edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
SpeechSocial Services and Community Sector and the Joint Venture Package on Family and Sexual ViolenceCHAIRPERSON (Hon Ruth Dyson): Members we now come to the votes in the social services and community sector B.5 Volume 10. The debate on this sector includes debate on the joint venture package on family and sexual violence and the Finance and Expenditure Committee's report on its briefing on the package. The question is that Vote Arts Culture and Heritage; Vote Building and Construction; Vote Housing and Urban Development; Vote Oranga Tamariki; Vote Pacific Peoples; Vote Social Development; Vote Sport and Recreation; and Vote Women stand part of the Schedules.
SpeechPrimary SectorCHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): Members we come now to the votes in the primary sector volume—B.5 Volume 9. The question is that Vote Agriculture Biosecurity Fisheries and Food Safety; Vote Forestry; and Vote Lands stand part of the Schedules.
SpeechMāori Affairs Sector (continued)Hon NICKY WAGNER (National): Thank you very much Madam Chair. I am very pleased to be able to continue my discussion about Whānau Ora and the 2019-20 Budget appropriations under Vote Māori Development especially as it is Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. Just to recap Whānau Ora was implemented by the National Government in 2010. It was the brainchild of the Hon Tariana Turia and it's been a very successful model in terms of delivering social services and social investment. Unfortunately it has not always been supported by the Labour-led Government and National was very disappointed with the lack of funding in Budget 2018-19. So we are pleased to see an increase in this Budget and that the Government has finally come to the party. But it's still incredibly important that this money is spent wisely and as I referred to the review that was recently completed what that says is that Whānau Ora is siloed and that there is a significant amount of work that needs to be done to build understanding through Government agencies about a whānau ora - centred approach. There are also significant challenges with the commissioning model and I think that's mostly to do with the large geographical areas that the commissioning agencies deal with which means it's quite difficult to relate to whānau and it's particularly difficult to get to those families in rural and deprived areas. Presently we see that demand for the services outstrips supply and we also see that there's a lack of collaboration among how the administrations of services are done and the outcomes framework. So there is a lot of work to make sure that Whānau Ora does deliver. We were pleased that in the discussion at the select committee the Minister promised structural changes and he was also keen to cut out the middleman and work more closely with communities. I think what National wants to see is that community needs right across the country are met consistently and that all whānau who want and need these support services can access it.I'd just like to make a point that the Minister for Māori Development acknowledged the contribution of former Ministers for the National-led Government and the Māori Party the Hon Tariana Turia the Hon Pita Sharples and the Hon Te Ururoa Flavell and their work in establishing Whānau Ora. The Minister is confident that he can continue this programme and it can be used successfully in other environments. Thank you Madam Chair.
SpeechESTIMATES DEBATEIn CommitteeDebate resumed from 29 August.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): Colleagues the House is in committee for further consideration of the Appropriation (2019/20 Estimates) Bill. There are three hours and 31 minutes remaining in the debate. At that time the debate will expire as will any unused calls. When we were last considering the bill the committee was debating the Māori affairs sector. The question is that Vote Māori Development and Vote Treaty Negotiations stand part of the Schedules.
Urgent Debates Declined — KiwiBuild—Government Announcement on Reset
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDKiwiBuild—Government Announcement on ResetSPEAKER: I've received a letter from the Hon Simon Bridges seeking a debate under Standing Order 389 on the Government's announcement regarding the reset of KiwiBuild. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. The housing shortage is an important issue and the Government's policies to address it are of significant interest to Parliament and the public. However the business of the House should not be set aside just because a ministerial announcement has been made even though it may be important. There must be such an element of urgency that the matter take precedence over other business—Speakers' ruling 197/5. The Estimates debate is scheduled to be held immediately after oral questions. There will be an opportunity to debate the matter during the consideration of the social services and community sector. For those reasons the application is declined.
SpeechTUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIASPEAKER: Members because it's Māori Language Week I've asked Joanne Hayes to say the prayer for us today.JO HAYES (National): E te Atua. Whakapāho ai tō wairua ki runga i te mata o te whenua ki te kare o ngā wai katoa. Tukuna mai e koe tō ringa matau hei pai mō mātou i tēnei Wiki o te Reo Māori. Tō Wairua Tapu hei whakakamārama i a mātou o tēnei Whare. Tukuna ngā tātai o ō mātou hinengaro kia ū ai ngā kupu o te tika te pono me te aroha. Āmine.[Lord almighty. Announce your spirit on the land on the waves of all bodies of water. Send us your right hand to do good this Māori Language Week and your Holy Spirit to explain to us of this House. Send the thoughts of our minds so that they may be infused with words of right of truth and of love. Amen.]
Thursday 29 August 2019 - Volume 740
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Vote Attorney-General Vote Corrections Vote Courts Vote Justice Vote Parliamentary Counsel Vote Police and Vote Serious Fraud be agreed to.Ayes 60New Zealand Labour 45; New Zealand First 8; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 7.Noes 54New Zealand National 52; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Votes agreed to.
Estimates Debate — Justice Sector (resumed)
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 60New Zealand Labour 45; New Zealand First 8; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 7.Noes 54New Zealand National 52; Act New Zealand 1; Ross.Bill read a first time.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 61 Noes 54.Bill referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.
Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading
12. Question No. 12—HealthDr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 12—Health12. Dr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of Health: What progress is the Government making on cancer care and control?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Every day on average 66 people are diagnosed with cancer. They deserve world-class cancer care no matter who they are or no matter where they live. Currently we know that that is not always the case. There are regional variations in the standard of care and Māori and Pacific people experience poorer outcomes. We won't address those issues without strong central leadership and action across the full spectrum of cancer control from screening and prevention to treatment and palliative care. On Sunday we will be releasing a comprehensive cancer action plan that delivers just that. At the same time we will be announcing several immediate actions to improve cancer care and control.Dr Liz Craig: How will the cancer action plan build on the recent announcement of funding for new linear accelerators?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The announcement earlier this month regarding 12 replacement linear accelerators (LINACs) shows clearly this Government's approach to cancer. By putting LINACs into Hawke's Bay Taranaki and Northland for the first time we are making radiation treatment more accessible and more convenient. I'd also note that the recent announcement from Pharmac that it is looking to fund two new cancer medicines Kadcyla and Alectinib will also increase access to cancer treatment.Dr Liz Craig: So what progress is the Government making in screening for cancers?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Screening programmes save lives by detecting cancers early improving the chances of successful treatment. Since coming into Government we have pushed ahead with the roll-out of the National Bowel Screening Programme which is now operating in eight DHBs covering 323000 people aged 60 to 74 years nationwide. In the last two years more than 320 New Zealanders have had their bowel cancers detected early thanks to this important programme and hundreds more have had potentially cancerous polyps removed. The Government is also committed to progressively increasing the upper age limit for free breast cancer - screening from 70 to 74—[Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! Order! Can I just say that some people regard this as a relatively serious matter and having fatuous comments across the House doesn't help. Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Just to finish the Government is also committed to progressively increasing the upper age limit for free breast cancer - screening from 70 to 74.
10. Question No. 10—EducationDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 10—Education10. Dr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of Education: Does he stand by all his statements actions and policies around the reform of vocational education?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): Yes.Dr Shane Reti: Can he confirm that the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill the RoVE bill states more than once This clause overrides—(a) Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act" a clause that offers job protection to vulnerable workers?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Yes in so far as it relates to people who are offered employment in the new institute or in the new arrangements. It's a relatively common provision that was included in several pieces of legislation passed under the last Government as well that says that people should not get redundancy where they're offered—if it's the clause that I think the member's referring to that suggests they shouldn't be offered redundancy if they're offered a comparable job.Dr Shane Reti: If polytechnic subsidiary workers are not offered new jobs in the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology will they have no remedy under Part 6A?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: They'd be made redundant.Dr Shane Reti: Can he confirm that the RoVE bill states that specific parts override "any employment protection provision in any relevant employment agreement."?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Sorry can the member repeat the question?Dr Shane Reti: Sure. Can he confirm that the RoVE bill states that specific parts override "any employment protection provision in any relevant employment agreement."?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I think the bit that the member is referring to I think I addressed in my answer to the last question. These provisions have been used in other legislation as well to ensure that where there is a restructuring and someone is offered the same job—they're basically offered their job back but under a different employer—then actually their employment relationship is basically deemed to be continuous.Hon Grant Robertson: In reference to the previous supplementary question from the member opposite can the member confirm who voted for and who voted against Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I do believe that the members opposite voted against that particular provision in the Employment Relations Act and that the members on this side of the House of course voted in favour of it.Dr Shane Reti: What are some examples of employment protection provisions that this bill can override for workers who are made redundant?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I think I addressed that in my earlier answers."
9. Question No. 9—EducationCHLÖE SWARBRICK (Green) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 9—Education9. CHLÖE SWARBRICK (Green) to the Minister of Education: Will student staff and Māori representation be guaranteed in the governing arrangements for the new unified vocational education and training system; if so how?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): In answer to the first part of the question yes and I do want to acknowledge the member's advocacy in this area. The Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill requires that the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology will establish three advisory committees representing staff students and Māori and each of these committees will then elect a member to the governing council of the institute.Chlöe Swarbrick: How will this ensure that the voices of students and staff around the regions of this country are heard?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The staff and student committees will be elected from students and staff of the institute respectively and the law will require that each committee consists of people representing a minimum of each of the substantial regional divisions of the institute. Chlöe Swarbrick: Will Māori-Crown relationships be reflected in the oversight of the vocational education reforms more generally?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Yes absolutely. We heard pretty clearly through the consultation that Māori want to be more involved in the Crown's work to redesign our education system so that it does better meet the needs of Māori and that's the reason that the Government is currently seeking nominations for Te Taumata Aronui which will be a group that will help us to develop tertiary education policy including the reform of vocational education and ensure that Māori community and employer perspectives are better considered.
3. Question No. 3—FinanceGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 3—Finance3. GREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu) to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he seen on approaches to Government fiscal management?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Mr Speaker?SPEAKER: It's an unchanged Minister so he can keep going.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: That's why you're not going to call me. That's fair enough too. I've seen a number of reports over recent days about how the Government manages its accounts. One report said that the Government books look set to remain in surplus and leave the country in good shape to wear the global headwinds. That's because we are keeping debt low at around 20 percent of GDP with the books in surplus and we're investing in infrastructure. I saw another report suggesting that debt was currently at 25 percent of GDP. This is of course absolutely wrong and would indicate the Leader of the Opposition doesn't know how to read the Crown accounts.Greg O'Connor: What reports has he seen on approaches to managing public debt?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I've seen a number of reports on different approaches and views on managing debt. Yesterday's Dominion Post editorial said that the Government and the Opposition were on the same page when it came to what was an appropriate debt target. They based this view on the Opposition spokesperson's statement that the fiscal approach was about right". However I also heard a different view from the Leader of the Opposition—SPEAKER: Order! Order! The member knows what the rules are about cheap shots on supplementaries. Greg O'Connor: What views has he heard about the alternative approaches to fiscal management?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I've heard a wide range of views about fiscal management this week. I've heard that our debt is too high too low and about right. This is not the "Goldilocks approach" but rather the "Goldsmith approach". To quote one commentator "With the greatest respect I'm entitled to my views. I've read the stories." This is the response I might say from the Leader of the Opposition to Mr Goldsmith.SPEAKER: All right. OK that's—thank you."
SpeechHon NICKY WAGNER (National): Thank you very much Madam Chair. I want to talk about Whānau Ora and the 2019/20 Budget appropriations under Vote Māori Development. Now we in Parliament all know that Whānau Ora as described by Te Puni Kōkiri is an inclusive culturally anchored approach to provide services and opportunities to whānau and families across New Zealand." It was first implemented by the National-led Government in 2010 and was the brainchild of the Hon Tariana Turia. It has become a very successful model for delivering social services and social investment with the aim of empowering the whole whānau rather than just focusing on individuals. Unfortunately during those years the Hon Nanaia Mahuta and many of the Labour members were not supportive of Whānau Ora and before both the 2014 and the 2017 elections they promised that if they became Government they would review the programme. So when they did finally become Government in 2017 they began that review and using that review process as an excuse provided no extra funding at all in Budget 2018. Fortunately when the review was finally concluded in February this year the findings were positive. As Minister Peeni Henare said the review "affirms this unique approach is working well for Māori and Pacific families. The findings paint a picture of progress and positive changes for families [and] show [that] Whānau Ora is a successful contemporary indigenous wellbeing initiative driven by Māori cultural values working successfully and [that it] could be taken wider." and we agree with Minister Henare. The review also said that Whānau Ora creates conditions for that change to become sustainable although there does need to be more research done that it had structured accountability in the system and operates in a transparent manner.So our side of the House is very pleased that Budget 2019 finally increased the funding for Whānau Ora so that the programme could continue although I must say we haven't seen any evidence of that funding actually flowing into the system. However we still need to make sure that the money is spent wisely and we know that that review was also concerned that Whānau Ora is siloed and that there's a significant amount of work to do to build the understanding amongst Government departments.House resumed.Bill reported with progress.Report adopted.The House adjourned at 5.56 p.m."
SpeechMāori Affairs SectorCHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): Members we come now to the votes in the Māori affairs sector volume—B.5 Volume 8. The question is that Vote Māori Development and Vote Treaty Negotiations stand part of the Schedules.
Voting — Correction — Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill
Sage EugenieVOTINGCorrection—Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment BillHon EUGENIE SAGE (Minister of Conservation): Could the vote for the Green Party on the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill first reading be corrected from eight votes in favour to seven votes in favour?CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): So you're seeking leave to do so?Hon EUGENIE SAGE: Yes Madam Chair.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): Is there any objection? There is none. I will advise the Speaker that the Green's vote on the previous bill will be corrected from eight to seven.
Estimates Debate — Justice Sector (continued)
SpeechESTIMATES DEBATEIn CommitteeDebate resumed from 28 August.Justice Sector (continued)CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): There are 4 hours and 26 minutes remaining in the debate. When we were last considering the bill the committee was debating the justice sector. The question is that Vote Attorney-General Vote Corrections Vote Courts Vote Justice Vote Parliamentary Counsel Vote Police and Vote Serious Fraud stand part of the Schedules. The Hon Tim Macindoe had the call and has 2 minutes and 15 seconds remaining in his speech.
Little AndrewASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Ruth Dyson): I presume a Minister's about to move the reporting of it.Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Justice) on behalf of the Minister of Education: Madam Speaker I—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Ruth Dyson): You'll be moving the bill.Hon ANDREW LITTLE: With some assistance [Receives paper from Clerk]. I move That the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 10 February 2020.Motion agreed to.
Hipkins ChrisTHURSDAY 29 AUGUST 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Today the House will adjourn until Tuesday 10 September. In that week the committee stage of the Appropriation (2019/20 Estimates) Bill or the Estimates debate will be concluded. Other legislation to be considered that week will include the first reading of the Remuneration Authority (Members of Parliament Remuneration) Amendment Bill (No 2) the second reading of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission/Te Waihanga Bill and the committee stage of the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill. On Thursday 12 September the Rua Kēnana Pardon Bill will have its first reading. Wednesday 11 September will be a members' day.
Wednesday 28 August 2019 - Volume 740
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Vote Health be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Vote Health agreed to.
Estimates Debate — Health Sector
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Vote Audit Vote Communications Security and Intelligence Vote Finance Vote Internal Affairs Vote Office of the Clerk Vote Ombudsmen Vote Parliamentary Service Vote Prime Minister and Cabinet Vote Revenue Vote Security Intelligence Vote State Services and Vote Statistics be agreed to. Ayes 63 New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. Noes 57 New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross. Votes agreed to.
Estimates Debate — Finance and Government Administration Sector
Estimates Debate — External Sector
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Vote Customs Vote Defence Vote Defence Force Vote Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vote Official Development Assistance be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Votes agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2019 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 112New Zealand National 55; New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross. Noes 8Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. Bill read a third time.
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2019 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2019 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill — In Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Parts 1 and 2 Schedule and clauses 1 to 3 be agreed to. Ayes 112New Zealand National 55; New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross. Noes 8Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. Parts 1 and 2 Schedule and clauses 1 to 3 agreed to.House resumed.Bill reported without amendment.Report adopted.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2019 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 112New Zealand National 55; New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Noes 8Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Bill read a second time.
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2019 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2019 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2019 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 112New Zealand National 55; New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Noes 8Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Bill read a first time.
12. Question No. 12—ImmigrationSTUART SMITH (National—Kaikōura) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 12—Immigration12. STUART SMITH (National—Kaikōura) to the Minister of Immigration: Does Immigration New Zealand queue-jump applications for visas based on criteria that are not publicly available?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister of Immigration): Thank you Mr Speaker. The majority of residence visa applications are processed in the order received; however there is a smaller proportion of applications that may be allocated to a priority queue. Temporary visa applications which are decision-ready or low-risk are prioritised ahead of those applications which require more information or additional verification. This is enabled and permitted by the Immigration Act. The chief executive of the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) sets broad prioritisation criteria that are publicly available. More detailed criteria are not proactively published but are available on request.Stuart Smith: Does he agree with immigration adviser Erin Goodhue who said I don't believe [Immigration New Zealand] are operating in a fair [and] transparent manner by continuing with this practice." of using an internally set criteria that is not public to prioritise applications for those seeking employment in a Government department?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: No and I believe I'm speaking about the same immigration adviser that the member is. When they asked for that information they were given it.Stuart Smith: Does the Minister agree that jobs with Government departments meet the criteria for urgent allocation for employment-related visas—that criteria being either compelling personal circumstances humanitarian factors and/or matters of national interest?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: No and whilst this is an operational matter for Immigration New Zealand I'm advised that that criteria is no longer used.Stuart Smith: When Immigration New Zealand's assistant general manager Peter Elms said "because we've got a queue of applications we do prioritise on the basis of those highly skilled and high demand jobs." do requests to Immigration New Zealand for workers in the horticulture and fruit-picking industries not qualify as important enough to be prioritised despite the large number of job vacancies—SPEAKER: Order! Order! Order! The member's had a question.Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Has he?SPEAKER: Yes. Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: The prioritisation criteria that are issued by the chief executive of MBIE are a matter for MBIE and Immigration New Zealand. I recommend the member ask that question of the organisation.SPEAKER: No. There was a very specific question there around the fruit-picking industry and whether that was prioritised or not.Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I'm not aware that any specific industry is a prioritisation criteria. Stuart Smith: Can he confirm New Zealanders will face extortionate prices for fruit this summer as a result of Immigration New Zealand prioritising bureaucrats over fruit pickers? Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: No. That sounds like the stupid ridiculous kind of fearmongering that we hear from the National Party."
11. Question No. 11—HealthANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 11—Health11. ANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of Health: What is the Government doing to ensure digital health infrastructure is fit to meet current and future needs of the core health services New Zealanders rely on?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): More good news. The Government is working hard across the sector to make sure our health infrastructure is brought up to the standard required to continue delivering high-quality care now and into the future. To this end I'm pleased that Cabinet has now signed off on a detailed business case to implement the new health finance procurement and information system or FPIM. This new system has now been endorsed by all 20 district health boards.Angie Warren-Clark: How will this new system help deliver high-quality healthcare to New Zealanders?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: FPIM has two primary objectives. The first is to ensure DHBs' operations are not put at risk of disruption from IT systems that have reached the end of their life and should have been replaced during the last nine years. Secondly FPIM will allow DHBs to realise the procurement benefits of Pharmac—national contracts for medical devices as well as savings through other national procurement initiatives. The money saved here will be directed into high-quality front-line health services for New Zealanders.Angie Warren-Clark: Why is the Government implementing the health finance procurement and information system now?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The last Government spent more than $100 million over seven years developing what it called the National Oracle Solution or NOS IT system for DHBs. This system has been much delayed and has failed to deliver the anticipated benefits. It's time to salvage what we can from this mess draw a line under it and move on to something that will work. That is exactly what we're doing with the health finance procurement and information system. Unfortunately DHBs will have to write off the costs associated with the National Oracle Solution. They have to do this at the same time as writing off large sums associated with Holidays Act liabilities which the previous Government failed to address. Both of these will weigh heavily on DHBs' end-of-year financial results. This is National's legacy in health.
9. Question No. 9—Social DevelopmentMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Social DevelopmentQuestion No. 9—Social Development9. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development: What recent announcements has she made about increasing training opportunities in the construction industry?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): Recently alongside my colleague the Hon Willie Jackson we announced a new partnership with Joy Business Academy and construction industry partners to pilot using virtual reality technology to prepare people for jobs in the industry. Using a virtual reality headset a person can test their skills driving a dump truck or operating a digger or managing traffic on a worksite. The experience of doing a particular activity in virtual reality is an effective way of practising safely some crucial skills required for the job and in a cost-effective way. This is an example of the innovative approach this Government is taking to support upskilling and training particularly where there are job shortages like in the construction industry.Marja Lubeck: Why is this industry important?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: This industry partnership is important because the growth in construction jobs has gone from 27339 ten years ago to 38850 expected in 2021 and 40149 in 2026. The development of this training technology was designed in partnership with key stakeholders in the construction industry. This is particularly important so that potential employees are able to understand what employers' expectations are and employers are able to have well-trained applicants who understand the nature of the work they're entering. According to James Coddington CEO and founder of Joy Business Academy we are the first in the world to develop a cooperative assessment tool" with a multi-player virtual reality experience where the users can be anywhere in the world. The use of virtual technology is a game-changer. It will allow us to prepare more people for roles in the industry anytime anywhere and will save us time and money.Marja Lubeck: Supplementary—SPEAKER: No. Question No. 10—the Hon Scott Simpson. The answer was far far too long and answered a whole pile of questions which weren't asked."
6. Question No. 6—EducationKIERAN McANULTY (Labour) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 6—Education6. KIERAN McANULTY (Labour) to the Minister of Education: How will he change the education system to address skills shortages in the primary industries sector?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): As part of the reforms of vocational education the Government is establishing Centres of Vocational Excellence and the first of these will be in the primary sector. This is in response to serious skills shortages across the sector and the technological changes that are happening in the primary industries. The Government expects to work with the primary sector's Skills Leaders Working Group and other industry leaders to move quickly to form proposals for the centre. The sector is already working on ideas to get the Centre of Vocational Excellence up and running.Kieran McAnulty: What are the key functions of the Centres of Vocational Excellence?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The centres will bring together industry experts educators and researchers to ensure that all of the courses that are delivered are the most up to date and that the most up-to-date technology is being used that will reduce duplication and resource development will share best practice amongst all the different providers and will create much stronger links between skills providers and industry. So we'll be seeking proposals before the end of the year to establish where in the vocational education system throughout the country the first centres could be located and exactly what areas they will cover.Kieran McAnulty: Why is it vital for the Government to support agricultural training and the wider primary sector?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I've seen advice that in the dairy industry alone it's estimated that by 2025 they're going to need an additional 25000 skilled workers. Roles that have traditionally not required formal qualifications like farm workers increasingly need greater qualifications in a rapidly changing technological environment. We want to work with primary sector leaders to ensure a sustainable pipeline of workers will be available with the right skills when they need them. The vocational education reforms are going to give industry the opportunity to be in the driving seat of ensuring what kinds of qualifications need to be delivered to give them the skilled workers that they need.Mark Patterson: What other actions has he taken to support agricultural training in Otago and Southland?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I'm very pleased to say that earlier this month the Government announced an additional $4.7 million to support the delivery of agricultural training to over 500 students on the Telford farm over the next few years. Telford of course would not be there were it not for that additional investment. There has been very little incentive to invest in and grow our domestic workforce but this is now being addressed by the system-wide reforms that are taking place by the primary sector's Centres of Vocational Excellence investments in providers like Telford and of course encouraging more students into vocational education through thing like the Prime Minister's Vocational Excellence Awards.
4. Question No. 4—FinanceKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 4—Finance4. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What progress if any is the Government making on its fiscal strategy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The Budget Responsibility Rules form the basis of the coalition Government's fiscal strategy and we are indeed continuing to meet those rules. These rules are about keeping debt under control delivering a surplus ensuring a fair and balanced taxation system and taking a prudent approach to expenditure. As at Budget 2019 net debt is 19.9 percent for 2018 and forecast to also be at 19.9 percent in the 2022 target year. I endorse the words of one commentator who said yesterday that this is about right".Kiritapu Allan: What trends have there been in New Zealand's net core Crown debt to GDP ratio? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: While the current levels see us at around 20 percent through until 2022 we have seen debt as high as more than 25 percent in 2014 and just under 25 percent in 2015 and 2016—Hon Simon Bridges: GFC! Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: You declared the GFC over in 2012. Today I heard one commentator criticising debt at that level as being "absolutely wrong" which is a bit of a surprise from the former associate finance Minister at the time Simon Bridges. Kiritapu Allan: What reports has he seen on different approaches to fiscal strategy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I've seen views that our debt is too low too high and about right. I've seen statements that around 20 percent is "fine" and another person stating that they wanted to be crystal clear that they hadn't put a number on it. All of those statements have been made in the past 24 hours by Simon Bridges and Paul Goldsmith and I'm sure they'll be getting their ticking off from Steven Joyce.SPEAKER: Order! I'm going to remind the Minister of Finance—assuming as is probably inappropriate that he had something to do with the drafting of the question—that questions designed for answers like that are out of order. As a result of that there will be some additional supplementary questions given to the Opposition."
3. Question No. 3—Prime MinisterHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 3—Prime Minister3. Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her Government's statements policies and actions?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Yes.Hon Paula Bennett: Does she support the referendum on legalising recreational cannabis?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I've said in the House before I see my role as simply ushering this question through the House giving the ability of people to access accurate information. My vote is as good as my neighbour's vote and so in this case my job is to make sure that people have adequate information to make their own decision around the pros and cons of the referendum itself.Hon Paula Bennett: Does she think we should legalise recreational cannabis?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: The member will know I've not taken a position on the referendum. We are putting the question to members of the public and we're allowing democracy to occur. I don't see that as being a particularly contentious proposition. That is what referendums are for.Hon Paula Bennett: So how much money will go into educating New Zealanders on the pros and cons of legalising recreational cannabis?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: There is a focus on providing that information to members of the public. For instance I have tasked the Chief Science Advisor to be a part of convening a panel that's able to produce information the public can trust to help inform that discussion. My understanding is that more broadly it's roughly $3 million that has been put aside as part of that education campaign.Hon Tim Macindoe: How much? Not even close—not even close.SPEAKER: Order! Can I just sort of counsel members to listen. When someone asks a figure about how much and they're told how much I don't expect people—and at least three members did—to then say How much?" I mean I can't tell if it was echoing or what but when the Prime Minister has given a figure it shouldn't be necessary. Maybe it's the wrong question to say "chill out" but I think people should.Hon Simon Bridges: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. No dollar amount was given.SPEAKER: Well if the member had listened he would've heard it.Hon Paula Bennett: Does she agree with Carmel Sepuloni who when asked about drug-free obligations said the Government is committed to removing sanctions in the welfare system?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: The member will know from our confidence and supply agreement that we have had a policy of looking at where sanctions are appropriately and inappropriately applied. You've seen already evidence of that where we removed a policy as part of our package this year that we believe unfairly penalised those who didn't name fathers. There are sanctions in our benefit system that we have retained. We expect them however to be appropriately used and proportionately used.Hon Paula Bennett: If cannabis is legalised does she expect more beneficiaries to fail drug tests and as such then be sanctioned?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: That's a hypothetical question."
1. Question No. 1—Regional Economic DevelopmentMARK PATTERSON (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Regional Economic Development1. MARK PATTERSON (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: What recent announcements has he made regarding the Provincial Growth Fund in the South Island?FLETCHER TABUTEAU (Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Regional Economic Development) on behalf of the Minister for Regional Economic Development: On behalf of the Minister—and hopefully in the voice of—just last Friday the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development visited the fine people at the top of the South Island to announce $4.5 million in Provincial Growth Fund support for high-value food development through The Food Factory the Nelson Artificial Intelligence Institute as well as support for the regional economic development capability. [Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! Order! Settle.FLETCHER TABUTEAU: I myself travelled to the great city of Invercargill to announce $19.5 million in the form of a loan from the Provincial Growth Fund to support the inner city redevelopment—a co-funded project to fund Invercargill's inner city redevelopment and bring the heart back to that city.Mark Patterson: What did the announcements comprise of?FLETCHER TABUTEAU: On behalf of the Minister at the top of the South Island the Government is putting their support in behind Mr Pic's Food Factory to the tune of $778000. The Nelson and Marlborough district councils are set to receive $200000 respectively for economic development project delivery and the Nelson Artificial Intelligence Institute are to take on a $3.4 million loan. In the deep South the announcement I made in Invercargill has helped to activate a $165 million project to re-develop an entire block in the Invercargill city centre for retail hospitality office space and entertainment.SPEAKER: Right I'm going to allow one more supplementary because both of those answers have been far too long.Mark Patterson: OK. Right I will go to the Invercargill announcement—ha ha! How does the Invercargill announcement boost Southland's regional economic development prospects?FLETCHER TABUTEAU: Invercargill may be a small city at the bottom of the South Island but it is one with a big vision. The project has been a true collaboration with regional stakeholders and will be an absolute game-changer. We know that this investment will boost Southland's real GDP by nearly $50 million per year while creating hundreds of jobs in the construction stage not to mention the retail and the hospitality jobs once the development is complete. Thank you sir.
Estimates Debate — Justice Sector
SpeechHon TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West): Thank you Mr Chair. Could I commence as other members have done by honouring the memory of the late former member Pita Paraone. He was a very fine and principled member of this House. He always spoke with great mana dignity and he was heard with respect not only in this House but right around the country. I send my aroha and condolences to his whānau and hapū. I was proud to consider Pita a friend during our time in the House together.I wasn't on the Justice Committee when the Budget was presented but I was subsequently delighted to be appointed the shadow Attorney-General and more by good luck than by good management I was subbed on to the Justice Committee just a week before that appointment on the morning that the Attorney-General appeared. I want to focus on some of the important issues that the committee traversed that day.Before I do so could I pay tribute to my predecessor in that role as shadow Attorney-General the previous Minister of Justice the retiring member for Selwyn and my very dear friend the Hon Amy Adams. She will be dearly missed and is a great loss to our caucus. Amy has of course a keen legal mind and a dazzling intellect and I make no claims to either of those attributes. I'm more than a little intimidated to be following in her footsteps and indeed those of her predecessor the equally erudite and highly respected former Attorney-General the Hon Christopher Finlayson QC. I should probably sing his praises even more but I've noticed that Chris divides his time fairly equally in retirement between blasting his way out of a bunker in the 17th at Heretaunga and watching Parliament TV. So I won't cause him greater embarrassment by extolling his considerable virtues should he happen to be watching now. Truth be told I have absolutely no idea if there is a bunker on the 17th at Heretaunga but let's not be pedantic.Members will remember that in the week leading up to the Budget there was an unprecedented incident which saw the Opposition gain easy access to Budget information via the Treasury website only to face the extraordinary and utterly fatuous allegation of having participated in some form of hacking. In his typically inflammatory style the Deputy Prime Minister smugly claimed that he knew exactly what had gone on and that all hell would break loose as the Opposition faced criminal prosecution for dastardly deeds.Well once again Mr Peters was talking nonsense while demonstrating his total ignorance of basic matters of cyber security and modern technology. But more importantly he made serious fatuous allegations as a senior member of the executive. Then the Minister of Finance waded into the fray compounding Mr Peters' error and again making wild accusations that were subsequently proved to be utterly unfounded. Of course and as the Opposition had repeatedly asserted it very quickly became apparent—CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): I'm sorry to interrupt the member but it has come time for me to report progress. House resumed.Bill reported with progress.Report adopted.The House adjourned at 9.55 p.m.
Rurawhe AdrianJustice SectorCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members we come now to the votes in the justice sector volume—B.5 Volume 7. The question is that Vote Attorney-General Vote Corrections Vote Courts Vote Justice Vote Parliamentary Counsel Vote Police and Vote Serious Fraud stand part of the Schedules.
SpeechHealth Sector CHAIRPERSON (Hon Ruth Dyson): Members we come now to the vote in the health sector volume—B.5 Volume 6. The question is that Vote Health stand part of the Schedules.
SpeechFinance and Government Administration SectorCHAIRPERSON (Hon Ruth Dyson): Members we now come to the votes in the finance and government administration sector volume—B.5 Volume 5. The question is that Vote Audit Vote Communications Security and Intelligence Vote Finance Vote Internal Affairs Vote Office of the Clerk Vote Ombudsmen Vote Parliamentary Service Vote Prime Minister and Cabinet Vote Revenue Vote Security Intelligence Vote State Services and Vote Statistics stand part of the Schedules.
Little AndrewThird ReadingHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Justice): I move That the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2019 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.
McClay ToddHon TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua): I move That the question be now put. Motion agreed to.