TPP could benefit industries, but MP says transparency needed

210814bf5 New Zealand First candidate Fletcher Tabuteau at the Greypower debate at the Bainbridge centre 21 August 2014 Rotorua Daily Post Photograph by Ben Fraser RGP 14May15 - INTERVENE: NZ

Local industries could benefit from the finalising of the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, industry experts say.

However one Rotorua-based MP is calling for more transparency around future trade deals.

The deal was announced early yesterday after years of negotiations, and sees New Zealand in a trade liberalisation pact with 11 other Pacific countries, including Canada, Japan and the United States.

Export New Zealand executive director Catherine Beard said the deal would have positive impacts for forestry, horticulture and manufacturing.

"There's definitely better access for forestry into TPP countries, and manufacturing pluses as well.

"It hasn't gone as well as hoped for the dairy industry but there are still positives around cheese and yoghurt, so they get better access.

"In forestry $9 million of all tariffs will be eliminated once the TPP is fully implemented. Fruit and vegetables are also looking good, horticulture is looking pretty positive."

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh said he could only see positives in the agreement.

"Any free trade deal is good.

"There are restrictions on the terms, and once we are in it we are in it, but I think there are more wins than there are concessions in what we have signed."

Rotorua MP Todd McClay said the agreement was high-quality.

"I think it's very positive for Rotorua. The TPP countries are worth $32 million with 800 million consumers," he said.

"There were a number of concerns raised over some of the things that may or may not be in the agreement. The Pharmac model has not been altered at all, and the government can't be sued with anything it does to tobacco. It retains the sovereign right of the New Zealand government to pass law."

Rotorua-based NZ First MP Fletcher Tabuteau said it was difficult to comment on the regional effects of the agreement, but criticised the principles of the pact.

"It's about losing our sovereignty, Maori being put on the sideline. How can you get good on your commitment to Maori when you can be sued? It doesn't look like it's a good trade deal."

He said he would submit a private member's bill which would see any future trade agreements come before Parliament, not just Cabinet.

"It's not democracy, they have never shared the details with New Zealand."

Volcanic Hills winery co-owner Brent Park said increased trade would be beneficial for his business.

"There's quite a big stake in it for wine, but we are an incredibly small producer.

"We are actually seeking to go into America so hopefully it will be positive for us. I can't see anything negative coming out of it for us yet but then again I have not read the finer details.

"We are obviously wanting to grow into the export market so for us it is potentially great."