New Zealand is now officially
part of the world's largest ever free trade deal.
Earlier today,
our officials joined ministers from 11 other countries
to sign the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement.
Oriini Tipene-Leach has been following today's events.
Oriini - what's happening right now?
In the last hour,
the hikoi came to a close
after taking to the roads of the heart of Auckland.
As we speak, there are around 200 people behind me,
rallying for their voices to be heard.
This is the biggest deal of its kind to link 40% of the world's economy.
NZ will have access
to a market worth over $800 million per year.
That's why the government says that Maori will also benefit
from the deal.
With the stroke of a pen,
the government says barriers to free trade will be removed.
And our Trade Minister Todd McClay purports Maori businesses
will gain a lot from the controversial agreement.
Realising this, FOMA expressed their support for the TPPA this week.
Why does FOMA say we'll benefit from the deal
when they haven't even read it?
They're crazy!
The definition of crazy is believing in something you haven't seen.
We will not agree to let others steal our rights.
One of the key concerns both Maori and non-Maori have
is the impact the TPP will have on the Treaty.
The powhiri or whakatau was carried out
by only three people.
It was a gesture appreciated all the same.
A process which still has some way to go.
What do you mean by that, Oriini?
Well, today's signing is all but ceremonial.
It will take two years from now for the deal to be implemented,
and that's if it makes it through the law-making process
within each member-country.
And so many of today's protestors are holding on to hope, Scotty.
Now, you were evicted from today's hui -
Can you explain why?
Yes, and I believe I'm the only reporter to have been evicted.
Basically, I came outside not long after the powhiri and reported live
on what was happening with the hikoi.
I mentioned that media wasn't allowed inside the hui,
that we were on lockdown
while another secret hui was being conducted behind closed doors.
Apparently my comments offended the organisers and I was asked to leave,
and I have also been banned
from entering SkyCity for the next 24 hours.
But life goes on.
Thank you for that report, Oriini Tipene-Leach.