edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
1. Airport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment Bill—Purpose Efficacy and Impact on Parliament's ReputationCHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) to the Member in charge of the Airport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment BillQUESTIONS TO MEMBERSAirport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment Bill—Purpose Efficacy and Impact on Parliament's Reputation1. CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) to the Member in charge of the Airport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment Bill: Why did he introduce the Airport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment Bill?NUK KORAKO (Member in charge of the Airport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment Bill): I would like to thank the Opposition for giving me the opportunity to profile my bill. [Interruption] Mr SPEAKER: Order! Now I want the answer. NUK KORAKO: Through my background in the tourism industry I have organised thousands of visitors coming into New Zealand. I know what an inconvenience it is when they lose their luggage and trying to recover it is quite problematic. The current requirements for advertising lost property and sales are archaic prescriptive and not fit for purpose. This is what this bill will fix. There is a saying: He iti he pounamu"—"It is very small but it is quality." Kia ora. Chris Hipkins: Can he confirm that no passengers are any more or less likely to lose their luggage as a result of this bill and is this not the type of carry-on that discredits Parliament?NUK KORAKO: Kia ora Mr Speaker. I did not hear the question because of the noise. Mr SPEAKER: OK—[Interruption] Order! I am going to invite the member to ask the question again and I want silence while the question is asked. Chris Hipkins: Returning to—I cannot remember what my supplementary question was. Mr SPEAKER: I am very close to moving on. I will help the member. The member's question asked whether it would make any difference to the amount of luggage that might be lost.Chris Hipkins: Can he confirm that no passenger is any more or less likely to lose their luggage as a result of his bill and is this not the type of carry-on that discredits Parliament?Mr SPEAKER: Order! The first part of the question can be answered.NUK KORAKO: I suggest the member actually look no further in terms of me answering this question because his colleague Clayton Cosgrove who is perhaps the unluckiest traveller alive regularly lost his luggage. He lost his luggage and his suit all of which may have been recovered had there been more appropriate means of drawing his attention to them once they had been found by the relevant airport authority.Mr SPEAKER: We will now—[Interruption] Order! We now will proceed to question No. 2 but it would be helpful if the answers relate to the question that is asked."
12. Schools Funding—ReviewCHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) to the Minister of EducationSchools Funding—Review12. CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) to the Minister of Education: Why is she proposing to flatten out the current funding rates across different year levels to a standard per-child amount as part of the education funding review?Hon HEKIA PARATA (Minister of Education): I am not proposing to do that. If I could quote from the Cabinet minute that sets out what is to be tested what has been agreed is that we look at the following proposal: a standard per-child funding amount that would vary across stages of learning reflecting the teaching and learning challenge in the curricula and the needs for children and young people; an additional payment for those children and young people most at risk of educational underachievement; and retaining supplementary funding to maintain a network of provision where small isolated services and schools are an issue. Chris Hipkins: Did she receive advice that the biggest driver of the different funding rates is currently the staffing ratios for each year level; if so why is she putting forward a proposal to level out the base funding rates given that it will inevitably lead to some students being in much bigger classes?Hon HEKIA PARATA: As I clearly explained the proposal is not to flatten out the levels of funding. Chris Hipkins: Did the Cabinet paper that she took to Cabinet propose changing the funding ratios for each year level to a standard formula?Hon HEKIA PARATA: What I recommended was that we should base funding on the New Zealand curriculum Te Marautanga o Aotearoa which has complexities and difficulties occurring along the 13 years of its delivery and that we should match funding to those difficulties. It is clearly not a proposal to flatten out student funding. Chris Hipkins: What changes to the current funding rates on a year-by-year basis did she propose in her Cabinet paper?Hon HEKIA PARATA: I proposed that they should be linked to the learning progressions of the New Zealand curriculum. Chris Hipkins: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I asked the Minister what changes she proposed to the funding rates on a year-by-year basis. Mr SPEAKER: And the Minister answered that as I heard by saying that it would be linked to a curriculum. Chris Hipkins: Can she guarantee that no secondary school students or primary school students in new-entrant classes will end up in bigger classes given that they currently have the highest funding rates in the staffing funding formula?Hon HEKIA PARATA: As I have already told the House I do not propose to pre-empt the funding advisory group. I cannot guarantee that class sizes will not decrease.
11. Customs Workforce—ModernisationDr PARMJEET PARMAR (National) to the Minister of CustomsCustoms Workforce—Modernisation11. Dr PARMJEET PARMAR (National) to the Minister of Customs: How is the Government investing in the modernisation of the New Zealand Customs workforce?Hon NICKY WAGNER (Minister of Customs): Budget 2016 is investing $19 million over 4 years to modernise and transform the Customs Service workforce. It will be the most significant change in the last 20 years and it supports a more flexible efficient and effective operating model. All Customs Service employees were consulted and the members of the three relevant unions have ratified a new multi-union collective agreement. Dr Parmjeet Parmar: How will modernising the New Zealand Customs Service workforce improve customs effectiveness at the border?Hon NICKY WAGNER: More flexible and efficient operations will allow the Customs Service to manage future increasing volumes of both passengers and trade. New technical and transactional roles will make better use of the knowledge and skills of the workforce and enhance career development. Experienced officers supported by new technology will prioritise border risk and law enforcement.
9. Schools Funding—Proposed Global Funding ModelCATHERINE DELAHUNTY (Green) to the Minister of EducationSchools Funding—Proposed Global Funding Model9. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY (Green) to the Minister of Education: When the Prime Minister said that the Government wouldn't really be progressing the issue unless they could get the other stakeholders on board" following a briefing by her on school funding does she think that the education sector is now on board?Hon HEKIA PARATA (Minister of Education): The education sector and I agree that with this Government spending over $11 billion in education for the first time ever we need a system that delivers the right amount of funding for the right child at the right time to ensure that they achieve educational success. At the end of August we will complete the 3-month funding advisory group process that we are in after which I must go back to Cabinet. I continue to look forward to its advice.Catherine Delahunty: When the Minister said last week "I hold principals in high regard. I trust them to use their professional judgment about what is necessary." does that include their judgment to reject her proposed global funding?Hon HEKIA PARATA: I look forward to hearing from all parts of the education sector.Catherine Delahunty: Given that the Secondary Principals' Association and the Principals' Federation have joined the Association of Intermediate and Middle Schools the Post Primary Teachers' Association the New Zealand Educational Institute and the Education Council in opposing the global funding model will she now remove it from her proposed funding options?Hon HEKIA PARATA: I will refer the member to my primary answer which is that we are in the funding advisory group process. I expect to hear from them by the end of August or early September after which I will take that advice back to Cabinet. I do not intend to pre-empt that process.Catherine Delahunty: Was the New Zealand Principals' Federation president Iain Taylor wrong when he said that global funding removed guarantees around the minimum number of teachers each school would have?Hon HEKIA PARATA: I am not privy to the particular press release that the member is clearly referring to. Again I am going to maintain the integrity of the consultation process through the funding advisory group of which Mr Taylor is a member.Catherine Delahunty: Which members of her advisory group have publicly supported global funding?Hon HEKIA PARATA: There is a funding advisory group process which has been meeting for the last 3 months. I am going to pay the respect to that process that it deserves and it is in that context that I will take advice."
8. Financial Advisers Act—UpdateALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsFinancial Advisers Act—Update8. ALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What announcements has he made that will make it easier for New Zealanders to access financial advice?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): Last month I was pleased to announce a package of proposed changes to the Financial Advisers Act after a comprehensive 18-month review. The changes are designed to increase access to personalised advice on specific matters such as What KiwiSaver fund is right for me?". The changes will also enable the provision of personalised financial advice via online platforms. Robo-advice is emerging abroad and has the ability to provide New Zealanders with an alternative and convenient way of accessing affordable financial advice. Financial advisers often provide the interface between consumers and financial markets and these changes will ensure that New Zealanders can access quality financial advice to help them plan for and achieve their savings and investment goals.Alastair Scott: How else will New Zealanders benefit from the changes to the financial advice regime?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: Three of the key changes that will make it easier for New Zealanders to get good financial advice are: all those providing financial advice will be required to put the interests of the consumer first; all those providing advice will be required to meet competency standards; and all advisers will also need to be more transparent about limitations of their advice including how many types of financial products and providers have been considered and disclose information regarding potential conflicts of interest such as commissions.Alastair Scott: How is this Government making it easier for New Zealanders to take stock of their finances?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: Lower interest rates are creating challenges for savers worldwide. That is why it is timely that the Government is proposing changes to the financial advisers framework to free up the flow of advice. There are also plenty of online resources and financial advice available to help people make sensible financial decisions. The Sorted website recently refreshed by the Commission for Financial Capability has now been viewed more than 1.8 million times and provides a range of online tools such as budgeting and mortgage calculators which can help with a variety of everyday finance needs. The Financial Markets Authority website also provides information about the risks and benefits of different kinds of investment products. I would encourage interested New Zealanders to visit those sites."
3. Housing Auckland—Unitary PlanKANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) to the Minister for the EnvironmentHousing Auckland—Unitary Plan3. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) to the Minister for the Environment: How will the new unitary plan adopted yesterday support the Government's work to address Auckland's housing problems?Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment): The existing Auckland plans without special housing areas have capacity for only 7000 additional homes. The plan initially proposed by the Auckland Council provided for 213000 homes. The final plan adopted by the council provides for an additional 400000 homes. This is a huge step forward. The Productivity Commission in its 500-page report and after 12 months of work identified the old Auckland councils' controls on housing as the principal reason for the lack of supply and affordability of Auckland housing. The successful completion of this unitary plan under a special process facilitated by the Government's legislation has walked a balance between giving people a fair say and getting to a conclusion. This approach has proved successful.Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi: What are the specific problems with the existing planning rules in Auckland on housing development and why were they so deficient?Hon Dr NICK SMITH: The existing rules in Auckland consist of 11 different plans developed in the early 1990s by the previous nine councils and complicated since by over 80 plan changes. These plans provided for over 90 lots of different rules for doing residential development. That made it complex slow and expensive. The current plans also contradicted each other because the old regional council wanted growth to be infill whereas the old territorial councils preferred greenfields. The new councillors had to resolve this tension over to what degree Auckland is to grow up and to grow out. The strength of the new unitary plan is that it allows for both and this matches up with projected population growth for the first time ever.Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi: How will the Government ensure a smooth transition from the special housing areas to the new Auckland Unitary Plan?Hon Dr NICK SMITH: The special housing areas of which there are 154 in Auckland—Phil Twyford: How many houses have they actually built Nick?Hon Dr NICK SMITH: —were intended as an interim measure to facilitate the planning for new housing development while the unitary plan was being developed and consulted on. The bulk of the special housing areas have been zoned residential under the unitary plan and so for these the mechanism will become redundant when the new unitary plan becomes operative. There are some that have not been picked up in the unitary plan. I will be working with the Auckland Council to ensure a smooth transition. I do note the interjections from the member opposite who opposed having the single Auckland Council who opposed the special housing areas and who opposed the special process for the unitary plan which just facilitates the idea that he is part of the problem not part of the solution.
Foster-Bell PaulPAUL FOSTER-BELL (National): E Te Mana Whakawā Tuarua tēnā koe. This is a very sensible practical pragmatic and sound bill from a pragmatic Government and I agree with the comments made by Major Mark. I completely refute what are I think scurrilous and revolting accusations made on this sensitive issue by Metiria Turei.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 10 p.m.
Dowie SarahSARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill): I rise in support of the Building (Pools) Amendment Bill in this second reading and I have to pick up from where Mr Parker left off. I came into the select committee process later. I did not see the full process through and although the ancillary purpose of this bill was to codify conditions around the fencing of swimming pools and to repeal the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act of 1987 and to amend the Building Act to bring it all into one from my understanding of where the Local Government and Environment Committee was going this was a system brought about to protect young people and people in general from drowning and to prevent the injuries sustained from near drownings. So I think it is important to make that clear from the select committee process. I heard information presented by officials to the select committee that showed that according to evidence from the old Fencing of Swimming Pools Act the changes did reduce the risk of drowning for young people. It said that 80 percent of young children who drowned were 2 years or younger and that fencing certainly does prevent drowning. Some would say of course that that is common sense but certainly as a mother of two young children I can appreciate the fact that when children see water they get pretty excited and if you are not keeping an eye on them they could certainly unwittingly wander off and find themselves getting into difficulties. So fencing and cordoning off of swimming pools is an important part of our society here in New Zealand where we are so active in the water. I think one element that I am really pleased about in respect of this bill is the inspections regime. Obviously it is being taken now to a 3-yearly basis to make inspections. Authorities will oversee that and suitably qualified independent inspectors approved by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment can also make inspections but I think that that 3-yearly basis is an important time frame to implement. It obviously keeps pool owners on their toes and if owners are found not to be complying with the regulations then there is a stepped framework for enforcement and that includes not only warnings but then infringement notices and then ultimately court prosecutions if that is needed. We have already heard in speeches prior that one of the practical things about this bill is that it incorporates hot tubs and spas into the regulatory regime so a spa pool that has a locked sealed cover when it is not in use is an appropriate barrier to keep people—certainly little people—out and that means that it is also easier to enforce. So when a person goes to buy a spa pool the seller of that spa pool can educate the buyer about the regulations there and then and make sure that the buyer is aware of those regulations and to make sure that they put them into force. So I am quite happy with this bill. It brings about some minimum standards. I think it is a good thing that that is being codified in the Building (Pools) Amendment Bill and I commend this bill to the House.
Simpson ScottBUILDING (POOLS) AMENDMENT BILLSecond ReadingDebate resumed from 5 July.SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel): I would like to just reiterate a couple of the points that I was making when this debate was interrupted several weeks ago. This is the second reading of the Building (Pools) Amendment Bill and it was a very good select committee process that saw us sit in a number of places around the country not just here in Wellington. This is a bill where emotions did run high amongst some of the submitters for very good reasons because this is a bill that is designed to ensure the protection of unsupervised young children from drowning in swimming pools and hot tubs and things of that nature. This bill amends the Building Act 2004 and it repeals the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and incorporates that Act into the Building Act. The dedicated safety pool requirements of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act now become part of the Building Act. That is a sensible step in my view. I want to just cover a couple of the main aspects that the bill covers. One is that under this bill spa pools and hot tubs with safety covers would no longer require a fence or a barrier around them. That is because those spa pools that have safety covers do provide the adequate and proper protection required for unsupervised children. As a result of this bill retailers will now be required to inform buyers of the new rules relating to swimming pools and hot tubs. As a result of the changes made at select committee and recommended to the House councils will be required to inspect pools every 3 years. It became clear during the submission process that some councils were already doing that; many were not and some not at all. It was the case that Auckland Council was inspecting every 3 years but there were a number of councils that did no inspections at all and some that did them on an irregular basis. The original proposal in the bill at first reading was that the mandatory period should be 5 years but upon hearing some very good submissions from a range of submitters we have recommended to the House that that period be reduced to 3 years. The bill also provides for independent inspectors to be able to conduct pool inspections. These would be independent suitably qualified inspectors who had been approved by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. It would not preclude councils from maintaining their own inspection regime and own inspection staff but if councils wanted to contract that role out to independent suitably qualified inspectors then that would be available under this bill. Another major aspect of the bill is that it provides clarity about the rules for installing new pool barriers. The bill extends the definition of fencing to barriers and it is an area that I think helps the legislation. It will mean that a barrier must be as effective as a current fence so I think that is a good move. I commend this bill to the House and I look forward to watching it proceed through the House. Thank you.
Dowie SarahSARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill): I rise to take a short call on the Education Legislation Bill in its second reading. As we have already heard this is an omnibus bill that is to amend eight statutes to improve the administration and governance of educational entities. This is a Government that is committed to delivering a world-class education system to our children. As such to do that we must ensure that there is a modern framework to enable our teachers and administrators to deliver that.I have listened to the Opposition's arguments very carefully and notwithstanding the latest conspiracy theory what I can hear especially from the Green Party is that we should not make any changes if there is a lack of evidence as to the effect. That to me suggests that we should not be innovating. I mean if Homo erectus was told not to rub two sticks together where on earth would we be? So from my perspective I think we need to deliver a flexible framework to our boards of trustees that are based in the community that can make decisions for their students and look at the community around them and that are best placed to make decisions as to how to deliver education for their students. I think that we should enable that. I think we should celebrate that and we should celebrate the fact that the people who are elected to these boards are elected and that they are the right people to deliver that service for our children.In respect of trainee teachers I also want to say that this is a Government that invests in our teachers and training is an important part of that. On-the-job training again should be celebrated. What better way to learn than to be in the classroom to be experiencing what it is like to teach students and to have the ability to be mentored by more experienced teachers on the job? There is nothing that can substitute on-the-job training.So I celebrate these changes especially in the rural sector. If I look at my electorate in respect of building on communities of learning to incorporate these concepts of trainee teachers and shared principals—in rural areas we have some problems attracting people. To have the ability to share expertise and put in place mechanisms to deliver quality education across a rural sector is nothing but good news. These changes are necessary. They are part of an evolution of an education system that is going to deliver quality education moving forward. I commend this bill to the House.
Young JonathanJONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth): I am very pleased to stand in support of this very important piece of legislation. It does two things: firstly it ensures that lives are protected and secondly it ensures that our way of life is protected.I think that it is important to understand that the products that are shipped from this country to markets in the world have a reputation of being not only great food and beverages but also safe. We have been able to build our export markets on the reputation of having not just nutritious and good food but safe food. Our response to this inquiry is important because it is a responsible and measured response to some concerns—very serious concerns—that arose through this situation.The World Health Organization in its 2010 data states that 351000 people a year died of food poisoning in the world. So it is a major global problem. There were 22 different food-borne diseases experienced in 2010 which affected 582 million people.One of the things about New Zealand is the quality of our food. It is highly sought after it is of high value and in order to ensure that people who purchase it and partake of it remain safe we must have legislation in place for measures that protect the development the production and the shipping of these products. So this bill is very important in that regard. Sixty percent of New Zealand's merchandise sold overseas is food and beverages. As my colleague Barbara Kuriger said 79000 people earn a living producing food and beverages. So I am very happy to support and commend this bill in its first reading to the House.Bill read a first time. Bill referred to the Primary Production Committee.
Food Safety Law Reform Bill — First Reading
Kuriger BarbaraBARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki - King Country): It is a pleasure to take a short call on the Food Safety Law Reform Bill. I am just thinking back to the days when the whey protein concentrate contamination inquiry was happening and back to that scare that we had. I just want to share an analogy with you that I used in a speech that I did at the time. At the time Team New Zealand was doing its boat racing and the dairy industry was going along at its $8 or whatever it was. Team New Zealand was going along and it is 8-1 up and we all had a huge amount of confidence in the industry. I think you can all remember that day when Team New Zealand just about tipped out of the water and it managed to recover just in time to get up and finish that race. That is pretty much the analogy I used around this whey protein concentrate scare because actually it was not botulism—it did not prove to be botulism. It was not something that was actually going to sink the boat—but if that boat had tipped over and sunk it could not have continued on that race.So it is really important that when you get into a situation like that where the wheels start to fall off—and that is probably not the best analogy for a boat—or the rudder starts to shift in an industry then it is really important that we have all the systems and processes in place so that we can act quickly so that we can right that boat and we can continue sailing.It is extremely important for a country like New Zealand because it accounts for 60 percent of our food and beverage exports that we send overseas. We are an employer of 79000 people so it is really critical to provincial New Zealand and urban New Zealand. Even with a scare even with something that was not ultimately proven to be botulism there are millions and millions and millions of people in this world who are on social media and our reputation can just go down the drain like that. So there was a lot of work and a lot of homework done in terms of recovery and the time taken to discover exactly what the problem was and eventually we got to the point where we knew what it was not. But it is really important now that risk-based plans are put in place so that when there is a hiccup when something is about to tip or when there is a bit of a scare we know exactly how to follow we know exactly what to do and we have got all the right schemes in place.The ministry under this piece of legislation will be given a statutory role in contingency planning and the Director-General of primary industries will have a new power to require disclosure of information held by a party that provides service to a food business.We are putting all this legislation in place. It is too important to let things fall through the cracks so we have got to have everybody on board and have strong contingency plans. It is no different to having a health and safety plan in your business. You have actually got to recognise your risk work out what your risk might be and find ways to mitigate it—so that if you do happen to have a day where it looks like the boat is going to tip over you can straighten it up and sail on pretty quickly. Thank you.
Barclay ToddTODD BARCLAY (National—Clutha-Southland): It is a privilege to be able to speak in support of this bill for a number of reasons the first being that I am a member of the Primary Production Committee so this bill will come to us in the not too distant future. The second is because the electorate that I represent is a significant producer of food and beverages and is heavily reliant on a robust food safety system and the integrity of that system as seen by our exporters across the world. In terms of Southland and South Otago dairy and meat—and wine to a lesser extent—are a significant part of our export base so our reputation as a producing nation and as a producing region is significant to us and this bill will help to strengthen that.Just a reminder around the genesis of the bill: a few years back after the whey protein concentrate contamination inquiry there were a series of recommendations for legislative change that came out as part of that and this bill goes toward addressing those. It includes a range of changes to strengthen our response to food safety incidents by creating a more consistent and fair approach to the enforcement of that.There are a number of significant parts to that. I think that although members previously speaking on this bill have canvassed some of the issues that came about as part of the inquiry I just want to reiterate that I think that the Government's response and industry's response as a result of the issue as it was identified need to be hugely commended. The response by the Government and industry was appropriate at the time and this bill as a reactive measure following on as a result of that gives us the chance to further strengthen our provisions around food safety and to further strengthen our ability to address a food safety incident whether or not it has substance at the specific point of time when it is initially recognised.As I say our reputation is heavily reliant on our having a robust and recognised food safety system. It sets us apart from many food-producing nations that we are in competition with. The Primary Production Committee is currently considering the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Amendment Bill which is another bill similar to this which supports—Kris Faafoi: It's a great bill.TODD BARCLAY: It is a very great bill. It goes to support our wine industry by protecting the regions in which the grapes were grown—Marlborough Martinborough Gisborne Central Otago—and that is incredibly important when we are in competition with other nations that see the value in the New Zealand brand and our reputation and look to take advantage of that.I look forward to hearing submissions on this bill as it comes to our select committee and I look forward to hearing the rest of the debate as well. Thank you.
Imprest Supply (Second for 2016/17) Bill — Third Reading
English BillIMPREST SUPPLY (SECOND FOR 2016/17) BILLThird ReadingHon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance): I move That the Imprest Supply (Second for 2016/17) Bill be now read a third time. Bill read a third time.
Urgent Debates — Drinking Water Contamination—Havelock North
Reti ShaneDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei): I would like to echo the thoughts from around the House and commiserate with this community for this very unfortunate outbreak. I would also like to acknowledge the local member for his very clear and authentic concern and thoughts towards the community. This is a time for all in the community to be steady and to do the simple things that will see this through. It will be seen through—there is no outbreak of C. jejuni that has ever occurred across the world that has not passed and this one will do the same. The community needs to be steady. If we make our way through the community those with young children need to keep them rehydrated and they need to keep them warm and it is a time for bland foods. Again every offer of advice is prefaced by And if you are concerned please see your general practitioner or family doctor." Parents need to be vigilant and not just for themselves. I would ask them to be particularly vigilant with hand-washing and personal hygiene. It is very important to bring this outbreak to a conclusion. Sometimes we need to think about the simple things and hand-washing is a simple thing. If we look back at medicine though history the big advances have not actually been X-rays or CT scanners or magnetic resonance imaging. They have been in terms of public health—even antibiotics. There was a decrease in mortality and morbidity long before antibiotics came along. It was hand-washing. It was clean water. It was sanitation. They have been the big improvements and so I want to reinforce hand-washing and personal hygiene in the middle of this. Let us do that well. For older people it is actually the same advice as for younger people: rehydrate keep warm good hand-washing bland foods and see your family doctor if you are concerned. I would like to extend what my colleague was saying to the medical community and I want to acknowledge them. They are bearing the front-line burden at this point in time. I want to acknowledge general practitioners. They will be working extra hard. I want to acknowledge the nursing teams who work with them. They will be working extra hard. Accident and emergency departments will be working hard as will the hospital doctors. And then there is the whole logistics chain because when you need to rehydrate people it is very likely that you are going to need to bring supplies into the area. So there is there is likely to be an increase in trucking and an increase in logistics to help with this. To the local government leadership thank you for owning this problem. Let us figure it out let us fix it and then let us share the learnings. I think that is the stage that needs to happen here. Then once we have done that let us look back and make good decisions for policies going forward. When we have the facts I am sure we will be in a better place to do that. It is a time for steady hands and doing the simple things. I think that is the message I would like to share here. Thank you."
Carter DavidURGENT DEBATESDrinking-water Contamination—Havelock NorthMr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from the Hon Annette King seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the drinking-water contamination in Havelock North. This is a particular case of recent occurrence. Local authorities supply most drinking water in New Zealand. However the Ministry of Health is responsible for legislation on drinking-water standards and will be involved in the inquiry into the situation in Havelock North. There is ministerial responsibility in this matter.New Zealanders rightfully expect to have safe drinking-water available. The situation in Havelock North is a serious one. A debate is required. I call on the Hon Annette King to move that the House take note of an urgent matter of public importance.
SpeechPOINTS OF ORDERLeave for Third Reading—Airport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment BillHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Noticing that there has been a lot of public comment about the bill that has just been in question and noting also that the Labour Party in particular has said that it could be done in some other particular way—and the last question expressed the time that the House is going to take over this notwithstanding the fact that members have wasted half an hour this afternoon talking about it—Mr SPEAKER: Can I have the point of order please.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: —I wish to seek leave for the Airport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment Bill to be read for a third time with a vote taken without debate forthwith.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Taxation (Business Tax Exchange of Information and Remedial Matters) Bill — First Reading (continued)
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Taxation (Business Tax Exchange of Information and Remedial Matters) Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 108New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 12New Zealand First 12.Bill read a first time.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Just a point: when a party votes against the question it does not automatically mean that there is going to be a party vote. If a party wants a party vote after I have declared the result which is a challenge to the presiding officer a party must call for it.Darroch Ball: Well I did didn't I?The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Well you did eventually but it took some time because I was ready to move on.Bill referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
11. Police Resourcing—NumbersSTUART NASH (Labour—Napier) to the Minister of PolicePolice Resourcing—Numbers11. STUART NASH (Labour—Napier) to the Minister of Police: How soon after signing off on the Police Four Year Strategic Plan in May of this year did she change her mind about there being no increase in police numbers out to 2020?Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police): The 4-year plans reflect the known resources at the time of writing. The next month I met with police to discuss any ongoing concerns regarding demands that they will have in the future particularly around family violence.Stuart Nash: How many extra police officers did she request in the 2016 Budget round?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: What I had requested was funding for police which we got.Stuart Nash: Point of order Mr Speaker.Mr SPEAKER: I will allow the member to re-ask the question. Ask the question again. If the Minister chooses to answer whichever way that is the Minister's business.Stuart Nash: How many extra police officers did she request in the 2016 Budget round?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: I did not ask for extra police; I asked for extra money which is what we got. We got around about close to $300 million to pay for police and also some of the other work that police are doing. I think that is a pretty good outcome for $300 million.Stuart Nash: How much of the $300 million was specifically earmarked for new police officers on the ground?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: I think I have answered that. The member is just refusing to accept that police getting paid properly is part of what Government does.Stuart Nash: When can Kiwis expect to see more police officers on the beat as a result of her admission that she made a mistake and her realisation that more police are needed?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: I certainly have not admitted any mistakes and the member should know that that is not something I would do lightly. He should not try to put words into my mouth.Hon Dr Nick Smith: He's been making a few mistakes of his own.Hon JUDITH COLLINS: He does actually. Just because he is a right-winger and we share certain views there is no need to think he knows me. [Interruption] You think he is a leftie?Mr SPEAKER: Order! I think on this occasion the answer has been given. [Interruption] Order! Dr Smith.Stuart Nash: Let me use some of the Minister's words. When she said twice yesterday that she was looking to the future" does she believe that she has a future as the Minister of Police if she continues to make such fundamental mistakes as agreeing to no increase in police numbers less than 3 months ago and then changing her mind when presented with the facts?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: As I have made very clear I have made no mistakes on this matter at all. In fact I would say to that member that the only one here who should not be talking about mistakes is him."
10. Tourism—Visitor SpendingNUK KORAKO (National) to the Minister of TourismTourism—Visitor Spending10. NUK KORAKO (National) to the Minister of Tourism: What reports has he received about increased spending by tourists visiting this winter?Hon PAULA BENNETT (Associate Minister of Tourism) on behalf of the Minister of Tourism: The latest monthly regional tourism estimates show that there has been a strong start to the winter season with tourists spending more in every region than they did at the same time last year. Otago led the way with $3.2 billion in spending by domestic and international visitors in the year to June an 11 percent increase on the year before. In total six regions saw tourists spend more than $1 billion in their region just in the last year. It is fantastic for the industry that these tourists are getting right round the country.Nuk Korako: What reports has he seen about more tourists staying in regional New Zealand?Hon PAULA BENNETT: June 2016 saw the highest ever number of guest nights for the month of June. Every region in New Zealand saw an increase with the Bay of Plenty Waikato Southland and Northland seeing the biggest increases. This means that all our regional hotels motels holiday parks and backpackers are seeing more people visiting and staying in their towns. Budget 2016 included an extra $12 million in support of regional tourism by helping the regions to pay for their much-needed tourism infrastructure.Nuk Korako: Has he received any reports on upcoming legislation that creates improved processes around recovering lost airline luggage?Hon PAULA BENNETT: Ironically I saw a report just this afternoon of a member's bill that has been drawn that will actually make sure that people are able to recover their lost luggage easily modernising the system yet again into one that is electronic—great for our tourists both international and domestic. I welcome it from the member.
8. Police Minister—StatementsRON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First) to the Minister of PolicePolice Minister—Statements8. RON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First) to the Minister of Police: Does she stand by all her statements; if so how?Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police): Yes; and as to how I have been told quite brilliantly and yet with modesty".Ron Mark: Which of these does she stand by: TV3's The Nation programme on 12 June when she said she was "confident of reducing overall crime and violent crime (including domestic violence) by 20 percent"; or yesterday when she said "there aren't enough police" and that "family violence rates have increased and put pressure on police resources"?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: Both. One is about what has happened and the other is about the increased reporting of family violence that we expect to go up because people have so much confidence in New Zealand Police. Ron Mark: Who in the Far North did she speak to recently who led her to conclude that crime and police resourcing are not a big issue?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: I am not sure that I said that at all but I have spoken to several people in the Far North and many say it has never been quite the same since the Hon John Carter was the member. Ron Mark: On what date was she last in the Far North District given she spent much of the adjournment in the Far North of the United States and Canada?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: Well the member is clearly a bit jealous about my excellent fishing photos and my zip lining. As to the Far North I was there in July. I cannot tell the member the exact dates but I am happy to provide them should he put that on notice. It is obviously such a big issue for him.Ron Mark: Which towns specifically did she visit in the Far North District when she was last there?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: The member really does need to put this down as a written question or as a primary question because I do not normally give a travelogue when I come here. I am going to talk about the Far North. I certainly know I have been to Kaikohe recently I have been to Ngāwhā prison I have been to Kerikeri I have been to Whangarei—I have been to various places in Northland and actually all that distance in between them."
7. Transport Infrastructure—Visitor Information TechnologySARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill) to the Associate Minister of TransportTransport Infrastructure—Visitor Information Technology7. SARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill) to the Associate Minister of Transport: What announcement has the Government recently made around the use of Bluetooth technology in the South Island to deliver information for visiting drivers?Hon CRAIG FOSS (Associate Minister of Transport): Last month the Minister of Transport Simon Bridges and I announced a trial of Bluetooth technology to deliver audio information messages to rental car drivers on the popular Christchurch to Queenstown route. The trial is being run by the New Zealand Transport Agency in partnership with two New Zealand companies: HMI Technologies and Go Rentals. Audible safety messages will be sent by roadside transmitters via Bluetooth to devices fitted in rental vehicles. I invite members to view the information about the trial on the Go Rentals website. The site also includes a map showing where the transmitters are and general information about the trial. I understand that the trial is going very well and that the numbers of those participating has already exceeded expectations.Sarah Dowie: How will this trial complement other initiatives to assist visiting drivers especially those travelling in Southland?Hon CRAIG FOSS: This technology has the potential to improve safety outcomes in remote locations that are the drawcards for many of our visiting drivers. This trial will complement the many other initiatives that are already in place to provide visitors with road safety information at each stage of their journey and holiday in New Zealand: planning booking arriving in New Zealand inflight information and when they are of course actually on our roads. This includes providing information to those who are obtaining visas to come to New Zealand and an additional $25 million investment in the southern regions of New Zealand for funding road improvements and making improvements to roadsides at popular tourist spots including of course those in the Southland area.