edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Fenton Darien: Employment Relations (Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Fenton Darien: Employment Relations (Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:677;Page:738] 
DARIEN FENTON (Labour) 
: 
 It was a long time ago before the last election that we were debating this Employment Relations (Workers’ Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill and I was proposing that we have an amendment to the bill that would essentially make the whole bill unnecessary. Clause 5A is about inserting a new clause that just simply says a society—in other words an incorporated society—have in its rules a requirement that a secret ballot be held of its members who would become party to the strike before any strike was undertaken. We did discuss this at length at the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee. It was a proposal put forward by Labour to the member. I believe it meets his objectives which is to ensure there is a secret ballot held should members of unions want to have a secret ballot. What it would do is get rid of the bureaucracy of the bill and the compliance costs that this bill is going to impose and also the interference of employers and interference by the State actually on the freedom of association of unions as outlined in ILO conventions. 
So I am proposing a solution to this bill that as I said would get rid of the requirement to have this bureaucratic nonsense that is being proposed by the member. As I said before Christmas I understand what the member was trying to achieve. So this is a genuine attempt to meet his needs and to find a solution that is not going to cause trouble.
Logie Jan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Logie Jan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:677;Page:667] 
11. 
JAN LOGIE (Green) 
 to the  
Minister of Corrections 
: Does she agree with the finding of the Chief Ombudsman that “transgender prisoners are particularly vulnerable to abuse and/or sexual assault”? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Corrections) 
: 
 Yes to verbal abuse as are many prisoners but no to sexual assault. All prisoners are assessed for safety and security on a case by case basis. I am advised that only five out of our 8500 prisoners identify as transgender and the Department of Corrections believes that all prisoners should be treated with decency and humanity in safe and secure environments that acknowledge their gender identification. 
Jan Logie 
: In light of the Ombudsman’s report that says “abuse (of transgender prisoners) goes unrecorded in male prisons” what actions will she take to ensure transgender prisoners’ safety? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: My understanding is that the Ombudsman spoke to only one transgender prisoner and I am advised that there is no evidence of widespread sexual assault. 
Hon Maryan Street 
: What assurances can the Minister give that transgender inmates are protected from harm in prison and that their physical and mental health needs are promptly and appropriately addressed? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: I can assure that member that the Department of Corrections is fully aware of the duty of care that it has to all prisoners and continues to make improvements. The department does deliver a pretty good health service to prisoners which indeed the Ombudsman did acknowledge in the report. 
Jan Logie 
: Will she consider changing the Department of Corrections regulation that requires full gender reassignment surgery before a trans person can be placed in a prison aligned to their gender especially given that the Human Rights Commission inquiry into transgender discrimination found that only a small minority of trans people complete such surgery? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: No but the department will continue to assess the needs of prisoners on a case by case basis and common sense is also important. A man who is transgender but pre-surgery is still a man and to move him to a women’s prison would raise a number of safety issues. By the same token we cannot move a female prisoner into a male prison. But I am satisfied that the department is focusing on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending which will ensure that fewer prisoners transgender or otherwise end up back in prison. 
Jan Logie 
: What level of sexual assaults on trans people needs to occur before the Minister acts to ensure their safety in prison? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: As I said earlier there is no evidence that there is widespread sexual assault.
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:677;Page:669] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek your guidance. It relates to the Prime Minister’s supplementary question on question No. 3 and the Hon Nick Smith’s supplementary question on question No. 7. I do not want a ruling today but I perceive that there was a different logic that was applied to question No. 7 than was applied to my objection to the supplementary question in question No. 3 and I invite you to re-examine the  
Hansard  
and see whether we are correct or not. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I do not think I need to do that because I recollect both questions reasonably clearly. The right honourable Prime Minister’s question was cleverly crafted to ask the Minister whether he had received any reports on a certain matter. The supplementary question from the Hon Dr Nick Smith was not crafted so carefully and did not fall within the Standing Orders. The one from the right honourable Prime Minister did the one from the Hon Dr Nick Smith did not and that is the difference. Ministers can be asked about whether or not they have received reports on certain things but they cannot be asked directly about matters relating to other parties. That is the difference.
Ngaro Alfred: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Ngaro Alfred: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:677;Page:666] 
10. 
ALFRED NGARO (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development 
: What response has she had to the Government’s Green Paper for Vulnerable Children? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development) 
: 
 I would like to inform the House that we have received over 8470 submissions from members of the public some of them big organisations representing a big membership. I understand that this is a significantly high number of submissions for such a process and I want to thank every person who has made a submission. 
Alfred Ngaro 
: What has been the response from some of the public meetings held around New Zealand? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: There have been over 130 community meetings up and down New Zealand. These have been right across the board with child protection and support agencies parents teachers doctors and even children themselves. I know that the member himself held a number of meetings all throughout last week especially with men’s groups focusing on how fathers can play their part in this process and my thanks go to him for his contribution.  
Alfred Ngaro 
: What have been some of the main things New Zealanders have been saying in their submissions? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: It would be fair to say that there has been quite a range of views that have come forward but when you do read the submissions there is a certain number of themes that come in. Many were around information sharing and how it happens from agency to agency and also with our communities and community agencies; changes to the Privacy Act with some suggestions that it apply to young people aged 16 and under; mandatory reporting has certainly been topical; tagging mothers and children and whether or not that should go through the health system; and compulsory well child checks—amongst many things.
Ngaro Alfred: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Ngaro Alfred: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:677;Page:666] 
ALFRED NGARO (National) 
: 
 To the Minister of Social Development can she enlighten us with what response— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! The member should ask the question as it appears on the Order Paper.
Simpson Scott: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Simpson Scott: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:677;Page:661] 
6. 
SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development 
: How do the Government’s recently announced welfare reforms balance obligations with incentives? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development) 
: 
 As part of our welfare reforms we are introducing greater work preparation and work availability obligations alongside incentives for beneficiaries to get into work. For sole parents we are introducing a benefit run-on payment. This is for those who find employment before their work obligations require them to. Their benefit will be reduced by $100 per week until it is gone and it recognises the fact that it can be quite difficult to go from being on a benefit to getting paid—gaps between those wages coming in and that sort of thing—in recognition of them going out there and getting that job. 
Scott Simpson 
: What support will be available given the Welfare Working Group’s recommendation that we address “incentives for parents to have additional children while on welfare”? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: Under the new reforms the Government will provide financial assistance for women especially those aged 16 to 18 with dependent children to access contraception particularly for those who choose to use the long-acting reversible contraception. This will cover the cost of attending medical appointments so that cost is not a barrier for women choosing that option. The assistance will be available to women on a benefit with or without children. 
Scott Simpson 
: Will sole parents be penalised for not finding work or getting a job? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: Let us be clear: if a person is looking and applying for work but is not successful they will not be penalised. These reforms are about requiring beneficiaries to get work-ready. This is a fundamental shift to policy settings to focus on greater obligations and incentives in a modern active welfare system. We are requiring beneficiaries to be available and looking for work but I repeat: if they cannot find a job they will not be penalised. 
Jacinda Ardern 
: Can the Minister confirm that despite boasting this week that 13000 people came off the domestic purposes benefit since Future Focus was introduced 14465 have gone on to the domestic purposes benefit making the figures worse than when she started? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: What it is is a moving. So you have people moving in and moving off all of the time. That is kind of what happens with the benefit system. So the member might like to actually recognise and acknowledge that most of that percentage increase has actually been those with the Care of Sick or Infirm benefit so not just for children or for children who actually need extra assistance and have that and are not work-tested at all.
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:677;Page:657] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 To the Minister of Finance does he believe it is his responsibility if it is his intention to sell strategic assets to obtain the best possible— 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I apologise to the member. The question I want to ask is whether when this question was first put down “his responsibility” were the words—when it was to the Prime Minister. If so transferring it to the Minister has taken it away from being the Prime Minister’s responsibility— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! Look we are not going to debate this matter any further. The way the question was transferred is totally consistent with the Standing Orders. It is a matter if the members are concerned about that for the Standing Orders Committee. We will not debate it further by way of point of order today.
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:677;Page:656] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. If that is the case then one is forced to resort to framing a question like question No. 1; otherwise getting the Prime Minister to answer—and bear in mind he never turns up here on Thursday to answer questions; just 2 days a week he wants to be involved in democracy—if we are going to have that—[ 
Interruption 
] Well look at the record. Look at the last 2 years’ record. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! We are not going to have debate by way of point of order. That sort of thing went out of this place some years ago and we are not going to have that. [ 
Interruption 
] Order! There will not be comment. Look it has been for years the Government’s prerogative which Minister answers questions laid down. It is within members’ wit to draft questions to make sure they cannot be transferred from the Prime Minister but where questions are such that the Standing Orders allow them to be transferred that is the Government’s prerogative. The member may ask his question.
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:677;Page:656] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. You will recall that earlier this year on the issue of questions you raised the difficulty for Ministers answering if questions were for example couched as question No. 1 is. Accordingly I drafted a question to the Prime Minister so that I would not offend your ruling only to have it flicked to the Minister of Finance. I am not asking for the Minister of Finance’s views. I want to know amongst the numerous statements the Prime Minister has made— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! The member has been in this House as long as I have and he knows that it is absolutely the prerogative of the Government as to which Minister is to answer a question so long as the question is not shifted away from a Minister who could be the only person who could possibly hold the information that is being sought. This question asks: “Does he believe it is his responsibility if it is his intention to sell strategic assets to obtain the best possible price; if not why not?”. There is no reason why the Minister of Finance cannot answer that question and that is why it is perfectly in order. The member may now ask his question.
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:677;Page:656] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Although I do not totally agree with the tone of the member’s comments I think it is a matter that could well be referred to the Standing Orders Committee. I think he has highlighted a point. You have given us very good advice that when we are asking questions to the Prime Minister we try to give an indication of the area on which we are interested in following the Prime Minister’s views through. The problem we are facing is that every time we give an indication that it is an area that the Prime Minister would prefer not to answer the question is transferred. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! The member was doing fine until that point. Expressing a view about why questions are transferred is not consistent with a point of order. Members must have short memories if they are not aware that this matter has been a practice in this House for years—that questions are transferred often from the Prime Minister to other Ministers. There is nothing new about this. What the member says is perfectly right and proper: if members want to review the Standing Orders covering the asking of questions it is perfectly proper for the Standing Orders Committee to consider that. That is right and proper. But for today the question is down to the Minister of Finance and I want the right honourable member to ask his question.
Genter Julie Anne: Manukau City Council (Regulation of Prostitution in Specified Places) Bill — Consideration of Interim Report of Local Government and Environment Committee 
Genter Julie Anne: Manukau City Council (Regulation of Prostitution in Specified Places) Bill — Consideration of Interim Report of Local Government and Environment Committee 
[Volume:677;Page:736] 
JULIE ANNE GENTER (Green) 
: 
 I note the report from the Local Government and Environment Committee. I rise to take this opportunity to speak on behalf of the Green Party to say that the original bill the Manukau City Council (Regulation of Prostitution in Specified Places) Bill which was just in respect of Manukau City was repugnant and we think it is unfortunate that the select committee did not take this opportunity to kill the bill. We furthermore are extremely concerned about the fact that this bill is going to undermine the 2003 Prostitution Reform Act. We think it is unfortunate that Auckland Council is seeking to take over as the promoter of this bill. 
I might just go ahead and outline what our concerns are about the bill which is that it attacks the most vulnerable in society. It will not have the consequences that are intended. It is undermining an Act that was passed by this House in 2003. It runs the risk of driving street prostitution underground. It puts the safety and health of sex workers at risk. It means that street-based sex workers will be less likely to report violence against them to the police. It sets a dangerous precedent by empowering a local council—or a super-city council now—to effectively create its own criminal law that would criminalise in one geographical area behaviour that exists throughout New Zealand. We are really concerned that it does not work towards solving the identified problems and— 
Hon Tau Henare 
: What? 
JULIE ANNE GENTER 
: Well I would say that the Green Party certainly will not commend this bill but it is not a debate on the bill so we will just say that the Green Party has—[ 
Interruption 
]  
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Order! Look members should not engage in discussion across the Chamber. Interjections should be rare and reasonable. The member is on her feet and I will not have cross discussions going on. 
JULIE ANNE GENTER 
: Thank you Mr Deputy Speaker. I will conclude by saying that the Green Party has significant concerns about the bill and we hope that it does not in fact pass into law. Thank you.
Smith Nick: Personal Explanations — Ship Grounding Rena—Salvage Contracts 
Smith Nick: Personal Explanations — Ship Grounding Rena—Salvage Contracts 
[Volume:677;Page:681] 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment) 
: 
 I seek leave of the House under Standing Order 354 to make a personal explanation in respect of allegations that were made against me by the Hon Winston Peters during question time today.  
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought by the honourable member to make a personal explanation. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: Today in question time Mr Peters alleged in the House that I had given big contracts to brothers involved in the construction business during my role as the Minister with responsibility— 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: I never said that. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: —for the  
Rena 
 recovery. I have checked the  
Hansard 
 Mr Peters. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! Personal explanations should not be interrupted. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: I have had absolutely no involvement in any of the contracts involving heavy cranage in the  
Rena 
 recovery operation. It is my understanding that all contracts that have been entered into have been with the salvage company directly and did not involve either Ministers or officials.  
It is not surprising given that I have three brothers with substantial businesses involving heavy cranage and a substantial portion of the New Zealand crane fleet that sometimes they will be involved in high-profile projects such as the  
Rena 
 recovery. I also wish to put on record that I have absolutely no involvement in those businesses nor any financial interest in those businesses. I have made plain in detail to the Cabinet Office and to the Prime Minister those businesses and have ensured in all of my ministerial roles that I do not create any conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I thank the Minister.
Personal Explanations — Ship Grounding Rena—Salvage Contracts 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Personal Explanations — Ship Grounding Rena—Salvage Contracts 
[Volume:677;Page:681] 
Personal Explanations 
Ship Grounding  
Rena 
—Salvage Contracts 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment) 
: 
 I seek leave of the House under Standing Order 354 to make a personal explanation in respect of allegations that were made against me by the Hon Winston Peters during question time today.  
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought by the honourable member to make a personal explanation. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: Today in question time Mr Peters alleged in the House that I had given big contracts to brothers involved in the construction business during my role as the Minister with responsibility— 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: I never said that. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: —for the  
Rena 
 recovery. I have checked the  
Hansard 
 Mr Peters. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! Personal explanations should not be interrupted. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: I have had absolutely no involvement in any of the contracts involving heavy cranage in the  
Rena 
 recovery operation. It is my understanding that all contracts that have been entered into have been with the salvage company directly and did not involve either Ministers or officials.  
It is not surprising given that I have three brothers with substantial businesses involving heavy cranage and a substantial portion of the New Zealand crane fleet that sometimes they will be involved in high-profile projects such as the  
Rena 
 recovery. I also wish to put on record that I have absolutely no involvement in those businesses nor any financial interest in those businesses. I have made plain in detail to the Cabinet Office and to the Prime Minister those businesses and have ensured in all of my ministerial roles that I do not create any conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I thank the Minister.
Henare Tau: Employment Relations (Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Henare Tau: Employment Relations (Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:677;Page:739] 
Hon TAU HENARE (National) 
: 
 Earlier today my Acting Leader of the House decided to talk to the whip of the Labour Party to see whether we could— 
Hon Nathan Guy 
: Who is the whip? 
Hon TAU HENARE 
: Well I do not know. Who knows? The whip said: “Yes not a problem we can facilitate what you are asking for.” What we have now got in the House is a situation where we do not know who the whip of the Labour Party is. Is it that man over there or is it the black hand of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions? Is it the dark hand of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions? That is right. That is right—Andrew Little. Who is pulling the strings?  
I have got news for the Labour Party. [ 
Interruption 
] You can hear him chipping away in the House. I was asked today a serious question by one of my colleagues: was there— 
Andrew Little 
: You’ve never been taken seriously in your life Tau.  
Hon TAU HENARE 
: Oh yes we have. Oh yes we have. Listen to him. 
Chris Hipkins 
: I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. As much as Mr Henare is talking about my favourite topic which is me he has not so far actually referred at all to new clause 5A of the Employment Relations (Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill 
and as the member in charge he might want to perhaps bring himself to that. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch) 
: The member is expressing a view of concern. He has plenty of time in which to get to the bill. I am watching closely the clock and he has a few more minutes to go. I will ask the member to continue. 
Hon TAU HENARE 
: Thank you very much Mr Chairperson. I was asked a very very important question by one of my colleagues today about certain strike action going on down in the Port of Auckland. [ 
Interruption 
] Here is the question: did the workers have a secret ballot for that strike? I hope they did. Andrew Little knows because he is one of the Labour Party— 
Andrew Little 
: It’s not like in your day Tau. 
Hon TAU HENARE 
: That is good. If they had a secret ballot for that strike then why does the Labour Party not get in behind this bill and say: “Well why not have it for every worker in the country?”. Why cannot every worker be allowed to take a secret ballot when there is strike action? Why does the Labour Party not do the decent thing? I know it is hard—I know it is hard for the Labour Party and at present the young fella who thinks he is the whip— 
Simon Bridges 
: They’re scared of freedom Tau. 
Hon TAU HENARE 
: It is; it is about freedom. It is about democracy; it is about freedom. It is not about the black hand of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. It is not about the standover tactics that somebody whom I know has been part of for a very very long time. This is not about that sort of carry-on.  
Welcome to the House. Put your credentials on the table because this bill when we get around to it is going to pass with flying colours. Mark my words: democracy is on its way.
Carter David: Hutt City Council (Graffiti Removal) Bill — First Reading 
Carter David: Hutt City Council (Graffiti Removal) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:677;Page:724] 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister for Primary Industries) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Can I refer you to Standing Order 283(1) “Speech of member moving first reading”. It states: “The member moving the bill’s first reading must on the commencement of that member’s speech … nominate the select committee to consider the bill”. Listening to a very interesting speech by the Hon Trevor Mallard he did refer to the select committee but not at the commencement of his speech.
Hipkins Chris: Royal Society of New Zealand Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
Hipkins Chris: Royal Society of New Zealand Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:677;Page:686] 
CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 Consistent with the discussion at the Business Committee yesterday I seek leave for all of the remaining questions on the Royal Society of New Zealand Amendment Bill to be put as one question and voted on as one question. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there anyone opposed to that course of action? It appears not. Leave is granted.
Upston Louise: Southland District Council (Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy) Empowering Bill — Second Reading 
Upston Louise: Southland District Council (Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy) Empowering Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:677;Page:723] 
LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupo) 
: 
 I am pleased to speak as the final speaker on this second reading. I was a member of the Local Government and Environment Committee which considered the Southland District Council (Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy) Empowering Bill brought before us by Eric Roy. It was interesting that on first look it looked relatively simple but there were some issues that did require further examination so I acknowledge the very patient and persistent Eric Roy for bringing this back on several occasions to make sure that we were all happy with the end result. I am pleased to commend this bill in the second reading. 
Bill read a second time.
Tolley Anne: Sittings of the House 
Tolley Anne: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:678;Page:1528] 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Deputy Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave for the House to sit beyond 6 p.m. today to allow the completion of the third reading of the Ngati Porou Claims Settlement Bill. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Ngaro Alfred: Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
Ngaro Alfred: Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:678;Page:1525] 
ALFRED NGARO (National) 
: 
 Me mua kia orana tatou katotoa i te aroa matua o te Atua. Kia orana to tatou tangata o Ngati Pahauwera kua au te tangata o Moana Nui a Kiwa no Rarotonga no Aitutaki no Mangaia. Kia orana tatou katotoa no te aere mai tatou no tenei ra. 
It is an honour to be here today and to acknowledge a historic moment though I did ask myself who I am to be here a Cook Islander born in New Zealand. All I can think about is toku mama reo toku mama gran toku mama Tepaki no Ngati Tepaki no Aitutaki. She would often tell us that we are tuakana so today I stand as tuakana to witness this historic occasion for what you are witnessing today is a moment in this place and in this time. So I humbly stand here to acknowledge that. I also remember that my grandmother would say to me e toku tamait kare te enua kua au tea enua no te Atua—“O little one o little boy never forget that this land does not belong to you for it belongs to a greater one te Atua.” I think it is a reminder for us that though we are receiving back that which belongs to us in one sense it does not belong to us. Instead we are the kaitiaki; we are the guardians. So I acknowledge the role that Ngati Pahauwera play. Today we are putting right that which was made wrong. We are honoured here. Today simply in this short moment of time in this history which is your history I stand as tuakana to acknowledge you in this place for the history that is made.  
Finally I say this. At times we would often say “This is the beginning of the end.” but maybe today it is the end of the beginning of a future that you will realise of the potential that was once dreamt of many times over. So to tatou pure our prayers our hopes and our dreams are your prayers are your hopes and are your dreams all that have gone before you and all that will be now in this place. No reira kia orana tatou e kia manuia.
Sabin Mike: Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
Sabin Mike: Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:678;Page:1523] 
MIKE SABIN (National—Northland) 
: 
 It is a great privilege to be able to take a very short call on this Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill today. Can I firstly acknowledge you all—kaumatua kuia and people of Ngati Pahauwera—for making the journey here. It is not always the most exciting place to be but I am sure today is a very very exciting one for you and I acknowledge your presence here. I live in Te Tai Tokerau a proud Northlander but my iwi is Tainui which does sometimes cause me some concern. However the significance of the settlement process for Tainui cannot be overestimated. Although we may have got off to a bit of a rough start in some ways—trailblazers often do—can I just say that now the returns and the economic benefits to Tainui are significant and can I say to you that I hope moving forward you also can enjoy the ability to look forward to plan and to invest in your people and in your futures.  
I am proud that this Government over the last 3½ to 4 years has made a significant investment in empowering iwi such as you and others to do that. I just want to acknowledge the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations for his significant efforts to do this. I am very proud as a National Party member of Parliament that we have got on as a Government with providing the tools for these settlements to progress. Lastly can I say that I was privileged to be in the far north recently at the deed signing for Te Aupouri and I have never seen so many people in Te Kao to be honest. Normally I stop there for an ice cream. It was a special day. There were at least 2000 people there and there was a sense of pride there was a sense of closure but more so there was a sense of future. I wish you all the best in your future and I commend this bill to the House. Thank you.
Horan Brendan: Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
Horan Brendan: Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:678;Page:1523] 
BRENDAN HORAN (NZ First) 
: 
 Te Kaihautu o te Whare tena koe. Ladies and gentlemen children whanau dear friends and people of New Zealand we have heard today about the lengthy process that iwi have undertaken to get to this House to hear the third and final reading of their settlement the Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill and move beyond grievances that have plagued their whanau for generations. Ngati Pahauwera have endured a process no less arduous than other iwi and I would like to acknowledge those who are here today and those who have passed on and are watching in spirit. Tena koutou tena koutou tena tatou katoa. 
As I speak to the particulars of this settlement one of the most significant features is the Mohaka River. Going forward the water resource and management of our waterways will become more controversial and inevitably more valuable. One of the distinct advantages that our country enjoys is not only climate but water. Ngati Pahauwera might be regarded as one of Maoridom’s river tribes. The Crown has acknowledged the significance of the awa the rivers to this tribe. These rivers are taonga and represent something akin to a life-force to the iwi. The special relationship with these rivers must be advanced. Rivers cannot be seen purely for their utilitarian purposes. Rather they have inherent value and all of us in the House today should join with Ngati Pahauwera and ensure that these awa remain wild and free. I am sure as other speakers have reminded us a clean river is a healthy river. 
The settlement bill also acknowledges their loyalty to the Crown and I am speaking of service in theatres of war overseas. Let me read into the record a small but significant example of this ethic of service. In World War I Ngati Pahauwera demonstrated its loyalty to the Crown as part of the Allied war effort. They raised funds to help send their young men overseas some of whom were decorated for their war service. They suffered heavily in the loss of young men and potential leaders. One such man Henare Wepiha Te Wainohu gave distinguished service in the Maori Pioneer Battalion. He died in 1920 depriving Ngati Pahauwera of an exemplary leader but his acts of bravery and encouragement to the Maori contingent endure and here is one of his quotes: “Remember you have mana. The honour and the good name of the Maori people is in your keeping this night.” And that still resonates today. 
I agree with the sentiments of the Hon Shane Jones as to the challenges that face Ngati Pahauwera going ahead. New Zealand First supports this bill and we wish Ngati Pahauwera well. Aue ake ake kia kaha e.
Upston Louise: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Upston Louise: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:678;Page:1511] 
12. 
LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupo) 
 to the  
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations 
: What progress has the Government made towards enacting deeds of settlement with iwi in legislation? 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) 
: 
 This morning the Ngati Manawa and Ngati Whare claims settlement bills and the Nga Wai o Maniapoto (Waipa River) Bill all passed their third readings. After question time we will debate the Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill and the Ngati Porou Claims Settlement Bill. This is a very significant number of Treaty settlements to be progressed against a historical average of around 1.7 bills per year. 
Louise Upston 
: What has contributed to this progress? 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON 
: First the Government has taken steps to increase the rate at which historical claims negotiations are resolved by the Crown and iwi through better resourcing and taking innovative steps to improve negotiations and secondly there is the support and cooperation of this House in progressing these important bills. Today we have seen members sit during the extended hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in order to give three bills third readings without having to go into urgency. I am very grateful to all members for their assistance.
Young Jonathan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Young Jonathan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:678;Page:1504] 
8. 
JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) 
 to the  
Minister of Energy and Resources 
: What progress has the Government made towards increasing the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources in New Zealand? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Energy and Resources) 
: 
 I am pleased to advise that electricity generated from renewable energy sources increased to 77 percent in 2011 up from 74 percent in 2010. The National-led Government is focused on ensuring that renewable electricity generation thrives in New Zealand and I am pleased to see us well on our way towards achieving our goal of 90 percent renewable generation by 2025.  
Jonathan Young 
: What environmental benefits come from increased renewable electricity generation? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY 
: The Government is aiming for 90 percent of electricity generation to be from renewable energy sources by 2025 and there are significant environmental benefits from increased levels of renewable generation. These include a reduction in reliance on thermal electricity generation sources and a reduction in electricity generation emissions leading to a reduced environmental footprint.
Ngaro Alfred: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Ngaro Alfred: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:678;Page:1503] 
5. 
ALFRED NGARO (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development 
: How will this year’s annual general adjustment provide greater certainty to those receiving benefits and New Zealand Superannuation? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development) 
: 
 This will give greater certainty to more than 1 million New Zealanders who will benefit from this year’s annual general adjustment rate increases on 1 April. This adjustment increases rates of New Zealand superannuation and the veterans pension; rates and thresholds for main benefits student allowances student loan living costs and the foster care allowance; rates and thresholds for some supplementary assistance; and thresholds for the community services card.  
Alfred Ngaro 
: What effect will this adjustment have on the amount paid to superannuitants? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: From 1 April the married rate of New Zealand superannuation after tax will increase by 2.65 percent from just over $1045 per couple per fortnight to $1073.60. That is an increase of $27.68 per fortnight. It will also mean that over the last 4 years since 1 April 2008 the married rate will have increased by $194 per couple per fortnight. That is an increase of over 22 percent. 
Alfred Ngaro 
: How does this adjustment support those receiving benefits and student allowances? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: As part of our 2008 campaign commitments National locked in this adjustment into legislation ensuring it happens every year to give certainty to those who rely on benefits. This means that payments match the increases to that of inflation.
Robertson Grant: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Robertson Grant: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:678;Page:1495] 
1. 
GRANT ROBERTSON (Deputy Leader—Labour) 
 to the  
Prime Minister 
: Does he have confidence in the Minister for ACC? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Deputy Prime Minister) 
 on behalf of the Prime Minister: Yes the Minister is a hard-working and competent Minister. 
Grant Robertson 
: What occurred after the ACC Minister’s first denial that she was behind the leak of the email sent by Michelle Boag that prompted him to ask her a second time as he told the media he had done? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: I think the member is making a mountain out of a molehill. The fact is that these matters were serious matters of public interest and as the story unfolded the Prime Minister simply checked his understanding of what had occurred. 
Grant Robertson 
: Did someone from his office ask blogger Cameron Slater whether he received the email from Ms Collins’ office and if so what was the reply? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: I simply do not know the answer to that question. 
Grant Robertson 
: Who else has he or his office spoken to about whether they were part of or behind the leaking of the Michelle Boag email? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: What happened with the email is a matter for the Minister and a matter for the ACC board. The Prime Minister does not regard it as his— 
Hon Member 
: Why did he ask her then? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: The Prime Minister is not involved with managing ACC cases. He has asked the Minister for an assurance and he has received it and he has confidence in that Minister. 
Grant Robertson 
: Does he agree with Bill English’s assessment of Judith Collins as being “pushed beyond her capacity” with an “unfortunately high estimate of her own competence.” and that she “spent too much time cultivating the media herself and believing the resulting publicity.”? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: I think those comments were made some 7 or 8 years ago. The Prime Minister understands that Mr English has changed his views on all of those matters.
Tolley Anne: Business Statement 
Tolley Anne: Business Statement 
[Volume:678;Page:1495] 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Deputy Leader of the House) 
: 
 The member well knows that that is entirely at the discretion of the Prime Minister.
Mallard Trevor: Business Statement 
Mallard Trevor: Business Statement 
[Volume:678;Page:1495] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 Can I ask the Deputy Leader of the House whether it is the Government’s intention to table next week the delegations resulting from the resignation of Nick Smith or whether it will wait until the inquiries into Judith Collins are completed before they do that.
Harawira Hone: Ngati Porou Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
Harawira Hone: Ngati Porou Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:678;Page:1541] 
HONE HARAWIRA (Leader—Mana) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Speaker. Hoi ano tena koutou tena koutou tena koutou katoa e Ngati Porou koutou i haere tawhiti mai ki roto i to tatau Whare i te ra nei. Me mihi atu ki a koe e te matua e Tamati koutou ko nga rangatira o to tatau ao Maori i kawe atu i te aroha ki te whanau o te Kingi o Tonga i tera ra. Koutou ko ta matau Minita ano hoki. No reira i haere koutou a kua hoki mai nei ki roto i a matau i te ra nei. Hari ana te kite i a koe. No reira nga mihi nga mihi nga mihi ki a tatau.  
[ 
Thank you Mr Speaker. I extend acknowledgments salutations and congratulations to all of you of Ngati Porou who travelled from afar to be here in our House today. I acknowledge you elder Tamati you and our leaders of Maoridom who accompanied our Minister as well the other day to express our sympathy to the family of the King of Tonga. Your entourage went and has returned today to be with us. How wonderful it is to see you. And so fond salutations three times over to us. 
] 
I was listening to one of the earlier speakers talk about ongoing bills etc. establishing a lock between the Crown and Ngati Porou—as if anybody from any other tribe thinks that Ngati Porou has not already got a lock on the Government. Hekia on that side Parekura on this side my whanaunga up there Stephen Ihaka wanting to put his hand up for the Greens is it Stephen? And I understand Herewini is wanting to stand for United Future. Me mihi atu. I do not think you are going to lose any relationship with the Government there Api. Your situation is safe for many generations to come. 
Hoi ano hara i te mea kia ’hakapau korero i te mea mohio ana au kei konei a Parekura me Hekia hei whakaoti i wa tatau kaupapa i te ra nei. No reira me mihi atu ki a koutou. 
[ 
However it is not because to continue talking is a waste of words but rather because I am aware that Parekura and Hekia will cover our matter off today. So I am merely acknowledging your presence. 
] 
Just one thing. Parekura promised me when I came into the House that if I supported this Ngati Porou Claims Settlement Bill right to the end he would ensure that I got a bach in Tolaga Bay. I came into the House today to ask him whether or not that clause is in the bill and he said: “I think some of my relations have put a casino there already.”  
Hoi ano hari ana au kia tae mai me te mohio ano hoki koutou ’hakoa nga piki nga heke i roto i a matau i roto i tenei Whare e tu kotahi ana nga mema Maori hei tautoko i te kaupapa kia whakahokia nga mana ki nga iwi. Tena koutou tena koutou kia ora tatau katoa. 
[ 
However it pleases me to be here. You need to be aware as well that despite the ups and downs we experience here amongst ourselves in this House Maori members stand as one in supporting policy whereby autonomy is returned to tribes. So salutations acknowledgments and good wishes to you collectively and to us all. 
]
Tolley Anne: Business Statement 
Tolley Anne: Business Statement 
[Volume:678;Page:1495] 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Deputy Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes on Tuesday 3 April the Government will look to progress a number of bills on the Order Paper including the first reading of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill and the Committee stage of the Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill. Wednesday of course is a members’ day.
Sittings of the House 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Sittings of the House 
[Volume:678;Page:1528] 
Sittings of the House 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Deputy Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave for the House to sit beyond 6 p.m. today to allow the completion of the third reading of the Ngati Porou Claims Settlement Bill. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Business Statement 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Business Statement 
[Volume:678;Page:1495] 
Thursday 29 March 2012 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Business Statement 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Deputy Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes on Tuesday 3 April the Government will look to progress a number of bills on the Order Paper including the first reading of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill and the Committee stage of the Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill. Wednesday of course is a members’ day.  
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 Can I ask the Deputy Leader of the House whether it is the Government’s intention to table next week the delegations resulting from the resignation of Nick Smith or whether it will wait until the inquiries into Judith Collins are completed before they do that.  
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Deputy Leader of the House) 
: 
 The member well knows that that is entirely at the discretion of the Prime Minister.
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:678;Page:1503] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I seek leave for this question to be held over till next Tuesday. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is objection. Does the member wish to ask his question? 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: No. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: He does not. OK.