23 May 2018

The Green Party is welcoming the announcement of Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker today on the major step forward in negotiations on a trade deal with the European Union, and will push for a deal that protects New Zealand’s interests.

“The Green Party recognises the need for New Zealand as a small island nation to make trade deals that are fair and sustainable, and we are optimistic about the Government’s ability to achieve that with the EU,” said Green Party trade spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman.

“The EU model of trade, which safeguards human rights standards and climate commitments of its member states, is a welcome move away from the old global order. They view ISDS clauses as inherently undemocratic.

“I hope the negotiations will allow for an appropriate level of transparency, as well as a high level of public and Parliamentary scrutiny before the deal is finalised. This was sadly lacking in previous negotiations of trade agreements, including the controversial CPTPP.

“We will push for a deal that safeguards New Zealand’s own human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, and te Tiriti o Waitangi in strong, enforceable language.

“It will not be enough to assume these interests are protected to a high standard just because our trading partner is a group of ‘like-minded nations’. Indigenous rights are an obvious example of where the EU has historically failed.

“The proper implementation of our own progressive Green policies, like the Zero Carbon Act, will depend on a trade agenda that supports environmental regulation,” said Ms Ghahraman.

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