edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Mallard TrevorTUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.OBITUARIESPita ParaoneSPEAKER: I regret to inform the House of the death on 26 August 2019 of Rewiti Pomare Kingi Pita" Paraone MNZM who was a list member representing New Zealand First between 2002 and 2008 and between 2014 and 2017. I desire on behalf of this House to express our sense of the loss we have sustained and our sympathy with the relatives of the late former member. I now ask members to stand with me and observe a period of silence as a mark of respect to his memory.Members stood as a mark of respect."
Thursday 22 August 2019 - Volume 740
VoteAmendments recommended by the Environment Committee by majority agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill be now read a second time. 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.Bill read a second time.
Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
VoteThe question was put that the amendments recommended by the Education and Workforce Committee by majority be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments 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.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.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.Bill read a second time.
Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
12. Question No. 12—WomenDENISE LEE (National—Maungakiekie) to the Minister for WomenQuestion No. 12—Women12. DENISE LEE (National—Maungakiekie) to the Minister for Women: Why did she say yesterday that the equal pay legislation was in select committee when it was reported back on 13 May and has been sitting on the Order Paper for three months?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER (Minister for Women): It was a mistake in the press release. The select committee has reported back. Minister Lees-Galloway and I are considering feedback on some aspects of the bill and the officials at the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment and the Ministry for Women are working very hard on this.Denise Lee: Is she disappointed it is taking so long to make progress on pay equity or is it not a priority for her?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: It absolutely is a priority for this Government. This legislation is a world first to ensure a pathway for pay equity for women. We want to ensure that we get it right. This work is parallel to approximately 80000 women progressing pay equity claims—increases to the minimum wage which predominantly benefit women. So we're making good progress and we want to make sure the legislation is right.Denise Lee: Why does she think women in New Zealand should have to wait until it fits the Government's PR schedule for progress on the equal pay bill?SPEAKER: Order! Order! I'm going to—because the member's a new member I'll allow her to rephrase that question to bring it into order.Denise Lee: Does she think women in New Zealand should have to wait until it fits the Government's PR schedule for progress on the equal pay bill?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I have no idea what the member's referring to in terms of PR. What I can say is that the previous Government's equal pay bill had its first reading three sitting days before the end of the last Parliament—that's after nine years in power. This Government made it a priority and is continuing to make it a priority and we certainly have not slowed down progress; we've accelerated progress on pay equity claims for over 80000 women.Denise Lee: Will the Equal Pay Amendment Bill receive its second reading on 19 September Women's Suffrage Day?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I have no idea.Hon Gerry Brownlee: What are the points of concern mentioned by the Leader of the House this afternoon that are holding up this bill's progress?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: There are a number of areas that we have received feedback on from a range of submitters and stakeholders and we're working hard to ensure that we can get this right in the legislation.
10. Question No. 10—InfrastructureJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister for InfrastructureQuestion No. 10—Infrastructure10. JENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister for Infrastructure: What recent announcements has he made regarding the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission - Te Waihanga?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Infrastructure): I will show due moderation and I shall read their names out the members of this entity for fear of being sent to join the hīkoi. Yesterday I announced on behalf of the Government the chair and the fellow board members of the independent Infrastructure Commission. It is to be led by Dr Alan Bollard no stranger to this House and assisted by Mr David Cochrane a very senior lawyer from Simpson Grierson; Raveen Jaduram chief executive of Watercare; Sue Tindal an experienced chief financial officer and banker; Sarah Sinclair partner at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts; and Stephen Selwood a well-known advocate and leader of infrastructure thinking. I think it's important that when all members are dealing with such a professional group we don't indulge in a passion of name-calling and treat them respectfully all the time.Jenny Marcroft: Why were these people chosen? Hon SHANE JONES: Helping our country meet the infrastructure deficit is something that should not divide our parties. This body of people will bring together significant expertise in financial legal regulatory and practical on-the-ground experience. It is likely that this organisation from time to time will provide analysis that these parliamentarians or other parliamentarians will not fully agree with but such are the virtues of having an independent source of expert advice. Jenny Marcroft: What has been the reaction to these announcements?Hon SHANE JONES: A number of positive remarks from the other side of the House and I want to acknowledge the other side of the House and the role that they have played in bringing the bill through the select committee although I did think it was disappointing that the Opposition finance spokesperson launched an ad hominem attack on a leading Northland businessman Wayne Brown yesterday at the infrastructure conference. Such intemperate outbursts are unbecoming of parliamentary life. Hon Paul Goldsmith: Will he refer all consideration of the Northport infrastructure decisions to this independent commission before making any major investments on rail in Northland? Hon SHANE JONES: Obviously the Budget made an overdue allocation in terms of rail for New Zealand—$300 million of that pūtea announced in the Budget came from the Provincial Growth Fund. The legislation related to this body has not been passed. However the trains are already on the move. Hon Paul Goldsmith: So that's a no? SPEAKER: I think that's a fairly clear one yes.
9. Question No. 9—CorrectionsHon DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of CorrectionsQuestion No. 9—Corrections9. Hon DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Corrections: Does he stand by his statement We have never had to manage a prisoner like this before" in relation to the alleged Christchurch gunman?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Police) on behalf of the Minister of Corrections: Yes.Hon David Bennett: What steps has the Minister taken to ensure the remaining four letters that the high-profile prisoner sent do not contain objectionable material?Hon STUART NASH: On behalf of the Minister the prisoner is now not allowed to have any mail received or heading out of the prison.SPEAKER: No can the member address—I mean it might be that the answer is that on behalf of the Minister the Minister answering the question doesn't know but it was quite a different question that was asked. Repeat the question Mr Bennett please.Hon David Bennett: What steps has the Minister taken to ensure the remaining four letters that the high-profile prisoner sent do not contain objectionable material?Hon STUART NASH: On behalf of the Minister I do not have an answer to that question.Hon David Bennett: Did corrections record to whom the remaining four letters were sent by that high-profile prisoner?Hon STUART NASH: I'm not aware of an answer to that question but what I do know is that the letters sent by the prisoner were checked by corrections.Hon David Bennett: Has corrections monitored all telephone calls except those that are exempt made by this high-profile prisoner?Hon STUART NASH: On behalf of the Minister my understanding is yes.Hon David Bennett: Has corrections recorded all monitored calls made by this high-risk - profile prisoner?Hon STUART NASH: On behalf of the Minister I do not have an answer to that question."
7. Question No. 7—EnvironmentANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 7—Environment7. ANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister for the Environment: What action is the Government taking to enhance urban development and protect elite soils?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): The Government has proposed national policy statements on urban development and on highly productive land. These will improve the provision of housing in our major cities while protecting our most fertile and versatile land used for growing food. Through the combination of the two we get the balance right which is the development we need in the right place. We need to both house our people and feed them.Angie Warren-Clark: Why is the Government protecting elite soils?Hon DAVID PARKER: Only around 5 percent of our land is classified as class 1 or 2 highly productive land which is suitable for growing a wide range of fruits vegetables or fibre and we can't afford to lose these. These bring significant economic benefits as well as food obviously. Our productive land once it's either built on or chopped up for lifestyle blocks can't then generally be used efficiently for food production so we need to act now to protect our most productive land for future generations.Angie Warren-Clark: How will the national policy statement on urban development allow our cities to make room for growth?Hon DAVID PARKER: To have enough affordable homes we need planning that allows our cities to grow up especially in city centres and around transport connections. We also have to allow cities with fast-growing populations to expand in a way that protects our special areas like our highly productive land. This combination enables more affordable homes in quality urban environments. Combined with the protection of productive land we'll be helping local authorities to make room for growth whilst ensuring that this doesn't come at the expense of the natural environment.Hon James Shaw: Does he agree that the national policy statement on urban development needs to promote low-emissions urban design and ensure that our towns and cities are planning for higher density development with better public transport?Hon DAVID PARKER: I agree with that statement especially around transport nodes and enabling people to live in more dense living patterns around public transportation nodes increases their transport choices reduces their costs and also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Question No. 4—CourtsDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for CourtsQuestion No. 4—CourtsDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Oh thank you Mr Speaker. My question is to the Minister for Courts: what recent reports has the Minister seen regarding the Canterbury Earthquakes—SPEAKER: Now the member has a very good qualification including literacy. He should read the question as it's written down.4. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Courts: What recent reports has he seen regarding the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister for Courts): On Friday it was reported that after less than 50 days of operation the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal has already resolved its first case. The case that's been resolved was referred from the Greater Christchurch Claims Resolution Service and dated back to the first earthquake on 4 September 2010. It's pleasing to see such rapid progress under the changes introduced by this Government and the progress made by the tribunal so far represents another win for the Wellbeing Budget.Dr Duncan Webb: How many cases have been lodged with the tribunal so far?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: Since the tribunal came into operation roughly 50 days ago 21 cases have been lodged from affected Canterbury homeowners as of last Friday. Two of these had been transferred to the tribunal from the High Court. The number of cases already received shows just why the Government created the tribunal in the first place which is to be a circuit breaker for people who have waited far too long to move on with their lives from botched repairs and damage to their homes. It's about tackling the big long-term issues in Canterbury.Dr Duncan Webb: Why has the coalition Government set up the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The coalition Government set up the tribunal to give Canterbury homeowners a fair flexible and cost-effective way to resolve their outstanding insurance claims relating to the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes including claims with Southern Response and the Earthquake Commission. The delay to resolve residential insurance claims has had a significant effect on many Cantabrians' wellbeing. They need another opportunity for closure and the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal will go a long way to meeting this need.
1. Question No. 1—EducationJAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of EducationORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Education1. JAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What actions has the Government taken to increase the number of New Zealanders participating in vocational education?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): Earlier this month the Government announced a new award for vocational education including the trades which is open to all secondary school students. The Prime Minister's Vocational Excellence Award celebrates young people training to be our future creators innovators crafters and tradespeople. It's available to every secondary school and wharekura in the country for their top student in vocational education. We want to recognise and encourage a new generation of builders plumbers software developers agricultural trainees designers and many others on to further study or on-the-job training.Jan Tinetti: How will the Prime Minister's Vocational Excellence Awards lift the status of the trades and other vocational training?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The Government is committed to raising the status of vocational education. The Prime Minister's award in vocational excellence sends a strong message about the value that we place on trades training. Trades training and on-the-job skills training has too often taken a back seat to university in terms of the school leavers' desired career choices even when this isn't necessarily the best choice. We want to show students through this award that the trades provide exciting opportunities that are an equally important career pathway. The award is part of a wider package of vocational education reforms so that we see more people training on the job and training to meet the skill needs of employers.Jan Tinetti: When can schools apply for the award?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I'm pleased to say that right now every public secondary school and wharekura across the country can apply for the $2000 cash prize for their top vocational student. The Prime Minister's Vocational Excellence Awards will be available for prize-givings in 2019—this year—and the Government is providing funding for every public secondary school and wharekura to participate in the programme.Jan Tinetti: How does the Prime Minister's award recognising vocational excellence complement the greater reform of the system and work in this area?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The award sits alongside a number of other initiatives including activities that are taking place right now to promote trades training such as speed meets where across the country students are meeting with an employer from a range of industries that offer on-the-job training for six minutes to find out about each other. In addition to this we've put more money into the Telford polytechnic to ensure that it can be revitalised for the primary industries and of course we are undertaking a very comprehensive set of reforms in vocational education and training to expand the range of skills options available in all parts of the country.
SpeechHon RON MARK (Minister of Defence): Thank you Mr Speaker. I think all that needs to be said about this bill has been said and I commend this bill to the House.
McKelvie IanIAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei): Thank you Mr Speaker. It's clearly a very interesting piece of legislation. I just want to make a brief comment on this bill. It's designed as the Minister said to allow New Zealand businesses to compete in the international market place. It allows New Zealand businesses to protect themselves and it enables them to I suppose secure the funds and secure their place in the market around the world. But I want to make a little comment which is slightly contrary to the comments that have been made so far.We in New Zealand tend to borrow what's best practice in international legislation to deal with these issues. Because of the unusual nature of our country and of our financial markets and the size of them and also the very diverse nature of our country sometimes these bits of legislation don't always work out as you anticipate. I'm sure that in this case it might but I think it's worth just thinking as a country about how we might look at customising some of this legislation to a much greater extent to suit our own financial environment. I think we've seen it with a number of bits of legislation in recent years where the intention is always good but the carrying out of that legislation and the implementation of it in New Zealand often costs us a lot more money and a lot more effort than we might have thought and perhaps a lot more effort than is necessary.With those few words I will commend this bill to the House.
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Thank you Mr Speaker. Well the last speaker managed to speak for six minutes and demonstrate he did not actually understand what a derivative is. But I'm pleased to support this bill. It brings New Zealand into the international market. It makes sure that we're compliant with EU principles. It makes sure that we can participate in the international market for derivatives and it avoids the risk of contagion in the event that there's a derivative failure. That is really all I need to say about this. It's an excellent piece of legislation and I commend it to the House.
SpeechHAMISH WALKER (National—Clutha-Southland): I just want to acknowledge that last speaker on the other side of the House there Kiritapu Allan. There's a bit of red mist going on and what I mean by red mist: why have we got people in Maureen Pugh's patch here attending a town hall meeting—three or four hundred people—absolutely terrified this way of life is going to get taken away? I just want to acknowledge the excellent work that Maureen Pugh is doing.This might sound a little strange but people in Southland are best prepared for the full effects of this bill. You're probably wondering why people in Southland are ready for the full effects of this bill. Well basically in the last 18 months we've had everything else taken away from us. We've had every other critical health service taken away from us. Now they want to take away whitebaiting. This Government wants to stop farming. They closed a children's care—our most vulnerable kids. They reversed the National Party's decision on a 24/7 police station. They took away a 24/7 helicopter service. They shut a small rural maternity hospital forcing mothers to give birth on the side of the road.Now it comes to whitebaiting. This is a favourite pastime for Southlanders. When they're hard-working on their farms it's actually quite nice to head along the river. I used to do it when I was a child and I had a lot of fun. If you want to talk about a common-sense approach I was a commercial fisherman. In 2003 I used to go out—some days I'd catch one two three crayfish for a whole 12 hours a day. For the record that's probably $5-10 for me for a whole day fishing. Fifteen years later that fishery is now probably the second-best fishery in the country. Why—because fishermen spoke to each other they planned accordingly; now they have one of the strongest fisheries in New Zealand.Now if some of the Government members actually left the beltway of this Parliament often they'd actually talk to the people find out why these people are rallying in places like the West Coast. People in Southland have already suffered so much. We don't have cops. We don't have maternity hospitals. We don't have choppers. We're probably going to get hit rather badly by the Southern Institute of Technology. Whitebaiting is just another one. We're here for the commercial fishermen and the recreational fishermen and we will continue to fight for them.
Willis NicolaNICOLA WILLIS (National): I'm concerned that people listening to this debate particularly parents could become quite confused about their current right to a free education in New Zealand because if we are to believe the Government speakers this afternoon somehow this bill is resolving for parents a fact which is that they have had to pay school donations. So I just want to read from the Education Act 1989 section 3 which is explicit about the existing right to free education: Except as provided in this Act every person who is not an international student is entitled to free enrolment and free education at any State school during the period beginning on the person's fifth birthday and ending on 1 January after the person's 19th birthday."We already have a right to free education in this country and it is a right that has been maintained by Governments of both colours in this House. What we do have is a real problem—so all this bill is is a band-aid because the underlying problem we have with the school funding system in New Zealand is a decile system that has become inequitable and that does not target funding at the children who are most vulnerable and who most need support.So what should we do about it Madam Speaker? Well the National Government had acted. The National Government in 2017 made a Cabinet decision—it's minuted—that said that we would rescind the decile system and that we would replace it with a fairer more targeted decile system that would ensure that no school or service would lose funding. That was a brave reforming decision because that was about getting to the underlying issue which is to ensure that those children who have greater need get greater funding when they go to school.And what has this Government done this allegedly reforming Government that Clare Curran refers to? What did they do? They rescinded that decision and so instead of getting to the root of the problem they will put in place a mere band-aid which is a mess which got hurried through on which there couldn't be full submissions on which we couldn't get full advice at the committee—officials were constrained by the Minister in what they were and weren't allowed to tell us—and which creates all sorts of inequities and problems over what can be charged for what can't be what can be policed what can't be. This is not a great step forward; it's a mere band-aid and National will do much much better when we are sitting on those benches."
SpeechHon TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West): Thank you Madam Speaker. I missed the early speeches in this debate as I was attending a meeting elsewhere but I arrived as Mr Patterson from New Zealand First was telling the House that this is a good bill. Well no it could have been a good bill but yet again here's an example of a Government that has mucked everything up. Rather what we have here is a bill that reflects a Government that breaks its promises. It's a bill that reflects a Government that doesn't do its homework that doesn't dot the i's and cross the t's and which time after time lets down not only those who voted for them assuming they would keep their promises but instead let's—in this case—down all New Zealand families with school-age children. Well Ms Lubeck has just effectively argued in the House that a poor bill is better than no bill. Well no a poor bill is a poor bill. No wonder people are suggesting that Labour's election campaign slogan next year should be It's the thought that counts" because here is another example of a ludicrous sort of expression of good intentions without the ability to deliver on the promises. Well National speakers who have spoken before me in this debate have made the point that we think it is wrong and inequitable to exclude deciles 8 to 10 schools from the donations scheme and in part that is because the decile scheme is a blunt and in this particular context sometimes quite unfair mechanism. Chlöe Swarbrick when she spoke a few moments ago acknowledged that point but was unconvincing in her rejection of the National Party's alternative proposal because for Ms Swarbrick to argue that adopting a fairer model risks stigmatising some children and their families is not a given as she has suggested and worse it leaves them at a distinct disadvantage under this bill—that's just wrong.I just want to conclude by making the point that the National Party is also very concerned about the truncated select committee process that was undertaken because this is a bill that in just the 13-day period that it was open for submissions received 139 submissions which suggests that there was huge public interest and considerable anxiety and unrest particularly in our school communities around the country. They should have been given the opportunity to submit in a normal process. After all the Minister has got plenty of time to include whatever decisions arise from this in next year's operational funding decisions. But no they've rushed through with their half-hearted poorly conceived idea. This is an unfair bill it's a poor bill and it's very disappointing that yet again the Government has mucked things up."
Points of Order — Ollie Langridge—Climate Emergency Protest 100 Days
Swarbrick Chlöe; Mallard TrevorMOTIONSOllie Langridge Climate Emergency Protest 100 Days—Leave DeclinedCHLÖE SWARBRICK (Green): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate to acknowledge 100 days of Ollie Langridge standing on Parliament's lawn calling on this House to declare a climate emergency.SPEAKER: I just want to check that it's been worked around the parties [Interruption] It has. Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none [Interruption] There is objection. When I asked if it had been worked around the parties I got a positive response. The implication of that generally is—Hon Gerry Brownlee: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. SPEAKER: —let me finish; I'll stand up I have to—that it's got approval. I will stand up. Back in the period—I think I'm now the only member in the House today who was part of the arrangement—members used to be able to stand up and seek leave to move notices of all sorts of things and it would often go on for a quarter of an hour or 20 minutes. It was a decision that that didn't add to the order of the place; it added to the excitement but not the order. There was a decision made in the mid-1980s that in fact that practice would stop. Now in recent times it has crept back in a little bit but Speakers before me have ruled that leave to be sought of that type should be cleared with other parties first to make sure that in fact the approval will be granted and that when it's done without that occurring it is disorderly. Now I haven't made this sort of ruling before but I do want to make it clear to members now that while generally members can seek leave for anything at any time there are a few exceptions to that. Seeking leave for something which a member knows will not be granted is in fact disorderly.Chlöe Swarbrick: Speaking to the point of order. SPEAKER: No there is not a point of order any more. I've ruled.
Hipkins Chris; Brownlee GerryBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Next week the committee stage of the Appropriation (2019/20 Estimates) Bill the Estimates debate will continue. It has eight hours and 55 minutes remaining. Other legislation to be considered will include the first readings of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 3) and the Venture Capital Fund Bill. The Government will introduce legislation to allow some premises to extend their opening hours during the Rugby World Cup. Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I wonder: will the Leader of the House be making the bill that extends opening hours for Rugby World Cup purposes available to all parties to have a look at before it comes into the House? Secondly can he tell us when item number 10 on the Order Paper—that's been available for three months now—might make some progress in the House? Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I don't have a copy of the Order Paper in front of me so I can't say. Unfortunately they don't put them on our desks any longer so I can't answer that. Which one is it? SPEAKER: Equal pay. Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In the fullness of time we will get to the Equal Pay Amendment Bill. There are a couple of issues that are still being resolved around the Equal Pay Amendment Bill that weren't able to be resolved at the Education and Workforce Committee. With regard to the first part of the bill I've asked that a draft copy of the bill for next week be distributed as soon as it's available including with a proposed timetable for passing it through the House. I envisage that we'll discuss that at the Business Committee on Tuesday.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): One question that relates to that might truncate discussions considerably. Can the Leader of the House indicate if that bill will consider all licensed premises or just a narrow band of licensed premises? Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I'm advised by the Minister in charge of it that it will cover all licensed premises.
Visitors — Germany—Ulrich Lechte
Mallard TrevorTHURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VISITORSGermany—German Bundestag Ulrich LechteSPEAKER: I'm sure that members would wish to welcome Mr Ulrich Lechte MP from the German Bundestag who is present in the gallery.[Applause]
Wednesday 21 August 2019 - Volume 740
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 65New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Noes 55New Zealand National 55.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 299 in the name of Chris Penk to the proposed amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 259 in the name of David Seymour to Part 2 be agreed to.A personal vote was called for on the question that the amendment to the amendments be agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): Just a reminder to those who are holders of proxies please double-check that the member isn't here in person and voting because they can sometimes vote differently.And just while we're waiting a reminder that a personal vote is not called for until the result is declared by the Chair. So we call the Ayes and the Noes. When I declare the result those who feel it's the wrong result can then call for the personal vote.Hon Member: They don't have to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): No they don't have to.A personal vote was called for on the question That the amendment to the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 51AllanGuy (P)ParmarWagner (P)Bakshi (P)HayesPenkWalker (P)Bayly (P)HipangoPugh (P)Whaitiri (P)Bennett DKanongata'a-Suisuiki (P)RetiWilliamsBidoisLee DRurawheWoodBridges (P)Lee MSalesaWoodhouse (P)BrownLoheniScott (P)Young (P)Brownlee (P)MacindoeSio (P)Yule Carter (P)McClay (P)Smith NClark (P)McKelvie (P)StrangeDean (P)MullerTirikatene (P)Dowie (P)NgaroTolleyGarciaO'Connor D (P)Twyford (P)Teller:Goldsmith (P)O'Connor SUpston (P)Barry Noes 69Andersen (P)Henare (P)MarkShawArdern (P)Hipkins (P)MartinSimpsonBallHudson (P)McAnultySmith S (P)Bennett P (P)Hughes (P)Mitchell CStanford (P)Bishop (P)Huo (P)Mitchell M (P)Swarbrick (P)Coffey (P)JacksonNash (P)TabuteauCollins (P)Jones (P)O'Connor GTinettiCraig (P)Kaye (P)Parker (P)van de MolenCurranKing (P)PattersonWallDavidsonKurigerPeters (P)Warren-ClarkDavisLees-GallowayPrimeWebb (P)Doocey (P)LittleRadhakrishnan (P)Willis (P)DysonLogie (P)Robertson (P)Woods (P)Eagle (P)LubeckRoss (P)Yang (P)Faafoi (P)Luxton (P)RussellFalloonMahutaSageGenterMallard (P)Sepuloni (P)Teller:Ghahraman (P)MarcroftSeymourAdamsAmendment to the amendments not agreed to.
12. Question No. 12—TransportBRETT HUDSON (National) to the Associate Minister of TransportQuestion No. 12—Transport12. BRETT HUDSON (National) to the Associate Minister of Transport: What is the petrol price exclusive of taxes and carbon charges assumed in the reference scenario in the preliminary cost-benefit analysis of the Clean Car Discount for August 2019 and how does this compare to the actual present petrol price exclusive of taxes and carbon charges?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER (Associate Minister of Transport): The fuel price used in the reference scenario in the preliminary cost-benefit analysis for the clean car discount ranged from $1.47 to $2.58 over the lifetime of the policy evaluation period out to 2042. The latest available fuel price excluding taxes and carbon charges for August 2019 shows the average price per litre of petrol exclusive of taxes and carbon charges was $1.03 and $1.11 for diesel. As the member will be aware fuel price projections 20 years into the future cannot be compared with the single price of fuel sold today. That is particularly important in this piece of analysis where the benefits associated with fuel savings do not occur in the initial years of the implementation period but rather in later years with the estimated fuel-reduction benefit peaking around 2030.Brett Hudson: Does she have confidence the pre-tax petrol price will double by 2030 as assumed in the cost-benefit analysis?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I'm not sure the member's assertion in that question is correct. The same range of petrol prices is used for the evaluation over the entire period and it's based on the most recently published official forecast for fuel prices over that period.Brett Hudson: Is she concerned that the lowest estimate for the price of petrol overestimated the cost in 2019 by almost 50 percent and if not why not?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: The officials who undertook the analysis explained to me that the majority of the benefits of the policy are accruing in the later years of the policy mainly peaking around 2030. If that member thinks that he can more correctly forecast prices 10 to 20 years in the future than the International Energy Agency and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment then perhaps he's in the wrong line of work. I recommend he take up work as a trader.Brett Hudson: Will the Minister seek an increase in petrol prices to better match the increase in price published as part of her consultation?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: If the member is interested in a full briefing on the cost-benefit analysis I'm sure that officials would be happy to provide him with that. But again I think the assertion in the question actually is incorrect. There is a wide range of retail petrol prices pre-tax and pre-carbon charges that is used to evaluate the benefits. I'm confident that the analysis done by the Ministry of Transport gives us a realistic if conservative estimate of the overall benefits to New Zealanders of this policy.Brett Hudson: Supplementary.SPEAKER: No way.
10. Question No. 10—EducationDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 10—EducationDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei): To the Minister of Education: does he stand by all his statements policies and actions around—[Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! No I just want to say to members on both sides that this is a serious matter. I thought of not allowing the question because it's my responsibility not the Prime Minister's and I don't want it continuing across the House while Dr Reti's asking his question. Dr Shane Reti start again.10. Dr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of Education: Does he stand by all his statements policies and actions around the Reform of Vocational Education?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): Yes in the context in which they were made.Dr Shane Reti: Does he agree with officials at the Primary Industry Training Organisation meeting in Wellington yesterday who indicated that regional polytechnics will be told how where and what they will teach?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I haven't seen those comments directly. The response that I received when I went to that meeting yesterday was that the reforms were long overdue and that they were welcomed. I didn't receive that particular feedback at the meeting.Dr Shane Reti: When the programme business case for his reforms states that there will be 18000 fewer learners is that 18000 fewer learners over the whole establishment period or 18000 fewer learners per year?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I think the member seems to be having some difficulty understanding all of the answers to the written questions that I have given him about the business case which is that the business case talks through a range of different scenarios. It's very clear in the business case that at this early point in the process any numbers in the business case are very rough because until the process goes further it's impossible to get them more precise. So I think the member continuing to cherry-pick numbers out of the business case is incredibly misleading.Dr Shane Reti: How does he respond to an article in the Otago Daily Times last Friday stating The Government including Dunedin North MP David Clark can talk all it likes about local committees or advisory boards and the need for flexibility to meet local needs. But the reality is a centralised model"—SPEAKER: Order! Too long.Dr Shane Reti: Shall I reduce it or—SPEAKER: The member should just wind his question up.Dr Shane Reti: —"will over time degrade flexibility … and innovation"?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I completely disagree that the new model would degrade flexibility and innovation."
9. Question No. 9—Prime MinisterHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 9—Prime Minister9. 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: Is she involved or not involved in Ihumātao as she's happy to halt the building work that's going on there but not to help it come to a conclusion?SPEAKER: Order! Order! I'm going to ask the member to rephrase the question without the assertion.Hon Paula Bennett: Is her involvement in halting the building work that is going on at Ihumātao also in line with her now not helping it come to a conclusion?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I reject the premise of both of those questions.Hon Paula Bennett: Does she stand by her statements at Tūrangawaewae yesterday that Where there are hard issues … be it Ihumātao I will be there. I will have those conversations."; and if so will she have those conversations with the protesters in person?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: To give context to the full statement I also said this will be a Government that will be there to talk about the hard issues around overrepresentation of Māori in prison and around the overrepresentation of Māori children in State care. There are hard conversations to be had in this country. My point on Ihumātao was that leadership also requires identifying when it's important to create a space where a process can occur. Kīngitanga has stepped forward and created a process that we have supported. We respect that they wish to lead that process but we have also been there alongside supporting them as they go in their talks with mana whenua.Hon Paula Bennett: If leadership as she has said today repeatedly is about dealing with hard issues does she believe that leadership and accountability starts at the top when dealing with allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Yes.Hon Paula Bennett: What then would she say in response to allegations from sexual assault victims that feel they are not being heard by those in positions of leadership who have a responsibility to protect them?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Again I would say exactly what I've said in the past which is that we can only deal with the complaints that have come to us. A complaint was made by a group of complainants to the Labour Party. I consistently asked that members of my team check whether or not there have been any complaints made to Parliamentary Service any to Ministerial Services or any through any of our line managers. If they are made we will act on those. But again in those checks those have not been produced. Again if those complainants wish to take the member as a support person to go and make complaints to any of those entities I would encourage them to do so but until they do we simply have nothing to act on."
8. Question No. 8—HealthRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 8—Health8. RINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga) to the Minister of Health: What progress if any has been made in modernising New Zealand's fleet of air ambulances?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): More good news. Last week I was in Christchurch to see first-hand the latest additions to our air ambulance fleet: two brand new Airbus H145 helicopters. These twin-engine helicopters are based one each in Christchurch and Dunedin and provide lifesaving emergency response and patient transfers. They will be used by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services which is contracted to provide air ambulance services across the southern region. This is part of our plan to modernise our air ambulance services which is why we invested an extra $83 million in these services in our first Budget.Rino Tirikatene: How will the new helicopters be better for patients?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: These state-of-the-art helicopters are fitted out with the latest lifesaving equipment including ventilators and a heart monitor. Importantly they also have more space to provide critical patient care than older helicopters and they can fly further and faster than the machines they are replacing. I can put it no better than the chief executive of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Ken Franklin who said that this set-up is the gold standard of clinical care".Rino Tirikatene: Will more new helicopters be required to bring the rest of our air ambulance fleet up to standard?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: There's no question that we will need sustained investment in these services and that will include further new helicopters in coming years. Prior to this new air ambulance helicopter service being implemented one in three helicopters were single engine which is not suitable. Now only one remains in service and is scheduled to be replaced by a twin-engine helicopter later this year. Before these new helicopters entered service last week the average age of our air ambulances was almost 30 years old. While this has reduced to 22 years further renewal in the fleet will be needed over time. We owe it to our communities to ensure that our dedicated air ambulance staff and providers have the right tools for the job."
5. Question No. 5—Earthquake CommissionDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister responsible for the Earthquake CommissionQuestion No. 5—Earthquake Commission5. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister responsible for the Earthquake Commission: What recent announcement has he made regarding quake-damaged homes in Canterbury?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister responsible for the Earthquake Commission): Last week Minister Woods and I announced a solution for people with over-cap onsold properties in Canterbury. This will provide relief for the last major group of people affected by botched or missed repairs following the Canterbury earthquakes. The Earthquake Commission (EQC) estimates that there could be up to 1000 homes in Canterbury whose homeowners will benefit from this announcement—people who have been trapped living in damaged homes in Canterbury where the cost of repairs is over the EQC cap and they have no recourse to private insurers. They are now eligible for a Government payment so that they can get on with repairing their homes and get on with their lives. I am proud of the work that this Government is doing to fix the mess that we inherited and that Canterbury homeowners were left with after these botched repairs.Dr Duncan Webb: How do homeowners access this payment?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Any Canterbury homeowner who suspects that the house they have purchased may have defective repairs or botched or missed damage should have the property independently inspected and assessed. If as a result of that inspection damage is found the homeowner should contact EQC directly to discuss the specifics of their property. They will then work with EQC to establish what it will cost to repair the faulty or missed damage and an ex gratia payment will be made so that they can get on with their lives. All homeowners in Canterbury have 12 months to apply to EQC for the onsold over-cap payment. This payment is important because homeowners do need the chance to move on with their lives after so many years of uncertainty.Dr Duncan Webb: How can Canterbury homebuyers find out if there have been earthquake claims on a property?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: People do need to know if the house they're buying has had a claim for earthquake damage and whether it has been fixed. The house may have actually been sold two or three times since the earthquakes so sometimes this information can be hard to come by. We have now made claim numbers associated with a property available on the Environment Canterbury property viewer. This means that as part of their due diligence before buying a home homeowners can now quickly find out the claim history of a property and ensure they get the details through their real estate agent or their lawyer.