Rt Hon Winston Peters

New Zealand First Leader

Member of Parliament for Northland
22 JANUARY 2016

Lawsuit Against US Worrying for NZ as TPPA Signing Approaches

New Zealand First wants to know how the Prime Minister is protecting New Zealand against massive lawsuits from big business.

“In light of the $US15 billion claim the US government is facing it’s time for a detailed explanation from the Prime Minister on New Zealand’s exposure under the TPPA,” says New Zealand First Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“Mr Key and Trade Minister Tim Groser have consistently denied that New Zealand could face compensation claims.

“But with the US lawsuit, and the treaty signing imminent, it is time for more than some throwaway lines from the PM.

“The US is facing a $US15 billion claim under the North American Free Trade Agreement from a private corporation after President Obama stopped construction of a pipeline from Canada through the US.

“The rights of corporations to sue if they believe a government’s decision or law has cost them business appears to be enshrined in the TPPA and other treaties NZ has signed.

“The fact that NZ has not been sued to date is not a valid argument.

“Just one claim against the NZ government could be crippling.

“No foreign business should be interfering in the decision making of any country. The TPPA is not a trade-only treaty. In fact, the trade benefits are limited. It is more about profits of the big corporates. Mr Key owes Kiwis an explanation. He has a duty to protect this nation.”

ENDS

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