Thousands of people marched in towns and cities around New Zealand today protesting against the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership.
TPPA rally in Wellington Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp
In Auckland, protesters first gathered in Myers Park, waving banners and placards and listening to speeches about how the deal would erode the country's sovereignty and disadvantage low-income earners.
The crowd was then led down Queen Street by a giant wooden horse, to the offices of the United States Consulate General on Customs Street.
The Master of Ceremonies for the event, Barry Coates, said citizens' rights will be reduced under the deal.
Mr Coates said under the agreement, an international tribunal above New Zealand's court system would rule on a number of important economic issues.
Protesters on Riccarton Road, Christchurch Photo: RNZ / Patrick Phelps
He said said under an agreement, an international tribunal above New Zealand's court system will rule on a number of important economic issues.
Maori Party politician Marama Fox who marched in protest against the Trans-Pacific Partnership in Christchurch said discussion of the deal must become public.
TPPA rally in Auckland Photo: RNZ / Henry Acland
Ms Fox said discussion about the deal needs to be public, not behind closed doors and the government must be questioned on the nature of the deal, and that economic prosperity should not be at all and any costs.
In Wellington, hundreds of people marched from Midland Park to Parliament.
Similar rallies last November attracted about 10,000 protesters.
Photo: RNZ / Patrick Phelps