22 Oct 2017

Ardern to push for TPP changes

5:46 pm on 22 October 2017

Incoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will push for changes to the Trans-Pacific Partnership when she attends next month's Apec meeting in Vietnam.

Protesters outside the hui.

Protesters outside the hui. Photo: RNZ / Shannon Haunui-Thompson

Ms Ardern told TVNZ's Q+A programme that she supports the TPP and lifting exports.

However, she wanted to go ahead with Labour's plan to stop foreign speculation in the housing market - something that could breach the draft agreement.

She would lobby for amendments to the agreement at next month's meeting, she said.

"Our view is that it will be possible to balance our desire to make sure that we provide housing ... that's affordable, by easing demand and banning foreign speculators from buying existing homes, while meeting our trade goals."

All three parties in the new government are united on the goal to lift exports, she said.

New Zealand First and the Green Party have opposed the TPP in the past.

US President Donald Trump formally withdrew his country from the agreement earlier this year, triggering fears the entire deal would collapse.

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