The Otago Regional Council yesterday received a petition, signed by 550 people, highlighting the importance of achieving ''net positive benefits'' for Otago in the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership and Free Trade Agreements.
Jenny Olsen, a member of the TPP Action group, and leading botanist Sir Alan Mark presented the petition and briefly spoke to it, before the start of a council meeting.
The resolution provided to the council comprises 12 main points, including for the council to encourage the Government to conclude TPP agreements in a way that continued to allow the ORC and other New Zealand councils, if they chose, to adopt procurement policies that provided for some local preference.
Another concern was that the TPPA could undermine Pharmac, raise the cost of medical treatments and threaten public health measures, including tobacco control, the resolution noted.
The ORC voted for a council staff report to be prepared about the issues raised, and actions taken by other New Zealand councils over the resolution.
Mrs Olsen was ''very grateful'' the ORC had allowed her to speak, and pleased a report was being prepared.
The Dunedin City Council was among 12 councils that had adopted the resolution, another four councils having adopted parts of it, she said.
