edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
8. Science and Research—Regional Research InstitutesMAUREEN PUGH (National) to the Minister of Science and InnovationScience and Research—Regional Research Institutes8. MAUREEN PUGH (National) to the Minister of Science and Innovation: What recent announcements has he made about the Government's Regional Research Institutes initiative?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister of Science and Innovation): In the past week I was very pleased to announce two new regional research institutes for New Zealand. The first of these the New Zealand Institute for Minerals to Materials Research will be based in Greymouth and will use innovative research and manufacturing techniques to help unlock the potential of New Zealand's mineral resources. The second regional research institute and the fourth for New Zealand is Plantech which will be based in Tauranga. Plantech will leverage the Bay of Plenty's strengths in horticulture to accelerate and commercialise research and innovation for the benefit of the region. The regional research institutes' initiatives were announced in Budget 2015 and total Government investment is now $65 million. This investment will help spur innovation in two more regions.Maureen Pugh: Can the Minister outline some of the ways the West Coast will benefit from the new regional research institute?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: Yes I can. An important part of the West Coast economy is mining. The new institute's strategic vision is to reposition this traditional sector by converting minerals into higher-value products which could start a new chapter in the history of the West Coast. There were three initial research areas that we explored: purifying rare-earth elements for use in magnets and lasers; extracting tungsten from goldmining waste; and developing a carbon foam pilot plant. On the commercial front the initiative will be working to develop industry partnerships for syndicated research that increases the value chain for minerals. If successful in its vision the institute will drive a step change not only in New Zealand's mineral manufacturing but in the way we think about our mineral resources altogether.Todd Muller: Can the Minister outline some of the ways the Bay of Plenty region will benefit from the new regional research institute?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: As a matter of fact I can. By connecting and leveraging the existing skills knowledge and resources in the Bay of Plenty horticulture sector this new initiative will make an exciting test bed for research and technology development that could transform the sector. Planned tech will initially focus on research to enable digital automation of devices for growers including robotics and digital sensing. Uptake of these kinds of technology will help improve productivity and sustainability in the horticulture sector and has the potential to drive significant economic benefits for the entire region. Thank you.
6. Inequality Economic and Social—Household Incomes ReportJONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Social DevelopmentInequality Economic and Social—Household Incomes Report6. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Social Development: What recent reports has she received regarding household incomes?Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Social Development): This morning the Ministry of Social Development released its latest household incomes report which shows that median household incomes rose 3 percent in real terms in the year to June 2016. Since 2008 median household incomes have risen by around 11 percent more than inflation which is a lot stronger than many other OECD countries where real household incomes remain at or around pre - global financial crisis levels. This Government's focus on building a strong economy is delivering for New Zealanders and their families.Jonathan Young: What else does the Ministry of Social Development's household incomes report show?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: More positive news. The report shows that there is no evidence of any sustained rise or fall in the [before housing cost] household income inequality in the last 10-15 years." The report also shows that the net improvement at the top of each income decile has been reasonably even across the board. This means that not only does the report show that incomes are rising the pleasing news is that these increases are fairly evenly distributed across all income deciles. Both lower and higher income households are getting the benefit of a strong and growing economy.Jonathan Young: What does the report show us in regard to material hardship trends?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: As this House knows the report takes a multi-level multi-measure approach as there are different dimensions that need to be considered. For one of these—income poverty—the report shows that there is no evidence of any rise in recent years in income-poverty trends using anchored-line measures either before or after housing costs. The trends are either flat or falling. Secondly in terms of hardship rates for children using the less-severe measure there is a clear drop from the peak of 20 percent from when National first came to office down to 12 percent. This means that child hardship numbers have decreased from 220000 to 135000 in 2015-16. But it is important to note that the report does not show the impact of this Government's $2 billion Family Incomes Package nor does it show the impact of the child material hardship package and the first increase in benefits in over 40 years."
4. Roading East Coast—State Highway 35MARAMA FOX (Co-Leader—Māori Party) to the Minister of TransportRoading East Coast—State Highway 354. MARAMA FOX (Co-Leader—Māori Party) to the Minister of Transport: Will he be committing any more resources to State Highway 35 over and above what was announced yesterday that would enable other road upgrades and not just toilets and rest stops?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Transport): Firstly can I just acknowledge the member's advocacy for the region and make quite clear—look as she said there has been investment through the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan. There is a lot we are doing in the Gisborne region whether it is passing lanes whether it is the Mōtū Bridge or whether it is the rest areas she mentions the Horoera Bridge the Great Rides" and more. Between 2015 and 2018 the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) invested approximately $113 million into the East Coast's land transport network. What I can say to the member is given the very large capital investment that we have seen and that is coming through the next NLTP from this Government I expect there will be additional investments made both into the East Coast generally and also into State Highway 35 specifically.Marama Fox: Can the Minister explain the correlation between the highway number 35 and the number of years 35 that the slip south of Ruatōria has reduced the highway to one lane through a particularly windy stretch of road?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: I suspect probably not. I think what I can say to the member is look I totally acknowledge as Minister but also as a New Zealander that we have real issues with resilience. We have seen that in Kaikōura we have seen that in the Manawatū Gorge we have seen that in Coromandel on State Highway 25 and there are those issues also on the East Coast. I think what is good news is with the very strong economy we have we are able to invest back into these issues to make for more permanent resilient solutions. As I say I appreciate the advocacy that the member makes.Marama Fox: Given that the slip has existed for 35 years will he agree to an investigation to find out what it would take to fix the road on State Highway 35 south of Ruatōria; if not why not?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: I am uncertain about that specific slip. I think what we can say though is through the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan we are developing an integrated transport priority plan for the region. We are investigating upgrades on State Highway 2 from Napier through Gisborne to Ōpōtiki. We have got an investigation under way into upgrades to State Highway 35 and its connecting routes and that may well deal with the issues the member raises. Then also look there are the things that she mentioned in the substantive question about rest areas Horoera Bridge and the 7 kilometre link between State Highway 2 and the Mōtū "Great Ride"."
3. Housing Supply—Crown Infrastructure PartnersANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of FinanceHousing Supply—Crown Infrastructure Partners3. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of Finance: How is the Government helping councils increase housing supply?Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Finance): On Sunday the Government announced that Crown Fibre Holdings our successful ultra-fast broadband investment company will be repurposed as Crown Infrastructure Partners to introduce new ways of funding the roading and water infrastructure needed to build further houses in our fast-growing cities. Right now some councils are starting to come up against their borrowing limits limiting how much extra land they can open up for development and constraining their supply of housing. Supported by up to $600 million in capital from the Crown Crown Infrastructure Partners will use private capital to keep the debt off councils' books and ensure that growth pays for growth in our fastest-growing cities.Andrew Bayly: What are the first projects Crown Infrastructure Partners will assess?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: The Auckland South project is the first that will be assessed as a possible special-purpose vehicle project. It forms part of a large $387 million infrastructure development opportunity to the south of Auckland City including investments in water networks new train stations and major new roading arterial projects. If successful this will increase the supply of new houses in that area by around 17800 where the current infrastructure can support only 3000 houses. Another project is in Wainui an area to the north of Auckland. Investments in roading and water infrastructure there have the capacity to lift development from 2000 houses to 5500 houses.Andrew Bayly: Will Crown Infrastructure Partners be open to councils around the country?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Yes it will. The goal with Crown Infrastructure Partners is to transform how local council infrastructure is funded in high-growth councils throughout New Zealand using the commercial expertise and experience that Crown Fibre Holdings has gained through the successful ultra-fast broadband programme. As such it will be open to all councils that put forward high-quality development proposals that fast track the supply of new housing and supply funding over time to support their finance.Andrew Bayly: What other moves has the Government made in respect of housing infrastructure?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Just over 2 weeks ago the Government announced the funding for nine key local infrastructure projects as part of the $1 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund. The interest-free loans and advances extended to the fast-growing councils of Auckland Hamilton Waikato Tauranga and Queenstown Lakes will open up enough land to build 60000 new houses over the next 10 years. Crown Infrastructure Partners is the logical next step in infrastructure funding following the Housing Infrastructure Fund.
Tirikatene Rino; Tisch LindsayRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): Tēnā koe Mr Chair. In my contribution to this debate I will be concentrating on Vote Customs. Vote Customs is the oldest Government department in New Zealand—177 years old. It is generally a very high-performing organisation. It has just won a recent award. The vote appropriation for Customs is not insubstantial; it is around $216 million that is being sought. On the face of it Customs is a very experienced very focused organisation or so we would have thought. Just in terms of a few short questions that I posed to the Comptroller of Customs and to the Minister during the committee in relation to an estimation—The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): I am sorry to interrupt the honourable member. The time has come for me to report progress.Debate interrupted.House resumed.The Chairperson reported progress on the Appropriation (2017/18 Estimates) Bill and no progress on the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.Report adopted.The House adjourned at 9.56 p.m.
Rurawhe AdrianADRIAN RURAWHE (Labour—Te Tai Hauāuru): Tēnā koe e Te Heamana o Te Komiti o Te Whare tēnā tātou katoa. Well I can only say that anyone who has taken over the portfolio of school property has received a hospital pass because as the select committee report noted there are 214 schools that are over capacity right now. So ka aroha atu ki Te Minita kia kaha because I think that in the Estimates from my view of the world there is not enough money in there to do all the things not only for those 214 schools but also for the many schools that are reaching capacity and no doubt will go over.That is not actually what I want to talk about. I am really disappointed about these Estimates because I believe that education is about the future. There is a saying in Māori that basically says that for the bird that feeds off education his or hers is the world. That is really about protecting the future and I look at these Estimates and I feel really concerned about the future—what it holds for the next two generations. For example how does this Budget and these Estimates address the issue of the high number of young people not in education at all and not in employment or training? There is a real deficit in these Estimates. We need to do something a lot better for the young people in particular of the current generation.It would be far better to have a Budget that actually funds properly the whole of the next generation's future. For example I think the pressure on families today to make ends meet—and when you think about those young people who are growing up not only in overcrowded schools but also in overcrowded garages or in a car that is 40000 people in total. What sort of future does this Budget hold for them? I worry about them. I worry about how the next generation is going to take care of the current generation for example with the growing number of elderly people—none of us in this House are getting any younger. Actually we are not representative really of the entirety of our country. So I worry about that.I worry that there is not enough money to address things like dyslexia. I was speaking to a family in Tokoroa only last week—a dad who was trying to do the best for his family. He ended up having to pay more than $2000 to have his son assessed and it turned out that this young boy of 9 years old had dyslexia. Then and only then did that family receive the kind of support that they really did need. But if that family had not gone out on a limb and actually paid that money to have their child assessed that boy would be sitting in an overcrowded classroom not receiving the kind of education he deserves. All of our young people deserve better.I think that things like removing school donations or giving schools the option of buying into what we on this side of the House are proposing which is to eliminate the pressure on families that some schools place on their families that our families can ill afford are some of the things that one could do to ease the pressure on our families.
SpeechThe CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): I am going to call the Minister in the chair but I am going to again remind people of the parameters of this debate. We are voting on the estimates of expenditure and therefore we have to say whether we are supporting them and why or whether we are opposing them and why; whether they should be adjusted up or down and why or whether there is an alternative expenditure and why. But they are about expenditure.
SpeechESTIMATES DEBATEIn CommitteeThe CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): The Standing Orders provide for 11 hours of debate on the Estimates. The Business Committee has determined that the Estimates debate be divided into 10 separate debates covering the sectors set out in the Estimates of Appropriations for 2017-18. Each debate will be led by a call from the chairperson of the select committee nominated by the Government as the major committee reporting on the sector. The Labour Party will have two calls the Green Party will have one call New Zealand First will have one call and the Minister in the chair will have three calls in response—all are 5-minute calls. Members may take unused allocated calls later in the Estimates debate. In addition there are 52 5-minute supplementary calls that have been allocated to parties that may be taken as parties see fit during those 10 separate debates. At the end of each debate the question will be put that the votes in each sector stand part of the schedules.The time taken on each question is in the hands of members depending on parties' use of their allocation of supplementary calls. However this debate expires after 11 hours. The Estimates debate should be relevant to the Government's current spending plans as contained in the Estimates of Appropriations. All of the votes are available for debate. A compendium of the reports of select committees on the votes is available on the Table.
Urgent Debates — Ministry of Transport—Treatment of Whistleblowers (continued)
Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 2 to Minister
English BillAMENDED ANSWERS TO ORAL QUESTIONSQuestion No. 2 to MinisterRt Hon BILL ENGLISH (Prime Minister): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I just want to correct an answer I gave to a supplementary question in question No. 2—I am sorry; I am seeking leave to correct an answer.Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Leave is put for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.Rt Hon BILL ENGLISH: In answer to a supplementary question I said we have more State houses than we have had before. I should have said we have more emergency houses than we have seen before.
Urgent Debates — Ministry of Transport—Treatment of Whistleblowers
Points of Order — Written Questions—Interim Answers
Points of Order — Parliamentary Service—Information Technology Services
Visitors — Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources House of Representatives
Carter DavidURGENT DEBATESTransport Ministry—Joanne Harrison Case Treatment of WhistleblowersMr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from Andrew Little seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the finding that staff of the Ministry of Transport were disadvantaged after they raised concerns about the conduct of Joanne Harrison. The finding was set out in the report of the investigation into whistleblower treatment within the Ministry of Transport released by the State Services Commissioner. The release of the findings on this matter is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility.The matter raised by Mr Little is a very serious one. The Public Service has a reputation for professionalism and integrity. The findings in this case risk damage to that reputation. Public servants were disadvantaged for doing the right thing in reporting conduct that was later found to be criminal. Such cases are rare but they deserve the attention of this House.
Hipkins Chris; Carter DavidWritten Questions—Interim AnswersCHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I do have a matter that is more directly related to the functioning of the House and that is to do with interim answers to written parliamentary questions. Under the Standing Orders and Speakers' rulings Ministers can give an interim answer only where there is substantial collation required for an answer. We have seen a pattern in the last week or two where Ministers are giving interim answers to a wide range of written parliamentary questions and potentially deferring the obligation to provide an answer until after the period in which the Parliament is dissolved which means that they then will not be answered.The Opposition has an obvious concern about that in that we think that Ministers should supply an answer if it can be given and is consistent with the public interest and they should be using those interim replies only if they cannot collate the information in the time frame available. If they are giving an interim reply they should certainly give an indication as to when that information is likely to be available. We have had examples where Ministers have given a reply saying that they will make the information available when they can. The member has then gone back and said When will that be?" and they have given another answer that says "When I get around to it." or "When I can." without giving any specificity around when that will be. Clearly there is an agenda there to defer it. We want to make sure that that information is released before the election.Mr SPEAKER: That is a very important part of our democratic process. I assure the member I will look at that immediately after question time and hopefully will be in a position to make a more substantial ruling to the House tomorrow."
Prosser Richard; Carter DavidPOINTS OF ORDERParliamentary ICT System—BlackBerry Service and Intranet ChangesRICHARD PROSSER (NZ First): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I wish to bring to your attention two concerns regarding the reliability of parliamentary information technology. I would respectfully ask you to investigate how it was that on 14 July all Apple iPhone users lost email access through BlackBerry why now 11 days on some MPs are still without email access on mobile devices and whether there is an issue with Parliamentary Service testing systems before deployment because we do have reports of compliant non-Apple devices struggling with the BlackBerry service.The second issue is that I would respectfully ask whether you are able to report back to the House as to why the intranet has been very heavily modified just before the final sitting block of this Parliament in a way that effectively treats core parliamentary business such as Hansard the Order Paper and oral questions as options to be located manually when in fact they are critical functions.Mr SPEAKER: I will have a look at both of those matters and respond directly to the member.
Carter DavidTUESDAY 25 JULY 2017Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VISITORSAustralia—Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources House of RepresentativesMr SPEAKER: Honourable members I am sure that members would wish to welcome members of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources from the Australian House of Representatives led by the Chairperson Rick Wilson who are present in the gallery.[Applause]
Tuesday 30 May 2017 - Volume 722
Subordinate Legislation Confirmation Bill (No 3) — First Reading
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill — First Reading
Thursday 23 March 2017 - Volume 721
Thursday 25 May 2017 - Volume 722
Appropriation (2017/18 Estimates) Bill — First Reading
Appropriation (2016/17 Supplementary Estimates) Bill — Procedure
Tuesday 6 June 2017 - Volume 723
Budget Debate
Appropriation (2017/18 Estimates) Bill — Procedure
Wednesday 5 July 2017 - Volume 723
Children Young Persons and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Bill — In Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Chairperson report progress presently.Ayes 105New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 31; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 14Green Party 14.Progress to be reported presently.
11. Budget 2017—Northland Schools and Kura CapacityDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Associate Minister of EducationBudget 2017—Northland Schools and Kura Capacity11. Dr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Associate Minister of Education: What recent announcements has he made following Budget 2017 in regards to increasing capacity at Northland schools and kura?Hon TIM MACINDOE (Associate Minister of Education): As part of our continued commitment to the Northland region the Hon Nikki Kaye and I were pleased to announce that Budget 2017 will provide $5.5 million for 11 new and replacement classrooms at three schools and kura in the region. These new classrooms will accommodate an additional 140 student places and will upgrade existing school infrastructure. This Government believes in the potential of Northland's young people. These new classrooms will enable these schools and kura to help their tamariki to reach their potential.Dr Shane Reti: How will local schools and kura benefit from this investment?Hon TIM MACINDOE: I am very pleased to inform the excellent and hard-working member for Whangarei that two schools in his electorate are set to benefit from this investment. Ruakākā School will see three new classrooms built and Ngunguru School will receive two new and four replacement classrooms. I also had the privilege of visiting Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe yesterday to announce that we will provide it with two new classrooms. That is a kura that is thriving under strong leadership and is seeing a rapid growth in its roll and I have to say yesterday the tamariki were stunningly talented very appreciative and their welcome was spine-tingling.Tracey Martin: What actions has he taken to alleviate the overcrowding at Kaipara College in Helensville which is currently running at 135 percent?Hon TIM MACINDOE: I do not have that specific information available to me but I can tell that member that this Government has already invested $5 billion in school infrastructure since it came to office plus there is more than $4 billion coming in the next 4 years. The ministry is working with schools to ensure that a long-term procedure is implemented and I can assure the member that everything is being done in a decent and proper fashion in the best interests of those schools and their children.
9. Fuel Market—Financial Performance Study ResultsSARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesFuel Market—Financial Performance Study Results9. SARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What recent announcements has she made about the Fuel Market Financial Performance Study?Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Energy and Resources): Yesterday I released a study into New Zealand's retail fuel market. The report takes us a big step forward in our understanding of fuel margins. It confirms that the market has features that may not be consistent with a workably competitive market and that retail fuel margins have increased significantly over the last 5 years while fuel margins for aviation and commercial road users have been flat or falling. It also shows that higher petrol prices in the South Island and Wellington are not explained by higher costs in those areas. The report shows that fuel margins have steadily increased from 9.1c per litre at the start of 2010 to 29.5c per litre in May 2017.Sarah Dowie: Why did she call for the Fuel Market Financial Performance Study?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: I called for the study in February after hearing concerns about petrol prices from the public and also Mr Stuart Nash and after asking the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment for advice on fuel margins.Hon Simon Bridges: Are you trying to see him deselected?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: Ha! I wanted to know that fuel prices were reasonable and that motorists were getting a fair deal and I was concerned that this might not be the case. The report demonstrates that we were right to be concerned. It shows that for the last quarter of 2016 New Zealand's pre-tax fuel price was the highest in the OECD. Each cent in margins represents $30 million in extra costs for consumers annually. This is really big. Margin increases over the last 5 years can be measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars.Sarah Dowie: What are the next steps in the process?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: That is an excellent question. I have asked fuel companies to provide a formal response to the study by the end of September. My officials will then assess the recommendations of the study alongside the response from the fuel companies and report back to me by November. In addition of course on the advice of the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs the Hon Jacqui Dean Cabinet has agreed to support an amendment to the Commerce Act to give them information-gathering powers which can be used at the discretion of Cabinet to properly examine competition in markets just such as this.
6. Building Standards—Earthquake Safety and New LawBRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister for Building and ConstructionBuilding Standards—Earthquake Safety and New Law6. BRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister for Building and Construction: What steps has the Government taken to support councils in implementing the new law taking effect this week requiring upgrades of earthquake-prone buildings?Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for Building and Construction): The major change with the new law is a nationally consistent approach to dealing with earthquake-prone buildings rather than letting each council determine its own policy. Last week Cabinet passed detailed regulations to help councils identify potentially earthquake-prone buildings and adopted the engineering guidelines to support more consistent assessments. This comprehensive package of measures puts New Zealand at the forefront of countries managing seismic risk and alongside the changes to the Earthquake Commission improved new-build standards and the much improved civil defence and emergency system changes ensures New Zealand is better able to manage these earthquake risks in future.Brett Hudson: How does the new law address the significant variation in risk from earthquakes across New Zealand?Hon Dr NICK SMITH: The seismic risk is greatest in those parts of New Zealand that are straddling the Pacific and Australasian plates from Greymouth in the south-west through Wellington and to Gisborne in the north-east. The existing building code requires buildings in those areas to be effectively three times as strong as those in low-risk areas like Dunedin and Auckland. But the new law also graduates the timetable for the assessments and the upgrades of the earthquake-prone buildings. High-risk areas must be assessed within 5 years and upgraded within 15 medium-risk areas have 10 years for assessment and 25 years to be upgraded and in those low-risk areas it is 15 years and 35 years. The policy also rightly prioritises schools hospitals and emergency buildings requiring these to be assessed and upgraded in half of that time.
Tolley AnneHon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Children): I am delighted to be able to tell that member that that is exactly what we have put into the principles of this bill. So first of all if I take the member quickly through the principles on page 19 recognising that child and the best interests of that child are at the centre around that is the family the whānau the iwi and the hapū and the responsibility to work with them to support them because they are an integral part of that child's life. Then there is the further circle of recognising the connections of the child to the wider community.Many of the young people have told me themselves that whereas their family might not be as close and as supportive as they would like and need sometimes there is someone or something in the community that they are connected to and that can be used. That is really what the principles in new section 5 inserted by clause 8 are setting out to explain. All of that has to be taken into account. As I said earlier in the Committee the underlying principle is that it is the primary responsibility of the family the whānau the iwi and the hapū to be responsible for the nurturing and the developing of that child. That has to underpin everything we do. The best place for every child is with their family. We must do everything we can as early as we can to ensure that we have strong and supportive families so our children can grow up successful and thriving.
Tolley AnneHon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Children): I will just very quickly answer the questions. The member is a little mischievous to compare the two. One is about professionals who are concerned that a child is at risk of being harmed sharing the information that they have about that child and their family with the attempt by the Ministry of Social Development to collect individual client-level data.Yes I have had several discussions—many discussions actually—with the Privacy Commissioner and with the Children's Commissioner on this particular issue. In fact we traversed this when we were setting up the Hamilton children's team and the Privacy Commissioner did a lot of work on our behalf trying to develop the approved information sharing agreement (AISA) which is what he is proposing that we have in this piece of legislation. In the end no one other than Government agencies has signed up to that AISA even to today—2 years down the track—no NGOs. In fact I have letters from NGOs saying that they were not prepared to sign up to that. Now I do not know about that member but I have been to a number of meetings over the years following a child's death at the hands of a family member where in a room with a whole lot of groups of NGOs and Government agencies everyone sat around and worked out that they all had a different piece of the jigsaw puzzle that made up that child and that family's life but no one had the whole picture.So the idea of this bespoke information-sharing regime is that when a child's life or well-being is at risk that group of professionals is able to share that information if it is in the best interests of the child. They will be protected. The example that I give is—and we have had it before—where a child is at serious risk and the health professional sitting at the table has very pertinent information about the mental well-being of one of the family members often the parent and is afraid to share that information because there was an unclear gap between the Child Youth and Family legislation and the Privacy Act. What happened was the children were the ones that missed out because that information was not shared—an important piece of information if you want to make changes to support that child and their family. So I reject the assertions that I have run roughshod over the Privacy Commissioner's advice. I have worked with him very closely to try to achieve something that he would be comfortable with. In the end it did not work for the children on the ground and again if you have got a child-centred system you have to go with what is in the best interests of a child.
Tisch LindsayCHILDREN YOUNG PERSONS AND THEIR FAMILIES (ORANGA TAMARIKI) LEGISLATION BILLIn CommitteeThe CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): We now turn to the Children Young Persons and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Bill. The Business Committee has determined that this bill will be taken as one question for the purposes of the debate which will not exceed 3½ hours. The four-call limit will not apply.
Ross Jami-LeeJAMI-LEE ROSS (Senior Whip—National): I move That the Chairperson report progress presently. The Committee will then move to consider the Children Young Persons and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Bill.
Thursday 29 June 2017 - Volume 723
Children Young Persons and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the amendments recommended by the Social Services Committee by majority be agreed to.Ayes 60New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 58New Zealand Labour 30; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2.Question agreed to.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 60 Noes 56.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): We are in the voting process and the Clerk has called for the vote. The phone call comes second.Matt Doocey: Sorry I did not hear the vote. Sorry Mr Assistant Speaker.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): We are voting on the motion and the Clerk has called for parties to exercise their vote. I am asking the Clerk to start again.A party vote was called for on the question That the Children Young Persons and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 60New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 58New Zealand Labour 30; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2.Bill read a second time.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 60 Noes 56.
VoteThe question was put that the amendments recommended by the Local Government and Environment Committee by majority be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be agreed to.Ayes 60New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 59New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2.Question agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) be now read a second time.Ayes 60New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 59New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2.Bill read a second time.
Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) — Second Reading
12. Schools Buildings—Wairarapa CollegeALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa) to the Associate Minister of EducationSchools Buildings—Wairarapa College12. ALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa) to the Associate Minister of Education: What recent announcements has he made to improve school infrastructure in the Wairarapa?Hon TIM MACINDOE (Associate Minister of Education): I am pleased to advise the House that the Government recently announced that we would be investing around $10 million to redevelop Masterton's Wairarapa College in the member's electorate. This brings the total investment in school redevelopments in the Greater Wellington region to around $127 million in the past 18 months alone.Alastair Scott: How will this investment benefit students and teachers at Wairarapa College?Hon TIM MACINDOE: Wairarapa College is one of the oldest schools in the region and has some wonderful buildings with great heritage value but as a result of that age some of the buildings are now regrettably in poor condition. The students and teachers of the school will benefit from significant classroom upgrades new gymnasium changing rooms a teaching area in that gymnasium and the replacement of the school's boiler. The school's principal has been quoted recently as saying that this $10 million grant will enable the school to continue to improve its commitment to providing the best education they can." [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! That concludes questions for oral answer. [Interruption] Order! I do not have to keep calling for order from people who will not respect when I ask for a bit of cooperation. If I have got to ask another member to leave I will not hesitate to do so."
9. Wellington—Disaster PreparednessBRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister of Local GovernmentWellington—Disaster Preparedness9. BRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister of Local Government: What recent announcements has she made regarding Wellington's resilience to natural hazards?Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Local Government): This week along with Minister Guy we were pleased to announce a $12 million fifty-fifty partnership to shore up the Wellington region's water resilience through funding 22 new community water stations throughout Wellington Porirua Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. Wellington City is unique in the sense that it does not have its own water supply—nor does Porirua—and with the increased risk of seismic activity following Kaikōura this was seen as a necessary project. It is a fantastic example of central and local government working together to address an extremely important issue. I am proud to be part of a Government that has delivered a strong and growing economy which means we have the ability to partner in great initiatives like this.Brett Hudson: How will this investment futureproof Wellington's water resilience?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: Access to safe healthy water is absolutely essential after a disaster. Parts of the Wellington region could be without tap water for up to 100 days following a major earthquake as a result of damage to the water supply network and potential access difficulties. This new investment will ensure that adequate temporary water supplies are available in the end of a major disruption until the bulk supply can be restored. The 22 new local bore and stream-fed emergency water hubs are expected to be completed in the next 12 months. However Wellingtonians should always be prepared and have water stored at home.Brett Hudson: What will this mean for residents in Wellington in the event of a major event?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: The goal of this work is that there will be an improved level of service for the supply of emergency water which will mean that no one will have to walk more than 1 kilometre or 500 metres in hilly areas to collect water. More than 300 water bladders will be purchased and stored at the water stations which can be transported into communities in the event of a major disaster giving people access to clean and safe drinking water.
7. Budget 2017—Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders and Victim SupportMAUREEN PUGH (National) to the Minister of CorrectionsBudget 2017—Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders and Victim Support7. MAUREEN PUGH (National) to the Minister of Corrections: How is Budget 2017 investing in rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes for offenders?Hon LOUISE UPSTON (Minister of Corrections): Budget 2017 will invest $18.6 million over 4 years to expand industry treatment and learning programmes for offenders. The Government is committed to reducing reoffending through interventions that are aimed at addressing the drivers of crime. We want offenders to be better equipped for life in the community when they come out. Corrections will expand four of its most effective programmes: education alcohol and drug treatment services intensive rehabilitation for violent offenders and reintegration support for offenders when they leave prison. These programmes will reduce further offending and the subsequent harm to both individuals and communities.Maureen Pugh: What results has the Government's investment in rehabilitation and reintegration delivered?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: We have made great strides in helping offenders to get the life skills they need to turn their lives around. Corrections will invest around $190 million in rehabilitation and reintegration this year. That is a 60 percent increase since 2008. The total number of offenders in a rehabilitation programme has risen from 9300 in 2008 to over 33500 this year. That represents an increase of around 260 percent. The September 2016 Better Public Service targets results show a 4.4 percent reduction in reoffending and a 26 percent reduction in the number of reoffenders. This means there have been over 9400 fewer offenders and almost 38000 fewer victims of crime since 2011. We will continue to invest in rehabilitation and reintegration programmes with the goal of breaking the cycle of reoffending.Mahesh Bindra: What is Budget 2017 providing to the victims of crime or is the Government interested only in the rights of prisoners?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: This Government is clearly through the Better Public Service targets reducing the number of crimes against people and clearly that is focused on victims because we want fewer of them.Mahesh Bindra: What assurance can she give victims of serious and sexual assaults that their interests will be put before criminals'?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: Since we came into office in 2008 there have been a raft of measures we have put in place to support victims. As I said in my answer the fact that we have been focused on reducing reoffending—we have 38000 fewer victims of crime. If that is not a result I do not know what is.
6. Todd Barclay—Southland Electorate Office Allegations Ministerial ConductRON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First) to the Prime MinisterTodd Barclay—Southland Electorate Office Allegations Ministerial Conduct6. RON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements on the Clutha-Southland electorate office issue even if facts known to him make doing so extraordinarily difficult?Mr SPEAKER: In so far as there may be prime ministerial responsibility I call the Hon Steven Joyce on behalf of the Prime Minister.Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Finance) on behalf of the Prime Minister: Those statements were not made in his capacity as Prime Minister.Ron Mark: With regard to recent comments made by him in the media relating to texts sent by the former Minister of Finance that read Everyone unhappy" other than the Prime Minister who else was he talking about?Mr SPEAKER: Again in so far as there may be prime ministerial responsibility—the Hon Steven Joyce on behalf of the Prime Minister.Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Those statements were not made in his ministerial capacity.Kris Faafoi: Different phone was it?Ron Mark: Good point. Since 18 May can he categorically say that no current or former Minister has listened to the recording Mr Barclay offered to play to him which allegedly talks about sex and illicit drug use?Mr SPEAKER: Again in so far as there may be prime ministerial responsibility the Hon Steven Joyce on behalf of the Prime Minister. Hon STEVEN JOYCE: I doubt that any member would have been listening to that in their ministerial capacity. Ron Mark: How can New Zealanders have confidence in a Prime Minister who in his role as Deputy Prime Minister told the media he had no knowledge of any tape only to be countered shortly thereafter by the then Prime Minister who told the media: "I only know what Bill told me."? Hon STEVEN JOYCE: I think the public can have confidence not just in the Prime Minister but in his Government. Indeed they regularly show that they do have that confidence and of course they will have the opportunity to reconsider that confidence and decide whether they continue with it in September. [Interruption] Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member will just stand and ask his questions without that unnecessary introduction. Ron Mark: Thank you Mr Speaker—[Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have made my point to the member. It does not need to be reinforced by members on my right-hand side. Ron Mark: Will the Prime Minister go on Hansard to confirm that when the former Minister of Finance confirmed the use of the National leader's budget to settle a former staff member's privacy breach it had a parliamentary purpose and that such payment was compliant and legal? Mr SPEAKER: Order! That question is completely out of order and conflicts with Speaker's ruling 173/1."