June 16, 2012

Trans Pacific Partnership?

Legitimate questions are being asked about the trans-pacific partnership negotiations currently underway.  Will foreign tobacco corporates be able to intimidate future NZ governments by claiming damages if our government signs the TPP agreement?  Why won't the government tell the public what it is advancing as the NZ position?  Australia refused to sign the TPP on the grounds that it would compromise the sovereignty of Australia.  Why does our government believe that we can maintain our sovereignty and still be compliant with the TPP?  Finally, will US and EU pharmaceutical companies be able to leverage the provisions of the TPP to bring pressure to bear on New Zealand's PHARMAC agency and thereby sell medicines at higher prices to kiwis? 

Caritas Justice Leadership Days - an inspiring experience

I've just returned from the 2017 Caritas Justice Leadership Day in Wellington.  This year the Wellington JLD was held in Avalon, Lowe...