Labour says it's still a fan of free trade, despite refusing to support the Trans Pacific Partnership.

Exporters have expressed their disappointment in the party for sending 'mixed messages'.

But Andrew Little said Labour's been a free trade party for 80 years and it's not abandoned that.

"There are things in the TPPA that are nothing to do with free trade, and they cut across New Zealander's democratic rights."

The issue has been hotly debated within the Labour Party, with two former leaders breaking ranks and saying they support the deal.

Three other opposition parties, New Zealand First, the Greens and the Maori Party, have all stated their opposition to the TPP.