Bilingual Otaki community to rally against the TPPA

All are invited to join Friday's March, organised by whanau whose children attend a local Kōhanga Reo.

The march will be distinctly bilingual and bicultural under the auspices of local hapū. With speeches, songs and information in Māori and English.

“This is another wave of colonisation. The intention of the TPPA is to exploit our land and people. Those who are vulnerable now will become even more vulnerable. It will become harder to keep land in the hands of those who care about it. Many Otaki locals want to voice heir concerns about our future, and this is the time to do it."

“We are opposed to the TPPA because of the effect that will have on every facet of life from growing and sharing food, to fair conditions in employment, to the cost of health care and medicines. Even education services are under threat under the TPPA, as multinationals will be able to enter the 'market' to undercut local providers from Kōhanga to Wānanga level. We also know multinationals will be able to sue the NZ government: this has already become public.”

“If it signs the TPPA the Government is saying it doesn't care about local communities. The TPPA will allow multinationals to come in and exploit our unique local culture and our locally developed kaupapa.”

"If the TPPA was such a good deal, the Government would release the text of the deal so that it can be seen in the light of day.”

Hīkoi details:

Date: Friday 14 August

Assemble at Tū Roa Kōhanga Reo, Te Rauparaha St, Otaki 11am.

Hīkoi 11:15am

Rally at war monument, Main St 11:30am

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