InternetNZ applauds New Zealand's strength at TPP table

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) applauds the position of Minister Tim Groser and his team of negotiators in standing strong on New Zealand’s copyright position during TPP negotiations.

The leaked August text shows that the New Zealand negotiators have remained resolute in defending New Zealand’s fair and balanced copyright framework – in the face of the United States’ aggressive moves.

Chief Executive Jordan Carter says it is a credit to Minister Groser and the Government more broadly that they have taken this intelligent stance, and he hopes it is one that the Government will stay true to as 11th hour negotiations draw near.

“Rights that New Zealanders enjoy under our copyright framework, and our ability to adjust copyright as our digital economy evolves, are crucial to New Zealand’s economic future. Any horse trading to get the TPP over the line must not sacrifice the huge economic opportunity presented by digital exports.

“If the United States gets what it wants then New Zealand loses out on content. As the Ultra Fast Broadband initiative is rolled out, enabling us to get content faster, this could take away our ability to get that content at all – no matter the speed.”

Though no time frame for completion exists, it is expected that the TPP will be finalised in the coming months, and InternetNZ hopes that the copyright framework remains consistent with what New Zealand already has, and that the digital economy receives as much support from New Zealand ministers and officials as the traditional economy does.

ENDS

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