The first of a series of Government run hui on the Trans-Pacific Partnership aimed at Māori audiences kicked off today in Christchurch.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will also hold hui in Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland and Whangarei.
The Ministry says the focus will be on presenting information around the TPP and giving Māori an opportunity to share their views and ask “New Zealand’s Chief negotiator” questions about the agreement.
Amid protest, the government and 12 other countries involved in the TPP signed the agreement at a meeting held in Auckland last month.
The government released the full text of the TPPA in November last year which amounted to over 6000 pages.
Critics have argued the Crown had not fully addressed issues with Māori in terms of partnership and engagement.
However the government and Trade Minister, Tim Groser say the overall estimated benefit to NZ would be $2.7b a year by 2030.
Below are the dates and locations for the upcoming hui;
- Christchurch, 9 March, Commodore Airport Hotel
- Wellington, 10 March, Westpac Stadium
- Rotorua, 6 April, Millennium Hotel
- Auckland, 13 April, Stamford Hotel
- Whangarei, 26 April, Distinction Hotel