International trade ministers celebrate

The Herald reports:

Ngati Whatua says it will refuse to take part in any powhiri for international trade ministers when they visit New Zealand to sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership on February 4 because it opposes the agreement.

Piripi Davis, chairman of the tribe’s Orakei trust board, said its “strong opposition” to the TPP meant it would not participate in welcoming ceremonies when ministers from the 12 TPP countries gather in Auckland for the signing.

Can you imagine the whoops of joy and celebration in capitals around the world as the 11 trade ministers learn they won’t have to spend an hour in a powhiri!