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National | Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei oppose TPPA

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will not enter into any agreement to take part in welcoming ceremonies for TPP officials.

Ngāti Whatua Ōrākei Trust Chairman, Piripi Davis says, “While Ngāti Whātua is sad the officials won't be welcomed by us, we can't take part because we are opposed to the TPP.”

Meanwhile Ngāti Whātua Rūnanga Co-Chair Naida Glavish says, while she supports Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei's decision, she says if they were approached by the government she would agree to do a welcome ceremony because Māori custom requires us to respect visitors.

Davis responded by saying, “That's up to them. If we carry out a welcoming ceremony based on respect, care and love, our guests might think we are of the same view as them."

Trade Minister Todd McLay says Māori will gain a lot through food exports. He says the TPP will reduce barriers and make it easier for Māori businesses to export to 800 million consumers.

But Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is concerned the TPP could come at a huge cost to the environment.

Davis says, “We are concerned the aspirations of future generations for the land, the sea and the environment will be abolished.”

A welcoming ceremony is normally conducted by local tribes of an area. But just who will carry out the welcoming ceremony for TPP officials in Auckland remains to be seen.