TPP Has Been Formally Signed

Central Auckland ground to a halt as controversial trade deal the Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed by 12 nations today.

Dignitaries from the dozen partnership countries gathered at 11.30am to put pen to paper, a major step in what is being described as the "biggest trade deal in a generation".

The agreement is designed to free up trade and investment between the countries but has been contentious for several years, mainly because of the secrecy of the deal, lack of public consultation and fears New Zealand's sovereignty could be diminished.

Outside the convention centre, they were gathering too. By 10.20am, up to 1000 protesters were at the scene, their aim to disrupt proceedings for as long as possible. By late this morning, they were succeeding.

Protest group Real Choice planned the non-violent protest and a blockade of the streets leading to the centre, hoping supporters in their hundreds would create a "TPP-free zone" and shut down the signing ceremony for as long as possible.

Real Choice spokeswoman Julia Espinoza explained their motives.

"Petitions, marches and lobbying have their place; but now the TPP is being signed on our doorstep, and we feel it is time to try to shut it down and create a TPP-free zone."

Maraea Clark, dressed in the colours of the New Zealand flag, said the trade deal was a way of controlling people.

"It's not a better life for the people; it's a better life for the corporations who are wanting to take over."

A large group soon left the scene to join a blockade on Victoria St, where a young man was singing Bob Marley's Redemption Song.

The protesters had high-profile support - former All Black Piri Weepu tweeted them: "Good luck but also be safe, No need to protest violently. Walk together for Aotearoa."