Dunedin
     Prof Michael Sullivan, MBChB DCH FRACP PhD, Paediatric Oncologist
     Dr Gerhard Sundborn PhD MPH BS, FIZZ (Fighting Sugar in Soft Drinks) New Zealand Incorporated
     Prof Barry Taylor MBChB FRACP, Paediatrician, Dean, Manutaki, Dunedin School of Medicine
     Andrew Thompson RSW, School of Counselling, Human Services and Social Work, University of Auckland
     Donna Thomson Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Diploma Management, Clinical Nurse Specialist Auckland
     Dr Dougal Thorburn MBChB MPH MRNZCGP, General Practitioner, Student Health, Victoria University
     Dr Sandar Tin Tin, MBBS MPH, Member of Australasian Epidemiological Association, University of Auckland
     Justine Tito RN BHsc
     Dr Thomas Townend MBChB DCH FRACP(Paeds), Canterbury
     Dr Blair LJ Treadwell, BSc MBChB MRCP FRACP, Consultant Rheumatologist, Lower Hutt
     Ailsa Tuck MBCHB, DipCH, Community and General Paediatric Fellow, Auckland
     Dr Jason Kohamutunga Tuhoe MBChB, GPEP2 Registrar and Palliative Care Medical Officer at Totara Hospice South Auckland, Member Te Ora
     Dr AJM van Zeist-Jongman, Consultant Psychiatrist, Waikato
     Dr Stefanie Vandevijvere PhD, Research fellow in food policy, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Auckland
     Vidushan Vijayakumar, Medical Student, Auckland; NZMSA representative, AUMSA executive member
     Dr Richard Vipond MBChB MPH AMNZCPHM, Bay of Plenty
     Dr Julian Vyas MD FRACP. Consultant Respiratory Paediatrician, Auckland
     Dr Curtis Walker BSc BVSc MBChB MRACP, Wellington
     Bridget Walker, 5th Year Medical Student, Wellington
     Dr Katharine Wallis MBChB MBHL PhD FRNZCGP, University of Otago
     Dr Chris Warren MBChB FRACP, Canterbury
     Dr Sarah Welch MBChB BMedSci FRANZCO, Ophthalmologist, Auckland
     Aaron Weston, Medical Student, Auckland
     Dr Sally Widdowson MBChB DRCOG MRCGP FRNZCGP, General Practitioner, Greymouth
     Dr Siouxsie Wiles BSc(Hons) PhD, University of Auckland
     Anneke Williams BSc(Occ Ther), Auckland
     Dr Greg Williams BSc MBChB DCH FRACP, Paediatrician, Auckland
     Dr Deborah Wilson MBChB FRANZCP, Psychiatrist, Canterbury
     Dr Ross Wilson MBChB DCH DipObs FRACP FRCPCH, Paediatrician, Wellington, Clinical Senior Lecturer University of Otago
     Debbie Wilson, Sustainability Officer, PhD candidate, Auckland
     Kati Wilson, Masters of Nursing, National co-ordinator for Shaken Baby Prevention
     Dr Doone Winnard MBChB MPH(Hons) DipObs FRNZCGP RNZCPHM, Public Health Physician
     Pieta Winter, Medical Student, Wellington
     Dr Rachel Wiseman MBBCh FRACP, Physician, Canterbury
     Prof Karen Witten PhD, Massey University
     Jenny Wong, Medical Student, Wellington
     Cecilia Wong-Cornall BA BHSc PGDipPH(Dis) MPH(Hons), University of Auckland
     Dr Katie Woodhouse MBCHB, Member of the College of Urgent Care Physicians
     Nico Woodward PGcert, NZNO
     Joe Bing Xue, Plunket NZ “
     • Tracey 8.2.1

       11 November 2014 at 10:21 am

       Is it only me who sees the deep irony of the very secret TPPA containing so-called transparency provisions which will seriously impact PHARMACS ability to source cost effective drugs?
       • Chooky 8.2.1.1

         11 November 2014 at 11:33 am

         no John Key and friends must think we are fools!…they are selling out New Zealanders
       • Potato 8.2.1.2

         11 November 2014 at 12:33 pm

         I found this article by Brigitte Tenni, Senior Technical Advisor – HIV, The Nossal Institute for Global Health at University of Melbourne.
         Though a year old, it explains some of the demands the US wanted put into the Intellectual Property Rights Chapter of the agreement.
         Particularly interesting to me is the mention of new patents being issued if a new use is found for old drugs no longer in patent.

         http://theconversation.com/us-concessions-dont-give-trans-pacific-partners-access-to-drugs-21127
       • higherstandard 8.2.1.3

         11 November 2014 at 12:43 pm

         Tracey… yes.

         The more I read on peoples concerns in this area the more I think people have little to no idea how funding of drugs and PHARMAC operate in NZ.

         This for me is the very least concerning part of the TPPA.
         • Tracey 8.2.1.3.1

           11 November 2014 at 12:45 pm

           enlighten me higher standard and how the scenario referred to cant happen under the tppa.
           • higherstandard 8.2.1.3.1.1

             11 November 2014 at 12:49 pm

             I’ll write something for you later on today covering some examples of what happens now within the NZ and how that is unlikely to change under any version of the TPPA. Just a bit busy at work this afternoon.
             • Tracey …

               11 November 2014 at 12:52 pm

               thanks hs. look forward to reading it.

               will it address things like this?

               “…. The 2012 special 301 watch report of the United States Trade Representative cites US industry concerns over “unfair reimbursement policies” in several countries, and particularly the operation of PHARMAC:

               “The industry continues to express concerns regarding, among other things, the lack of transparency, fairness, and predictability of the PHARMAC pricing and reimbursement regime, as well as the negative aspects of the overall climate for innovative medicines in New Zealand [13, p. 21]”. …”
             • Tracey …

               13 November 2014 at 10:08 am

               How is it coming?
     • Chooky 8.2.2

       11 November 2014 at 11:32 am

       +100 thanks Tracey …that is a very impressive list of eminent New Zealanders
9. Rodel 9

   11 November 2014 at 10:47 am

   New Scientist (November 2014) has interesting & relevant articles about the TTIP (Transatlantic) secret deal between USA and Europe.

   e.g. Veolia vs Egypt- “The utilities company is suing the government for raising the minimum wage of water treatment workers.”

   Vattenfall vs Germany -“The Swedish energy giant is suing for E3.7 billion over the closure of two nuclear plants after Germany decided to phase out nuclear power.”
   and more…
   • ghostwhowalksnz 9.1

     11 November 2014 at 10:59 am

     More on the Germany v Vattenfall dispute
     “Vatenfall plans to file a billion-euro lawsuit against the German government. The suit is to be filed by Christmas with the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington D.C.

     ICSID is just another front for the US controlled World Bank.
     • Tracey 9.1.1

       11 November 2014 at 1:12 pm

       according to wikipedia

       “.The ICSID does not conduct arbitration or conciliation proceedings itself, but offers institutional and procedural support to conciliation commissions, tribunals, and other committees which conduct such matters.. .”””
   • Tracey 9.2

     11 November 2014 at 12:11 pm

     the guardian is being very strident about this agreement and calls it

     a gunpowder plot against democracy.

     john key will spend 27m on a referendum for a flag change no one sought, but nothing on seeking a mandate for entering the tpp based on actual knowledge of the agreement.

     a few weeks ago key suggested young people buy apartments as their first home. is he suggesting they dont read the sale and purchase agreement before signing it too?
10. Jenny 10

    11 November 2014 at 10:53 am

    It is interesting that these big business lobbyists what to begin their public campaign in support of the TPPA, after the agreement has been signed.

    Obviously they are of the opinion that they cannot risk having any sort of public debate about it beforehand.

    So what is the point of running a pro-TPPA campaign after the event?

    in effect these unelected business people will be using their money to pay for a propaganda campaign to further jam down this undemocratic imposition further down our throats.
    • Tracey 10.1

      11 November 2014 at 12:26 pm

      one of the most important thing to consider is WHO sirs in judgment when someone sues under the tppa and that there is NO appeal option.

      this is the only thing that can even be regarded as a “safeguard” and a flimsy one at that.
      • One Anonymous Bloke 10.1.1

        12 November 2014 at 6:54 pm

        So far as I’m aware, there is no detail of what form any dispute resolution will take, nor do we know whether the US proposal to allow investors to launch actions (as opposed to governments, as per the China FTA) is even real: it’s been assumed that’s what they want because that’s how it works in NAFTA.

        If I’ve missed something I’m all ears.
        • Tracey 10.1.1.1

          12 November 2014 at 7:39 pm

          You might want to read this link and the leaked chapter

          http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1206/S00186/national-says-yes-to-investor-rights-to-sue.htm

          This from jane kelsey in an answer to my question about how many of nz free trade agreements have contained investor protocols

          “… All of them except the investment protocol to the CER agreement with Australia and the P4 (NZ, Chile, Singapore and Brunei) have a version of investor-state enforcement. There is also a bilateral investment treaty with Hong Kong and an (arguably) superseded one with China.

          The TPPA is of greater concern because (a) the US is a party and they are second to the EU in the most frequent users of this process and (b) the scope of the obligations in the TPPA will be much broader than in previous FTAs…”
          • One Anonymous Bloke 10.1.1.1.1

            12 November 2014 at 8:10 pm

            Thanks – I hadn’t seen that.
            • Tracey 10.1.1.1.1.1

              12 November 2014 at 8:13 pm

              NP

              It hints of how it will go.
11. paddy 11

    11 November 2014 at 1:27 pm

    Anyone know what the chances are of getting a TPPA deal signed in all the countries? For the life of me I cannot see how the interests of each country can be satisfied. They are so disparate. New Zealand, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore, United States, Vietnam, Mexico and Canada

    I heard John Key say it has to be concluded by next August or it would be too close to the USA presidential elections in 2016. My pick is that it will never reach a conclusion.
    • Tracey 11.1

      11 November 2014 at 1:40 pm

      some countries are apparently negotiating “exceptions”. NZ is not one of those countries.

      there seems to be an increased urgency in rhetoric, including from Key. i wonder how many business funded “fact” fests those nations are in store for.

      its also hard to know how us congress will react. it will haveto juggle its natural bias toward business with it fierce sovereignty. in the end a republican congress will know its govt is unlikely to be sued under the tppa. i base that on past lack of such action.

      you are not alone thinking it wont happen, but i dont think we sit back in anticipation of it stalling on its own.
12. greywarshark 12

    11 November 2014 at 1:36 pm

    Nicky has raised $60,000 towards his real costs. The costs of campaigning against the PR of big business would be incalculable.

    I don’t say that we couldn’t have any effect but they could find $millions and it wouldn’t come just from NZ. It is not in BigFin’s interest to have the rats and mice in various countries protesting about their reality and having a destabilising effect on BigFin’s advance to overt world domination and the wealth and resources mountain mega-bank.
13. Chooky 13

    11 November 2014 at 1:55 pm

    Dotcom on the TPP

    http://rt.com/op-edge/kim-dotcom-keiser-report-531/
    • Manuka AOR 13.1

      11 November 2014 at 4:54 pm

      Excerpt:
      “there is a huge opportunity for other countries, especially smaller countries, to not enter into the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership), but do their own thing and establish laws that are pro-innovation, pro-technology that protect the internet, that give operators safe harbors.”
      • Wayne 13.1.1

        11 November 2014 at 5:19 pm

        Well, if Dotcom is against TPP, that surely will be enough to convince New Zealanders that John Key has got it all wrong.
        • Tracey 13.1.1.1

          11 November 2014 at 7:51 pm

          🙄
14. Potato 14

    11 November 2014 at 2:24 pm

    I assume if this thing gets signed we would have preferential trading with the other nations involved but one question I’ve not heard asked is, how would this impact on our FTA with China ? By following the rules of one agreement could we then be breaking the rules in the other ?
15. Kev 15

    11 November 2014 at 2:30 pm

    Tim Grosser explained in an interview on TV1’s Q&A that the detail of a TPPA will be released for public debate. He also acknowledged the concerns of health professionals but was adamant that the government would act with the interests of New Zealand in mind. Until the detail is available for debate it would be speculative to forecast the impact of the TPPA on the Health sector.
    Secondly John Key was not overly responsive to his meet and greet with Mr Putin and said that a trade agreement with Russia is not a priority at present. This could be interpreted as dissatisfaction with the situation in Crimea and also as support for Tony Abbotts position concerning the Malayian plane shot down over the Ukraine.
    • Draco T Bastard 15.1

      11 November 2014 at 3:51 pm

      Tim Grosser explained in an interview on TV1’s Q&A that the detail of a TPPA will be released for public debate.

      After it’s been signed and agreed upon in the backrooms. In other words, far too late for the populace to do anything about it. That’s not encouraging debate but shutting it down and is anti-democratic.

      Secondly John Key was not overly responsive to his meet and greet with Mr Putin and said that a trade agreement with Russia is not a priority at present. This could be interpreted as dissatisfaction with the situation in Crimea

      No, that can only be construed as the PM working in the US’s favour.
    • Tracey 15.2

      11 November 2014 at 7:53 pm

      can you post how he defined
      best interests of nz…

      debate after contract is binding = whoopdy fuck.
    • Murray Rawshark 15.3

      12 November 2014 at 6:40 pm

      He also acknowledged the concerns of health professionals but was adamant that the government would act with the interests of the wealthiest section of New Zealand, especially those who profit from corporate actions, in mind.

      FIFY.
16. Ad 16

    11 November 2014 at 3:11 pm

    What particularly frustrates me about Labour’s response is their incapacity to really stand back and form their own strategic path. It’s utterly reactive.

    New Zealand needs an entirely different strategic direction for international trade. NZ’s exporting industries with strong growth potential wont find itin the UK, EU, US, or Japan, since they will not lower farmer subsidies any more in the foreseeable future.

    The markets with the highest potential for our major exports are South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, India, the Gulf States, and Australia. All have strong and activist states. All are on the rise as the global influence of the US/UK kingdom relatively declines. Most of them are not militarily beholden to our old allies.

    We need diplomatic agreements to not just be about trade: they need to actively burn off the mainstays of the Anglo Free Market model, and actively engage with strong states needing protein, services and software for populations that are growing faster and richer. We should propose trade agreements that support activist states who are also in our interests because they want to buy our products.
17. Draco T Bastard 17

    11 November 2014 at 3:42 pm

    Defending Foreign Corporations’ Privileges Is Hard, Especially When Looking At The Facts

    In trying to justify trade agreement provisions that provide special rights and privileges to foreign firms to the disadvantage of their domestic competitors, Brinkley wrote 24 sentences with factual assertions. Seventeen of them were factually wrong.

    I’m pretty sure that we’ll see the same factually incorrect assertions coming from NZ Big Business to try and justify the TPPA.
18. Gosman 18

    11 November 2014 at 4:26 pm

    Don’t you want a proper debate on this topic or would you prefer that it was just all anti-TPPA information being pushed in the wider media?
    • mickysavage 18.1

      11 November 2014 at 4:35 pm

      I am sure we would love to have a proper debate on the topic. This requires that we know what the TPPA will involve and the discussion needs to occur before it is passed.

      Do you agree?
      • Gosman 18.1.1

        12 November 2014 at 11:58 am

        You don’t know what the TPPA will contain exactly until they have finalised the negotiations. This is just like pretty m,uch every international agreement. However you can discuss bottom lines and pros and cons of some of the potential areas before this.
    • Draco T Bastard 18.2

      11 November 2014 at 5:04 pm

      Minister Groser’s Big Debate on TPPA is meaningless unless it comes before an agreement is signed

      We can’t have a debate on the TPPA until we see the text. Of course, National don’t want to have an actual debate because then they’d never be able to put in to place the corporate welfare that the TPPA has incorporated into it.
    • Tracey 18.3

      11 November 2014 at 7:56 pm

      dont you think honest debate is defined as happening before we are committed to the tppa and unable to back out?

      your wrong headed thinking is tiresome.

      any disputes determined by a tribunal of corporate lawyers with no right of appeal. most clients would laugh if their lawyer agreed to that on their behalf…
19. Liberal Realist 19

    11 November 2014 at 7:32 pm

    +1 MS.

    Anyone with two or more brain cells can see that the TPPA is just the latest play at American global economic homogeny. Using mechanisms such as the TPPA they don’t need to bomb or put boots on the ground. With compliant puppets like Key, Abbott et al, and an ‘infotained’ dumbed-down populace there’s no need.

    All part of PNAC (‘Project for a new American century’) drafted by the US neo-CONartists in the early 90’s.

    The yanks NEVER honour ‘trade deals’, even when it comes to ‘friendly partners’ such as Canada. One only has to look at NAFTA & GATT as prime examples.

    Can’t recall where I saw this or who coined the original phrase, but it’s worth repeating…

    “How do you know when a politician is lying? His/Her lips are moving.”
20. A voter 20

    11 November 2014 at 9:57 pm

    This TPPA IS THE FIRST WW 100yrs on we are under siege from the new world of corporate rulers who are making the world for us behind closed doors and not to resurrect a country music great but to make this country ache with the pain of a gutless govt that hasnt got the courage to say we can make our own individual agreements because we want to hold our right to sovereignty and we can survive with less if we have the courage to stand up against being ruled by acceptance of a system that will eventually destroy the world we now have which is already politically corrupt and will only get worse
    The purveyors of this is system if our PM is anything to go by are hell bent on expanding the corporate international cartel of capitalism by maintaining their system which is intent on making money the only reason to do what needs to be done in the world rather than it being a true gauge of value of the products in the economies of the participating countries that can be determined as being of value and not endless piles of junk to end up in landfills and not the consumption excuse for production that it is now instead of what is of need
    in other words an ungoverned free market system that will rule itself at the discretion of it now governors by having any one who objects having any power to change it
    The world will carry on overproducing killing the environment and when the worlds population and specifically NZ reaches the density of Beijing for instance the environment will be the product of it own overpopulation that will not have the resources to sustain it and the horse and cart will be lucky if it is of any value as well
    Maybe we we could change the TPPA TO TTFN
21. RedBaronCV 21

    11 November 2014 at 10:02 pm

    Okay is there any way of finding out which NZ corporates and others are going to donate to this rubbish . If they don’t want to discuss it then I suggest we get busy real fast boycotting their products and inviting consumers in other countries to do the same.
    I reached the kick em in the money bags stage – and as for those tobacco giants – we could grow tobacco here and send it to Aus until Phillip Morris’s sales are gone, then Aus can do what it likes.
    • tracey 21.1

      12 November 2014 at 11:18 am

      I doubt they will be open and transparent about every business and individual that donates…
22. RedBaronCV 22

    11 November 2014 at 10:03 pm

    BTW that Anzco bloke harrison looks like he’s a director of Sealord. Where are the iwi on this one.
23. Chooky 23

    13 November 2014 at 8:20 am

    Why should New Zealand farmers go bankrupt and the rest of New Zealand be vulnerable to TPP corporate bankster takeover

    ….when we could be forging new Trade links with Russia…a huge market…and a future long term trading partner which could set New Zealand up to be a much wealthier country ……it is a no brainer!…we should be getting into this new market opportunity fast….like Latin America

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/dairy/63115172/Reserve-Bank-warns-of-dairy-sector-risks

    http://rt.com/business/178708-russia-europe-food-ban/

    http://rt.com/business/178664-latin-america-benefits-russia-ban/
    • Tracey 23.1

      13 November 2014 at 10:09 am

      Well, their warships are descending on bribane so some diplomats can have a chat.
    • sable 23.2

      14 November 2014 at 3:46 pm

      That would require common sense and a block and tackle to get Keys nose out of Obama’s ass….
      • Chooky 23.2.1

        14 November 2014 at 5:45 pm

        lol…NZ farmers and NZ farmer organisations should be forging trade links with Russia for dairy …and getting a high price

        ….and leaving John key with his nose behind
24. sable 24

    14 November 2014 at 3:43 pm

    Finally Labour have said something but as the article rightly points out why are they not doing more- “demanding” access to the negotiation documents and raising hell in parliament. This would force this issue into the open and yet all we get are polite statements about what should and should not happen. F**king pitiful….
    • Tracey 24.1

      14 November 2014 at 4:05 pm

      They are not angry… Or passionate enough
      • Chooky 24.1.1

        14 November 2014 at 5:49 pm

        they are brainwashed and duped…i hope not brain dead…they need to smarten up
        • Tracey 24.1.1.1

          14 November 2014 at 7:04 pm

          They need to look at video of dayle takitimu from last weeks rally in auckland. She made sense, passionately. When leaders give a shit so do the people. That is the opposite of what this govt does

          ” comfortable with that”
          Etc…

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