The Ngāti Kuri Trust Board has made a submission to the government Select Committee opposing the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA):
“The Trust Board fully supports the the concept of equity of access into international markets that as owners of traditional assets (Fishing, Forestry and Farming) will allow us to market our products and services to a larger customer base. However on balance, The Trust Board opposes the TPPA due to the numerous reported risks it poses for Ngāti Kuri social, environmental, cultural and economic well-being, and for the exercise of our tino rangatiratanga generally.”
The letter also and calls for the Crown to postpone its ratification of the TPPA, pending proper consultation with iwi Māori and civil society regarding the TPPA; and secure Māori free, prior and informed consent before ratifying the TPPA.