15 Nov 2016

TPP bill signed by Parliament as US signals its end

8:19 pm on 15 November 2016

The government's Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) legislation has passed its third reading at Parliament this afternoon, despite the likelihood the trade deal won't proceed.

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Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

The legislation allows New Zealand to join the 12 nation free trade deal.

But opposition parties have criticised the government for continuing to advance the bill, given Donald Trump has been elected as the next president of the United States.

Mr Trump has vowed to kill the deal.

Trade Minister Todd McClay said he acknowledged there were obstacles to the agreement coming into force, but said New Zealand would give the new US administration time to fully consider its trade agenda.

The TPP amendment bill passed 61 votes to 57.

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