edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
8. Question No. 8—ConservationANGELA ROBERTS (Labour) to the Minister of ConservationQuestion No. 8—Conservation8. ANGELA ROBERTS (Labour) to the Minister of Conservation: What recent announcements has she made regarding Jobs for Nature funding for the restoration of the Whanganui River?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister of Conservation): Last month I announced that $7.8 million in Jobs for Nature funding would be provided to Te Awa Tupua o Whanganui a project led by Ngā Tāngata Tiaki. The project will employ at least 66 people over four years and work will focus on mitigating soil erosion improving freshwater quality and enhancing the biodiversity values of the river. It is incredibly valuable work not only for the impact it will have on the everyday lives of the people that are undertaking that work but for the enduring impact it will have on the river and its communities.Angela Roberts: What will this investment mean for the health of the river?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: The project will deliver a range of conservation outcomes including 290 kilometres of riparian fencing the planting of more than 600000 native trees to protect the health of the river and possible development of wetlands. There will also be freshwater fish habitat restoration pest and weed control as well as the establishment of multiple native nurseries to develop the plants and seedlings for the ongoing project.Angela Roberts: What co-governance arrangements have been put in place for the river and how does this project interact with them?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: Well it's a good question. In 2017 the National Government recognised the Whanganui River in law as a living and indivisible whole" Te Awa Tupua through the Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act. The Act established co-governance arrangements including Te Pou Tupua the human face that represents the river comprising Crown and iwi nominees; and Te Kōpuka a permanent joint committee under the Local Government Act acting as a strategy group for the river with delegated planning powers comprised of members including iwi appointees. The Department of Conservation is supporting Te Kōpuka to develop Te Heke Ngahuru the strategy for Te Awa Tupua and the Mouri Tūroa project which will support this kaupapa through the focus of the restoration of the awa and the reclamation of tikanga."
5. Question No. 5—TransportTĀMATI COFFEY (Labour) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 5—Transport5. TĀMATI COFFEY (Labour) to the Minister of Transport: What recent updates has he received on the repair work to the Tairāwhiti State highway network following recent weather events in the region? Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): On Saturday I visited Tai Rāwhiti with my colleague the Hon Meka Whaitiri to see firsthand the progress made in cleaning up after devastating flooding last week in the region. We recognise how much the people who live in our regional and remote Tai Rāwhiti communities rely on the access that State Highway 35 provides for essential supplies and services. It was therefore a real privilege to be able to attend the blessing for the Mangahauini Bridge at Tokomaru Bay as it opened for traffic days ahead of schedule. I'd like to say a special thanks to the main contractor Downer's and the amazing local contractors Blackbee Contractors who have been working day and night in trying conditions to help get these communities moving again. Tāmati Coffey: How have the community chipped in to assist the clean-up efforts? Hon MICHAEL WOOD: There were nearly 120 people involved in the repair and clean-up work on Tai Rāwhiti's State highways ranging from traffic management and arborists to those operating excavators graders and diggers from inside and outside the Tai Rāwhiti region and much of that work goes on. In particular crews have worked tirelessly to install well in excess of 4000 tonnes of rock to form the base for the new Mangahauini Bridge support and allow for the bridge approach to be reinstated. This is a real testament to the value of local procurement and the importance of the community places on essential transport links. I can also shout out to the aunties who put on an awesome feed at the Tokomaru Bay hall and the excellent pāua pies that were provided to everyone. Tāmati Coffey: What are the next steps for Tai Rāwhiti's response to the storm? Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Contractors will continue work to futureproof the bridge which will be sealed this Thursday. Works will continue around the edges of the bridge and in the river to futureproof it. State Highway 35 does for the time being remain closed north of Tokomaru Bay through to Te Puia Springs. This section has seen significant damage to the road which I reviewed including major cracks and uneven surfaces slumping and two major drop-outs. Access is expected to be restored later this week with restrictions such as daytime opening only and a number of traffic management controls along the route. Once remedial works are done and the winter season has completed we'll also be proceeding with long-awaited Provincial Growth Fund - funded works to improve the resilience and safety of State Highway 35.
1. Question No. 1—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Finance1. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The Crown Accounts released this morning continue to reflect the strong position New Zealand finds itself in as we meet the current global economic challenges. For the eight months to the end of February the Operating Balance before Gains and Losses—the OBEGAL deficit—was $8.3 billion $4.4 billion below that forecast in December's Half-year Economic and Fiscal Update. Net core Crown debts stood at 35.2 percent of GDP $1.9 billion less than had been expected and significantly below the countries with which we compare ourselves. Our strong position gives us the ability to provide meaningful support to low and middle income earners at this time invest in meeting the long-term opportunities and challenges facing the New Zealand economy while keeping a careful eye on our overall long-term fiscal position.Dr Duncan Webb: What do the Crown Accounts indicate about the economic prospects for 2022?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Crown Accounts results reflect the strength of the economy and that we have come through COVID not only with one of the best health responses in the world but one of the strongest economic outcomes globally. We do need to acknowledge however that 2022 will be a challenging year for many households and businesses and we will need to take a cautious approach to support them through this. We are in a strong position to do this. But as the International Monetary Fund said last week when they congratulated New Zealand for our strong fiscal and economic position they also warned against tax cuts at this time while the economy is rebuilding.Dr Duncan Webb: What other reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The resilience of the jobs market is continuing to support the economy. Last week Stats New Zealand did report that filled jobs in February had edged down by 0.3 percent compared with January but still remaining at record highs of 2.29 million people in work. The SEEK New Zealand Employment Report released today shows a number of job advertisements in March rose 2 percent compared with February to a record high. On an annual basis growth was 27 percent. And TradeMe reported today that there was a record 81984 vacancies listed on its site in the March quarter. They also indicated that wages were rising with the average salary for advertised roles—up 4 percent to $65799. The strong jobs market shows that the Government's actions in response to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic have proven to be the best economic approach. The opening of borders to foreign workers and tourists will also accelerate this recovery.
Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Amendment Bill — Third reading
Rurawhe AdrianHon DAVID BENNETT (National): Thank you Mr Speaker. There's general agreement between all the parties here and I don't want to take too much time because we can possibly finish it off in a quick way. It's a power that will actually benefit a lot of iwi and New Zealand in total. We looking forward to it passing through this House.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Members it has come time for me to leave the Chair. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 12 April 2022. Pō mārie.The House adjourned at 4.55 p.m.
SpeechPAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai) (remote): Tēnā koe e te Māngai o te Whare. It's a pleasure to speak on this the third reading of the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Amendment Bill. It's been a really good experience to be on the Māori Affairs Committee and seeing this through. Essentially this provides for the full and final settlement of all Māori commercial aquaculture claims since September 1992.We had submitters come in and clearly articulate the issues that were needed to be sorted and essentially the proposed changes will ensure that those aquaculture settlement assets are delivered to what are called iwi aquaculture organisations that wish to claim the assets it is agreed they are entitled to within a time frame. Secondly it will protect those interests of the iwi who choose not to claim the aquaculture settlement assets they are entitled to within that time frame. And of course it assists the Crown us to fulfil its full settlement obligations. This is something that's been long overlooked. I'm really happy that we've been part of—this Government put together an aquaculture strategy released in 2019 that recognises these issues and I commend this bill to the House.
Collins JudithHon JUDITH COLLINS (National—Papakura): Thank you Mr Speaker. I'm happy to support this bill as is the National Party. This really does address an issue whereby some settlements have not been able to be properly completed because of either disagreements or inability to reach settlements between different interests of iwi. That's holding everybody back so we need to just get on with it.I think too that what people may not be always aware of is that as we're talking about the kai moana in the sea we've got right at the moment technology and research science working very very hard to actually have a lot of these stocks being able to be farmed. I was really amazed to hear and to know of fish such as hāpuku or kingfish now being able to be farmed.We need to get past this arguing about these particular allocations when we all agree we just need to get on with it and at the same time understanding that we do produce protein in New Zealand we produce it very well but by the way we need to actually just think a little bit broader than assets between particularly iwi or rights between that.I think that's one of the big issues here: the actual settlement system. The Māori treaties trust was established in 2004; that's a long time ago. While there are some iwi at the moment who haven't been able to access what they believe are their entitlements everyone else is being held up too around those areas so we just need to get on. We support this because we understand the need for this country to stop arguing about things between ourselves and just get on and start to grow the economy because this country is going to be in desperate straits if we cannot do it better than what has been done over the last four years.
Cameron MarkMAORI COMMERCIAL AQUACULTURE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT AMENDMENT BILLThird ReadingDebate resumed from 31 March.MARK CAMERON (ACT): Thank you Mr Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Amendment Bill. As I start I just want to note the members on the other side of the House in the previous piece of legislation pontificating—DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! That bill is over. You speak to this bill.MARK CAMERON: Thank you Mr Speaker. Look this is a wonderful piece of legislation. I'd like to speak to the third reading of this legislation. The bill is a small and concise piece of legislation and certainly gives certainty to iwi and property owners over the management of their assets.Noteworthy is that no submitters explicitly opposed the bill and the purpose of the bill by its design was succinct. It amends sections of the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Settlement Act 2004. The committee received 10 submissions: eight by iwi one by aquaculture industry interest groups and one by an individual. The bill as designed would ensure iwi can access their settlement assets within an appropriate time frame and equally improve the delivery of Crown aquaculture settlement obligations. I think this is deeply important. It supports iwi aquaculture aspirations as well as furthers the growth of the aquaculture industry.In previous iterations it was noted by the member Mr van de Molen—and I quote—Fish are the most rapid food protein dietary source." And I would wager Mr van de Molen is probably quite correct in that assertion. As was previously canvassed by other members when speaking on this bill the aquaculture industry is worth some $600 million per annum and arguably employs approximately 3000 people. Notably as was offered during the select committee process this industry could be worth billions and I think this speaks to the wider concern and aspirations that those in the industry have for their asset certainty.In short order the ACT Party absolutely supports this bill as it speaks to the rights and protections of private property assets and their wellbeing. We commend this bill to the House."
SpeechHon DAVID BENNETT (National): Thank you Mr Speaker. First of all I just want to pay tribute to Willie Jackson and his family and whānau special families in the history of New Zealand that have given a lot to this country. So we pay tribute to your family.I thought that was an excellent speech from the last speaker Rino Tirikatene. Nobody can fault exactly what he said. Basically the time has come in New Zealand's history for us to recognise in a positive way our Māori culture and history which often is somewhat in a controversial way through Waitangi Day. This would give a different way that we can all recognise and partake in a special celebration of Māori culture and history.On this side of the House we're also very much aware of the need to have that balance with the need to actually be able to have that enjoyment of a country that has a balance between respect and understanding of culture—and as I say the time has come for a holiday like this—but on the other side we also need to make sure that we have the ability as a country to actually progress and be able to have a system that enables us to actually basically fund the country going forward. So there is that quid pro quo you could say of Do we take another day away?" so that we actually can get the direction that I think that last speaker spoke of. And that's the point that many National speakers have been making today: that there is a cost with any additional holiday and that cost at a time when there is high inflation and other issues is a cost which is upon New Zealanders.In respect of that last speaker—and I know Willie Jackson will do a very great oratory now to finish off—the message that he gave I think is the right one: that as a country we are developing and the time has come to recognise an appropriate way. And it's getting that balance right which is the essence of the future of New Zealand going forward and it's getting the balance at the right time and the right place. So thank you Mr Speaker and I just want to acknowledge the great speeches that have been heard today. Thank you."
Rurawhe AdrianPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSDEPUTY SPEAKER: No bills have been introduced. Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK:Petition of Malcolm Richards requesting that the House ban the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in New Zealandpetition of Andrea Menzies requesting that the House remove GST from all essential food items and hygiene products but leave GST on non-essential junk food".DEPUTY SPEAKER: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee. Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK: Government responses to the reports of the Health Committee on the petition of Sarah Teare and the petition of Denise Astill.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Those papers are published under the authority of the House. A select committee report has been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the Statement on the Long-term Fiscal Position the Long-term Insights Briefing report of the Controller and Auditor-General commentary on He Tirihanga Mokopuna 2021.DEPUTY SPEAKER: The report is set down for consideration."
Shaw James; Hipkins ChrisHon JAMES SHAW (Co-Leader—Green): Thank you Mr Speaker. I wonder if the Government's had time to ruminate on the Organic Products Bill a sufficiently low item No. 19 on the Order Paper given that it was presented to the House in March 2021?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I can confirm that the organics bill does still remain on the Government's work programme and we are intending to make further progress on it.
Hipkins Chris; Bishop ChrisBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Next week the committee stage of the Appropriation (2020/21 Confirmation and Validation) Bill or the annual review debate will begin. Ministers covering 14 different portfolios will participate that week. Other legislation to be considered will be the remaining stages of the COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill and the third reading of the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Bill. On Wednesday a two-hour debate on the report of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the long-term fiscal position will replace the general debate and on Thursday the House will consider another motion to approve COVID-19 orders.CHRIS BISHOP (National): I thank the Leader of the House for that update. I wonder if he could advise on when item No. 24 on the Order Paper the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill which is now approaching its sixth anniversary of being on the Order Paper will see some progress.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Of course it may have seen speedier progress if the last Government had not botched the process in the first place so badly. But in the fullness of time at the appropriate moment I'm sure that the House will turn its attention to that again.
Rurawhe AdrianTHURSDAY 7 APRIL 2022The Deputy Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSDEPUTY SPEAKER: E te Atua kaha rawa ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi mātou ki te Kuīni me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga kia mōhio ai kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei mō te oranga te maungārongo me te aroha o Aotearoa. Āmene.[Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility for the welfare peace and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]
Public Finance (Prohibition on Providing Public Funds to Gangs) Amendment Bill — First Reading
Local Government (Pecuniary Interests Register) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
Mooney JosephJOSEPH MOONEY (National—Southland): Thank you Mr Speaker. I rise to support this bill on behalf of the National Party. And I'd congratulate Tangi Utikere who came in in 2020 one of the new members as I did. Well done on bringing a bill before the House and getting cross-party support for it—well done.This is a bill that aims to record members' interests so as to provide transparency and to strengthen public trust and confidence in local government processes and decision making. That's a laudable aim and one that the National Party supports. The bill requires that councils maintain and publish each year a register of elected members' pecuniary and other specified interests such as directorships business interests employment and property and disclose gifts and payments received by elected members above a certain amount. Councils across the country and the wider local government sector are currently facing the biggest period of change in some 30 years. Labour's Future for Local Government Review and the reforms they are driving through in resource management and three waters and the review of local government all raise questions about the future of our councils and it's a discussion that we're actively watching.Councils are very important. They provide the local public services and local infrastructure needed to survive and prosper in our communities around New Zealand. Their total assets are some $124 billion in total. They account for 11 percent of public spending. So decisions made by local elected members are very important. It's not always well understood though as the average voter turnout in local body elections is only about 41 percent. So we support a bill that in the face of some significant change and reform in the current time implements a small but significant change to strengthen public trust and confidence in our local representatives. I certainly know from going around my electorate the electorate of Southland which I would say is bigger than Belgium in its total land area—Nicola Grigg: Your favourite stat.JOSEPH MOONEY: It's my favourite statistic as Nicola Grigg has said. And I should say it has five district councils in it and two regional councils covering various parts of my electorate. So I have the Queenstown Lakes District Council the Central Otago District Council the Southland District Council the Clutha District Council the Gore District Council and then in the regional council space I have Environment Southland and the Otago Regional Council. I know that all of the elected members and all of the staff in those councils are very focused on what is best for their communities and all work really really hard. But this is a small step in this bill just to improve the public confidence in those members who I know are all working very hard for their communities. With that I'll say I commend this bill to the House.
Pugh MaureenMAUREEN PUGH (National): Thank you Mr Speaker. I stand in support of the Local Government (Pecuniary Interests Register) Amendment Bill tonight in its second reading. Although I haven't been part of the Governance and Administration Committee so I haven't had the privilege of hearing the submissions I have read several of them. But mainly the provisions of this bill seek to insert new sections into the Local Government Act that look to provide openness and transparency in the local government sector and in particular to the councillors that are elected to those councils.Best practice would tell you that councils who are open and transparent will always have their interest register advertised and part of their regular monthly meeting agendas. It's common practice for boards for District Health Boards to also include that information at their regular meetings. This is best practice. This Government is now legislating to make this lawful and that there is now a legal requirement for these entities to be open and transparent. And I think the irony of this legislation is that it is being brought to this House by a Government member of a Government that has arguably been the least open and transparent in New Zealand's history. I submit this bill to the House.
Watts SimonSIMON WATTS (National—North Shore): Thank you very much Mr Speaker and I acknowledge the member who has just resumed his seat Tangi Utikere for bringing this member's bill to the House. I also acknowledge the very excellent—very excellent it's probably not the best thing but the—highly prestigious select committee that Mr Speaker I know obviously you chair which is probably the only time I can bring you into this. But I think we acknowledged the members of that committee for their contribution [Phone ringing in the Chamber] and the phone call that was just taken.I want to say that National will be supporting this bill. Look in a basic sense we're supporting the fact around more transparency. We think that's a sensible idea. Members of local government are key contributors in terms of our local communities and having a degree of openness and transparency around their backgrounds and particularly conflicts of interest is sensible. It's common practice in private sector. It is common practice in other aspects of our lives and I think it is an appropriate check and balance in regards to that.I think also particularly in regards to local councils and community boards—it was referenced by the speaker before—these are often within smaller communities and rural parts of New Zealand and therefore the reality is is that those individuals will wear multiple hats in terms of the roles they undertake; i.e. being an elected member of the local council but also no doubt business owners and other voluntary contributions. So I think that transparency is important.The one aspect I would want to note in the select committee report back was around the extension of this bill to appointed members on council committees. I do note that it says the committee noted that councils would still be able to require certain information to be disclosed by appointed members of council committees." I think that is probably something we could explore a little bit more in the committee of the whole House stage.That's pretty much all I want to say. National support this bill. Sensible approach. We support the openness and transparency that this will bring and I commend this bill to the House."
Human Rights (Disability Assist Dogs Non-Discrimination) Amendment Bill — Second Reading (continued)
Pugh MaureenMAUREEN PUGH (National): Thank you very much Mr Speaker. I too take pleasure in standing to speak to this Human Rights (Disability Assist Dogs Non-Discrimination) Amendment Bill in its second reading tonight.Just very briefly I would like to touch on what the bill actually does and it's very simple: it simply amends the Human Rights Act 1993 and it replaces the reference to guide dogs" to "disability assist dogs"—and in the interests of brevity I'll call them "DADs". So we are putting reference to these DADs into the Human Rights Act and that Act has been borrowed from the Dog Control Act and I'll touch on that a little bit later.The reason that this bill was deemed necessary—and I take the opportunity to acknowledge Ricardo Menéndez March for shepherding it through the House but I also would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge Mojo Mathers who brought this bill initially to the Parliament. She was a very active proponent of disability issues while she was in Parliament. But the reason that this came up was because there was clear evidence that there was discrimination against people who were using their DADs—their disability assist dogs. But we also know that they were absolutely essential in making them able to participate in society.This has two changes that are coming through in this bill. Section 2 in the Human Rights Act and section 21 replacing the "guide dogs". I'd like to echo the submission made this afternoon by my colleague Penny Simmonds in the Human Rights Act and the Dog Control Act and by bringing the Dog Control Act descriptor into this bill it actually brings with it that the requirement that the list of organisations that are able to be recognised as approved training providers or entities for the disability assist dogs is quite prescriptive and I think there is a really good opportunity to improve this bill even further by perhaps using the competencies that organisations must have and the standards that they must reach rather than naming entities because as we know when we come into this House legislation can age quite quickly and by naming organisations we run the risk of those organisations changing in some way—they can merge they can close down or they can simply change their name and that therefore would make the legislation out of date. So I think there is merit in exploring that and I understand Penny Simmons will be presenting a Supplementary Order Paper to that effect in the committee of the whole House.So we look forward to improving this little piece of legislation even further and I commend it to the House."
Grigg NicolaNICOLA GRIGG (National—Selwyn): I'll try not to disappoint Mr Speaker.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ian McKelvie): Five minutes.NICOLA GRIGG: Much has been made of the benefits and merits of this bill so we on this side of the House are going to keep it short and succinct this evening. The purpose of this bill is that it will ensure that all people who need assistance from a dog are protected from discrimination on the basis of having a disability. I think it's probably fair to say that people who live with a disability no matter what kind probably find life difficult enough as it is. The last thing they need is further discrimination thrown at them. It's a very simple change but it will make a big difference. That change is made by replacing the words guide dog" with "disability assist dog" in the Human Rights Act. This change would mean that anywhere that a service is denied to a person with a disability because of the fact they are in the company of a dog or have a dog with them would be seen as a discrimination under the Human Rights Act.It's been widely canvassed this evening that disability assist dogs are a valuable service to many many New Zealanders who enhance their life experience and also give them that essential companionship. As it stands the Human Rights Act only protects against discrimination of those with guide dogs. It doesn't protect against discrimination of the likes of hearing dogs mobility dogs epilepsy dogs and so on and so forth. Also it does account for the training for the assistance of these dogs with specific tasks. I do hope the Government endorses the Supplementary Order Paper mentioned by my colleague Penny Simmonds. That would expand and enhance those trainers with those specific skills to give them the necessary accreditation as well.This change will give these dogs—and importantly their owners—the same protections given to guide dogs that they have enjoyed for 30 years. I also commend this bill to the House."
Speaker's Statement — Privilege—Freedom of Speech in the House
SpeechSPEAKER'S STATEMENTSPrivilege—Freedom of Speech in the HouseASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members earlier this afternoon in the debate on the Rotorua District Council (Representation Arrangements) Bill there was a speech by a member which expressed some strongly held views. I am aware and it is well known that different parties in this House do hold genuinely held views around the policies of some of the parties. Some of those may be suggested to be racist in nature. However there is a freedom of speech—strong freedom of speech—interest in members being able to express their views in this House. But that of course does have to be balanced by members calling other members racist. That will lead to disorder and it doesn't in any way assist the order and the debate of this House. I want to call on finally Speaker's ruling 37/4 where it says It is incumbent on all members to treat the privilege of free speech in the House with the utmost respect and to use it only in the public interest". Members I'm happy to take another call but I will have to cut the member off at five past six."
Human Rights (Disability Assist Dogs Non-Discrimination) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
SpeechPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: No petitions have been presented. No bills have been introduced. A paper has been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Māori Purposes Fund Board annual report 2021.SPEAKER: That paper is published under the authority of the House. A select committee report has been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Officers of Parliament Committee on the inquiry into the reappointment of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.SPEAKER: That report is set down for consideration.
SpeechWEDNESDAY 6 APRIL 2022The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSHon JACQUI DEAN (Assistant Speaker): Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Wednesday 30 March 2022 - Volume 758
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Clause 2 agreed to.
Te Pire mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill — In Committee—Ngā Āpitihanga 1 me 2 / Clauses 1 and 2
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Clause 1 agreed to.
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): We now move to Schedule 4. Joseph Mooney's tabled amendment to Schedule 4 is ruled out of order as being outside the scope of the bill. The question is that Schedule 4 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 4 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Schedule 4 agreed to.
Te Pire mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill — In Committee—Part 2
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): We now move to Schedule 3. Joseph Mooney's tabled amendment to Schedule 3 is ruled out of order as being outside the scope of the bill.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 3 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Schedule 3 agreed to.
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Joseph Mooney's tabled amendment to Schedule 2 is ruled out of order as being out of scope of the bill.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 2 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Schedule 2 agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 1 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Schedule 1 agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 be agreed to. Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Part 2 agreed to.
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Members the committee of the whole House is resumed but before I go to Part 2 I understand that the Green Party wish to correct a vote.RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green): Thank you. I want to do a point of order to seek leave to correct the vote on Part 1 of Te Pire mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill to add Te Paati Māori votes into it to be in favour. CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Is there any objection? There's none. Leave is granted. RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green): I'm seeking guidance on how to express—thank you.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): All you need to do is ask permission to correct the vote and correct the vote.RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH: OK I seek permission to correct the vote.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): And the vote is?RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH: To have two votes in favour on behalf of Te Paati Māori. CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): On behalf of Te Paati Māori? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH: Yeah.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Thank you—perfect.
Te Pire mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill — In Committee—Part 1
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Part 1 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Part 1 agreed to.Result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 75 Noes 43 to include Te Paati Māori's votes.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Members we shall now adjourn for the dinner break and resume at 7 p.m.Sitting suspended from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 110New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a first time.SPEAKER: The question is That Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill be considered by the Māori Affairs Committee.Motion agreed to.Bill referred to the Māori Affairs Committee.Waiata
Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill — First Reading
Appropriation (2020/21 Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Second Reading
VoteAPPROPRIATION (2020/21 CONFIRMATION AND VALIDATION) BILLSecond ReadingHon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister for Trade and Export Growth) on behalf of the Minister of Finance: I move That the Appropriation (2020/21 Confirmation and Validation) Bill be now read a second time. A party vote was called for on the question That the motion be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
11. Question No. 11—Commerce and Consumer AffairsNAISI CHEN (Labour) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsQuestion No. 11—Commerce and Consumer Affairs11. NAISI CHEN (Labour) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What recent announcements has he made regarding updates to responsible lending rules?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): The Government is making amendments to responsible lending rules to curb any unintended consequences that might be caused by the Credit Contract and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) legislation. The amendments we're making are informed by the feedback I've received from banks from other lenders from consumers and from budget advisers and they sit comfortably within the intent of the Act. During my meetings with banks in particular I've detected little enthusiasm for wholesale changes to the Act but instead a preference for practical amendments which ensure the purposes of the legislation are best met.Naisi Chen: What does this mean for the review being run by the Council of Financial Regulators?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: That broader investigation is ongoing. Thus far the investigation has thrown up no reason to believe the CCCFA is the main driver in reduced lending. The Reserve Bank's December figures highlight seasonal variations as a prominent contributor. Furthermore in December 2021 first-home buyer lending was still above lending for the same month in 2017 2018 and 2019—and well above first-home buyer lending prior to that. It's important to note that the practical changes we're making are not the final word and further amendments will be considered after the full investigation wraps up in April.Naisi Chen: What reaction has he seen following the announcement?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: John Bolton the chief executive of lender Squirrel remarked that these were appropriate changes that didn't throw out the baby with the bath water. He went on to say that it was a good outcome". Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich praised the changes as quick action which would make a significant difference for consumers. In the last 24 hours we've heard from Harcourts managing director Bryan Thomson who told media that the amendments were "heartening news for first-home buyers and others trying to make home-buying decisions from across the board"."
White HelenHELEN WHITE (Labour): It's a pleasure to speak last on this bill. This is a very sensible response to an oil shock. It's part of a suite of changes which include half-price fares and an immediate reduction in petrol amounts and this was the trickiest part and it's been done swiftly and efficiently. It's a little bit of a pity that it's been held up by an Opposition that delayed the passage of this bill last night and continues to be oppositional despite from what I understand supporting the legislation. I think that tells its own story to the New Zealand public. I commend this bill to the House.
Road User Charges (Temporary RUC Reduction Scheme) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
SpeechTERISA NGOBI (Labour—Ōtaki): Just a quick call to end this third reading of the bill to say that again we support New Zealanders and part of that is this bill supporting New Zealanders at that pump to be able to live well put a bit more pūtea in their pocket. Hopefully we can get this bill through quickly so we can start to do that as soon as we can. Ngā mihi.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members the time has come for me to leave the Chair. The House is suspended until 5 a.m. tomorrow.Hon Members: 5 a.m.?ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): What did I say?Hon Members: 5 a.m.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Oh 9 a.m.—that's much better.Debate interrupted.Sitting suspended from 9.55 p.m. to 9 a.m. (Wednesday)
SpeechHon DAVID BENNETT (National): Thank you Madam Speaker. The National Party supports this bill as we've seen in the House tonight. We have some questions around the long-term effect of it and what the implications will be on the Government and we note that they will probably have to continue this process through a future of longer than three months but I look forward to it progressing through the House. Thank you.
Halbert ShananSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote): Thank you Madam Speaker. It's my honour to speak on the third reading this evening of the Road User Charges (Temporary RUC Reduction Scheme) Amendment Bill. We've heard the discussion this evening about the need to support families with the cost of living—that's what this particular piece of legislation going through the House this evening is all about. The community that speaks to me that tells me that they are struggling: this will make a difference for them. Alongside the halving of public transport costs the work that this Government is doing we're taking action now. I commend this bill to the House.
Court SimonSIMON COURT (ACT): Madam Speaker thank you. This problem is a cost of living crisis. This bill won't solve the cost of living crisis. Simply reducing road-user charges on diesel-powered vehicles for a few months is a short-term solution. The underlying problems that the ACT Party is asking a Government to solve—and we don't have any hope that this Government will solve it but a future Government involving ACT will—are the underlying issues that are causing so much cost pressure on energy: long-term increases in the cost of energy—not just liquid fuels like petrol and diesel—like natural gas that powers industry that heats our homes that delivers electricity to business and communities; energy that makes sure that communities can thrive and that we can have a healthy economy.The underlying issues identified by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission which said in their report that a long-term problem with transportation infrastructure—a lack of investment and transportation infrastructure—has meant that house price inflation is 70 percent higher than it should have been between 1978 and 2018. And this Government has cancelled roading project after roading project—it's Mill Road it's the East West Link: a project specifically designed to get heavy vehicles off local roads.These are the underlying problems that are causing a cost of living crisis a housing crisis and an energy crisis—and this short-term measure will not help. The ACT Party will support this bill because it involves reducing taxes and giving money back to hard-working Kiwi families and businesses. However this is not a long-term solution; it's barely a short-term solution.
Menéndez March RicardoRICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green): I rise on behalf of the Green Party unable to support the Road User Charges (Temporary RUC Reduction Scheme) Amendment Bill. It's been really interesting throughout this urgent process hearing members of the Opposition describe this bill as a knee-jerk reaction to the increase in the cost of living as if our communities haven't been suffering the effects of the inequality crisis for some time now.We're disappointed that despite multiple reports such as the Welfare Expert Advisory Group that is now four years old recommending interventions to address inequality and the cost of living what we're seeing is a subsidy to fossil fuels in order to try and address the increase in fuel price as a result of the war between Russia and Ukraine. We're concerned that this is setting a precedent when we're seeing inflationary impacts locally and what we're calling on the Government to do is to explore other measures that are good for people and the planet such as making public transport fully free as well as improving the resilience of our freight infrastructure so that we're not so vulnerable to these sort of geopolitical events.We're keen to see the study that will be conducted after to assess the impact of this bill. And we take the Minister at his word that this will have a positive distributional impact. We hope to see the extent of this and we'll keep campaigning to ensure that future measures to address the cost of living are ones that genuinely benefit those doing it the toughest. Kia ora.
SpeechPAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai) (remote): Thank you Madam Speaker. It's a pleasure to be talking on this the third reading of this amendment bill. Can I say that it's absolutely a win for all New Zealanders. There seemed to be some confusion in the last speech around who the winners were: it's all New Zealanders—it means that if you're driving a car a diesel-powered vehicle or catching a bus you're a winner under this plan. I want to acknowledge the transport Minister for his vision and the Government executive.Also I just want to correct one other thing. It was halfway through last year—so I encourage the Opposition to catch up on when things are announced: the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway. So catch up mate by about nine months and you'll be back on to it. But never mind; I'm not one to remind people of their tardiness but tonight is the night for something for the first time as always.So can I just say that this will impact on people's pockets and make a positive difference. I commend this bill to the House.
O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): You always know when the Opposition fully support what our Government is doing on this side of the Table this side of the floor because they attack everything other than the piece of legislation that's before us. Because when you get a piece of legislation that has had to be brought to this House to do what Governments do which is to mitigate the impacts of those overseas effects that we don't have any impact on. Sorry Madam Speaker is there—?ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Yeah thank you. The House may be aware that we are experiencing some difficulties with the remote hybrid arrangements that we have. The techies are working hard to resolve them. It just sounds like there might have been a bit of audio spillage coming out of the tech room. Hon Members: Oh no.Hon JACQUI DEAN: I don't know. That's my ruling.GREG O'CONNOR: Madam Speaker when you speak as much sense as I do even through some sort of sound upset it will still come across I'm sure as a very sensible piece a very sensible delivery. So I'm very relaxed about that. So given the time constraints I will say that we are now mitigating the impacts of overseas events which we have no control over and we're ensuring that we minimise the effect of that on New Zealanders. For that reason I have no hesitation in committing this bill to the House.
SpeechCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): Madam Speaker the committee has considered the Road User Charges (Temporary RUC Reduction Scheme) Amendment Bill and reports it without amendment. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.