Katene Rahui: Employment Relations (Film Production Work) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
Katene Rahui: Employment Relations (Film Production Work) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:668;Page:15051] 
RAHUI KATENE (Maori Party—Te Tai Tonga) 
: 
 As we have debated the Employment Relations (Film Production Work) Amendment Bill under urgency it has been clear that although not all the unions have been cheering in support those within the film industry have in general terms been broadly in agreement with the fundamental purpose of the bill. In fact when the news first came out about the incentive package put together to resolve the economic concerns of Warner Bros one of the first statements made was from New Zealand Actors Equity industrial organiser Frances Walsh who said the move was nothing but good news for the country. That purpose to remove consideration of employment law under the Employment Relations Act 2000 exclusively for the film production industry has been soundly debated and has generated enormous interest both here and across the globe. We should be under no illusions that when executives from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros flew into New Zealand earlier this week they had already received approaches from other countries offering lucrative inducements for them to abandon New Zealand in their favour. That is the nature of the international market in which this legislation will operate. 
I would have to say that from the outset the intense heat generated by the debate—and the extent of the international interest—was not something that any of us had anticipated. In the world of the entertainment industry the New Zealand fight for  
The Hobbit 
 even made headlines in the prestigious magazine  
Variety 
. That source claimed that “the recent actors’ boycott highlights the country’s fragile relationship with Hollywood”. And in the  
New York Times 
 the paper fronted with the question: “Is Wellywood burning?”. Of course the adverse impact of global headlines like this should not be underestimated. 
But how does this legislation matter on the ground in Murihiku or Murupara? What will it matter to Maori? That might be a good question to ask of one of our leading Maori innovators Ian Taylor of Taylormade Productions and Animation Research Ltd. Ian Taylor from Kahungunu has advanced some landmark graphic developments including the award-winning Moka Toa series and from home the Whalewatch Kaikoura World of the Whales animated virtual tours. We have been thrilled by the influence of his company Virtual Spectator which brought the America’s Cup into homes around the world by the use of real-time tracking of races and his skilful manipulation of the software. 
During my colleague Te Ururoa Flavell’s contribution to this debate he also talked about the impact that this deal will have for many Maori engaged in film production work as actors stunt performers extras singers musicians dancers entertainers and more. If he had known about Tau Henare’s contributions to the film industry I am sure he would have spoken about them as well. We believe that those who work in the film industry are closer to being self-employed contractors than employees and as such this legislation clarifies that situation. 
We cannot deny that the multimillion-dollar package negotiated this week lays the foundation for creating thousands of jobs as well as tourism opportunities and international exposure. It is simply too good an opportunity to miss. New Zealand has secured one of the world premieres of the movies and Sir Peter Jackson has agreed that part of the arrangement will ensure that material to promote this country as a tourism destination will be included in all DVDs and digital products for  
The Hobbit 
. At a conservative estimate this is expected to reach an international audience of tens of millions of people. We simply have to appreciate the tangible difference that these films will make in the lives of so many New Zealanders. If  
The Hobbit 
 had gone offshore the local movie industry would have been seriously threatened and with that the many industries associated with this work. We simply cannot afford that. 
But throughout this entire situation we must continue to remain concerned that minimum terms and conditions are employed for anyone working in these movies or indeed in any future movies. There must be protection for workers and we must be able to hold our heads up high not only for the quality of the work onscreen but also for the quality of the relationships built in producing the final outcome. We must be on high alert to prevent the unscrupulous treatment of workers or conditions that might serve to erode the integrity of our reputation. The Maori Party is proud to support this bill.