edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Ardern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Ardern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12752] 
9. 
SHANE ARDERN (National—Taranaki - King Country) 
 to the  
Minister of Customs 
: What reports has he received on seizures of pure methamphetamine at the border? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON (Minister of Customs) 
: 
 In operations for the first 6 months of this year the Customs Service reports that it intercepted approximately 14 kilograms of pure methamphetamine or P at the border involving 14 incidents. That compares with just under 200 grams for the same time period last year involving only three incidents. For all of 2009 the Customs Service intercepted just under 11 kilograms of P involving 12 incidents. 
Shane Ardern 
: What reports has he received on seizures of methamphetamine precursor at the border? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON 
: The situation in respect of precursor is even better. For the first 6 months of this year the Customs Service reports that it seized 630 kilograms of methamphetamine or P precursor at the border. That amount of precursor would produce up to 178 kilograms of P with a street value of around $178 million and cause around $72 million worth of harm to the community. Last year the Customs Service intercepted a record amount of 1.2 tonnes of the precursor strangling the supply to those who would peddle the P scourge to our communities.
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12752] 
10. 
DARIEN FENTON (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Labour 
: Does she stand by her statement in relation to the proposed sick leave changes “we do not insist on unreasonable grounds for anything”; if so does she understand the difference between insisting on and allowing unreasonable grounds? 
Hon KATE WILKINSON (Minister of Labour) 
: 
 Yes; and yes. 
Darien Fenton 
: When she said that removing the need for employers to have reasonable grounds for requiring proof of sickness was “clarifying the law” did she mean to clarify the law so that employers will not have to have any reasonable grounds whatsoever to suspect sick leave is not genuine? 
Hon KATE WILKINSON 
: What I meant was that the proposal is meant to clarify the law making it much simpler to understand and to implement. The requirement of reasonable grounds does not offer any assistance as to what it actually means as it is a matter of interpretation. In practice although I do not expect this provision to be used much more than it currently is it is a small change merely to clarify the existing law. 
Darien Fenton 
: Has she read the research conducted by Southern Cross Healthcare last year which found that the majority of cost incurred by employers for sickness was not from sick leave but from lost productivity from those who go to work when they are sick; if so why is she proposing to exacerbate that problem with this policy? 
Hon KATE WILKINSON 
: I do not accept that this exacerbates that problem. All this does is clarify; it is a simple change to clarify the current law making it simpler and easier to understand and to implement. 
Darien Fenton 
: Is she aware that New Zealand workers are already entitled to fewer sick leave days than nearly every other comparable country including Australia; if so how does this Government expect to stop our best and brightest from leaving for Australia where they offer both better wages and better leave? 
Hon KATE WILKINSON 
: They will stop leaving New Zealand to go to Australia because we have the best Government we have had in 10 years and the very best Prime Minister we have had in 10 years.
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12747] 
5. 
PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie) 
 to the  
Minister of Transport 
: What progress has been made on the western ring route Road of National Significance? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) 
: 
 I am pleased to report that yesterday morning the $230 million duplicate Manukau Harbour Crossing opened to traffic 7 months early. Realising the benefits of this harbour crossing project sooner will come as a huge relief to the 80000 motorists using the route to travel between central and south Auckland and the airport everyday. I was pleased to have the opportunity to open the bridge on Sunday with the Prime Minister where we had the opportunity to thank the workers for a job well done. 
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga 
: What effect has the Government’s funding policy had on completing projects like the Manukau Harbour Crossing? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: The Government’s $10.7 billion commitment to State highway building over 10 years has provided a secure funding pipeline that has given contractors the confidence to continue investing in people and machinery which helps complete projects more quickly. The Manukau Harbour Crossing project has now finished 7 months ahead of schedule. The contractors have achieved this by using innovative construction techniques and improving their planning methods. The acceleration mirrors the southbound part of the $215 million Newmarket viaduct project which the Transport Agency announced this month would be open 6 months earlier than planned in early 2011. 
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga 
: What benefits will the western ring route bring to Auckland’s economy? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: The western ring route will provide a 48-kilometre alternative to State Highway 1 between Albany and Manukau City. It will bypass the city to the west and link Manukau Auckland Waitakere and the North Shore. Completing the route is critical to Auckland’s economic transformation. It will improve growth and productivity through more efficient movement of freight and people and its effects will be felt beyond its immediate route right into the central motorway junction. The Government’s funding plan will allow it to be achieved well ahead of time and to the benefit of Auckland.
Vote: Ngati Tuwharetoa Raukawa and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Ngati Tuwharetoa Raukawa and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:12823] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Ngati Tuwharetoa Raukawa and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Bill be read a first time. 
Ayes 116 
New Zealand National 57; New Zealand Labour 43; Green Party 9; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 5 
ACT New Zealand 5. 
Bill read a first time.
Katene Rahui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Katene Rahui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12750] 
7. 
RAHUI KATENE (Maori Party—Te Tai Tonga) 
 to the  
Minister of Justice 
: Will the Government adopt a zero-tolerance policy to liquor outlets selling to under-age minors in line with the zero-tolerance policy it intends to adopt towards youth drink-drivers; if not why not? 
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) 
: 
 No final decisions have been made on the Government’s response to the Law Commission’s report on alcohol. However good progress has been made and I expect to be able to report back to Parliament shortly. I note that tougher penalties for offences under the Sale of Liquor Act including sale to minors were specifically contemplated in the commission’s report. In the meantime the Government is focused on effective enforcement of existing law and I am advised that the number of premises visited in controlled-purchase operations such as the one in Porirua over the weekend of 24 to 25 July has increased from 991 in 2005-06 to 1547 in 2008-09. Greater enforcement has led to a corresponding drop in the number of outlets selling alcohol to minors. 
Rahui Katene 
: Does he agree that the endless creation of liquor stores makes alcohol more accessible and will only add to the binge-drinking culture amongst young people; and what advice has he received from the Minister of Youth Affairs about this issue? 
Hon SIMON POWER 
: Broadly yes it has that potential. In respect of the matter relating to the Minister of Youth Affairs I have received some advice that supports moves to limit alcohol outlets because of the impact it has on younger people. 
Rahui Katene 
: Has he read the comments of Tokoroa Community Ministries manager Colin Bridle that the town is “awash in liquor” and that every day he gets to “pick up the pieces” of the binge-drinking culture; and what power can communities such as Tokoroa call on to prevent yet another liquor store opening in their areas? 
Hon SIMON POWER 
: I have not seen the specific comments but the Law Commission report made specific recommendations about local communities being able to have a much greater say on the granting of liquor licences and indeed on the grounds for objection against liquor licences. I can tell the House today that the Government is looking very closely at that particular recommendation.
Norman Russel William: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Norman Russel William: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12746] 
Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 I seek leave to table two documents regarding the links between Bill English’s office and the Crafar farms. The first is an email from the Overseas Investment Office dated 5 February— 
Hon Bill English 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Well a point of order is actually being heard. I invite the member to wait a moment and I will hear what Dr Russel Norman is seeking leave to do and then I will hear the Hon Bill English. 
Dr RUSSEL NORMAN 
: It is with regard to the previous question. I should have tabled it at the end of the previous question but that was an oversight on my behalf. It is an email from the Overseas Investment Office dated 5 February of this year to Bill English’s office identifying who the lawyers are for Natural Dairy. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Does the member wish to seek a point of order before I seek for that document to be tabled? 
Hon Bill English 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. My point of order is that the member can seek leave to table documents but he cannot seek leave to make false statements like that. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I guess I made the rod for my own back there. The member should not be saying that under a point of order but I understand the point he is making. I just ask the member in describing the next document that he seeks leave to table to be careful how he describes it. Leave is sought to table that particular email. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House. 
Dr RUSSEL NORMAN 
: I seek leave to table a further email about communication from the lawyers for Natural Dairy to Mr English’s office dated 5 February about their intention to purchase the Crafar farms. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Robertson Grant: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Robertson Grant: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12751] 
8. 
GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central) 
 to the  
Prime Minister 
: Does he stand by his statement about the student loan scheme that “economically it doesn’t really stack up”; if so what if anything is he going to do to make the scheme “stack up”? 
Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) 
: 
 Yes. Yesterday I was referring to the fact that the Government’s student loan book is now $11 billion but for every dollar we lend we collect just 53c back. In the Budget the Minister for Tertiary Education Steven Joyce announced changes to the system to make it fairer for both the taxpayers who fund it and the students who access it. The changes included requiring students to pass 50 percent or more of their full-time courses over 2 years to be able to keep borrowing a lifetime limit on access to student loans preventing permanent residents and Australians from accessing a student loan until they have lived in this country for at least 2 years and increasing the StudyLink student loan administration fee. To help students get out of debt sooner we have introduced an early repayment bonus and we have a highly successful voluntary bonding scheme available for doctors nurses midwives veterinarians and of course teachers. 
Grant Robertson 
: When he told Victoria University students yesterday that “there has to be a better way of doing it” in relation to interest-free student loans what better way did he have in mind? 
Hon JOHN KEY 
: Firstly all the initiatives that were announced in the Budget; and secondly the Minister for Tertiary Education is looking at ways to improve collection of loans from overseas-based borrowers. 
Grant Robertson 
: Can he guarantee that his Government will not reintroduce interest on student loans? 
Hon JOHN KEY 
: It is my intention to keep interest-free student loans. 
Grant Robertson 
: Does he stand by his statement in this House that interest-free student loans were an unaffordable and irresponsible cost to this country; if so will his Government be reintroducing interest on student loans? 
Hon JOHN KEY 
: No to the latter and yes to the former and the reason is that it is factually correct. When Labour was in Government it had the audacity to go out and tell the New Zealand public it would cost $100 million in the first year for interest-free student loans rising to a total of $300 million a year. I am advised that the current cost is $408 million and potentially rising.
Vote: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Vote: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:12803] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the votes the preamble clauses 1 to 12 and schedules 1 to 7 be agreed to. 
Ayes 69 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 5; United Future 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand Labour 43; Green Party 9; Progressive 1. 
Votes preamble clauses 1 to 12 and schedules 1 to 7 agreed to. 
House resumed. 
Bill reported without amendment.
Beaumont Carol: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Beaumont Carol: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:12803] 
CAROL BEAUMONT (Labour) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Chairperson and greetings to the Committee. This is a Minister who has the interesting dichotomy of having no new ideas in this portfolio but she is touting lots of old failed ideas. For the ever-increasing number of Kiwis who do not have a job or are underemployed those who are struggling on low and middle incomes to make ends meet—
Tremain Chris: Inquiries — Consideration of Report of Officers of Parliament Committee Inquiry into Appointment of Controller and Auditor-General; Reports — Consideration of Report of Finance and Expenditure Committee on Report from Controller and Auditor-General on Statements of Intent: Examples of Reporting Practice; Sittings of the House 
Tremain Chris: Inquiries — Consideration of Report of Officers of Parliament Committee Inquiry into Appointment of Controller and Auditor-General; Reports — Consideration of Report of Finance and Expenditure Committee on Report from Controller and Auditor-General on Statements of Intent: Examples of Reporting Practice; Sittings of the House 
[Volume:657;Page:6832] 
CHRIS TREMAIN (Senior Whip—National) 
: 
 I seek leave for the House to now adjourn. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Vote: Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:657;Page:6831] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 64 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; United Future 1. 
Noes 58 
New Zealand Labour 43; Green Party 9; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1. 
Bill read a first time. 
Bill referred to the Education and Science Committee.
Cosgrove Clayton: Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Cosgrove Clayton: Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:657;Page:6828] 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Labour—Waimakariri) 
: 
 I seek leave to table a number of documents. The first is a report regarding Donna Awatere Huata a former ACT Party MP ripping off the Pipi Foundation. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection. 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE 
: I seek leave to table a report relating to the scandal perpetrated by the ACT Party around its out-of-Parliament office in Pipitea Street. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is none. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House. 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE 
: I seek leave to table a report about Rodney Hide’s conduct in relation to a Fiji pyramid scheme. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: What report is that? 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE 
: It is in relation to the allegation about a scandal. It is a media report. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: It is a media report. Leave is sought— 
Chris Tremain 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I ask which organisation the report is from. We need a little more detail please. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: It is a press report. 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE 
: It is from the media. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Vote: Palmerston North Showgrounds Act Repeal Bill — Second Reading 
Vote: Palmerston North Showgrounds Act Repeal Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:657;Page:6818] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Palmerston North Showgrounds Act Repeal Bill be now read a second time. 
Ayes 117 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 43; Green Party 9; ACT New Zealand 5; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 5 
Maori Party 5. 
Bill read a second time.
Graham Kennedy: Palmerston North Showgrounds Act Repeal Bill — Second Reading 
Graham Kennedy: Palmerston North Showgrounds Act Repeal Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:657;Page:6816] 
Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green) 
: 
 Without wishing to draw the proceedings of the House to a close earlier than even my predecessor has intimated I simply advise the House that the Green Party supports the Palmerston North Showgrounds Act Repeal Bill which proposes to transfer the management and control of the Palmerston North Showgrounds from the Palmerston North Showgrounds Board of Control to the Palmerston North City Council. We wish the promoters of the bill well. Thank you.
Kaye Nikki: General Debate 
Kaye Nikki: General Debate 
[Volume:657;Page:6805] 
NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) 
: 
 Why is the Opposition so grumpy that it cannot acknowledge a bit of good news? Today we have seen a spark in the New Zealand economy. The boat or perhaps the bike as Opposition members might prefer to call it is going slightly faster with GDP data showing that the economy grew 0.1 percent in the June quarter. Although it is a positive sign it is really important that we do not get ahead of ourselves. For many New Zealanders particularly young New Zealanders the measure of a good economy is having a job to turn up to on Monday or a regular pay check for their family. That is why young Kiwis are taking up our Job Ops package. Over 1200 young people are being offered opportunities as a direct result of that scheme. Today’s result is positive. 
There are many builders electricians and insulators who are staying afloat as a direct result of the Warm Up New Zealand package. Over 8000 homes have been retrofitted in the first 8 weeks of the scheme and a further 172000 homes are on the cards. That is a lot of work for builders and electricians who will be in jobs because of the Government. The Youth Guarantee is about saying to young New Zealanders that they should not go on a benefit and instead should take up one of the 2000 places that our Government is offering to study and learn practical skills. 
It is important though to contrast our commitment and approach to job opportunities with the Labour Party’s. Under the Opposition’s plan debt would spiral from $6 billion to $18 billion by 2012. Other brainstorms include the “Donald Trump Welfare Scheme”. That scheme would not see New Zealanders who are most at need getting welfare; it would see millionaires on benefits. The Opposition has reverted to typical ideology in terms of its “Welfare for Everybody” policy. The Opposition also proposes a populist policy of no more dividends from power companies after it conveniently forgot the $3 billion that those companies ripped off New Zealanders in the good times. 
The contrast is very clear. We are seeing positive signs in terms of our economy. This is about delivering smart solid policies aimed at reducing debt and getting people into jobs. The news today is good but we will continue to work harder to get people into jobs. As the Labour Party cranks up its barbecues this summer and Phil Goff puts on his bomber jacket to ride around the country to hold on to his leadership the National Government will continue its progress. There was a spark in the New Zealand economy today. The bike is going slightly faster focusing on getting young New Zealanders and other New Zealanders into jobs. We are doing a good job and we are focused on what matters.
Douglas Roger: Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Douglas Roger: Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:657;Page:6831] 
Hon Sir ROGER DOUGLAS (ACT) 
: 
 I will take up one or two of the points that were made. The first point I take up is about the referendum. The Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill is about individual rights which Labour members do not seem to understand. The idea that rights can be upheld only by majority rule is about mob rule rather than anything else. 
Members opposite talked about the fact that students associations delivered vital services and that those services would no longer be available. Let us think about that. In the first place many of those services such as student health counselling etc. are funded from a levy raised by the university not by the association. It is precisely because those associations are somewhat inept that the university takes on that role. In the second place there is nothing to stop voluntary associations from providing vital services. Members of the association could be given membership cards that allow them access to certain services free at the point of consumption. The Automobile Association does exactly that and so do the trade unions. Why is it beyond students associations? In the third place many of the social services such as orientation run at a profit so they will continue anyway. 
It is funny but exactly the same arguments we heard this afternoon were made when unions became voluntary. Since then the sky somehow has not fallen in; unions still exist and many of them do a good job for their members. 
Chris Hipkins said that ACT is trying to deny students a voice. Nothing could be further from the truth. But let us understand that students do not speak with one voice. Like any other group in society many students think many different things. Voluntary student membership gives a voice to every student and that is what Labour wants to deny. Voluntary membership does not give a voice to just the few who control the association; it gives a voice to every student not just a few. 
In addition the fact that these associations are voluntary will give them respect and mana. Currently they can be dismissed and they are dismissed as organisations that students are forced to join rather than their being a genuinely representative group. Under voluntary membership that will change. 
In conclusion I make three points. Firstly no individual should be forced against his or her will to fund the kind of political campaign engaged in by students associations. Secondly no individual should be forced against his or her will to pay for private services that he or she does not use or does not want to use. Thirdly no individual should be forced against his or her will to associate with others if he or she does not want to. I commend the bill to the House.
Chadwick Steve: Palmerston North Showgrounds Act Repeal Bill — Second Reading 
Chadwick Steve: Palmerston North Showgrounds Act Repeal Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:657;Page:6816] 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Labour) 
: 
 I am pleased to take a very short call on the Palmerston North Showgrounds Act Repeal Bill because I chaired the Local Government and Environment Committee when the bill first came to us. Although we may think that these sorts of bills that come to a select committee are small and very tidy and just sort out issues in a region or district on behalf of a council the bill raised some concern when it first came before us and we sent it back to the Palmerston North City Council. Not all of us at the select committee were comfortable because we were concerned about overlapping Treaty claims and we could not be given any assurance at the select committee that there was no outstanding Treaty claim over this piece of land. 
It is very appropriate that Te Ururoa Flavell raised those concerns because often we take it for granted that all the work has been done by the authority that is sponsoring a local bill and sometimes that work is not undertaken to the level of our expectation as parliamentarians. We are not there to be default judge and jury on decisions that are made in a region or district. That was the point of concern originally. Of course we on this side of the House are not against competition but the A and P shows were usually for competitions for sponge cakes sand saucers and horse riding. As the previous speaker Simon Power said we would love to see the speedway and racing cars at Manfeild Park too but the bill is about sorting out land used by the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association and vesting it back to the Palmerston North City Council. 
It is a very simple bill. Now that we are happy about the arrangements for what could have been outstanding claims Labour is very happy to support the bill today. It is wonderful that Iain Lees-Galloway has carried on the tradition started by Steve Maharey the previous MP for Palmerston North. Steve Maharey taught him everything he knows and Iain Lees-Galloway will have a long career in the House as a good Labour member for the good electorate of Palmerston North. In fact Mr Lees-Galloway should have worn his “I love Palmy” badge because we in Labour all love Palmy. We are delighted to be in the Chamber today to support the bill for Palmerston North. Having the bill in the House a day before urgency is a rather interesting House management issue. Tomorrow we will be debating in urgency until 10 o’clock at night but tonight we will run out of work. That is most peculiar and awkward House management. It could have been entirely avoided had the Leader of the House managed urgency and not had members sitting in the Chamber 3 weeks in a row in and out of urgency with knee-jerk reactions to major legislation. We are delighted to be debating and supporting the bill today.
Brownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Brownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6796] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It might come as no surprise to anyone in the House that Trevor Mallard has been involved in a bit of shifty behaviour. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The Leader of the House above all others in the House should know that a point of order should not be abused in that way. The matter he raises should relate to the order of the House. I ask him to come to the issue at question. 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: That was my point. I am the Acting Minister responsible for Ministerial Services approved at Cabinet last Monday. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: It does not alter the technical point that I made before which is that where an Acting Minister is involved it is up to the Government who handles the question. I have had advice on that issue.
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6796] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. All I will do is ask you to review that decision. It is certainly a requirement of the executive to have a Minister in every portfolio in the country at any one time. There must be someone who is appointed and who is responsible. It has certainly been the precedent in all the time I have been in Parliament that if that person is in the Chamber that person must answer the question. I will plead guilty to occasionally as a whip shuffling an Acting Minister out of the Chamber in order for someone else to answer the question. 
Hon Gerry Brownlee 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker—[ 
Interruption 
]  
Mr SPEAKER 
: I say to both sides of the House that a serious point of order is being considered. It is an interesting point of order because it is quite technical and it relates to the order of the House. It will be heard in silence.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6796] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member raises an interesting point. But the fact is as I understand it—and I stress that it is as I understand it—that there is no requirement that an Acting Minister answer the question. That is an internal arrangement. It is for the Government to determine which Minister will answer when the actual Minister responsible for the portfolio is absent. That is the way it has always been. It is an internal arrangement. I suspect the member would be right were the actual Minister in the Chamber but it does not apply when it is an Acting Minister.
Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6796] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. You are absolutely right that it is up to the Government to decide which Ministers answer in which portfolio. They can transfer questions to which portfolio they like. But if a Minister is acting in that portfolio—for all intents and purposes is the Minister for that portfolio—and is in the Chamber when a question is being put to that portfolio then the question cannot be transferred to another Minister because it has been set down to the appropriate Minister. The Minister would be required to answer the question if he or she were present in the Chamber. Our difficulty is that we do not know for certain who the Acting Minister is. The question cannot be transferred because it has been set down for a portfolio for which there is an Acting Minister.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6796] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member makes a very interesting point of order but he will recollect that it is the Government’s responsibility to choose which Minister answers questions. The question is put down to the Minister responsible for Ministerial Services and it is up to the Government who answers the question. Although it may cause difficulty—I accept that—there is nothing wrong with that under Standing Orders. It is the Government’s responsibility and it always has been to decide who answers questions.
Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6795] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.  
Speakers’ Rulings 
 sets out when questions can be transferred between Ministers and the Government has done that in the case of question No. 11 quite appropriately. We set this question down to the Prime Minister. It has been transferred within the rules to the Minister responsible for Ministerial Services so that Mr English as Acting Prime Minister will not have to answer it. 
We are confused about Acting Ministers in portfolios and I wonder whether you could give us your understanding of this matter. Confusion arose yesterday when the Opposition understood that the Acting Minister responsible for Ministerial Services was Mr English yet the question to that Minister was answered by Mr Brownlee. Mr English was present in the Chamber so if he was the Acting Minister he would have been required to answer the question. One of the problems for the Opposition is that we do not have access to the Cabinet Office list of Ministers who are acting in each portfolio. However I have a copy here of a list from earlier in the year where it makes it clear that the Speaker of the House receives a copy of the document. It sets out Ministers who are absent how long they are absent for what portfolios their absences relate to and who the Acting Ministers will be. 
The Opposition would like to know whether when you Mr Speaker know a Minister will be absent—as when Mr Key is absent on well-known official business—you check to see whom you expect to answer the question as Acting Minister in that portfolio. If another Minister answers on behalf of the absent Minister and the Acting Minister is present that is where the difficulty occurs. Our understanding is that Mr English is Acting Minister for all of the Prime Minister’s portfolios in his absence.
Fitzsimons Jeanette: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Fitzsimons Jeanette: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6787] 
JEANETTE FITZSIMONS (Green) 
: 
 My question has been transferred to the Minister for Climate Change Issues. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member should ask her question as on the Order Paper.
Street Maryan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Street Maryan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6787] 
5.  
Hon MARYAN STREET (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister for Tertiary Education 
: What advice has she received if any about the extent of the potential liability schools face if their adult and community education coordinator and tutors have to be made redundant because of the adult and community education funding cuts? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) 
: 
 I am advised that the responsibility to pay redundancy to adult and community education coordinators and tutors rests with the employers. Whether individual schools have a redundancy liability will depend on whether the schools have chosen to employ staff or to contract for their services. I have not been provided with advice about the extent of the potential liability of redundancy costs. Employers have been advised to seek advice and guidance from the New Zealand School Trustees Association about the entitlements of their employees. 
Hon Maryan Street 
: Does the Minister believe that schools should use the adult and community education funding provided in their funding contract to pay for redundancies? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: The advice from the Tertiary Education Commission is that adult and community education funding can be used to meet redundancy costs. Any school that is intending to withdraw from adult and community education is encouraged to contact the Tertiary Education Commission if it has not already done so. 
Hon Maryan Street 
: Would the Minister reconsider her decision to cut funding for adult and community education provision through high schools if it transpired that the cost of redundancies would cause schools significant financial hardship in 2010? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: No. 
Catherine Delahunty 
: Tena koe Mr Speaker. Tena koutou. Is the Minister aware that the United Kingdom Government announced an additional £20 million investment in community education this week in response to a white paper that found that “Informal learning is important at any time. But during an economic downturn it is essential.”; and why is New Zealand’s position on this issue so out of step with this international thinking? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Yes and that is why this Government is investing $124 million in community education over the next 4 years.
King Annette: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
King Annette: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6783] 
Hon ANNETTE KING (Deputy Leader—Labour) 
: 
 I seek leave to hold this question over until the Minister for Social Development and Employment returns. I believe she is in Paris for the next 2 weeks. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to hold the question over. [ 
Interruption 
]—a point of order is being heard and there will not be interjection anywhere while I deal with it I say to the Hon David Cunliffe. Leave is sought to defer the question. Is there any objection to that course of action? There is objection.
Smith Nick: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
Smith Nick: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
[Volume:657;Page:6779] 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for Climate Change Issues) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. For the member’s benefit I note that the numbers were prepared by Treasury and the piece of paper was produced by the Ministry for the Environment. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I do not believe that we need to take this matter further. As I understand the situation leave was sought to table a certain document. On the face of it the document that was tabled appeared to be consistent with that leave. In terms of the detail of it I cannot be the judge of that. The important thing is that it appeared to be consistent with the leave that was granted. I do not think the House should take further time on it now.
Chauvel Charles: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
Chauvel Charles: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
[Volume:657;Page:6779] 
CHARLES CHAUVEL (Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Yesterday the Minister for Climate Change Issues sought and was granted leave to table a document in the House which he described as a document from Treasury analysing the costs and benefits of the emissions trading scheme. I wonder whether you would like to ask the Minister whether he would like to correct the description of the document that he tabled. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: No. A member cannot litigate that kind of thing by way of a point of order. That is nothing to do with the order of the House right now. The document is now on the Table and members can make their own conclusions about that document.
Brownlee Gerry: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
Brownlee Gerry: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
[Volume:657;Page:6779] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 It is not usual for someone to be invited to respond to a point of order that is actually not a point of order. I inform all members of the House that the Hon Dr Nick Smith will be conducting a briefing for all parties in his office this evening at 7.30—[ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: A point of order is actually being heard. 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: —and the bill will be made available. I think that is well adequate time for the Opposition parties to consider the aspects of this bill.
Hughes Darren: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
Hughes Darren: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
[Volume:657;Page:6779] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The arrangements for the House for the rest of the week are slightly peculiar as you will be aware. Yesterday at this same point I asked the Leader of the House about the availability of the emissions trading scheme amendment bill because the House will go into urgency tomorrow to consider it. It has had no public scrutiny and there has been no chance for members of the House to look at it and no chance for the media to review it. The Minister continues to say the bill will be made available yet here we are right before we are to go into consideration of it and it is still not available at this time.
Tremain Chris: Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Tremain Chris: Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:657;Page:6831] 
CHRIS TREMAIN (National—Napier) 
: 
 National supports the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill going to the Education and Science Committee. We will listen to the views of submitters and we encourage students in particular to make their views loud and clear. We support the bill going to the select committee. Thank you.
Mallard Trevor: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
Mallard Trevor: Points of Order — Emissions Trading Scheme—Availability of Amending Legislation Tabling of Document—Description  
[Volume:657;Page:6779] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I have heard what you have just said. Leave was sought to table a complete document not a page from a document. It is very clear from what was tabled that the document is not a complete document as well as not being a Treasury document. To be fair I accept the member’s word if in fact it said in the document which has not all been tabled that the figures were prepared by Treasury as opposed to the ministry. One cannot tell that on the face of it. If the member had done as he said he would do and tabled the whole document it would be clear to all of us. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: That is the end of the matter. I have no further comment to make on the matter.
Vote: International Non-Aggression and Lawful Use of Force Bill — First Reading 
Vote: International Non-Aggression and Lawful Use of Force Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:657;Page:6820] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the International Non-Aggression and Lawful Use of Force Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 58 
New Zealand Labour 43; Green Party 9; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1. 
Noes 64 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; United Future 1. 
Motion not agreed to.
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:657;Page:6791] 
8.  
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
 to the  
Minister of Agriculture 
: What recent development has the Government announced in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions research? 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister of Agriculture) 
: 
 Earlier today the Prime Minister announced in New York the global alliance and international call for greater research into cutting greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. There is an urgent need for more international research and investment into ways of reducing agricultural emissions. The global alliance will push to find solutions faster through greater coordination with other nations. 
Colin King 
: Why is New Zealand pushing for greater international attention to be given to agricultural greenhouse gas research? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: Agriculture currently produces 14 percent of the annual global greenhouse gas emissions. As the global demand for food rises dramatically it is expected that the 14 percent figure could increase by up to 40 percent by 2030. In order to meet the twin challenges of food security and climate change the world must find ways to grow more food and to do so without growing the greenhouse gas emissions. This is where New Zealand’s proposal for a global alliance fits well. 
Rahui Katene 
: What opportunity will Maori agricultural interests have to be actively involved in including agriculture into the emissions trading scheme and in particular in the development of an international research initiative? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: Every opportunity. New Zealand’s agricultural emissions profile presents a challenge to all New Zealanders. With the huge involvement of Maori in both the agriculture and forestry industries Maori need to be fully engaged to help us as New Zealanders to find solutions. 
Colin King 
: How has the global alliance concept been received by other countries? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: Extremely well. The Government has been making representations to potential partner countries and at this stage the response is very positive. There have already been indications of support from the United States and India. International support is vital in order to turn this concept into a reality and we are talking to a number of developed and developing countries with significant agricultural production about coordinated research programmes.
Inquiries — Consideration of Report of Officers of Parliament Committee Inquiry into Appointment of Controller and Auditor-General; Reports — Consideration of Report of Finance and Expenditure Committee on Report from Controller and Auditor-General on Statements of Intent: Examples of Reporting Practice; Sittings of the House 
Inquiries — Consideration of Report of Officers of Parliament Committee Inquiry into Appointment of Controller and Auditor-General; Reports — Consideration of Report of Finance and Expenditure Committee on Report from Controller and Auditor-General on Statements of Intent: Examples of Reporting Practice; Sittings of the House 
[Volume:657;Page:6832] 
Inquiries 
Consideration of Report of Officers of Parliament Committee Inquiry into Appointment of Controller and Auditor-General 
No member having risen members’ order of the day No. 3 for consideration of the report of the Officers of Parliament Committee on the inquiry into the appointment of a Controller and Auditor-General was discharged. 
Reports 
Consideration of Report of Finance and Expenditure Committee on Report from Controller and Auditor-General on Statements of Intent: Examples of Reporting Practice 
No member having risen members’ order of the day No. 4 for consideration of the report of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the report from the Controller and Auditor-General on statements of intent: examples of reporting practice was discharged. 
Sittings of the House 
CHRIS TREMAIN (Senior Whip—National) 
: 
 I seek leave for the House to now adjourn. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.