Trading information

Your opinion piece on David Parker and New Zealand’s approach to trade contains at least one piece of misinformation that suggests either or both of poor research or just plain propaganda (Tinker with trade at your peril, April 9). You say that ‘‘Environmental and labour standard protection clauses may be required’’, in a context which suggests that this would be ‘‘stricter’’ than the status quo and possibly anti-trade (‘‘may be beneficial’’). Damned by faint praise! Environmental and labour standard protection clauses have been in all our FTAs since at least the early 2000s, including in the P4 which was the originating arrangement for the new CPTPP. Note — under both hues of Government! I feel sure they will continue to be required (not just ‘‘may be required’’). GRAEME BUCHANAN Karaka Bays