7. Question No. 7—Local GovernmentHon NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) to the Minister of Local GovernmentQuestion No. 7—Local Government 7. Hon NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) to the Minister of Local Government: Does she agree with the Prime Minister's statement I am sure the Minister of Local Government would be willing to help coordinate a process" to enable pubs and clubs to stay open for the Rugby World Cup?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Justice) on behalf of the Minister of Local Government: Yes I am always willing to facilitate a process. However as the Prime Minister said yesterday bar owners need to go directly to councils and indeed to district licensing committees for advice about licensing issues.Hon Nikki Kaye: Did she have any conversations with the Prime Minister prior to post-Cabinet yesterday about her new role as being responsible for coordinating some of the work around pubs and clubs being open for Rugby World Cup?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: On behalf of the Minister I cannot comment specifically about conversations with the Prime Minister on it but it is pretty clear that in the last 24 hours there has been some publicity about this issue. Some club patrons and indeed RSA club managers and indeed one or two politicians have brought to the public's attention quite properly that there seems to be a gap opening up in the provision of appropriate hospitality and bar services—in some cases late at night—for some Rugby World Cup games at least in the 2020 version. So it is appropriate that a responsible Government looking to the best interests of all New Zealanders ensures that the licensing laws are working as intended and that we ensure that those who wish to avail themselves of the hospitality of premises such as clubs and RSAs and other humble abodes get to avail themselves of such occasions.Hon Nikki Kaye: Can she confirm as Minister of Local Government she has no legal powers to change licensing arrangements so that all pubs and clubs in New Zealand are able to stay open for New Zealand Rugby World Cup games?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: On behalf of the Minister I think this is an interesting grey area where district licensing committees are part of their local government matrix of governance in our communities but they also must administer a law that falls under the aegis of my colleague the Minister of Justice. But nevertheless this is a Government that works totally collegially across portfolios and across Ministers and we all take this issue very seriously. It is very important that the issues that members in this House have raised and that members of the community raise about the ability to be duly hosted and enjoy convivial environments for very important sporting events of national significance—are able to enjoy themselves in the company of others and suitable premises.SPEAKER: Order! Before the member takes the next call I hesitate to give Ministers advice but I would remind the Minister about the indivisibility of the Crown.Hon Nikki Kaye: Will she commit to having a conversation with her colleague the Hon Andrew Little about supporting David Seymour's member's bill to resolve these issues so that pubs and clubs can have access to Rugby World Cup games?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: On behalf of the Minister of course I am happy to admit all sorts of wonderful occasions that have happened in my working day including talking to the Minister of Justice who it turns out has provided most astute advice on this matter and many other matters in this most indivisible of Governments. And on this particular issue there have been discussions and we take the issue very seriously."