National Party leader John Key has reiterated the party's commitment to free trade, saying a National government would push to increase trade with China and settle the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.
John Key in Blenheim. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
Addressing the New Zealand Winegrowers Association Conference in Blenheim, Mr Key he said the Greens were opposed to free trade and the Labour caucus was split over the TPP, so he doubted a Labour-Green government would sign up to the deal.
Mr Key also said National would invest $10 million over five years for Asian languages to be taught in New Zealand schools.
He said if the party was re-elected he would stay on as Tourism Minister.
Labour Party leader David Cunliffe said the party would act based on the merits of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. He said it was not possible at present to assess the merits of the deal, because the Government was refusing to release the draft texts.
