edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
3. Question No. 3—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 3—Finance3. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The construction sector is continuing to support the economy. Yesterday Statistics New Zealand reported the volume of building activity jumped 8.9 percent in the December quarter more than offsetting the 8.4 percent decline in the previous period due to the Delta outbreak. Residential construction rose 5.2 percent while industrial and commercial building activity increased 16 percent. Stats New Zealand also reported last week that annual building consents issued for January rose 22 percent to 48707 compared with the previous year. Economists are continuing to expect momentum in the construction sector despite the challenging environment that it is operating in. Dr Duncan Webb: What support is available for businesses as the economy deals with the challenges of Omicron? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government has responded with the new targeted COVID support payment which will help viable but vulnerable businesses through the peak of Omicron. So far this payment has paid out $280.51 million to 56775 applicants. On a regional basis Auckland has received 56 percent of the payments by amount going to business followed by Christchurch on 8 percent and Wellington on 7 percent. I would also note that sole traders make up nearly half of the amount that has gone out—a distinction of our scheme in New Zealand where we've continued to support sole traders throughout this period. This is about providing cash flow and confidence to help protect jobs and support New Zealand businesses through this very difficult time. Dr Duncan Webb: What other reports has he seen on proposals to support economic activity?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I have seen reports of proposals directed to me as the Minister of Finance that would propose cutting taxes and a range of other initiatives designed to fund transport and make housing more affordable. It's important to note that such proposals would not be one-off but would be reflected into future Budgets. The effect of this on the New Zealand economy would be significant. For example one proposal that I was asked to adopt by the Leader of the Opposition would wipe out the whole of the Budget 2024 allowance leaving no room for spending on health education housing or other investments.
Brownlee GerryASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ian McKelvie): Before I adjourn the House I just want to say what a privilege it was to sit and listen to the House tonight. It was amazing—thank you. Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National): Point of order Mr Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. It's a serious thing. A number of people tonight have mentioned Magnitsky legislation. There is a wonderful podcast out there with Bill Browder who is—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ian McKelvie): I don't think that's a constructive point of order. Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: —seriously—the man who's pushed this legislation throughout the world. If people do want to know more about Magnitsky legislation then I suggest they listen to the podcast on The Backroom of Politics. They'll find it very instructive. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ian McKelvie): The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow. The House adjourned at 9.57 p.m.
Russia Sanctions Bill — Third Reading
SpeechVANUSHI WALTERS (Labour—Upper Harbour) (remote): Thank you Mr Speaker. In my brief contribution I want to reiterate first my genuine thanks to Mr Brownlee for his work last year from which this bill leads; to Minister Mahuta both for bringing the bill to the House and for garnering cross-party support for this bill. And then I really want to end where I started which was thinking about the conversations that I had with Ukrainian Aucklanders last Friday. I'll be speaking to some of them at the end of this week as well. One of them spoke of his six-year-old in a bunker in Kyiv. Another one had his mother join us on the Zoom call from Crimea. She spoke of planes overhead of tension of uncertainty.This is one step towards addressing the horrors of what is more than a breach of international law but a breach of our ethics and our social contract. Kia kaha to those suffering as a result of Russia's and Belarus's actions. We stand with you. Just as there is House-wide support for the bill tonight there has been a collective sentiment of outrage at the acts of Russia and Belarus a collective sense of solidarity for those suffering at the hands of Putin's Government a deep sense of care for our Ukrainian community here in Aotearoa and I think a hopeful sense that we have more to discuss in the space of human rights and a broader sanctions regime as well.With that I think there is a lot to be hopeful for in the coming months as we discuss the next steps forward. I commend this bill to the House.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
McClay ToddHon TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) (remote): Mr Speaker thank you. Today we stand with the people of the Ukraine who are fighting for their lives for their freedom for their country and for their future. We join other like-minded countries in condemning this illegal Russian invasion through sanction. Today this Parliament sends a clear message to Vladimir Putin: you are a tyrant. Withdraw your troops from the Ukraine. It is time for you to leave the world stage. I commend this bill to the House.
Leary IngridINGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri): A few weeks ago I didn't know what the Ukraine flag looked like and I imagine there are many members of this House who probably didn't as well but we sure do now. I won't repeat the comments about the harm that Vladimir Putin has caused except just to talk about the intergenerational trauma that this will cause because it's not just about the civilian casualties and deaths; it's about families being separated it's about refugees going to foreign-speaking countries it's about people being torn away from loved ones and just being totally traumatised. So what we are doing tonight is small but important. We are joining our friends—and there are many of them—in condemning what Vladimir Putin has done because he has changed the world order. And I challenge us to call this Vladimir Putin's war and to not call it the war from Russia so that we can look after those Russians here at home who are standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian community.As we have come together tonight with a common purpose and as we go forward in the future to consider a broader autonomous sanctions scheme I think we can all reflect on the real and complex issues that face us around the sanctity of self-determination our tolerance for human rights abuses both abroad and here and our approach to supply chains to modern slavery to investment and to values-based trade. How do we deal with foreign interference in our social media space? How do we show leadership once again in the disarmament space?So I thank the Minister for the urgency and the way that she's conducted the safe passage of this bill through the House. I thank the other parties for their support. And all our thoughts tonight I'm sure remain with the people of Ukraine both here but especially in their homeland.
McAnulty KieranKIERAN McANULTY (Labour—Wairarapa): Thank you very much Mr Speaker. I must take a very brief call on this pretty important debate. I follow the words of those who have been involved in the development of this bill be they Opposition or Government members; members who have experience in this field be they foreign affairs Ministers or former foreign affairs Ministers or members of the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee.But you don't need to be an expert to know why this bill is important and you don't need to be an expert to know that what is happening in Ukraine is fundamentally wrong however you look at it. I think that this House has sent a very clear message tonight that on the whole politics has been put to the side and we're standing together as one to send a very clear message. The debate around a broader discussion on autonomous sanctions will come. We've put our various views on that to one side and have concentrated on a very clear message that New Zealand will not stand aside without putting a stake in the ground and saying that we believe what Russia is doing in Ukraine is wrong.And very quickly I just want to say that I've thought about my grandfather a lot over the last few days—a prisoner of war in World War II for four years. Despite everything that he told me in the horrors of war and despite everything that we've seen on the television screens nothing could prepare us for the horror that is being experienced in Ukraine at the moment.For the likes of Christine and Vladimir and the other constituents in the Wairarapa electorate from Ukraine with family there that are having sleepless nights worrying about those they love I just want to say that I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone in this House that we send you our best wishes and sincere hope that your loved ones will be returned safe and that where possible they will be able to join you here in the peace and safety of New Zealand. I commend this bill to the House.
Grigg NicolaNICOLA GRIGG (National—Selwyn): Thank you Mr Speaker. It's a pleasure to take a very brief call at this very important juncture in world history. While many are out there updating their Facebook status and changing their profile picture to reflect some kind of solidarity with the people of Ukraine changing a law will actually change lives. This is the kind of action that will actually have tangible results.While New Zealand is a very small global player we are a country with an international reputation of being a fair-minded people. So while late we will now be able to lend our voice of condemnation to our international partners by taking action to implement sanctions against President Putin's regime. So with the passage of this bill tonight Russians who have benefited from that regime will no longer find safe haven in our harbours in our businesses or in our financial institutions.The National Party is pleased to support a bill that is largely reflective of the work of Gerry Brownlee and we trust that in its passing we send a clear message to the world that we stand with Ukraine and we condemn in the strongest terms possible the actions of Vladimir Putin and his Government.
SpeechGLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth): Kia ora Mr Speaker and I want to say thank you this evening to this Government. Thank you to this House for supporting this piece of important legislation. This piece of legislation although it's many words on paper that we see and read every day it's about lives. It's about human lives; it's about lived experiences.In July 2002 20 years ago this July I had the privilege of being in Ukraine spending a couple of weeks there a small amount of time in Kyiv and then down in Donetsk which since 2014 has actually been at war with Russia. My time down there was significant and in many ways my path into this House tonight was paved through my experiences with the Ukrainian people. There was poverty there was real struggle in the parts that I was in. It was hard to see as someone who's spent their whole life living in New Zealand the type of food the type of clothing—or should I say the lack of food the lack of clothing and lack of access to different amenities. So to now see them at war it's heartbreaking. To now look on the television and in the newspapers and see the images of places that I've been that I've seen with my own eyes it's heartbreaking. So therefore I support this piece of legislation not for me or for us but for Eugenie for Vera for Boris for Mikhail for Alexander and for all the other people that I met in my time in the Ukraine.
Shaw JamesHon JAMES SHAW (Minister of Climate Change): Thank you Mr Speaker. I do hope that we can pass this bill into law tonight and so I will not speak for long. I do want to start by thanking the Hon Nanaia Mahuta for her openness to the points that we've raised tonight and in fact others right across the House in terms of both this bill and any possible future wider autonomous sanctions regime.Vladimir Putin's regime is a chauvinistic nationalistic kleptocracy unsatisfied with looting its own country and its own people which now wants to turn back the clock to the days of the former Russian empire. I have spent a bit of time in Moscow and in my experience the Russians are a wonderful people. They're warm. They're smart. They're philosophical. They've made a huge contribution to human civilisation and my heart goes out to them that they have been so poorly served by their own political masters for nearly their entire history.But my heart goes out even more to the Ukrainian people who are suffering so much at the hands of Putin's murderous paranoid regime. We can only hope that this war ends soon and that the aspirations of the Ukrainian people to live in a safe and secure modern democracy that is a part of the community of European nations—that is all they wanted and that is what Putin is punishing and murdering them for as we speak.For all of the diversity and the political difference represented here tonight this House is speaking with one voice. We stand with the whole world in saying that Putin's war must end.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ian McKelvie): I call the Hon—I've promoted you. I call David Seymour.
Twyford PhilHon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control) (remote): Thank you Mr Speaker. I too will keep my contribution short but I want to just really add a postscript to this debate about the disarmament implications of Vladimir Putin's invasion of the Ukraine and what it means for the work that New Zealand so wholeheartedly has contributed to internationally over a number of decades now arguing for peace and disarmament and strengthening the place of international law. Russia's got almost 6000 nuclear warheads and Vladimir Putin when he made his threat to use nuclear weapons by putting them on high alert sent a shock wave around the world. Without doubt his words were designed to create uncertainty and instability. Belarus has in recent days renounced its non-nuclear status through a highly questionable referendum. This has added fuel to the fire. Not only that we've seen Russian forces using cluster munitions. These weapons open in mid-air firing and dispersing dozens or even hundreds of smaller sub-munitions and bombs. They're inherently an indiscriminate weapon and they're banned by 110 countries including New Zealand. The Russians are using rockets and mortar and other explosive weapons in highly populated urban areas. We know that 90 percent of the casualties in this kind of warfare are civilians. So on so many different fronts the invasion of Ukraine and the way that the Russians are prosecuting this war they are driving a bus through international humanitarian law and so many of the things that we in New Zealand have worked for and treasure in the international community. These rules and institutions they matter. We rely on them not only when conflict occurs but also to reduce tensions and stop war in the first place and that's why it's so important that the country comes together and this House comes together to pass this sanctions bill that will tell President Putin alongside the great majority of countries of the international community that his actions will have real and severe consequences.
SpeechSIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki): If it's picking up a little bit of what others have said I mean as the rubble flies the rouble falls. We are living in very dangerous times and where things go is going to be very hard to see. But New Zealand I think through the Minister and her officials can be proud of the work that's been done tonight and New Zealand aligning itself with an important piece of human rights legislation. So through the Speaker to the Minister and her officials thank you for the work you're doing but I also acknowledge Gerry Brownlee and the work that he'd done prior as well and many others who have been involved.I'm very pleased to hear the Minister in the committee of the whole House speak that she will explore wider autonomous sanctions and Magnitsky laws. She knows me well enough—I won't stop asking along with others but I think that's incredibly heartening. In the interests of time I'll bookend this speech by referencing what I did at the very start of my first speech in the House which is to acknowledge the Ukrainian people but also the Russian people; both suffer under tyrants and autocrats and our thoughts remain with them in this terrible and tragic time.
Parker DavidHon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment) (remote): Thank you Mr Speaker. Much has been said about the bill and I'm not going to take the time of the House by repeating what has already been said except to say that this is the clearest breach that we've seen of the rules-based order in a long long time by a superpower who having breached the international rule of law by invading their neighbour then used their powers at the Security Council to block any sanctions through the United Nations. It's a terrible set of events and justifies the bill that's before us in respect of economic sanctions.Before I finish I would just recount my view that I think there is a good chance that sanctions will have a substantial effect on Russia and therefore on the future of Russia and indeed on their ability to afford to embark upon wars such as this. I recall the fall of the Soviet Union was preceded by their sharp economic decline. The Russian economy has been mismanaged for many decades. They have suffered autocracy after autocracy a tsarist State followed by a inhumane Bolshevik State followed by a kleptocracy which has stripped out money from the people into the pockets of the elites in Russia in a way that I think we in New Zealand find deplorable after all of those years. Despite the massive size of the Russian country which spans from bordering Alaska in the east all the way across to Europe in the west—it is one of the largest countries in the world—its GDP is one and a half trillion US dollars per annum a mere fraction of the German GDP of four trillion dollars or just under only the fifth largest economy in Europe. And in contrast the US GDP is 21 trillion US dollars—all those are with US dollars figures. The GDP per capita in Russia is 57th in the world notwithstanding their huge resource base and their enormous land area and the cleverness of their people. So the economy is mismanaged. These sanctions will make it even harder for them to make their way in the world. And I hope that they will exact a price for the injustice that Russia is inflicting upon the Ukraine and for the knock-on effects on the undermining of the international rule of law and the world order. I again commend this bill to the House.
Brownlee GerryHon GERRY BROWNLEE (National): Just picking up really from where the Minister left off we are of course supporting this. For the bill to have got through this stage fairly rapidly indicates the will of the House I think. In his speech earlier the Hon James Shaw mentioned that we often when bills are put through quickly find after a period of time that something is not quite right with them and we need to come back. And while I think you can put all the belts and braces you like in a bill that inevitably can happen—I hope it doesn't here; I hope it's as straightforward as it appears to be to all of us.In recent news bulletins there's been some talk of people from both Russia and the Ukraine in New Zealand suffering the sorts of taunts and abuse from people because of what's happening in Russia. I hope that stops because those people have chosen to make their life here in this country. They've chosen to move away from the very regime that is currently causing the problem and in the case of Ukrainian citizens they're victims and most certainly should not come under that degree of pressure. I say this also because I have two great-nephews who are half Russian. Having known the family involved I know this is certainly not their thinking or anything like it. So I do hope that New Zealanders see sense and recognise that by this bill where we are taking essentially what will be economic moves sanctions against Russia we are making a contribution to the ending of this hostility.I hope that the regulations that come are going to be strong enough. I hope that there's perhaps some discussion about them before they are promulgated so that we can all know exactly what the thinking has been behind getting those regulations together. I don't want to prolong the point tonight. It's I think important that it is passed before the House rises. Can I just say that we are delighted that this bill is making this progress. We have said that we think there is more that can be done in the future and I appreciate that the Minister has indicated that she wishes to advance some work programmes around those concepts. We of course will be willing to work with her as appropriate for the development of those future bills. I look forward to the conclusion of this debate and the enactment of this Russia Sanctions Bill.
Brownlee GerryHon GERRY BROWNLEE (National): Just reflecting on the comments the Minister has just offered the House particularly on the nimbleness of the sanctions regime you have the ability to go through lists etc. very very quickly. If we look at the published list at the moment it is very much a mirror of the US Canada Australia and the United Kingdom but for the name of one oligarch who does have assets here in New Zealand who has been the subject of some media speculation I'm wondering if the Minister could tell the House: has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) made an assessment at this stage that says that particular gentleman is not connected to the regime of Vladimir Putin?Secondly would it be part of the assessment that's made about Russians their activities in New Zealand and their assets in New Zealand as to whether there was a repatriation of funding that was finding its way back to Russia at a time when the whole world is trying to stifle that economy? If they were repatriating money earned in New Zealand back to Russia in large volumes—I'm not talking about a family member sending some money to another family member; I'm talking about large-scale business activity—or if New Zealand was being used as a funnel for other entities around the world through one of those people would that see a re-change or is that assessment part of what MFAT will be doing?Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Foreign Affairs): Yes thank you for the question. Without going into the detail of particular individuals: once enacted the law will enable the information-sharing and intelligence-gathering aspects of being able to determine who is covered by the sanction. While there has been a lot of speculation certainly in the public and potentially as a result through media channels as to certain individuals what the bill provides is a legal basis upon which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade can undertake its role to be able to identify persons their assets and any entities that they may have an interest in to be covered by our sanctions.The other element—and the member well knows this because it is a feature of his own previously drafted bill—is that the bill provides for assets to be frozen. So that will mean that once that determination and that threshold has been passed that individual has been identified and the full determination of their interests has been identified then the sanction will cover those aspects that he speaks to.
SpeechSIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki): I'll try to keep these brief as I'm conscious of time. The first is to ask the Minister or through her her officials where the place of family members comes in. The bill is quite clear about individual persons as I've read it. What about their family members because obviously the transfer of assets and so forth can apply to them. So just to be clear: whether or not family members of those sanctioned—so Vladimir's family or families for example or Lavrov's and others—are included. That's the first question.The second—and I think it's been intimated around the whole place—is Belarus. I; it's maybe just a statement from my side that they're explicitly guilty in this space and in some ways require an explicit statement. It's in Part 2 and it's more to give me some certainty. There seems to be an absence around cyber-incursions. It's very clear from the sanctions bill around almost the physical attacks on territory and so forth which trigger the sanctions. Can the Minister give us some surety that if cyber-warfare was deployed including against New Zealand this piece of legislation would enable us to move forward?The third part is just some confidence around clause 8 around respecting the UN. I think it's important that we do respect the UN—that's clause 8(3). Just some confidence we're not going to get mired in UN processes and that Oh well they're considering things. They're still having a chat about it. We'll wait." I just want to know that we can still act relatively swiftly.Finally and it will be no surprise to her because I've talked about it twice now so far: will she consider Magnitsky legislation in the future? Thank you."
Shaw JamesHon JAMES SHAW (Minister of Climate Change): Thank you Mr Chair. My question to the Minister of Foreign Affairs is around a couple of things. First of all in relation to something I was mentioning in the second reading speech around the possibility of a post-enactment review I do want to recognise that the Minister after consulting with Golriz Ghahraman on behalf of the Green Party has brought in a full review at two years and we greatly appreciate that. As with any bill that's passed under urgency of course though there may be things in it that actually trip us up in the very near term in the immediate period where we actually want to be really effective with this and I wonder if she might support a post-enactment review at select committee just to kind of give it a good working over and to just see if there is anything in here which could cause us trouble within the two-year time period and particularly over the course of the coming days and weeks as the situation in Ukraine unfolds. So there's that.The other one that I wanted to test whether she was open to is whether regulations might come back through the House in a manner similar to how the COVID regulations have done. The third—which I canvassed right at the very beginning of course—is that I wanted to test her support for Supplementary Order Paper 138 in the name of Golriz Ghahraman which is to include after clause 8(3) on page 7 after line 22: Resolutions of United Nations General Assembly (4) The Minister must also have regard to relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly." The reason as I mentioned in the second reading for that is that we want to reinforce the parts of the multilateral system that are working and that specifically in this particular case have condemned the Russian aggression in Ukraine in the strongest possible way rather than just the bit that isn't working which is the Security Council in this case. So I just wanted to ask the Minister for a response around those."
Brownlee GerryHon GERRY BROWNLEE (National): Look my question relates initially to Part 2 which is Sanctions" which is the most important part. I just wonder if the Minister might be able to expand a little bit more on clause 8(1): "The Minister may recommend that regulations be made under section 9 only if the Minister is satisfied that the regulations are appropriate to respond to threats to the sovereignty or territorial integrity of Ukraine or another country." How broad is that?The second question I have since we're asking—are we doing that Mr Chair? Are we asking them all in sequence so we can get a more expedited process? CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): That would be the best option.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: My second question relates to the issue of sanctions being brought against countries that assist Russia in their efforts to overthrow the Ukraine. We already know that Belarus is one of those countries. That's clearly in sights and will be subject to sanction but what would be the bounds of that? We're seeing at the moment the Russian economy collapse we're seeing the rouble fall through the floor and we're seeing now sanctions against the import of oil products—fossil fuels effectively—out of Russia via the US. That I'm sure is going to be quickly followed by others. You've seen the European Union today move to substantially reduce their dependence on Russia with a whole pull-out period of about two years. If that is replaced by someone else does that trigger the sanctions regime? So those are the two questions I've got at this point. There may be another after Mr Shaw speaks."
McAnulty KieranASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ian McKelvie): I declare the House in committee for consideration of the Russia Sanctions Bill.In CommitteeParts 1 to 4 and clauses 1 and 2KIERAN McANULTY (Chief Whip—Labour): I seek leave for all parts to be taken as one debate.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): There's no objection. Members the House is in committee on the Russia Sanctions Bill. I remind members that they are able to participate remotely. If you're on the Zoom and you want to take a call please type call" into the chat. You should also use the chat if you want to raise a point of order. If we receive new tabled amendments I'll advise members so they can refresh the House papers page to see the new amendments. Finally it would be helpful for members to ask multiple questions if they have them of the member in charge during their call. The question is that Parts 1 to 4 stand part."
Russia Sanctions Bill — Second Reading
Utikere TangiTANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North): Thank you Mr Speaker. While the eyes of the world are on Eastern Europe and the actions of Russia upon the sovereign State and their neighbour Ukraine right now I think of our local Ukrainian community here in Aotearoa New Zealand who whilst some distance from home have experienced much pain over recent weeks as their thoughts turn to their family members and their loved ones as it should. That's why it's important for the Parliament I believe tonight to be united in passing this law under urgency because it signals to them that we are with them. So I will take a short call and I commend this bill to the House.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Leary IngridINGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri): I won't repeat comments made by other members about the harm to Ukrainians and also to Russians actually. All our hearts are with them. I really just want to make a couple of points and one is around multilateralism. I don't accept that this bill actually threatens multilateralism. Autonomous sanctions by their nature are a form of collective action and they only work when a number of countries actually use them. So I do echo the comments around the United Nations Security Council and I refer to my predecessor in Dunedin the former Prime Minister Peter Fraser who was right in voting against a Security Council veto in the 1940s all those years ago. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that. I actually think that the previous speaker Mark Mitchell was right when he said in the first reading that diplomacy is probably the only way out of this terrible situation: finding a way for Putin to withdraw taking into account his complex and stubborn personality. I'm sure that's how we all hope and pray this will end. When that is said and done these sanctions will have played their part so I do hope that Ukrainians are energised by that both those who we see in the pictures on the TV—and I acknowledge the role of the media in bringing them to us—and also those who are fighting for their country fighting for their lives and fighting for the future of their children.
Mitchell MarkHon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa) (remote): Thank you Mr Speaker and look I hope that the previous speaker who I respect a lot Ibrahim Omer is right in terms of President Putin being able to see through the red haze of madness and understand just what he's up against in terms of international will and the international community and how they've come behind and are supporting the people of Ukraine. I hope that that does cut through that haze and he understands and he rapidly starts to step backwards. On that point and I'll be very brief I hope this bill—and we've had an assurance tonight in the House by the Minister the Hon Nanaia Mahuta that this bill will extend to any nation that is providing support—or the sanctions will extend to any nation that is providing support to Russia. I think it was the Hon Phil Twyford that mentioned Belarus and that the Russians had very kindly offered fleeing refuges safe passage through Belarus. Let's not forget that Belarus has been used as a place for the Russians to deploy troops. They've taken over bases there they have aircraft placed out of Belarus and I would like to see that if the international community decides that sanctions are in order this bill would be able to cover countries such as Belarus or any countries that are providing assistance and support to President Putin and Russia. Thank you Mr Speaker.
Russia Sanctions Bill — First Reading
Shaw JamesHon JAMES SHAW (Minister of Climate Change): Point of order Mr Speaker. Given that we're only a few minutes away from the dinner break I wondered if you would prefer to take up the dinner break now and resume afterwards.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ian McKelvie): Well I think the rules would say that you've got 10 minutes irrespective so you can complete your speech. Hon JAMES SHAW: Mr Speaker—Kieran McAnulty: Seek leave James. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ian McKelvie): You don't need to seek leave. That's how the Parliament operates so if you start prior to five you go through to your full time. KIERAN McANULTY (Chief Whip—Labour): Point of order Mr Speaker. In the hope that this is helpful if the member sought leave of the House we could approve that leave for us to return now early. Hon JAMES SHAW (Minister of Climate Change): Point of order. I seek leave of the House to start the dinner break and resume afterwards. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ian McKelvie): Ha ha! Members the House is adjourned for the dinner break and will resume at 7 p.m.Sitting suspended from 5.55 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Hipkins ChrisURGENCYHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That urgency be accorded to the passing through all stages of the Russia Sanctions Bill. The reasons for the passing of the Russia Sanctions Bill under urgency are self-evident to everybody watching the news. New Zealanders have been horrified at the news coming out of Ukraine following Russia's invasion of that country. The rapid enactment of the bill will enable New Zealand to significantly expand its sanctions on Russia and on individuals and companies connected to the Russian Government through a targeted sanctions regime. And these actions will help to keep us in step with international reaction.Motion agreed to.
Seymour DavidASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): Before I give the next call I do want to remind the member who has just resumed his seat and all members that you are allowed to take your mask off momentarily to take a drink of water and I do not actually need a running commentary on who is having their mask on or off as you're making your speeches.DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Point of order Madam Speaker. Actually members on both sides of the House have pointed out at various times that members have not been wearing their masks and Speakers have actually admonished them for taking their masks off and heckling. I don't see how it helps the order of the House for you to point that out to me when I've done what everyone else has been doing unless you are actually trying to admonish me for something everyone else has done which seems highly selective and unfair.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): Yesterday I actually did point out a member of the member's own party but I didn't call out their name. Someone actually pointed out to me that that member had after giving a speech sat there without a mask for several minutes—David Seymour: Were they heckling?ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): —and I chose not to name them. That is actually what I'm trying to do here. I do not need for you to actually talk at me while I'm addressing you.
SpeechPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: A petition has been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Hāwea Flat School Board requesting that the House urge the Government to reconsider its decision regarding the school bus provision for Hāwea Flat School.SPEAKER: That petition stands referred to the Petitions Committee. Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK: Annual Reports for 2021:Crown Regional Holdings LtdElectricity Corporation of New ZealandAir New Zealand Shareholder Review 2021Air New Zealand Annual Financial Results 2021Government response to the report of the Petitions Committee on the petition of Paul Jackson. SPEAKER: Those papers are published under the authority of the House. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation. CLERK: Report of the Environment Committee on the briefing into the Department of Conservation's permit protocols and proceduresOn the petition of Michelle CarmichaelOn the petition of Niamh Peren. SPEAKER: The briefing is set down for consideration. The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of a bill.CLERK: Russia Sanctions Bill introduction.SPEAKER: That bill is set down for first reading.
SpeechWEDNESDAY 9 MARCH 2022The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSSPEAKER: Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Tuesday 8 March 2022 - Volume 757
Incorporated Societies Bill — In Committee
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is that the Minister's amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 130 be agreed to. Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is that Parts 1 to 6 Schedules 1 to 4 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended be agreed to. Parts 1 to 6 Schedules 1 to 4 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment.
Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Bill — In Committee—Part 4
VotePROTECTED DISCLOSURES (PROTECTION OF WHISTLEBLOWERS) BILLIn CommitteePart 4 Appropriate authorities special rules for certain organisations Ombudsmen's role etc. CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): We move now to Part 4. This is the debate on clauses 23 to 39 and Schedules 2 and 3 appropriate authorities special rules for certain organisations and the role of Ombudsman. The question is that Part 4 stand part.The question is that the Minister's amendments to Part 4 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 131 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Part 4 as amended agreed to.Schedule 1 agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Schedule 2 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 131 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Schedule 2 as amended agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Schedule 3 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 131 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Schedule 3 as amended agreed to.
Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Bill — In Committee—Part 3
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is that Jan Logie's amendments to Part 3 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 133 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to. Ayes 12Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Amendments not agreed to.Part 3 as amended agreed to.Debate interrupted.
VoteKIERAN McANULTY (Chief Whip—Labour): I move That the question be now put.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 85New Zealand Labour 65; ACT New Zealand 10; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 33New Zealand National 33.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Part 1 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 81 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 98New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33.Noes 20ACT New Zealand 10; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments agreed to.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 65 Noes 53.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the Hon Todd McClay's amendments to Part 1 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 92 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the Hon Todd McClay's amendments to Part 1 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 93 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the Hon Todd McClay's amendments to Part 1 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 94 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that Part 1 as amended stand part.Part 1 as amended agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): Members we now come to Part 2. This is the debate on clauses 35 to 38 and the Schedule—transitional related and consequential provisions. The question is that Part 2 stand part.
VoteASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is That the amendments recommended by the Finance and Expenditure Committee by majority be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021–22 GST and Remedial Matters) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22 GST and Remedial Matters) Bill — Second Reading
12. Question No. 12—HealthSARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) (remote) to the Associate Minister of HealthQuestion No. 12—Health12. SARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) (remote) to the Associate Minister of Health: What recent announcements has she made about improving abortion services?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL (Associate Minister of Health): Everyone should be able to access abortion information and care when they need it. To make that easier last month I was pleased to announce the roll-out of a new national abortion telehealth service called Decide. This service will connect people to abortion information advice and counselling over the phone from health practitioners anywhere in the country.Sarah Pallett: Why do we need a national abortion telehealth service?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: In-person care will always be offered for abortion but it's important that other options are available as well where suitable. Telehealth makes it easier for people to reach the services and support that already exist particularly those who find it difficult to visit a doctor or clinic. Currently abortion telehealth services are offered by some district health boards but not all. Expanding the service nationally is a huge step in improving access to abortion services.Sarah Pallett: How will this new service be rolled out?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: Decide will be rolled out in phases. Referrals and information about abortion services will be available from 26 April; follow-up care and abortion-related counselling from 1 July. The final phase set for November this year includes telemedicine which means providing clinical consultations for an early medical abortion over the phone and couriering medicines. As part of the telemedicine service people will be able to immediately talk to a practitioner willing to provide abortion services removing a key barrier for some people. All patients of this service will be part of active follow-up processes and services will be available for free via the dedicated number 0800 DECIDE.
10. Question No. 10—Commerce and Consumer AffairsNAISI CHEN (Labour) (remote) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsQuestion No. 10—Commerce and Consumer Affairs10. NAISI CHEN (Labour) (remote) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What recent reports has he seen regarding competition in the retail grocery sector?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): Today the Commerce Commission released its market study into supermarkets. The report is clear: competition in the retail grocery sector is not working. Consumers could get better prices range and quality if competition was better. The commission found that there are a number of factors making it difficult for new entrants including a lack of suitable sites for store developments and difficulties for retailers in obtaining competitively priced wholesale goods. The report also found that profitability is high. Even in its most conservative scenario the report shows supermarkets deriving excess profits of $1 million each day across New Zealand. From today we will immediately progress work to address the commission's findings.Naisi Chen: What recommendations does the Commerce Commission make to ensure New Zealanders benefit from a more competitive grocery market?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The commission makes a number of recommendations which include exploring how a code of conduct between major retailers and suppliers could be developed and looking at the establishment of a grocery regulator. The commission's findings also indicate that restrictive covenants over land are a major barrier to rival supermarkets accessing new sites so I want to ban these covenants from being used to stop competition. Given the importance of achieving healthy levels of competition in our retail grocery sector I have not ruled out some of the other options that the Commerce Commission tabled while developing its report if consumer benefit is not achieved from the changes recommended in the report. Naisi Chen: What reaction has he seen in response to the market study?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: John Duffy of Consumer New Zealand said that many of their 10 big fixes to the grocery sector—such as a mandatory code of conduct a supermarket commissioner a ban on restrictive land covenants and mandatory unit pricing—are reflected in the final report. I've also seen reaction from Katherine Rich of the Food and Grocery Council who said the report accurately reflects the reality faced by suppliers from the imbalance of power in negotiations. She also states that the supermarkets have already made concessions not on the table prior to the market study. I do acknowledge there have also been reports that say the Commerce Commission could have gone further. That's why I've left all options on the table so we're doing all we can to ensure New Zealanders are getting a fair price at the checkout.