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Sage EugenieHon EUGENIE SAGE (Minister of Conservation): E Te Māngai o Te Whare tēnā koe. The Green Party is very pleased to support the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Levy) Bill. We also recognise that with her proposal to table a Supplementary Order Paper to extend the commencement date in order to enable a review of the funding mechanisms for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) Minister Martin is again highlighting this Government's commitment to ensuring that our critical fire and emergency services—which we saw obviously in action in the Tasman fire mobilising very quickly. There was an extensive effort to get those fires under control and to protect the communities.The fire and emergency services need to have a very secure funding basis. And of course the levy which this bill deals with has been the traditional way of doing that—that levy that falls on people when they're paying their insurance. But that does have a number of shortcomings. It does allow for free riders in terms of benefiting from fire and emergency services without contributing to the cost of those services. So it's not necessarily equitable. It has led to some quite significant increases in costs for some of our cultural institutions like Te Papa. So allowing time for a proper review of how we fund this critical part of ensuring that communities stay safe to me is really really sensible because the Government wants to ensure that we move to a funding model that is stable that is universal that is equitable that is predictable but that also has some flexibility in it. Of course no one option will meet all of those criteria but we can potentially do better than the insurance-based model that we've had to date.So I'm sure that that review will look at just what the options are here: how do we really improve the funding model? This bill—by changing the commencement date—is giving more leeway for that to happen. But I think the response—in terms of the Tasman fires—was a tribute to the benefits of combining fire and emergency services in one organisation. There's been a huge amount of effort that's been put into creating a single organisational culture ensuring that everyone works well together and I and so many other New Zealanders are very grateful for the work of FENZ. So I commend this bill to the House. I'm very pleased to support it.
Walker HamishHAMISH WALKER (National—Clutha-Southland): I just want to start by acknowledging the hard-working—extremely hard-working—Governance and Administration Committee. I'd like to acknowledge the chair Brett Hudson. I think this is the third bill this week from the—Kieran McAnulty: Name dropper.HAMISH WALKER: And the deputy chair. I think this is the third bill this week I've spoken on that's come back from the hard-working select committee.I'd also like to pay tribute to the hard-working and excellent work that our fire and emergency services do across our communities and across the country. In the role as the MP for Clutha-Southland I'm fortunate enough to visit many of these organisations. They're wonderful people and they actually do a lot more than just attend fires: they assist police they help ambulance services search and rescue attend car crashes and quite often they're actually the centrepiece of many rural communities—they're the glue that holds them together—and it also gives rural people an opportunity for social interaction.They have changed a lot over the last 50 years. It's not a matter for turning up to fires now. They have to have weekly training nights. When they attend fires they then have to go the next day to clean down the gear. So there's a lot more that they do compared to back in the day. They're often the ones that go rushing towards dangerous scenes when everyone else is flying the other way. I'll never forget last December I called the fire service. There was an out-of-control bushfire down the road and I can still feel the sense of relief when I saw them coming towards me.In New Zealand we have a proud history of our Fire Service. This legislation that we're discussing today dates back to the 1970s. As I've mentioned the firefighter's role has changed a lot since then. We need a fire and emergency service fit for the 21st century and that recognises all of those services that I spoke about briefly before. We need structure in the law to reflect that. In 2017 Parliament passed the legislation—the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act—to enable us to better support them and their services. For those reasons I commend this bill to the House.
Nash StuartHon STUART NASH (Minister of Police): Thank you very much Mr Assistant Speaker. I stand to support this bill but what I would like to say is what a pragmatic Minister. You know there was an issue identified. It was going to take insurance companies and insurance brokers longer to actually get their systems sorted to allow them to implement this in a way they could do without causing a whole lot of grief and so what she did was she came back to Parliament and said We like the structure of what we're doing but we just need a little bit more time. We need to make sure that Fire and Emergency New Zealand is well funded"—it just makes sense; pragmatic—"but give us a bit more time so we get these systems right." You know it's an absolute pleasure working with the Hon Tracey Martin. She does things well and she drives through change that really matters. Of that there is no doubt whatsoever and of course it is important that the Fire Service—well it's not the Fire Service any more is it?—that Fire and Emergency New Zealand are well funded. Hon Ruth Dyson: Fire and Emergency New Zealand—but they still provide a service. Hon STUART NASH: That's a very good point that the Hon Ruth Dyson mentions. You know we tend to think of the fire service as men and women who fight fires but they do a hell of a lot more and as an MP with quite a rural rump I know the fantastic work that men and women—mainly volunteers as Mr McAnulty was—do. Mainly volunteers spend a spend a lot of their time—time they could be spending with their families—actually out there helping the community. In fact they are integral to the health and well-being of our communities and I salute them. I suppose the importance of Fire and Emergency New Zealand was clearly highlighted and probably no more so than during the 15 March terrorist attacks when 40 firefighters and personnel helped in the comms centre. Their service and help was invaluable in ensuring that everything possible was done to help victims and their families and I thank them for their service. I do commend this bill to the House. It's a pragmatic solution to an issue that arose and once again good on the Hon Tracey Martin for making change that matters and getting us under way and just making it happen. Good on her."
Radhakrishnan PriyancaPRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. I rise to make a short contribution on the Social Security (Winter Energy Payment) Amendment Bill. Despite the fact that members opposite have worked incredibly hard this afternoon to dramatise and sensationalise this piece of legislation it's actually a really simple straightforward bill which amends the Social Security Act 2018 to align with the policy intent in two specific scenarios. Those are firstly those who are receiving funding for long-term residential care or residential care services who are not eligible for the residential care or support subsidies. The second group of people who will continue to receive the winter energy payment as a result of this amendment bill passing are those who travel overseas for over four weeks during the winter period and this will allow them to receive the winter energy payment for the first 28 days of their absence. That's basically what this bill does. It amends drafting errors to ensure that those who are eligible to receive the winter energy payment and who received it last year will continue to receive it this year. That's what it does. So the Opposition who have given us a whole series of pretty mean-spirited speeches today—by not voting for this amendment bill in effect what they are saying is that they don't think that people who fall into these two categories should continue to receive the winter energy payment this year. At the Social Services and Community Committee we received submissions and my colleague Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki has mentioned the names of those who submitted to the select committee. Many of them wrote to us saying that they found the winter energy payment incredibly useful. It has helped them to keep warm in their rental homes and that's also the message that all of us on this side of the House have received time and again from people. Members opposite—specifically the member Agnes Loheni—said We do care" and then she went on to say "We care about proper process." What that says to me on this side of the House is that members opposite care about process over the well-being and the welfare of people and that they would out of spite block a piece of legislation that keeps people warm. That coupled with the fact that the Leader of the Opposition just earlier this week refused to rule out cutting the minimum wage tells me that saying "We care." is just words. I commend this bill to the House."
O'Connor SimonSIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki): It's always good luck I think to have one O'Connor follow another. I can't support this bill even as we reach the second reading. It's fundamentally for two reasons: one is process and one is principle. Look the process around this bill has been appalling. At the end of the day if you look at it millions of dollars have been incorrectly spent and it's good to see the Office of the Auditor-General identify that. This bill is rectifying that mistake and I suppose at one level you could argue that that is positive. However this side of the House has been consistent right from the start in insisting that the Government do proper process around the winter energy payment and any changes actually to do with social services.I've waxed lyrical on this a few times but fundamentally we see in the social services space the Government is bringing in legislative—be it this around winter energy payments or the Social Security Legislation Rewrite Bill and of a couple of days ago one around Oranga Tamariki—changes which have been rushed through the Parliament with the inevitable problems. Those of us on the Social Services and Community Committee did question officials if they were 100 percent sure that no more mistakes would be found. They've told us that; we take them at their word but I have a sneaking suspicion we'll be returning to this House at some point in this Parliament to fix up another part of the Social Security Legislation Rewrite Bill.The other reason I can't support this is not because I don't want our older citizens to be warm but—and I've used the phrase before and it's not to be taken literally—you don't bribe people with their own money. The winter energy payment is fundamentally about taking a whole lot of money off those elderly people through a tax system packaging it up in something called the energy payment and handing it back to them. It's a highly inefficient way of dealing with things in fact if you view it as an analogy of heat it's a way that you actually lose an enormous amount of heat through the kinetic process. So I can't support the bill in process or in principle and so I do not commend it to the House.
O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): It was very serendipitous that this morning when I woke and my feet hit the floorboards it was quite a chilly morning. I think again it is very serendipitous that we are discussing this very important bill and piece of legislation—Hon Louise Upston: How old are you? Are you 65?ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): My age doesn't matter.GREG O'CONNOR: —on this very day because as I say—actually not everyone can rely on the constant scolding from the member from Taupō to keep themselves warm. Many is the time I've felt I've been scolded here—hold my hands up. It reminds me of being at the Westpac Stadium when those great big burners go off and we get a nice flash of heat. But of course back on to the bill. Not everyone can rely on that constant scolding to stay warm.There are those who actually need it. Quite seriously 1600 people die each year from living in cold houses—1600 people. So this is actually quite a serious issue. And the fact is that all the speeches we've heard from opposite have been very nit-picky little pieces about what we've got wrong. Actually look at the big picture. Look at the fact that each of you—I mean let's just have some sums on this. There are 71 electorates in New Zealand. That means that 22.5 people will die in each of our electorates this year.Putting some numbers on this that's actually quite serious and so anything we can do to alleviate that is extremely important. Arthur Grimes who I think is well known—I think he's the ex-chairman of the Reserve Bank. I'm just quoting a Listener article he was quoted in here. He was as I say the senior chairman. Admittedly he was talking about insulation but he makes some very good points talking about subsidies particularly insulation subsidies especially for homeowners aged 60 or older who are at the greatest risk of developing circulatory problems. He said This is where you get the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to insulation. They might not have heart disease now but they may get it later and I would say that as a group they should be targeted." That just puts some perspective around the difference that having some money to pay your bills can make.I know one of the previous speakers talked about money from this going into their wine cellars. Well not everybody has one of those wine cellars. There are people who will actually need this and it will make a serious difference to their lives. For those who are listening at home this debate really—there's been some accusations that somehow some people that weren't entitled to this were getting something. No that's not what the debate is about. The people that were always intended to get this payment did get it last year and now all this bill is doing is ensuring that those people are getting that payment again this year which they obviously need and it will hopefully prevent some of those 1600 deaths that will occur or perhaps would have occurred but for this payment. So I very much commend this bill to the House."
Korako NukNUK KORAKO (National): E mihi atu ki a koe e Te Mana Whakawā huri noa i te Whare nei ā tēnā tātou. [I greet you Mr Assistant Speaker and all in this House; greetings to all.]I'm sort of sitting here and listening and thank you to that last speaker who was very very passionate. There's been a lot of passion on both sides of the House—Angie Warren-Clark: Say her name.NUK KORAKO: —as we know. That outburst there actually reflects in some ways what's coming from that side of the House—using the BS word and all that sort of thing—but what we have to understand here is that we actually have our job to do in the Opposition. So just to highlight the reasons why we can't support this bill it is quite clear in the fact that first of all it's not indexed. So what that does is it doesn't give it the longevity that is needed for this particular bill. I think the other part of it is that there are parts of the community that it does not actually reach. As the spokesperson for Māori development there has been a lot of feedback about this bill particularly saying that the bill does not serve our kaumātua who live in extended whānau situations or circumstances with their adult children. So our kaumātua are in effect penalised for relying on whānau and being grandparents in the home of their mokopuna. So that is something that I think needs to be highlighted and that's what I'm doing here. The other part of it is that sure we can get through the poor drafting—you know the fact that there's no means testing. That is a very very difficult one as well because it actually allows some to receive it who don't really qualify for it. And so we've got this situation of a $4.5 million mistake. So just to highlight sort of that part of it as well. But I think the other part is that we did have when we were in Government the policy particularly around our tax relief package which would have provided a better financial return to our superannuitants to our kaumātua particularly. So hopefully that little short rendition of why we don't support this bill will go some way to actually trying to bring back some sort of decorum around this particular debate. Nō reira e mihi atu ki a koutou katoa. Kia ora.
Kanongata'a-Suisuiki Anahila; Rurawhe AdrianANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour): It is an absolute privilege to contribute to the Social Security (Winter Energy Payment) Amendment Bill second reading. I was at Māngere where lots of people gave me their feedback on the winter energy payment and one of them said Tell the Prime Minister: my dad said 'Thank you. We can now turn the heater on.'"I just want to remind the House that two types of New Zealanders benefit from this as quoted by the Minister: people receiving Government funding long-term residential care or residential care services but who are not eligible for the residential care subsidy or residential support subsidy; New Zealanders who are absent from New Zealand for longer than four weeks at any one time during the winter period. It warms my heart that the winter energy payment touches almost one million New Zealanders—one million New Zealanders. And I want to acknowledge the—I don't know what you call it—contribution on the other side when they talked about a short duration. But actually I want to thank the nine submitters who in the past week wrote to us and voiced their opinions. So I want to thank Oliver Krollmann Gary Wills David Mannion Simione Faagutu Josiah Tualamali'i Wendy Burgess Rob Dowler David Mannion and George Sabonadiere. Thank you for taking the time to give us your opinion.There is no need for us to continue. Winter is knocking at our door. We must pass this bill as swiftly as we can. Now I want to end my contribution today by saying that I commend this bill to the House. Malo. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): I call Nuk Korako—five minutes."
Loheni Agnes; Rurawhe AdrianAGNES LOHENI (National): I'm happy to take this call on the Social Security (Winter Energy Payment) Amendment Bill. It's been so interesting listening to the debate in the House today. Clearly the Government is feeling quite embarrassed about what's occurred given the lovely words that have been fired across to us: we're heartless over here cold-hearted—we don't care on this side of the House. Well actually we do care. We care about hard-working New Zealanders hard-working taxpayers in this country. We care about process and scrutiny on laws that affect all New Zealanders and so we need to take the time that's needed to get those laws right the first time. So the intent of the bill is to recognise the cost of heating homes during winter. On the face of it I don't have a problem with it if it was targeted to those who need it. There was no means testing applied to this payment and not only that but people who shouldn't have received it got it to the tune of $3.45 million. The devil is in the detail and the devil is dancing gleefully over this $3.45 million. So in the Government's haste to remedy this $3.45 million mistake we are now faced with amendments to fix the $3.45 million mistake and as a member of the Social Services and Community Committee it's fair to say that I have not been reassured that those issues of fairness and equity have been addressed because the time taken to scrutinise was very insufficient. The bill is still not right as those who are fully funded by the Government—those in full-time residential care essentially—are having their power paid for twice. So I'm concerned that the changes further perpetuate the inequity and risk legal challenge from those who are excluded. As I said we didn't get a chance to scrutinise and there was a very shortened submission time. But I would just like to note a comment from one of the submitters Josiah Tualamali'i who wrote—and I just quote from his submission—submissions have been open for 5 days of feedback which fell over a weekend … Seeing that hearings will be held the day following the closing of submissions also concerns me. These choices undermine the fantastic work being done to restore trust and increase engagement with Parliament. … One of the things I care deeply about is people trusting decision making institutions and [I'm] feeling like they can be genuinely heard—this undermines that work." I agree with Mr Josiah on that note absolutely. On that note I do not support this bill. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): This is a split call—five minutes."
Henare PeeniHon PEENI HENARE (Associate Minister for Social Development): Tēnā koe Mr Assistant Speaker. The hypocrisy—the hypocrisy of a contribution like that blaming this Government for bad legislation in this House. I recall this being my fifth year in this House—in fact yours too Mr Assistant Speaker—the amount of times while in Opposition we sat through the process of exactly what that member's moaning about—exactly what that member is complaining about. What we see today is a Minister and a Government that's actually taking responsibility making sure we have the right pathway forward and—guess what?—at the end of the day making sure that families far and wide in this country receive the support that they need to stay warm this winter. How hard is that to comprehend? How hard is that to comprehend to make sure that families receive support this winter? The Minister gave examples of families that in the past winter actually were so grateful for the support that they received from this Government to make sure that their house was warm that their house was safe so that their families didn't spend more time in A & E more time at the doctors and more time trying to care for the sick. What is wrong with that side of the House—Hon Ruth Dyson: Quite a lot.Hon PEENI HENARE: —when they can't see what we are doing here? There is a lot wrong—there is. I am proud that in this reading of the bill the bill will amend the Social Security Act 2018 to ensure clients in two specific scenarios are able to be paid the winter energy payment as the policy intended. The Minister explained it very clearly. In fact I'm reminded of question time today. It takes a little while to sink in on the other side that actually the line of questioning and their approach to these kinds of debate are just simply wrong. The explanation given by the Minister in her contribution today clearly sets the record straight and I look forward to visiting my constituents in Tāmaki Makaurau when they pat us on the back for making sure that them—Matt Doocey: For overspending.Hon PEENI HENARE: —and their families are warm this winter. The member interjecting from that side of the House should understand that the name of his electorate is cold water". I look forward to his constituents saying that this Government is doing a good job to warm their homes."
Hipkins Chris; Brownlee GerryTHURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Legislation to be considered next week will include the remaining stages of the Arms (Prohibited Firearms Magazines and Parts) Amendment Bill and the Social Security (Winter Energy Payment) Amendment Bill the second reading of the Taxation (Research and Development Tax Credits) Bill and the first readings of the Land Transport (Wheel Clamping) Amendment Bill and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill. Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I thank the Leader of the House for that indication of next week's work programme and I wonder if he might give us some indication of when the Government intends to adopt item No. 4 on the members' orders of the day.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): The Government currently doesn't have any intention I don't think to adopt that as a Government item of business.
Wednesday 3 April 2019 - Volume 737
Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Bill read a second time.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Health and Safety at Work (Volunteer Associations) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Motion not agreed to.
Health and Safety at Work (Volunteer Associations) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 54New Zealand Labour 46; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 66New Zealand National 55; New Zealand First 9; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Motion not agreed to.
11. Question No. 11—CorrectionsHon DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of CorrectionsQuestion No. 11—Corrections11. Hon DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Corrections: What new measures if any has this Government introduced to ensure the safety of corrections officers while carrying out their duties?Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Minister of Corrections): The biggest measure introduced by this Government is a commitment to safely reducing the prison population which has seen the number of people in prison drop below 10000. We've also increased the number of front-line corrections officers by over 300 and having more corrections officers and fewer prisoners creates a safer working environment inside our prisons. Hon David Bennett: What action will the Minister take for the statistics that show assaults on corrections officers are trending up and in some cases doubling meaning New Zealand's prisons are becoming a more dangerous place to work? Hon KELVIN DAVIS: It's interesting to note that as the prison population has risen since 2009 nine-tenths of that time has been under the previous Government. The number of assaults has indeed increased and as I've just said in the answer to the primary question the biggest thing we can do is to continue to safely reduce the prison population. Fewer prisoners means less stress and less anxiety and more corrections officers means they're able to deal with incidents. It creates a safer environment in prisons. Hon David Bennett: Does the Minister believe that prisoners who breach the rules of a prison including assaulting corrections officers and putting their safety at risk should continue to access programmes to assist them in getting parole? Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Sorry Mr Speaker I missed the last part of the question. SPEAKER: The last part of the question. Hon David Bennett: Should continue to access programmes to assist them in getting parole? Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Oh it's essential that we do all we can to assist prisoners to become better people upon their release from prison than they were when they went into prison. Hon David Bennett: Has the Minister taken any action following an assault at Auckland women's prison yesterday—that the prison director visited the assailant prisoner to give her a hug and never met the prison officer? Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Whenever there is an assault on a prison officer I make every attempt personally to contact that person. I express my gratitude for the job that they're doing. I assure them that they're in a very difficult job and that we really appreciate their efforts. I also apologise for the fact that they've been assaulted. The response that I get probably nine times out of ten is that they didn't expect a phone call and they're very grateful for having a corrections Minister that actually cares. SPEAKER: Because there's no 12th question that concludes oral questions.
9. Question No. 9—Child Poverty ReductionHon ALFRED NGARO (National) to the Minister for Child Poverty ReductionQuestion No. 9—Child Poverty Reduction9. Hon ALFRED NGARO (National) to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction: Why is it that seven of nine indicators for child poverty increased between 2017 and 2018?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Minister for Child Poverty Reduction): The statistics the member is referring to have been prepared for the purposes of creating baselines for the Child Poverty Reduction Act. The data is being generated by Statistics New Zealand and draws on data from the 2017-18 household economic survey and supplemented with administrative income data. I note again that the period covered takes us through to mid-2018 so his question might be better directed to himself and his Government than this one. I would note though to be fair that most of these are within margin of error in terms of changes.Hon Alfred Ngaro: Is the Minister concerned that the growing costs of living such as rents and petrol could be causing hardship to the increase of 8000 more children living in material hardship?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I highlight again: these are statistics that have been prepared in order to set baseline targets for the Child Poverty Reduction Act. It's data that takes us through to mid-2018. That's a particularly important point because it does mean that it didn't take into account for instance the winter energy payment which affected around a million New Zealanders. It didn't take into account the Families Package which once in full force will affect 384000 families. It didn't take into account free doctors visits for those up to 14 years of age or the accommodation supplement changes I believe for the most part as well. So a significant amount has happened in that period of time.Hon Alfred Ngaro: What time line will she commit to in order to reduce those seven indicators of child poverty which increased between 2017 and 2018?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As the member will know we've committed to two sets of targets. We have three-year targets which these now form the baseline rate for and which include the before-housing cost measure; the after-housing cost measure set at 50 percent; and material hardship. We've done the same again for the 10-year rates which overall aim to essentially halve our rates of poverty in New Zealand.Hon Alfred Ngaro: Considering the previous Government delivered on the nine indicators of reducing child poverty will she now adopt their policy and practice?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Actually I think probably what you would have found is the same disappointing reality that we've found—that the initiatives that the last Government attempted to put in to make a difference to material hardship were grossly overestimated in terms of impact. We had the same experience with the estimates Treasury produced over our Families Package. However we're still being advised that the Families Package will lift between 42000 and 73000 children out of poverty which is a marked increase on the last Government's last Budget package.
8. Question No. 8—Regional Economic DevelopmentHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentQuestion No. 8—Regional Economic DevelopmentSPEAKER: Before I call question No. 8 I will indicate to the House that the member asking the question has written to me pursuant to Standing Order 115(2). 8. Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: Does he stand by all his statements and actions?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Regional Economic Development): Yes.Hon Paul Goldsmith: After he told the New Zealand Herald yesterday Constitutionally I must not comment on the High Court case." referring to a case between the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Semenoff Logging why did he then proceed to comment on the case?Hon SHANE JONES: Naturally I won't comment further on the case. The principles of comity and privilege are important constitutional privileges that define our system but there is no stone that should be put upon the tongue of the champion of the regions to talk about the implications of decisions that our Government may from time to time be held accountable for.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Has he discussed the case with any officials or ministerial colleagues; if so who?Hon SHANE JONES: I have had absolutely nothing to do with the decision associated with the NZTA and indeed that's why the court case exists as people are entitled to test whether or not statutory authority has been exceeded. I have not raised this matter with my fellow transport Ministers and I have had one discussion—very brief—with the CEO of the NZTA. His name eludes me—he's a short-term traveller.SPEAKER: Order! Order! The member will withdraw that last reflection on a member outside of—Hon SHANE JONES: I withdraw and apologise.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Is Stan Semenoff his mother's cousin as he told the Otago Daily Times in 2009 when explaining a $2000 donation from him?Hon SHANE JONES: During the 2008 election I declared in 2009 that I had received a $2000 koha—contribution. Stan Semenoff's great-great-grandmother is my mother's great-great-great-grandmother."
7. Question No. 7—RevenueDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of RevenueQuestion No. 7—Revenue7. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Revenue: What measures if any are in place to ensure individual taxpayers pay the correct amount of tax if they work two or more jobs?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Revenue): I'm happy to inform the House that as of Monday workers who were paying too much tax because of incorrect secondary tax codes are in line for relief.Hon Members: Hear hear!Hon STUART NASH: Thank you. Until now the tax on a second job has often been too high. More regular pay day information from employers allows the Inland Revenue Department to provide taxpayers with a tailored tax code so they are not overtaxed and they have more money in their pockets each week rather than waiting for a refund at the end of the tax year. These changes ensure wage and salary earners are only paying the tax they should. This Government promised to eliminate unnecessary secondary tax for workers with more than one job and we are delivering on that promise. [Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! Can one Minister answer the question please.Dr Duncan Webb: How many taxpayers will be helped by the new tailored tax codes?Hon STUART NASH: Four hundred and fifty-eight thousand people used secondary tax codes during the 2016-17 income year. Inland revenue estimates that 256000 people with a tax refund of more than $50 and 119000 people with tax to pay of more than $50 could benefit from these changes. As my good mate and colleague Fletcher Tabuteau has noted Most of these individuals [who pay secondary tax] are struggling to make ends meet and can't afford to wait for a refund at the end of the year." I am disappointed that the other side of the House didn't want to support half a million hard-working Kiwis—SPEAKER: Order!Dr Duncan Webb: What assurances has the Minister received from the Inland Revenue Department about its ability to ensure these measures are implemented?Hon STUART NASH: As well as tailored tax codes on 1 April it also allowed for 750000 New Zealanders to receive their tax refunds automatically. These changes are made possible because of the Inland Revenue Department's Business Transformation Programme. The Inland Revenue Department assures me that this programme is on time and under budget. This is the Government's largest IT and transformation project and much has been learnt from the Novopay disaster under the previous Government. Even KPMG who regularly review the programme have said to me that this is the best transformational project they have reviewed from across the globe."
6. Question No. 6—HealthHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 6—Health6. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement I'm not intending to hold an inquiry into PHARMAC"?Hon Dr David Clark: Yes.SPEAKER: The Hon Dr David Clark. No after he's called properly.Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Yes.SPEAKER: Thank you.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Has he seen reports of the Prime Minister when asked by the same reporter whether she would block a select committee inquiry into Pharmac responding "Absolutely not." and "I hope that they would." and how does he reconcile his position with hers?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: As I indicated to Stuff back in October last year the Health Committee is free to hold inquiries about any topic it wishes.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Has he spoken to the chair of the Health Committee about a select committee inquiry into Pharmac and has he instructed the chair to vote against any motion to hold a select committee inquiry?SPEAKER: Order! The member is asking the Minister whether he has breached privilege and that is not the way it is done. The member might want to rephrase the question.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Has he spoken to the chair of the Health Committee about an inquiry into Pharmac and what was the nature of that discussion?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The chair of the select committee from time to time tells me what's going on on that committee of course and I follow with interest what's going on on that committee.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Has he spoken to the chair of Pharmac about the possibility of a select committee inquiry and what was the nature of that discussion?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: To my recollection not in any recent period no.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Will he give the House an assurance that neither he nor any ministerial colleague will involve themselves in the consideration by the select committee of an inquiry into Pharmac?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I do not intend to break Standing Orders or privilege."
5. Question No. 5—TransportHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 5—Transport5. Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of Transport: What progress if any has the Government made on reducing traffic congestion in Auckland?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport): Thank you Mr Speaker. When we look at average travel speeds in Auckland Ministry of Transport data shows that from 2017 to 2018 congestion slightly eased in Auckland. However we know that congestion is an awful daily reality for most Aucklanders and the progress that our Government has made is just the beginning. We are making the largest ever transport investment over the next 10 years including roads motorways public transport and walking and cycling.Hon Paul Goldsmith: When he said yesterday Our Government wants to see transport projects rolled out as quickly as possible" has he been on Auckland's Southern Motorway recently? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: I have and I've observed the continuing progress in widening the motorway in South Auckland and that's an important part of adding capacity to that stretch of the State highway.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Why is it taking so long to get started on extending electric trains to Pukekohe? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well unlike the last Government we've actually put electrification of the commuter rail service to Pukekohe in our Government policy statement in the National Land Transport Programme. It is funded the decisions are being made and it's happening. As well as that we are putting in place the building of the third main rail line—a vital rail investment to unlock progress for both freight and commuter traffic.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Why is his priority for the largest and most expensive transport project in New Zealand's history light rail down Dominion Road a route already well served by public transport when there's congestion on the fringes of the city where most of the population growth is? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well if the member would ask the other member sitting two seats along who was the transport Minister in the last Government he would know that the former Government signed off light rail as the preferred mode from the central city to Māngere that they accepted the expert advice from the Transport Agency and Auckland Transport that rapid transit is needed across the isthmus because bus congestion in the city is already so chronic that it's causing major problems and that the overwhelming imperative is to build a rapid transit network that serves our country's biggest city. The member could just ask his colleague.Hon Paul Goldsmith: In reference to rapid transport does he agree with John Reeves of the Public Transport Users Association who concludes "basically the tram is going to be a very slow very costly project and … is seriously going to be a waste of taxpayers money."?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: No I disagree with that public statement and Mr Reeves—like the member asking the question—makes some incorrect assumptions about the design of the proposed light rail line. I suggest that he waits to see exactly when the procurement process moves to the next stage what the design specifications are."
4. Question No. 4—Prime MinisterHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 4—Prime Minister4. Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her Government's statements policies and actions?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Yes. Hon Paula Bennett: How will legalised marijuana for recreational use be regulated? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: If the member is referring again to the question that we intend to put to the New Zealand public in the 2020 election the Government is finalising decisions around how the question will be posed and what information of course will be provided in order to encourage debate. As I've said many times before—I know the member has a special interest in this area—I encourage her to join Chlöe Swarbrick and other members of the cross-party group to support the work that's being done. Again I point out for the benefit of members across the other side of the House this is not a Government policy; it is a public referendum. Hon Paula Bennett: Does she believe that a cross-party group of backbench MPs should be making the decision on what the question should be in an education campaign and what a regulated recreational marijuana use in New Zealand would be like? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: The member misunderstands. I have pointed out in this House many times that the question itself and the referendum will be determined by Cabinet in the same way as when the last Government developed a referendum question on the flag. They had a position on the referendum question; they did not I believe as a Government promote a particular position. Hon Paula Bennett: When is Cabinet expecting a paper on perhaps proposed regulations and what that might look like and will a bill come to this House that can be debated as to what a regulated recreational marijuana use would look like in New Zealand? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Again all of those decisions we are wanting to ensure happen in good time so that the New Zealand public have enough time to consider their individual positions. As soon as Cabinet has made its decisions we're in a position to inform both Parliament and also the public. That work is being led by Minister Andrew Little.Hon Paula Bennett: Can she indicate to the House perhaps a month that a paper might go to Cabinet to then be introduced to the House so that they can understand the time lines that we're up against? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: No I won't put those confines around Cabinet's decision-making but I can tell you that work is under way.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I've seen a number of recent reports that highlight that the New Zealand economy continues to outperform international counterparts. Stats New Zealand's recently released GDP growth figures for the December 2018 quarter show that the New Zealand economy grew at 0.6 percent in the quarter—Hon Member: How much?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: —0.6 percent—faster than Australia Canada the euro area Japan and the OECD average. Likewise the BNZ-Business New Zealand's performance of manufacturing and performance of services indices for February show both sectors continuing to expand at a solid rate. New Zealand's manufacturing sector expanded faster in February than the US China the UK Japan and the eurozone. The services sector expanded faster in New Zealand than Australia China the UK Japan and the eurozone. This data demonstrates the New Zealand economy continuing to outperform our international peers on the back of solid fundamentals.Kiritapu Allan: What reports has he seen on the impact of international factors on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well in last week's official cash rate decision the Reserve Bank Governor pointed to global headwinds as risks to New Zealand's economic outlook. He highlighted that growth is slowing amongst some of our key trading partners including Australia Europe and China. This outlook was reinforced by the managing director of the IMF Christine Lagarde in a speech yesterday in which she said that global growth has lost momentum amid rising trade tensions and tighter financial conditions". She also signalled that the IMF is likely to cut its global growth forecast for 2019 again following cuts to forecasts made back in January. Despite the more positive news out of New Zealand recently and our solid economic fundamentals the global outlook does remain a risk to our future economy.Kiritapu Allan: How is the Government responding to risks from the international economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: This Government does have a plan to transition ourselves to a more modern economy that is based on being more productive more sustainable and more inclusive. A key part of that is lifting our research and development spending to 2 percent of GDP within 10 years of taking office and our research and development tax incentive which came into force on Monday will help New Zealand businesses boost their investment in innovation allowing more businesses to develop new products and create more high-wage jobs for Kiwis. In addition the Government will continue to manage the books responsibly so we are in a position to respond to any potential shocks from external forces."