NOT RAIN... TPPA protesters taking refuge from one of Saturday's showers, one saying that nothing the weather did was going to silence them.
NOT RAIN... TPPA protesters taking refuge from one of Saturday's showers, one saying that nothing the weather did was going to silence them.
Rueben Taipari Porter, one of those who addressed the anti-TPP rally at Kaitaia's Saturday morning market, was surprised by the response, given the frequent squally showers and the fact that he had been asked just the day before to help organise it.
Around 100 people gathered to listen to speakersincluding a local GP, who spoke about medical costs, and a teacher who was concerned about public education.
"A teenager said she didn't know what TPP was, and that she did want to know. The massive banner her group of rangatahi had made for the rally certainly showed they were serious," Mr Porter said.
"Hone Harawira gave great grassroots examples of how the TPP would affect our local communities, and Nina Ash spoke about the flag-changing debate being a serious distraction that was linked to corporate control. A lot of people then expressed various concerns about corporate control, the threat to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and many other rights we take for granted as citizens of New Zealand under a democratic government system."
Mr Porter added that, as he listened to the speakers, he glanced across the park to the memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the world wars, and wondered if their sacrifice could prove to have been in vain.
"But then I noticed the diverse community gathered, the majority of them holding on to children and mokopuna, and I see and hear about the mass of rallies held all around the country, and I have to believe that the people of this country are waking up and will stand to protect their country's future for the right reasons, and to protect the innocent still to come in the future," he said.
Meanwhile more than 80 people chanted "TPPA no way" as they marched through Kerikeri on Saturday morning, despite confusion caused by claims on social media that the event had been cancelled.
Among them was sculptor Chris Booth, who said he was worried about his children's future if the stalled trade deal went ahead.
"And I just don't want to be bullied by big business," he said.
Rolf Mueller-Glodde said he was all in favour of trade, including global trade, but each country had to protect its own rules and way of life. He was concerned about the power the TPP could give overseas corporations over the government, and the secrecy with which the deal was being negotiated.
Trish Monahan (Kerikeri) said the deal could affect New Zealand's sovereignty, while musician Troy Kingi worried what it would mean for the Treaty of Waitangi.
"But the biggest thing for me is, no one's really asking for it. It's going to affect everyone, so why not be more open about it?" he asked.
