Controversial TPP Deal Signed Amid Protests

Twelve Pacific rim countries signed Wednesday the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal in New Zealand’s capital Auckland.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key delivered a speech ahead of the signing where he said: "Today is a very, very important day for the 12 countries involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.”

The signing took place in alphabetical order and Australia was the first to sign while New Zealand placed the last signature.

TPP protesters close off Hobson street and SH1 on ramp. 45 min until signing at Sky City pic.twitter.com/2eqNy2j76P

— Mohamed Hassan (@MHassan_1) February 3, 201

Meanwhile, former Green MP Sue Bradford was in a protest group that has partially blocked access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge from the city. "We are in a blockade at the corner of Victoria Park and the Harbour Bridge,” he told the local New Zealand Herald.

A heavy police presence was on the streets of central Auckland to handle the protests expected for the historic signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal.

And they've arrived at SkyCity. Beginning to blockade the streets ahead of the TPP signing @11.30 inside @rnz_news pic.twitter.com/ZNfsvhPWgR

— Carla Penman (@penmancar) February 3, 2016

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 people were gathered outside the SkyCity Center where the signing took place. "TPPA is not a free trade," one sign said while a female protester was heard telling police officers. "You should not be allowing New Zealand to be sold."