edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
11. Question No. 11—ImmigrationINGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 11—Immigration11. INGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri) to the Minister of Immigration: What recent reports has he seen on the additional 2000 Recognised Seasonal Employer workers brought in under a class border exception to support the horticulture and wine industries?Hon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Immigration): I am happy to report that 2012 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers have entered New Zealand: 775 from Samoa 70 from Fiji and 1167 from Vanuatu. As of Saturday 20 March the last 155 of these workers departed managed isolation and quarantine for their places of work in the horticulture and winemaking sectors. I would like to acknowledge the considerable efforts of the industry peak bodies who have worked alongside officials to successfully bring this group across the border in time for seasonal peaks. We acknowledge the difficulties the sectors continue to face and we are in constant contact with them. The 2012 RSE workers that have been brought into New Zealand is the largest group of economic exceptions allowed to enter New Zealand while our COVID-19 border restrictions are in place. The demand for RSE workers needs to be balanced with the demand from New Zealanders returning home and other border exception requests but we are pleased the 2000 workers approved in December are now working here in New Zealand.Ingrid Leary: How will these workers support our economic recovery from COVID-19?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: As I said in my primary answer this is the single largest economic-based class border exception that the Government has been able to provide to date. This is in recognition of the horticulture and winemaking sectors being amongst our largest export sectors with total exports valued at $6.5 billion in the last financial year. These sectors also employ around 38000 New Zealanders many in regional New Zealand. These seasonal workers will enable the work that New Zealanders continue in the sector. We thank the sector for their assistance in bringing these 2012 workers in over a 3½ month period but we also acknowledge the difficulties that they face with labour limitations.Ingrid Leary: What other economic exceptions to our closed border is the Minister aware of?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: As of 17 March this year 1577 requests for other critical workers have been approved representing close to 6700 workers. Workers in the research and development sector top the list with 1920 approved workers representing just under 30 percent of the total while 1348 approved workers in the primary industry sector make up just below 20 percent of the total. At the same time 4501 critical health workers and their dependants have had their requests approved.
4. Question No. 4—HousingGINNY ANDERSEN (Labour—Hutt South) to the Minister of HousingQuestion No. 4—Housing4. GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour—Hutt South) to the Minister of Housing: What reaction has she seen to the new supply side measures announced as part of the Government's housing package on Tuesday?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing): I've seen a range of comments about the Government's $3.8 billion Housing Acceleration Fund and other supply side measures announced on Tuesday from a number of stakeholders both in the media and to whom I have spoken directly. Shamubeel Eaqub said the acceleration fund and the Kāinga Ora land programme are big deals" and that "the infrastructure money will be welcome in many fast-growing or small communities that can't afford new infrastructure". Master Builders CEO David Kelly said "The Government is [now] seeing housing as a key part of our critical infrastructure." and "provision for infrastructure funding to support … homes and developments is also a positive step."Ginny Andersen: What reaction has she seen from local government representatives?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I saw a comment from the chair of Local Government New Zealand Stuart Crosby who welcomed the $3.8 billion fund and emphasised that infrastructure is key to releasing land for development. Mayors across the country have also been supportive. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said that "The cost of infrastructure rather than the availability of land is the major constraint Auckland faces in increasing home building" while Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese said the announcement was a game-changer and there is now potential for a lasting solution.Ginny Andersen: What reaction has she seen from developers?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Shane Brealey from NZ Living said that the acceleration fund will "Help move infrastructure along at a faster pace than otherwise which is a good thing". I've seen other comments from a developer saying the fund is a good start but it needs to be coupled with work on planning constraints and land supply. I have good news—the supply side package we announced will work to free up land with Kāinga Ora having funding to undertake strategic land purchases and by putting expectations on councils in return for funding."
2. Question No. 2—FinanceARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he seen of how the economy is performing a year on from the decision to move to alert level 4?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Today is the first anniversary of the move to alert level 4. At that time there was significant concern about the long-term impact on the New Zealand economy. A year on New Zealand's economic activity is in fact in line with pre-COVID levels and well ahead of forecasts in the Budget and the pre-election fiscal update. The economy is also continuing to hold up well compared to our international counterparts. In the December quarter economic activity was only 0.9 percent below where it was a year ago compared to 1.1 percent down in Australia 3.2 percent down in Canada 4.9 percent down across the euro area and 7.8 percent down in the United Kingdom.Arena Williams: What reports has he seen on New Zealand's economic performance since this time last year?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Earlier this month the International Monetary Fund released its latest report on New Zealand praising the economic response from the Government in the past year. They specifically commented on the size and scope of our economic support and how it helped avert a much steeper decline in economic activity and employment. In New Zealand our unemployment rate is currently below 5 percent and a peak of only 5.3 percent today. It will bump around a bit but it will be well below the near 10-plus percent levels we were being told about. I can also tell the House today that the number of people on a main benefit is continuing to drop. Our figures out today show 20244 fewer people are on a main benefit compared to the start of the year and in just the last week of numbers 2388 people left the jobseeker support payment to go into work.Arena Williams: What has been the impact of Government support on economic activity in the past year?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: A report from Statistics New Zealand released today found that three out of four New Zealand firms had received COVID-19 - related financial support from the Government last year. The report said the assistance was one of the key things businesses used to help stay afloat last year. The delivery of that assistance in a timely manner ensured cash flow and confidence that was a real concern a year ago today.
1. Question No. 1—TourismDr JAMES McDOWALL (ACT) to the Minister of TourismORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Tourism1. Dr JAMES McDOWALL (ACT) to the Minister of Tourism: Does he stand by all of his statements and actions?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Tourism): Yes in the context they were given and undertaken.Dr James McDowall: Does he stand by his statement that There is scope for a fresh look at existing levies" and if so does this include the international visitor levy (IVL) and bed taxes?Hon STUART NASH: Yes to the first question. To the second one: there's a whole lot of work going on in this space at this point in time which I'm not prepared to divulge. SPEAKER: No. Order! Order! I know the member cannot be required to do a yes/no answer but I think there is an obligation for the Minister to answer in the House at least as well as he has on public radio. The member will answer the question.Hon STUART NASH: To the first part of the question: yes. To the second: I have on public radio noted the fact that I am looking at the IVL—bed taxes no.Dr James McDowall: Does he believe that increasing tourism taxes or levies would result in more or fewer tourists coming to New Zealand?Hon STUART NASH: I think I've been very clear in a number of places that there are some areas of this country where the social licence was being eroded due to the fact there were too many tourists.Dr James McDowall: Can he guarantee that any new bed taxes would not be paid for by New Zealanders?Hon STUART NASH: As mentioned I'm not doing any work on the Government implementing bed taxes.Dr James McDowall: Which does he think best helps the struggling tourism sector: more tourists or more taxes?Hon STUART NASH: If it was that simple it would be a hell of a lot easier but I have given a number of statements around how I see the tourism sector in a post-COVID world developing and it is not more tourists; it is higher value tourists spending more money—however New Zealand delivering on an experience."
Luxton Jo; Webb Duncan; Dean JacquiJO LUXTON (Labour—Rangitata): Thank you Madam Speaker. Look I'm going to take a very short call because everything that needs to be said has been said by my colleagues on this side of the House. I congratulate the Minister the Hon Nanaia Mahuta for bringing this to the House and I commend this bill to the House.Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Junior Whip—Labour): Point of order Madam Speaker. I seek leave of the House that the vote on this motion be put.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Any objection to that course of action? There is objection. This debate is interrupted and set down for next sitting day. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 6 April 2021. Good afternoon.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 5.05 p.m.
Halbert Shanan; Waititi RawiriSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote): Tēnā koe Madam Speaker and what a wonderful Thursday afternoon. I hope that we leave at the end of this parliamentary set knowing that we have achieved something and that we've made a difference in the lives of our people in Aotearoa. I'm particularly proud to be a part of this Government. We've heard this week about the massive investment in housing across the country and I've just finished an interview on Radio Waatea this week a weekly slot that I have where we talked that through and talked about the aspirations and ambitions—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Order! Order! Can I ask the member to address the bill that is before us.SHANAN HALBERT: Thank you Madam Speaker. What is important to understand is that by 2050 the population of Māori in this country will be 22 percent. We need to ensure that we are not in the same position as a community—socially economically—as we currently are. It's to the benefit of our country that we address the disparity and unlocking whenua Māori is an important part of doing this for our people and this particular bill is another step in this Government's removing barriers for Māori to meet their aspirations and achieve the things that they want to. So without further ado I commend this bill to the House.RAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader—Te Paati Māori): Madam Speaker I seek leave to take a call.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Did the member call a point of order?RAWIRI WAITITI: Oh point of order Madam Speaker. I seek leave—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): We'll just get it right. Rawiri Waititi.RAWIRI WAITITI: Yes. I seek leave to take a call.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Leave has been sought. Is there any objection? There is no objection. Rawiri Waititi.
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Kia ora e te Mana Whakawā. It's a pleasure to stand. I'm very surprised the Māori Party chooses not to take a call on this piece of legislation which directly affects the interests of Māori. But I'm very happy that our members our excellent Māori caucus have spoken so well and so carefully and so comprehensively on this matter and I commend the bill to the House.
Muller ToddTODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty): Look thank you. Well that really was the highlight of the week I think listening to that succinct summary.Greg O'Connor: Until now!TODD MULLER: You're too kind Mr O'Connor! Look I think the National Party have traversed the reasons for our opposition very effectively. Of course there is Māori land that is unproductive as there is unproductive land elsewhere in the country and of course it is challenging for Māori land owners to have rates applied when the land is unproductive. But we posed the question to the Minister through the committee of the whole House: what is the constraint of the current model? She couldn't answer it. We asked how many local rūnanga or hapū have turned up to councils with a package saying Hey could you give us rates relief and assist us as we aim to reset this land in a more productive way?" She couldn't answer it. It is our view that this piece of legislation doesn't work isn't needed is preferential when it doesn't need to be leaves other landowners that have unproductive land off the table and is only going to add more division to what is already becoming quite a sensitive conversation in this country. We need to bring the best of ourselves to these conversations not rush through poorly thought out law when as we have all said in this House the greater challenge to te Ture Whenua—that is what should be front of mind that should be where the work is and it's a great disappointment that yet again the Government has chosen the easy short one-line win as opposed to the hard comprehensive and fundamentally changing solution.So we've made that point very clearly—very clearly—very articulately and in the context of Thursday afternoon following Paul Eagle's gargling of the antiseptic spray it's probably time for us to step down from debate. We oppose it and we've opposed it all the way through and the reasons are clear."
Eagle PaulPAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai): Thank you Madam Speaker. It is always a privilege to speak late on the last sitting day of the block. I always find myself in this slot actually. [Interruption] And I always find myself battling the members of the Bay of Plenty and Tauranga; it is just a common occurrence.Hon Member: When you're not in the Chathams. PAUL EAGLE: When I'm not in the Chatham Islands of course. But I'm here—Hon Simon Bridges: Some of us have got to hold up this Parliament Paul.PAUL EAGLE: Someone has got to do the mahi as they say and not get the treats.But we've heard just a whole lot of stuff with a sinister undertone—it is this race-based issue. No one wants to say it. I've had to come in late in the piece and expose it once again to say that is what the other side are most concerned about.But funnily enough when we were talking only a couple of years ago about the Rates Rebate (Retirement Village Residents) Amendment Act 2018 no one had a problem with our seniors and oldies but the minute—Hon Member: Aww.PAUL EAGLE: Yeah I know; I hate to bring it up. It is horrible when you bring things like that up because suddenly there is some embarrassment. But that is my role: often I have to bring the hard news just before the time is up.We've heard for everyone—general law; conservation land; bigger bolder braver. We've heard everything. I thought some people were going to break into another maiden speech for a minute there! But no that is not the case because this is really important.I went through the various notes—and they are good notes—and you get all sorts of things and I think How unfair." You know the bill removes a loophole—a loophole da da. I know on that side of the House they are all about closing those loopholes but here is one which allows Māori land that was arbitrarily reclassified as general land in the late 1960s from being sold by a local authority abandoned land or rating sale.So there you go there are so many examples here that I'm not going to continue with because I've said enough. I can only but commend this bill to the House."
Court Simon; Mallard TrevorSIMON COURT (ACT): Thank you very much Mr Speaker. I'm here today to talk about water quality issues in Te Wai o Pareira / Henderson Creek in my home suburb of Te Atatū my electorate of Te Atatū. This is an awa which is heavily used by recreational organisations: Multisport Waka Ama Waitematā rowing the Kenley Water Ski Club Sea Scouts and just downstream the Taikata Sailing Club. What I'm asking for is urgent action from Auckland Council to monitor the water and measure the water quality right now to put that data on their Auckland Council Safeswim website and I'm also asking Watercare the council-controlled organisation that has responsibility for managing waste-water networks to carry out urgent improvements to the waste-water network to fix these regular overflows from their network that make recreational use extremely dangerous for those users. There are very large diameter pipes that collect waste water on the transmission network from Upper Harbour and from other parts of West Auckland and they all end up at a low point right by these clubs and the boat ramp at Taipari Strand. There are regular waste-water overflows. There are landfill discharges—SPEAKER: Order! The time for this debate has expired.
Special Debates — Local Issues
Muller ToddTODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty): Thank you Mr Speaker. In 1995 when the Tauranga City population reached 80000 the second emergency department was opened: Tauranga accident and emergency on Second Avenue. Fast forward to 2021 our population is 155000; the population of Pāpāmoa a critical key part of my electorate is close to 30000; and Tauranga City still has their emergency department and one other accident and emergency centre. Hamilton City has 170000 people an emergency department and three other accident and emergency after-hour care facilities. Tauranga remains with its single one despite the fact that the population of my city has almost doubled in that time. We have 5000 local Pāpāmoa residents who have signed a petition asking for a new accident and emergency centre in Pāpāmoa. It is expected that the residential area of Pāpāmoa will become as large as the city of Nelson. It is seriously under-invested for people—particularly older people but also younger parents with young kids—who after 5 o'clock at night need to get to a doctor. In a Pāpāmoa context they've got to hop in the car and travel 45 minutes to get to the accident and emergency centre in Tauranga Hospital and this is a community of 150000 people in the wider city and over 30000 people in Pāpāmoa. This is simply not good enough. The community of Pāpāmoa deserves after-hours healthcare resources that can assist elderly people younger people with families and the community after 5 o'clock at night. I think it is a fair request. It talks to a view that I have seen in this growing community that there's been a lot of focus from the local council to ensure that the houses get put up—very much after the population turns up—but there is very little amenity. Quite frankly my community deserves more than this. In the spirit of this debate I will yield now for another speaker.
Smith NickHon Dr NICK SMITH (National): Mr Speaker I want to highlight the failure of the Government in respect of the issue of first-home owners in the Nelson community because what was advanced by the Government this week rather than helping first-home owners has actually resulted in taking them nowhere. On Tuesday in the Government's housing announcement—SPEAKER: Order! I'm going to interrupt the member now and make it clear to him that what was agreed at the Business Committee was that this was to be a debate on local issues not on the effect on a particular area of a general Government policy. This is the only warning that the member is getting.Chris Bishop: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. SPEAKER: A point of order Chris Bishop remembering this comes out of the debate time.Chris Bishop: I'll just make the point and ask you as the debate goes on we've got 12 calls on this. It is somewhat tricky for members to raise genuinely local issues that do not have some impact on the Government and I think Dr Smith was well within the bounds of raising what was agreed at Business Committee around raising genuinely local issues and the reality is sometimes those local issues will have an impact on the Government and oftentimes the local issue will be asking the Government to do something.SPEAKER: I've indicated what the story is and if that's what Dr Smith does that's fine. Dr Smith.Hon Dr NICK SMITH: The biggest issue in my home community is in terms of housing. And what we have seen in the last 12 months is a collapse in the number of people being able to access support under the first-home scheme for first-home owners. Let me give a moment of the background to the issue and to why it is so important. When the scheme was introduced on 1 April 2015 over 400 people living in Nelson and Tasman each year were able to access assistance with a grant of up to $20000 to be able to buy a home. Now in 2015 the average price of a home was $380000 and the house price cap at that time was $500000. The great concern I have is that while 2500 people in Nelson and Tasman have been able to buy a first home with that scheme established by National in 2015 the numbers last year plummeted. Last year we saw a 40 percent decline. We saw in the Budget the amount of money set aside for assisting first-home owners in Nelson and Tasman decline by 40 percent and by over half a million dollars.Now would any member of this House reasonably think that Government reducing support for first-home buyers at this time was a reasonable thing? What is blatantly obvious is that with the huge 20 percent increase this year a 16 percent increase on the previous year in house prices the fastest rise ever—SPEAKER: Right Order! Order! The member will resume his seat. I made it clear.
Mallard TrevorSPECIAL DEBATESLocal IssuesSPEAKER: Members we now come to a debate about local issues arranged by the Business Committee under Standing Order 80. I just want to say to members that I have had some people who have approached me asking to split calls. This is however a one-hour debate with a maximum time of five minutes and there is therefore no reason for calls to be split.
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK:Petition of Kate Slankard-Stone requesting that the House urge the Government to use all available means to pressure the Israeli Government to end the detention of Palestinian children and ensure that Israel acts in accordance with international human rights standardsthe petition of Bridget King requesting that the House initiate a select committee inquiry into the death of Bradley Kingthe petition of Sam Vincent requesting that the House recommend that the Government create a pathway for Uyghur refugees to resettle in New Zealand.SPEAKER: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee.Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK:New Zealand Artificial Limb Service Statement of Performance Expectations 2020-21New Zealand Blood Service Statement of Performance Expectations 2020-21 and Statement of Intent 2020-24KiwiRail Statement of Corporate Intent 2021-23report of the Intelligence and Security Committee on the activities of the Intelligence and Security Committee in 20202020 annual report of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureauthe Government response to the report of the Health Committee on the petition of Lucy McSweeney.SPEAKER: Those papers are published under the authority of the House.Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK:Report of the Education and Workforce Committee on the Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Billreports of the Intelligence and Security Committee on the:2019/20 annual review of the Government Communications Security Bureau2019/20 annual review of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service.SPEAKER: The bill is set down for second reading.The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of bills.CLERK:Crimes (Robbery) Amendment Bill introductionSynthetic Urine (Prohibition on Importation Supply and Acquisition to Pass a Workplace Drug Test) Bill introductionBiosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Amendment Bill introductionSecondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers (Electronic Records) Amendment Bill introduction.SPEAKER: Those bills are set down for first reading.
Salesa Jenny; Hipkins Chris; Bishop ChrisTHURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): Ke tau lotu. 'E 'Otua Māfimafi kuo mau taa'i mālie 'i ho'o 'ofá mo e ngaahi tāpuaki hono kotoa. 'Oku tuku homau lotó ka mau hū atu ke ke malu'i ange mu'a 'a e Kuiní mo tataki ange 'emau fua fatongia 'i he Fale Aleá 'aki 'a e poto Faka-e-'Otua 'ofa pea mo e 'ulungaanga malū ko e 'uhí ko e mo'ui mo e melino 'o e fonuá. 'Oku mau kole atu 'a e ngaahi me'á ni hono kotoa 'i he huafa ho 'aló pē 'e taha ko Sīsū Kalaisi ko homau fakamo'uí 'Emeni.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Thank you Mr Speaker. Today the House adjourns until Tuesday 6 April. Legislation to be considered in that week will include the first readings of the Incorporated Societies Bill the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Amendment Bill and the Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Bill; the committee stage of the Financial Market Infrastructures Bill; and on Tuesday the remaining stages of the Ngāti Hinerangi Claims Settlement Bill. Wednesday is scheduled to be a members' day.CHRIS BISHOP (National): Will the Government agree to set down members' notice of motion No. 8 as the first order of business for the next members' day?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Let me just check which one it is. No.
Wednesday 24 March 2021 - Volume 751
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Corrections (School Notification of Sex Offenders) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10;Te Paati Māori 2.Motion not agreed to.
Corrections (School Notification of Sex Offenders) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Companies (Limited Partnerships Identical Names Prohibition) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 55New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 65New Zealand Labour 65.Motion not agreed to.
Companies (Limited Partnerships Identical Names Prohibition) Amendment Bill — First Reading
12. Question No. 12—TransportHELEN WHITE (Labour) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 12—Transport12. HELEN WHITE (Labour) to the Minister of Transport: Is the Government helping to keep New Zealand connected with trade partners and maintaining international passenger services; if so how?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): Yes. Earlier this week I announced the Maintaining International Air Connectivity scheme which will run through until the end of October to help keep New Zealand connected to trade partners and to maintain international passenger services. After the global pandemic hit in 2020 and international passenger flights effectively shut down the Government moved very quickly to establish the International Air Freight Capacity scheme which has been critical in supporting our economic recovery and the flow of goods to and from New Zealand including time-critical goods like medicine. The aviation market will likely start to rebuild later this year so we've changed and restructured the scheme to focus on recovery. The new Maintaining International Air Connectivity scheme allows for support levels to reduce as passenger numbers rebuild and has a strong focus on maintaining air links which will support the recovery of our tourism sector.Helen White: What has the scheme meant for New Zealand and for our Pacific partners?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: As we stand air freight capacity is currently at 90 percent of pre-COVID levels thanks to the scheme that has been in place for the past year. Since May last year that Government support has enabled over 6000 flights carrying 120000 tonnes of air freight in and out of New Zealand worth $8 billion. More than 60000 people have returned to New Zealand on flights supported by the scheme—60 percent of the total number of people to pass through quarantine facilities. The scheme has also maintained a critical lifeline for our Pacific partners. There would have been no flights to Tonga Samoa Niue or the Cook Islands without it.Helen White: What reaction has he seen to this announcement?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: There has been a very positive response from the broader sector—exporters importers air freight carriers and airports. A few of the examples include the executive director of the Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Justin Tighe-Umbers who said that his members are grateful that the Government is introducing a scheme that allows airlines to rebuild passenger numbers through freight once borders open. I also note the comments from Lewis Gradon chief executive of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare who said that without that support over the past 12 months his company would not have been able to bring in the raw materials and equipment needed to manufacture. Finally Andrew Tilby managing director of GVI Logistics says the scheme has been vital for both exporters and importers.
11. Question No. 11—Research Science and InnovationHon Dr NICK SMITH (National) to the Minister of Research Science and InnovationQuestion No. 11—Research Science and Innovation11. Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National) to the Minister of Research Science and Innovation: Does she stand by the Government's research and development policies; if so does she agree with PricewaterhouseCoopers' Research and Development National Director that with the new funding system businesses would have no choice but to delay projects in the worst-case scenario cancelling them altogether and actually having to get rid of highly-skilled [staff] … It's the complete opposite effect of what was intended"?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Research Science and Innovation): In answer to the first part of the question yes. In answer to the second part of the question no.Hon Dr Nick Smith: Was it the Government's intention that 250 software development companies like Orion Health will have cuts of 90 percent in their support for R & D from 1 April as a consequence of her policy changes as stated by NZTech's CEO Graeme Muller?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: As we went through the design phase of the R & D tax incentive between the initial proposals that were put out and the final design that was legislated we worked extensively with the software sector. I think what we do have in New Zealand is a gold standard for an R & D tax incentive for what is permissible in terms of software development. What we will be funding is the creation of new knowledge. What we won't be funding is business-as-usual coding activities.Hon Dr Nick Smith: Is it the Government's intention to cut by 90 percent research and development in the tech sector; if so how can that be consistent with the need for strong economic recovery after COVID?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: No.Hon Dr Nick Smith: How is it that when the sector raised issues with the definition of R & D support in 2018 did so again with submissions before the select committee; Callaghan Innovation raised these issues last year—SPEAKER: Order! Order! A question please.Hon Dr Nick Smith: Why three years after proposed is this policy in such a mess?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I reject the premise of the question but in answer to one of the many questions that the member asked actually there was significant shift between the initial policy that was proposed because of engagement with the tech sector.Hon Dr Nick Smith: What did she do to fix the problem when the specific briefing from Callaghan Innovation said to her last year that digital businesses will lose significant R & D support from 31 March 2021—what specifically did she do—SPEAKER: Order! The member's finished his question.Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: As I've told that member across multiple of his supplementary questions between the original proposal that was set out and the final design that was legislated there was significant shift in the definition of what software activities could be covered. That is because we listened to the sector."
8. Question No. 8—RevenueBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of RevenueQuestion No. 8—Revenue8. BARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of Revenue: Why is the Government exempting new builds from changes to the bright-line test and interest deductibility rules? Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Revenue) on behalf of the Minister of Revenue: Labour's housing plan will incentivise investment in new-build homes driving development and ensuring more houses are being built. This means that if someone invests in a new-build property they'll be exempt from changes to the brightline test and interest deductibility policy. This will make investing in new builds a more attractive option for investors and drive demand for new houses which will help ease the pressure on first-home buyers and ultimately help build more houses. Barbara Edmonds: What feedback has he received regarding the Government's new-build exemptions? Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL: On behalf of the Minister the Minister has received many positive responses to the new-build exemptions. People are recognising that the Government has made a deliberate decision with our demand side measures to tilt the balance towards supply by exempting new builds to encourage investment in building new homes. Kiwibank's chief economist Jarrod Kerr has said that Rather than try to get rid of investors entirely they recognise the fact that they're the ones that do the development. Pouring more resources into new dwellings is incredibly important right now." and even the Real Estate Institute has said that "the fact that new builds are to be exempt from the bright-line test is welcome news and could go some way to helping to boost the overall supply of housing." Barbara Edmonds: Will new builds built for the purpose of renting be exempt? Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL: On behalf of the Minister it is important to clear up some of the misinformation that is being spread by some members in this House. Property developers building new homes or purchasers of new builds will be exempt from the 10-year brightline test and the interest deductibility changes regardless of what the home is used for. This includes new rental builds purchased—SPEAKER: Order! Order! Order! The member's not only addressed the question; she's answered it."
6. Question No. 6—FinanceANDREW BAYLY (National—Port Waikato) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 6—Finance6. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Port Waikato) to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by all of his statements and actions?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Yes including my answer to the member's identical question yesterday.Andrew Bayly: Why did he tell Mike Hosking this morning that his property tax changes are a reaction to a very specific set of circumstances" and does this mean he thinks housing has only become unaffordable in the last six months?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: In answer to the second part of the question no. In answer to the first part of the question the member may not have seen the reports throughout 2020 that people expected that the effect of COVID-19 would be a significant reduction in house prices and the opposite occurred. Andrew Bayly: Was he aware when he made his promise not to change the brightline test six months ago that house prices had already increased $160000 since he had been finance Minister and is he seriously trying to justify his broken promise by claiming it wasn't a problem last September?SPEAKER: Answer the question—it's not worth arguing about.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: What I can tell the member is that I think on about 14 or 15 September Treasury released the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update which projected that house prices would be declining.Andrew Bayly: Why did he tell renters that they could "look elsewhere" when their rents went up and what is his response to Michael who told the New Zealand Herald that it was easier to find a job rather than a flat in Wellington?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well I think the member is mischaracterising what I said. What I said was in response to a question about somebody increasing rents by $150 a week as a result of the Government's announcements yesterday that actually there would be a number of factors in what constructs a rental price. That includes supply and demand and people's ability to pay. What interests me in the response of Mr Bayly and the National Party to this package is that they've clearly chosen their side and that is the side of speculators.Andrew Bayly: When he said he was "too definitive" when he promised not to extend the brightline test what other definitive promises should New Zealanders now expect him to change his mind on?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: None."
5. Question No. 5—Social Development and EmploymentGLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 5—Social Development and Employment5. GLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What reports has she seen about employment in the construction sector?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): One of the highlights of last month's household labour force survey was the year-on-year increase in the number of people employed in the construction sector. There are now 278000 people employed in this sector—an increase of 21000 people since December 2019. This increase shows that not only has the construction sector weathered COVID19; it has rebounded and it is providing more employment opportunities for New Zealanders.Glen Bennett: How has the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) worked with the construction industry to prepare job seekers for opportunities in the construction industry?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Through MSD's industry partnership MSD has worked closely with employers including in the construction industry to identify what skills are needed for new employees. Through the Construction Skills Action Plan and construction accord launched in 2018 MSD aim to support 4000 training and employment places to prepare people to work in the construction industry. We've delivered early on that target supporting more than 9300 people taking up education or employment opportunities in the construction sector to date.Glen Bennett: What help is available for employers in the construction industry who need staff?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Through the Apprenticeship Boost initiative employers can access a subsidy of $1000 per month for first-year apprentices and $500 per month for second-year apprentices. Last week Minister Hipkins and I announced a four-month extension to this support. Flexi-wage is another important initiative which subsidises employees' wages to give employers confidence to take on and train people as well as to help sustain and grow their business. On top of this last week I announced a $5.5 million boost for providers as part of Māori trades and training. Through working together with industry we are seeing positive steps forward to ensure we have a workforce ready to meet the demands of the future.
3. Question No. 3—HousingANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister of HousingQuestion No. 3—Housing3. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister of Housing: What recent announcements has she made about supporting first-home buyers?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing): Yesterday I announced increased support for first-home buyers—SPEAKER: The Hon Dr Megan Woods!Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Oh thank you Mr Speaker. Yesterday I announced increased support for first-home buyers through the lifting of income thresholds and changes to regional price caps for our first-home products. Income caps to get financial assistance will be lifted from $85000 to $95000 for single buyers and from $130000 to $150000 for two or more buyers. Regional caps have also been increased in areas where the products were becoming increasingly out of reach for first-home buyers.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How many people will benefit from these changes?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: As a result of these changes based on modelling we expect to see 9300 additional couples and 3700 additional singles currently renting now qualify for first-home products. This builds on the 51518 first-home grants and 4256 first-home loans that we've given out since November 2017. Our focus is on ensuring that first-home buyers are given a better shot at owning their own home and these changes will go a long way to overcoming the deposit barrier.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: What impact if any will these changes have on Māori and Pacific families?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Increasing income thresholds and changes to the regional price caps will support more Māori and Pacific families into homeownership. Changes to income caps will also support multi-generational households which are often Māori and Pasifika families. This builds on the change during the Government build reset in 2019 when the cap on multiple buyers was removed to allow family and friends to pool deposits and still access first-home products.
1. Question No. 1—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Finance1. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What reactions has he seen to his announcement yesterday of the Government's housing package to back first-home buyers?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Those of a positive mind-set have seen the positive aspects of the package and those with a negative mind-set are yet to see the opportunities presented. The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research says the announcement is a positive move." adding that "The Government is addressing the rate-of-return side of the equation to reduce"—Hon Judith Collins: We know how accurate those people are.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: —"the incentives for investors." Local Government New Zealand says "[The] announcement will be welcomed by communities across New Zealand who have been locked out of the home ownership by property speculators taking advantage of historically low interest rates." Noting the intervention of the Leader of the Opposition one reaction I haven't seen is a press release from the National Party who couldn't muster one up.Dr Duncan Webb: What other reactions has he seen to the Government's move to strengthen the economy by encouraging the building of new homes?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: There have been many positive reactions to our moves to encourage the building of new homes. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand says "The fact that new builds are to be exempt from the brightline [extension] is welcome news and could go some way to helping to boost the overall supply of housing." Kiwibank has said that "the changes to the brightline test [to] exclude new builds" is an encouraging move adding that "nudging investor demand into new builds will help boost supply." New builds will be exempted from the brightline test extension and the changes to interest deductibility. This will help boost housing supply which in time will help moderate price rises.Dr Duncan Webb: What reactions has his office seen from members of the public?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: We've had a number of emails thanking the Government for taking action to address the housing crisis. One of them said "Thank you thank you thank you. Finally a Government who is prepared to tackle housing." Another said "I think that the extension of the brightline test and the removal of tax deductibility of interest on mortgages for investors are both game-changers.""
Chhour KarenKAREN CHHOUR (ACT): Thank you for the opportunity to take a short call tonight on this bill. I've heard many arguments in this House tonight and some of them have surprised me considering the great paths that have been happening since I've come into Parliament. We've had talks on child sex offender registration. We've had talks about sexual violence bills and we're talking about making our children safer in many many ways. We're talking about making our community safer in many ways. This is the first reading of this bill and yes there may be some issues with it and yes there may be some concerns with it but shouldn't we be taking it to select committee to work through those concerns and hear from different people their opinions on how they feel they could fix this bill? Even when we don't agree with each other sometimes listening and hearing what people in the public have to say is important for them too so they can have a voice and they can voice what they feel is concerning them.Sometimes it's not up to us to make these blanket decisions on behalf of the people of this country. It's up to us to listen to the people of this country and come to a decision together rather than just saying We don't like this. We're not going to do it." If we'd gone further and this bill had come back to the House for the second reading maybe just maybe I would say "Yeah no more." But this still has the opportunity to be worked on. It still has the opportunity to become a good bill that can protect our children. I just wish that we would spend more time listening to the public and listening to the public's opinions rather than just making blanket decisions in this House."