There is a lot of public opposition to a very private multi-nation deal today as representatives from 12 Pacific Rim countries arrive in Auckland to sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Protesters gather at Aotea Square (Simon Wong / Newshub)
"Direct action has shut down trade deals before and this is our opportunity to stop or delay proceedings, physically demonstrating we won't let them sign this agreement under our noses (sic)," the Real Choice protest group's Facebook page says.
A heavy police and security presence is at the area where the signing is to take place (Simon Wong / Newshub)
A march will also take place along Queen St at midday where a hikoi from the north will descend on the central city. (Newshub)
Protest numbers grow outside SkyCity Convention Centre (Wilhelmina Shrimpton / Newshub)
(Newshub)
(Simon Wong / Newshub)
Representatives meet inside SkyCIty Convention Centre (Patrick Gower / Newshub)
Inside SkyCity, representatives prepare for signing (Patrick Gower / Newshub)
The view of protests from inside the convention centre (Patrick Gower / Newshub)
Lisa Owen has tweeted the view from the base of the Sky Tower.
Simon Shepherd is at the top of Hobson St where protesters are blocking the entrance to the motorway.
Lisa Owen says police have given a formal warning to move or be removed by force.
Mitch McCann is following protests outside SkyCity.
Newshub.
