edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
3. Question No. 3—FinanceARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 3—Finance3. ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I thank the member for her enthusiasm for reports on the economy. The labour market report from Stats New Zealand out yesterday highlights that New Zealand is relatively well positioned against the countries we normally measure ourselves against. On comparable measures New Zealand's 4 percent unemployment rate stands against 5.2 percent in Australia 5.9 percent in the United States and 8 percent in Canada. The OECD average is 6.6 percent. Looking at employment rates New Zealand has performed even more favourably among OECD nations. New Zealand has the third-highest employment rate alongside Japan. Australia is seventh the United Kingdom is eighth Canada is 14th and the United States is 23rd. The Government's economic plan is working resulting in more Kiwis in jobs and higher wages.Arena Williams: What else has he seen from the labour market report?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The number of people unemployed fell by 17000 in the June quarter or 12.4 percent. This is the largest quarterly percentage fall in unemployment in 35 years since the household labour force survey began. Māori unemployment fell by 1 percent to 7.8 percent in the June quarter while Pacific people's unemployment fell by 2.6 percent also to 7.8 percent. We've also seen a significant drop in the numbers of young people not in employment education or training falling to 10.8 percent from 14.3 percent. This is a very positive result but as always there is more work to do.Arena Williams: What other reports has he seen on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Last week's ANZ business confidence survey reported that economic conditions remain firm across most sectors with headline confidence easing a modest three points in July. Firms' own activity declined six points but remain above pre-COVID levels. Employment and investment intentions remain robust with businesses reporting strong demand. In commenting on the survey Westpac's economist said The combination of solid monthly imports and continued momentum in investment intentions suggests a strong print for business investment in the June quarter.""
Rurawhe AdrianDEPUTY SPEAKER: Members as we have come to a time past 16.55 I declare that the House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 10 August 2021. Tēnā rā tātou.The House adjourned at 4.55 p.m.
Rurawhe AdrianDEPUTY SPEAKER: Before I put the question can I explain to the members of the public that there are two motions that have to be passed. If the first one passes the Clerk will read the bill and then there's a second one. If you can hold the applause until after the second one that would be great.
Swarbrick Chlöe; Salesa Jenny; McKee NicoleCHLÖE SWARBRICK (Green—Auckland Central): I seek leave of the House Madam Speaker to table a document. I seek leave of the House to table the document the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill because it appears that the Opposition has not read it.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): I seek leave of the House that that document be tabled. Simeon Brown: Point of order. That's not a point of order—that's not a point of order. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): Are you seeking a point of order Simeon Brown?Simeon Brown: Well point of order Madam Speaker. That's a publicly available document. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): Next—NICOLE McKEE (ACT): Point of order Madam Speaker. I'm finding it extremely difficult to hear and I would be appreciative if the noise—as Mr Speaker had been talking about during question time—be kept at a level where we can all hear the contributions please that are being made. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): I absolutely agree. I would like this House to be in order. I would like the members of this House to be respectful of each other. I realise that we don't always agree especially on this bill but can we please be respectful of each other.
Subordinate Legislation Confirmation Bill — Instruction to Committee
Hipkins ChrisInstruction to the Regulations Review CommitteeHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That the Subordinate Legislation Confirmation Bill be reported to the House by 6 December 2021.SPEAKER: The question is that the motion—[Interruption] Order! Mr Jackson inter alia. The question is that the motion be agreed to.Motion agreed to.
Hipkins ChrisSUBORDINATE LEGISLATION CONFIRMATION BILLFirst ReadingHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That the Subordinate Legislation Confirmation Bill be now read a first time. I intend to move that the bill be reported to the House by 6 December 2021.Motion agreed to.Bill read a first time. Bill referred to the Regulations Review Committee.
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND IINTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.DEPUTY CLERK: Petition of Aaron Cross for the Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand requesting that the House of Representatives pass legislation that prohibits commercial greyhound racing in Aotearoa New Zealand and ensures all dogs within the industry are rehabilitated and rehomedpetition of Simone Hamilton requesting that the House of Representatives urge the Government to reverse its decision to remove the subjects economics business studies and accounting at NCEA level 1.SPEAKER: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee.Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.DEPUTY CLERK: Report of the Health Committee on the inquiry into Supplementary Order Paper No 38 on the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Billreport of the Regulations Review Committee on the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order (No 2) Amendment Order (No 6) 2021 and the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order (No 8) 2021.SPEAKER: Those reports are set down for consideration. The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of bills.DEPUTY CLERK: New Zealand Public Health and Disability (Restriction on Crown Funding Agreements and Unfunded Cancer Medicines) Amendment Bill introductionOverseas Investment (Exempt Investment from OECD Countries) Amendment Bill introduction Crimes (Child Exploitation Offences) Amendment Bill introduction. SPEAKER: Those bills are set down for first reading.
Speaker's Statement—Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill—Application for Personal Vote
Mallard Trevor; Bishop ChrisSPEAKER'S RULINGSConversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill—Application for Personal VoteSPEAKER: Members later today we are going to be considering the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill. It is the sort of legislation where I would normally expect an application for a personal vote. I have not had any indication from any member that they request one. I would however ask that if members do intend requesting a personal vote they indicate that to me before the debate starts because it changes the method of selecting members to speak and it also gives proper notice to those people who are organising proxy votes which have to be organised in a different way. So it's just a—it's more than a request; it's a requirement to let me know if there is to be a request for a personal vote before we get to the beginning of the debate. Thank you.CHRIS BISHOP (National): Point of order. Just in relation to that just so we can get some clarity are you saying Mr Speaker that if a member wishes to request a personal vote it's a requirement to let you know in advance of the debate rather than at the time the vote is cast?SPEAKER: Yes. That certainly has been the practice in the past so that consideration can be given. I have to make a ruling on the question about whether there's a personal vote or not. It's not something which is automatic and in the past members have indicated that to me. Most of them are quite clear cut and I'll say right here and now that if a member indicated to me that they wanted to have a personal vote on this I would grant it because it's a classic conscience-type issue. But to be fair to other members that should be made apparent before the debate starts because it will affect who gets called through the debate as well as the format of the vote. I'm not a whip any more and we shouldn't be running the place according to the whips and I think that having a proxy vote for a personal vote cannot be covered by blanket proxy. It is something which requires an individual proxy for that occasion. Therefore I think those who are casting votes by proxy do need to have the time to get that set up and frankly the couple of hours of the debate is not long enough for that.
Hipkins Chris; Bishop ChrisBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Next week the Estimates debate will continue with appearances by four more Ministers. Legislation to be considered next week will include the first reading of the Hazarnous—Hazardous Substances and New Organism—Organisms (Hazardous Substances Assessments) Amendment Bill—Hon Simon Bridges: Get that one right. SPEAKER: Frank Gill got it wrong. Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: —yeah—the second readings of the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Amendment Bill and the Births Deaths Marriages and Relationships Registration Bill and the third readings of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bill and the Family Court (Supporting Children in Court) Legislation Bill. There will be a debate on a motion approving certain COVID-19 orders and a special debate following the Dawn Raids apology. CHRIS BISHOP (National): Thank you to the Leader of the House. I note that the Government is making announcements or at least considering on Thursday morning next week future settings around COVID border settings and some of the scientific advice based around that. Can I just ask the Government whether it's the intention to make a ministerial statement on Thursday afternoon in the House following that to allow the House to ventilate some of those issues or if there'll be maybe a special debate that afternoon? Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I don't think the conversation that we'll be having next Thursday amounts to any announcements. I think it will be painting some directions of travel and some ideas and some possibilities. I think if people want to explore I'm certainly open to the idea of a further debate in the House in due course once members have had an opportunity to consider that and think about that and if we want to discuss that at the Business Committee the Government will be open to that.
Rurawhe AdrianTHURSDAY 5 AUGUST 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSDEPUTY SPEAKER: Te Atua Mana te akameitaki atu nei matou iakoe no toou takinga meitaki taau i riringi mai ki runga ia matou. Te akaruke nei matou i to matou tu tangata te akamaara nei matou i te ariki vaine e te pure nei matou kia arataki koe i ta matou uriuri anga manako kia rave matou I ta matou angaanga i roto i teia ngutuare na roto i te pakari te tuatua tika e te akaaka no te meitaki e te au o to matou basileia Niu Tireni. Na roto i te ingoa o lesu Mesia. Amene.
Tuesday 3 August 2021 - Volume 753
Family Court (Supporting Children in Court) Legislation Bill — In Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 87New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 33New Zealand National 33.Clause 1 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 be agreed to.Ayes 87New Zealand Labour 65; ACT New Zealand 10; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 33New Zealand National 33.Clause 2 agreed to.Bill to be reported without amendment.House resumed.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 87New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 33New Zealand National 33.Motion agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 be agreed to.Ayes 87New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 33New Zealand National 33.Part 2 agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 1 be agreed to.Ayes 87New Zealand Labour 65; ACT New Zealand 10; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 33New Zealand National 33.Part 1 agreed to.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 77 Noes 33.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bill — In Committee — Part 6
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Clause 1 agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Minister's amendment to clause 2 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 44 be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Clause 2 as amended agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment.
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Schedule 1 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 44 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Andrew Bayly's amendment to Schedule 1 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 46 is ruled out of order as being inconsistent with a previous decision of the committee. Therefore the question is that Schedule 1 as amended stand part.Schedule 1 as amended agreed to.Schedule 2 agreed to.Schedule 3 agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Schedule 4 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 44 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Andrew Bayly's amendment to Schedule 4 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 45 is ruled out of order as being inconsistent with a previous decision of the committee. Andrew Bayly's amendment to Schedule 4 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 48 is ruled out of order as being inconsistent with a previous decision of the committee. Schedule 4 as amended agreed to.
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Part 6 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 44 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 6 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Part 6 as amended agreed to.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bill — In Committee—Part 5
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Part 5 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 44 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that Andrew Bayly's amendment to Part 5 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 46 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 5 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Part 5 as amended agreed to.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bill — In Committee—Part 4
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Minister's amendment to Part 4 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 44 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Amendment agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 4 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Part 4 as amended agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Part 3 be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Part 3 agreed to.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 77 Noes 43 to correct Te Paati Māori's votes that were originally cast in favour.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bill — In Committee—Part 3
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Part 2 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 44 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10. Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that Andrew Bayly's amendment to clause 9 set out on Supplement Order Paper 49 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to. Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendment not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that Andrew Bayly's amendments to Part 2 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 45 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that Andrew Bayly's amendments to Part 2 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 46 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that Andrew Bayly's amendment to Part 2 inserting new clause 28(2A) set out on Supplementary Order Paper 47 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Part 2 as amended agreed to.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bill — In Committee—Part 2
8. Question No. 8—Building and ConstructionSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for Building and ConstructionQuestion No. 8—Building and Construction8. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for Building and Construction: Meitaki 'atupaka Vaa Tuatua. Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. What recent reports has she seen regarding building consents? Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister for Building and Construction): Meitaki humaria Vaa Tuatua. I've seen a report from Statistics New Zealand that shows the number of building consents has broken yet another record with 44299 new homes having been consented in the year ended June 2021—another all-time high. This is an increase of 18 percent from the June 2020 year with 4310 new dwellings consented in June alone. These figures demonstrate just how far we've come in the last year since facing the initial disruptions of COVID-19. We've responded to the sector uncertainty by investing in the sector to keep the momentum going to deliver the warm dry safe houses that New Zealanders need. Shanan Halbert: What do these figures show for Tāmaki-makau-rau—Auckland? Hon POTO WILLIAMS: In Auckland the annual number of new homes consented rose 29 percent in the June 2020-21 year including a 51 percent rise in multi-unit homes. Higher density and modular offsite manufacturing methods are key to helping New Zealand with healthy modern and affordable homes that we need. Shanan Halbert: How is the Government supporting the building and construction sector to build on this growth in consents? Hon POTO WILLIAMS: As a Government we are committed to supporting the sector through the continued investment in trades training and apprenticeships our building legislative reform programme and improvement to our planning system by repealing and replacing the Resource Management Act. We're also ensuring that we have the capacity to meet this increasing demand. Through Construction Skills Action Plan initiatives more than 9300 people have taken up education or employment opportunities in the construction sector since 2008.
6. Question No. 6—Social Development and EmploymentGLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 6—Social Development and Employment6. GLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Meitaki maata Vaa Tuatua. What reports has she seen on the number of people receiving the main benefit?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): Kia orana Mr Speaker. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) recently released the benefit statistics for the June quarter. They show main benefit numbers fell by 11193. At the end of the June quarter there were 354744 people receiving a main benefit with 110790 people receiving a job seeker work-ready benefit. This is well below forecasts which showed up to 490000 people could be in receipt of a main benefit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also seeing encouraging signs that the numbers of main benefit continues to trend down over the month of July.Glen Bennett: What Government investments have impacted these results?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: When we came into Government we noticed a significant decline had occurred in front-line work-focused case management and took action to ensure we made investments to support more employment-focused activity. This includes investing in 263 new front-line staff in Budget 2019 to help people into work $150 million in Budget 2020 and $99 million in Budget 2021 invested into employment services and products and a further $86 million in Budget 2021 to sustain the MSD staff needed to deliver income and case management services. This investment has paid off with around 31240 people being placed into employment in the last quarter the second-highest number since records began since 1996.Glen Bennett: What other programmes have contributed to these results?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: The Government is also working hard to reduce the skills gap between the available jobs and available labour. Flexi-wage has seen 4782 people placed in employment since it was expanded in February and Apprenticeship Boost which now has supported 30031 people into a trade. I've also been encouraged by the results from the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs which has worked with Government to create 1326 sustainable full-time jobs across regional New Zealand. It is clear that our plan for recovery is creating jobs and supporting New Zealanders back into upskilling training and work.
4. Question No. 4—HousingBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of HousingQuestion No. 4—Housing4. BARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of Housing: Meitaki maata Vaa Tuatua. What recent announcements has she made about funding infrastructure to enable new housing in Porirua?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing): Kia orana. Last month I was pleased to announce the Government is investing $136 million into infrastructure in Porirua from the Housing Acceleration Fund the first drawdown of this fund. This investment will improve sewerage storm water and water storage infrastructure and result in capacity for 2000 additional houses in Porirua. We acknowledge that there is more to do and this investment is an important milestone in the Government's housing plans through our large-scale projects. I'm proud that we're taking action that will enable more houses and improve the surrounding environment.Barbara Edmonds: Meitaki. How will this result in better housing outcomes?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Upgrading the waste-water infrastructure in Porirua and increasing the capacity for water storage is needed to get new housing consented. Getting this infrastructure in place quickly is vital to getting more houses built and is exactly why we launched the Housing Acceleration Fund. Funding will be used to address land remediation and development work around Cannons Creek. Together these investments will provide capacity for an additional 2000 homes on private- and Government-owned land.Barbara Edmonds: Meitaki. How will this project help create employment and training opportunities?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: This work will be undertaken by the Te Aranga Alliance with an important focus on creating employment and training opportunities. The alliance will emphasise hiring and upskilling local workers wherever possible which will help lead people into sustainable jobs in a booming industry that badly needs more workers. Initial estimates indicate up to 250 jobs could be created alongside opportunities for contractors.
1. Question No. 1—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Finance1. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: Kia orana Mr Speaker. What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I can give you a very recent report on the impact of the Olympics on the New Zealand economy with Lisa Carrington winning her fourth Olympic medal in the K-1 200m. The economic recovery—SPEAKER: The member's getting repetitious already!Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Ha ha! The economic recovery is continuing to be supported by the export sector. Last week Statistics New Zealand reported that exports recorded their strongest June month on record rising by 17 percent on a year earlier to $6 billion. This came off the back of record export values for logs and beef while dairy products and kiwifruit also experienced strong gains. Nevertheless there are volatile conditions for our exporters and still challenges. The Government continues to fund the airfreight subsidy scheme to ensure that our exporters can get goods to market in a COVID environment. So far that scheme has underwritten more than 7000 flights carrying over 136000 tonnes of airfreight worth around $10 billion.Dr Duncan Webb: What other reports has he seen on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well the economic recovery is also being supported by the manufacturing and services sector. The BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) is firmly in expansionary territory rising by 2.1 points to 60.7 in June. Production and new orders were particularly strong at 64.5 and 63.6 respectively. The BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI) rose 2.3 points to 58.6 in June driven by expansion in sales and new orders. The BNZ economists noted that combined the PSI and PMI point to an annual GDP for the June 2021 year of around 4 percent. While our economy is performing strongly the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means we cannot be complacent.Dr Duncan Webb: What other reports has he seen on how business is faring?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government's efforts to secure the recovery have been reflected in the performance of small businesses. Xero's Small Business Index for June which was released last week hit a record monthly high driven by sales and jobs figures. For the fifth successive month the index remained above 100 rising 17 points to 127 signalling stronger than average small-business activity. Sales across New Zealand jumped 11.7 percent in June led by retail trade manufacturing construction and hospitality. Jobs growth rose 5 percent with the strongest regional growth in Northland and the Waikato. Wage growth also continues to increase rising 3.7 percent year on year in June its strongest growth rate since January 2020. Xero said seeing the … Index reach new heights [was] an encouraging sign that New Zealand's small business economy [was headed] in the right direction"."
Wednesday 4 August 2021 - Volume 753
Land Transport (Vehicles Responding to Electrical Emergency) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Land Transport (Vehicles Responding to Electrical Emergency) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 33New Zealand National 33.Noes 85New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion not agreed to.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Members it's come time for me to leave the Chair. The House will resume at 2 p.m. tomorrow.The House adjourned at 9.56 p.m.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Regulatory Standards Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion not agreed to.
Regulatory Standards Bill—First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Income Tax (Adjustment of Taxable Income Ranges) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion not agreed to.
Income Tax (Adjustment of Taxable Income Ranges) Amendment Bill—First Reading
Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers (Electronic Records) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers (Electronic Records) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 55New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 65New Zealand Labour 65.Motion not agreed to.
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is that the Hon Carmel Sepuloni's amendments to clause 4 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 58 stand part.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 12Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Parts 1 and 2 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 12Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Parts 1 and 2 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment.
New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Fair Residency) Amendment Bill — In Committee
11. Question No. 11—HealthSARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Associate Minister of HealthQuestion No. 11—Health11. SARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Associate Minister of Health: What recent announcements has she made regarding hepatitis C?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL (Associate Minister of Health): Last week I released the National Hepatitis C Action Plan which sets out how New Zealand can eliminate this very serious disease by 2030. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants in New Zealand and the second leading cause of liver cancer but it is preventable and curable. The action plan will boost awareness and increase testing so that more people can get access to the latest treatment Maviret which can potentially cure 98 percent of people with chronic hepatitis C.Sarah Pallett: How many people could benefit from better treatment for hepatitis C?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: It's estimated that 45000 New Zealanders have hepatitis C but only about half of those know they have it. Symptoms don't appear until much of the damage has been done and without treatment many people will develop progressive liver damage. The availability of the drug Maviret has been a real game-changer and has helped around 4500 New Zealanders since it was funded by Pharmac in 2019. But funding medicines alone won't achieve elimination. We need to make sure we find everyone who is at risk of or who has hepatitis C and offer to test them and treat them if necessary.Sarah Pallett: What new approaches to the delivery of services are part of the action plan?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: A national awareness campaign will encourage people to talk to their doctor about whether they are at risk and if they need a test. The awareness campaign will also help tackle some of the stigma around this virus. At the same time there will be an increased access to testing through nurse-led clinics and point-of-care testing in the community as well as mobile clinics. A surveillance system and virtual registry will also be developed to ensure people don't fall through the cracks and are connected with the treatment they need.
9. Question No. 9—ConservationWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour—Northland) to the Minister of ConservationQuestion No. 9—Conservation9. WILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour—Northland) to the Minister of Conservation: Kia orana Mr Speaker. What recent announcements have been made regarding Jobs for Nature projects in Northland?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister of Conservation): Kia orana. I can say it was a good day for conservation a good day for the taiao and a great day for Northland on 29 July when I announced a portfolio of 12 Jobs for Nature projects for Northland as part of the Government's acceleration of the economic recovery from COVID-19. The investment of over $20 million will deliver real gains for both nature and the communities right across Northland. The projects will total 324 jobs. These are expected to be established over three years while upskilling locals to move into other employment opportunities beyond the life of the project.Willow-Jean Prime: What will the projects aim to achieve?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: Well in the beautiful rural province of Northland these 12 projects have a range of objectives including controlling predators in vitally important areas; protecting our forest giants the kauri; restoring important dunes that are critically integral to the environment and ecosystem in the region; restoring the wetland systems in the region; propagating and planting of indigenous species—[Speaker gestures to finish] Sir there's so much more good stuff to go! Weed control biodiversity protection—[Speaker stands]Willow-Jean Prime: What efforts are under way to achieve a predator-free Bay of Islands?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: Again more good news. On 19 July I announced that Jobs for Nature will be making a $4 million investment into the Northland region with its Predator Free Bay of Islands project. This project led by the Northland Regional Council and supported by Predator Free 2050 Ltd is a $50 million combined effort between community conservation groups landowners iwi and hapū Kiwis for Kiwi and the Kiwi Coast trust to eradicate predators from the three main peninsulas in the region. It is a great project and investment for conservation.Hon David Parker: Is the Minister aware of whether or not the Hon Shane Jones is willing to give up the title of the provincial champion to her?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: Mr Speaker I'm sure—[Speaker gestures to finish] Oh.
7. Question No. 7—TransportARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 7—Transport7. ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister of Transport: What recent progress has been made on public transport projects in South Auckland?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): I'm pleased to report that the new Puhinui station in Papatoetoe is now finished. Thanks to the State Highway 20B upgrades completed earlier this year the travel time between Puhinui station and the airport on the Airport Link electric bus is only around 10 minutes and they have a frequency of every 10 minutes. This means that anyone with access to the Auckland rail network has quick emissions- and congestion-free trip options to the airport.Arena Williams: How has the project supported South Auckland's economic recovery?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: The Puhinui interchange has supported South Auckland's economic recovery by creating over 150 jobs during construction in part thanks to support from shovel-ready funding. It will continue to support the recovery by making it easier for thousands of Aucklanders to get to work. Auckland airport is one of the largest employment hubs in the country with more than 900 businesses around it and their workers will have an easier way of getting to work now.Arena Williams: How will it be part of continuing to improve public transport in the area?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: It's important to note that the Airport Link service connects up with Manukau station which means a $2.20 25-minute e-bus trip to work or travel for people living around there. The Puhinui interchange has also been futureproofed for future rail upgrades including space for additional platforms and for the airport to Botany rapid transit project which will add a bus rapid transit bridge to better connect East Auckland with good rapid transit and the airport precinct.
Fair Trading Amendment Bill — Third Reading
Lorck Anna; Salesa JennyANNA LORCK (Labour—Tukituki): Thank you Madam Speaker. As a small-business owner for I think about 16½ to 17 years I can speak with a bit of authority to say it's very very important that we have bills like this that support fair trade. This is why I believe we must commend this bill to the House. It gives me great pleasure to do so. Congratulations to everybody involved. Thank you Madam Speaker. I commend this bill to the House.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): This debate is interrupted and is set down for resumption next sitting day. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 9.58 p.m.
Strange JamieJAMIE STRANGE (Labour—Hamilton East): Madam Speaker thank you for the opportunity to take a call on this excellent piece of legislation. I acknowledge the Minister the Hon Dr David Clark for the work that he has done bringing this to the House—or shepherding this through the House; I think it was the previous Minister who brought it in. I'd also like to acknowledge the select committee and the work that they've done. As the chair of the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee I appreciate all of those who have made submissions on this bill. As we heard from the Minister those submissions have been taken into consideration and changes have been made in the bill. That is our very good democratic process in full operation which we like to see.I'm not going to take a long call. The Minister outlined quite clearly the aspects of the bill. He outlined some of the changes that we've seen in the bill through this process. As we know it prohibits unconscionable conduct in trade extends the Act's existing protections against unfair contract terms and strengthens the ability of consumers to require uninvited direct sellers to leave or not enter their property.I just want to quickly touch on the aspect around the uninvited direct sellers because a recent survey from Consumer New Zealand of their members showed that 70 percent of people disliked door-to-door salespeople and want them to stop calling. I think I would be one of those 70 percent because often someone comes to your door trying to sell you something and then you're like Well look let me have a conversation and get back to you. Give me your card give me your details." and they are like "No you have to sign up right now." and they pull out the iPad and they want to get your details right there which is not good practice in my opinion.So I think I've sort of just raised a couple of points there. I commend this bill to the House."
Salesa JennyREPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSECHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The committee has considered the Appropriation (2021/22 Estimates) Bill and reports progress. The committee has also considered the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bill and reports it with amendment. The committee has also considered the Family Court (Supporting Children in Court) Legislation Bill and reports it without amendment. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.
Penk Chris; Faafoi KrisCHRIS PENK (National—Kaipara ki Mahurangi): Thank you Madam Chair. Just a quick question because we've spoken in passing on the subject of commencement the context was the Minister's comments about the stocktake that's to take place and I see that the select committee had turned its collective mind to that in its consideration of the bill. So I think that's much of the explanation about why the recommendation has come through from the select committee that instead of the Act coming into force more or less immediately effectively immediately which is to say the day after the Royal assent we've got a split option. So the earlier of … [the] date appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council" which is more or less the Minister and his Cabinet colleagues or "the date that is 2 years after the date on which this Act receives the Royal assent." so a bit of time there to allow that flexibility for that work to happen. So that's I think pretty well understood.I note that where you've got a situation that it's in the hands of a Minister as opposed to Parliament to bring into force a law it's important that the Minister isn't able to simply delay indefinitely and therefore defeat the will of Parliament. But because the mechanism is the earlier of two dates and one of them is a certain date being two years after the date of Royal assent I think we're pretty safe there.But I just wonder if the Minister can speak about his philosophy that he'll apply in relation to the date that he determines that the Act can safely come into effect within that two-year window. So he talked about the stocktake—can you give us a heads-up on sort of sign posts along the way or what he's going to need to have some comfort that the law can be brought into force? Just so that those members in the profession and others affected by it can have a degree of certainty about when this change will take place.Hon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Justice): Thank you Madam Chair. We expect the stocktake to be completed by the end of the year and then in order to develop whatever comes out of stocktake will probably take another six to 12 months. I think that puts us pretty much in the area of the two years that are currently within clause 2 as it stands. If we are able to bring online provisions of the bill earlier that won't be to the detriment of the wider challenges of the bill I think we'll certainly look to use the Order in Council process to bring those provisions in. Again in order to make sure that we are effecting the change within the purpose of the bill there are some provisions that I think we might be able to progress faster than others. Again I don't want to pre-empt the stocktake but in order to make sure we are bringing the changes in as soon as we can we'll either use the Order in Council process or the two-year availability for the window for the stocktake to happen."
Salesa JennyClauses 1 and 2CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): Members we now come to our final debate clauses 1 and 2. This is the debate on clauses 1 and 2 which is title and commencement.
Salesa JennyCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the question be now put. The question is that Part 2 stand part.Tim van de Molen: Point of order. Thank you Madam Chair. I just think in that case—the member moved a motion—the motion does actually need to be put. You've moved straight on to the vote.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the motion be agreed to.
Faafoi KrisHon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Justice): Madam Chair. Part 2 essentially amends the family dispute resolution in order to give children who are subject to dispute resolution process the same opportunities to participate in decisions that affect them. Again just reflecting some of our key messages from the debate during Part 1.The panel that looked into the 2014 changes found that the system doesn't necessarily recognise child participation and it is not widely recognised or valued. The panel also identified that there was limited participation by children in issues that affect them. There is a concern whether their views are obtained or considered when decisions are made. Again I think similar to the concerns in Part 1 in order to make this process as effective and efficient in reducing the harm that sometimes the system and delays in the system can have making sure you have representation early in the system is important. Resolutions outside of the courtroom can mean that significant delays can be prevented. At the end of the day those delays for the children I think can increase massive amounts of anxiety for them. So again these changes mirror the care of children process for the family dispute resolution process. Again we look forward to being able to debate this as part of Part 2.
Salesa JennyPart 2 Amendment to Family Dispute Resolution Act 2013CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): Members we come now to Part 2 and Part 2 is the debate on clauses 10 and 11 amendment to the Family Dispute Resolution Act 2013. The question is that Part 2 stand part. My apologies let me announce the correct count to the last vote. The Ayes are 87 the Noes are 33. The Ayes have it.
Webb Duncan; Salesa JennyDr DUNCAN WEBB (Junior Whip—Labour): I move That the question be now put.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the question be now put. The question is that Nicole McKee's tabled amendment to clause 7 be agreed to.