It would be a big step for powerhouse to accede to TPP agreement, with intellectual protection a thorny issue.

Kiwis should feel immensely proud of being part of the TPP, Prime Minister John Key said ahead of today's historic signing in Auckland by 12 countries.

If this was such a bad deal, how is it possible that a dozen countries all got sucked in and put their name to the sort of trouble the placard wavers are proclaiming?

Looking back, it is hard to recall a greater diplomatic achievement than the comprehensive trade and investment agreement that will be signed by representatives of 12 countries in Auckland today.

Music sensation Stan Walker has spoken out against supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, which will be signed tomorrow, has been hailed as the "biggest trade deal in a generation".

Ahead of the signing of the TPP, Vietnamese business and trade leaders and exploring trade opportunities in New Zealand.

No little boy or girl dreams of being a trade negotiator and David Walker was no exception.

Benefits from tariff cuts under the TPP trade pact will amount to a mere $40 a year for every New Zealander, writes Tim Hazledine.

In an open letter to Andrew Little, Stephen Jacobi argues Labour should take closer look at the TPP deal.

Trade liberalisation is an ongoing process and there is still much for NZ to aim for.

With the Trans-Pacific Partnership due to be signed in Auckland on Thursday, political editor Audrey Young plots its evolution.

Former MP Hone Harawira has stated some complete falsehoods about Trans Pacific Partnership, Maori and the Treaty of Waitangi, wirtes Charles Finny.

Country's most dogged trade deal opponent had an unusual travelling companion for her town hall campaign.

Trying to quantify the gains from planned trade agreement is an exercise in futility, writes Brian Fallow. Trying to get a grip on the TPP's effects is about as easy as catching trout with your bare hands.

Here's what the international media think of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

As the date for the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership in Auckland draws nearer, local and international commentators are making their views heard.

The release comes two weeks earlier than expected in a bid to counter opposition.

Sky City's been named as the location for Asia Pacific trade ministers to sign the Trans Pacific Partnership deal on February 4.

Opposition to the TPP seems set spill over to Waitangi Day celebrations in the north.

IMF has lowered its forecast of global economic growth over the next two years amid the deepening slowdown in emerging markets.

The New Zealand forestry unit of Japan's Oji Group plans to invest $23 million to consolidate and expand capacity at its sawmilling and drying facilities in Otago.

Protesters will beseige the TPP signing despite its terms being less favourable to US interests than they feared, writes John Roughan.

The TPP is not just a run-of-the-mill trade agreement but a major concession of the powers of self-government to large, international (mainly US) corporations, writes Bryan Gould.

On February 4, the Government intends to defy popular opinion and host the signing of the secretly negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement in Auckland, writes Jane Kelsey.

New Zealand is about to have the honour of hosting the formal signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement by trade ministers from 12 nations of the Pacific rim.

COMMENT: Trade Minister Todd McClay is not an openly combative politician, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

Trade Minister Todd McClay will promote NZ's case to host a proposed secretariat for the TPP during the signing ceremony next month.