edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Turia Tariana: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
Turia Tariana: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
[Volume:656;Page:5528] 
Hon TARIANA TURIA (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 ‘Oku oatu ‘ku ‘ofa ki he kakai tonga kotoa pe he faingata‘a kuo hoko. I greet the people of Tonga on this sad day. Kei te pouri te ngakau i tenei wa. The Maori Party stands with all other parties to express our sympathies for the families who are grieving today after the tragedy that took place last night in the waters of the Pacific. Our connections as tangata w’enua with the peoples of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa bind us together in times of happiness and in times of sadness. We think of those families with loved ones still missing and we offer our prayers. We also acknowledge the efforts of the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the maritime radio team who have worked so valiantly to restore calm in this time of distress. Your courage in times of crisis will be remembered. May God bless you all.
Roy Heather: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
Roy Heather: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
[Volume:656;Page:5528] 
Hon HEATHER ROY (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
: 
 I stand on behalf of the ACT Party to support the Government’s motion and along with other parties to express our concern about this tragedy that has taken place and to extend it to those who are involved in the sinking of the  
Princess Ashika 
 off the coast of Tonga just before 11 o’clock last night. Twenty-six people I understand are still unaccounted for with around 42 people having been rescued from life rafts. The New Zealand Maritime Operations Centre picked up the mayday call late last night soon after it was released and the New Zealand Defence Force has sent two Orions as has been mentioned. The first was deployed from Whenuapai just after 2.30 a.m. this morning after a request from the Rescue Coordination Centre and the second Orion departed early this morning to relieve the first Orion’s efforts. New Zealand’s search and rescue obligations cover a huge part of the South Pacific and Tonga is of course part of the area that we are responsible for. The ACT Party joins other parties in this House in saying our hearts thoughts and prayers go out to the Tongans and to the Tongan community here in New Zealand.
Norman Russel William: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
Norman Russel William: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
[Volume:656;Page:5528] 
Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 I stand on behalf of the Green Party. The Green Party wishes to express its sorrow for those who may have lost their lives. We wish to express our sympathy to their families and to the extended Tongan community in New Zealand whose members are no doubt feeling strongly about the tragedy. We also wish to express our hope—our hope that those who are still missing are found and rescued quickly.
Carter Chris: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
Carter Chris: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
[Volume:656;Page:5528] 
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Labour—Te Atatu) 
: 
 On behalf of the Labour Party I rise to support the Government’s motion that the hearts minds and the helping hands of New Zealanders go out to Tonga at this difficult time. We in the Labour Party are delighted that the Government has sent two Orion search aircraft to the area of northern Tonga near Nomuka Island where the 26 people who are still missing are being searched for. We are delighted that New Zealand is able to also assist through the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand here in Wellington which is coordinating the search for those missing people. We are also very pleased that Prime Minister Key spoke to Hon Dr Fred Sevele the Tongan Prime Minister in Cairns just a short time ago expressing the sympathy and support of all New Zealanders. 
We have a large and very respected Tongan community in New Zealand and there will be Tongan Kiwis who have family connections to some of the people who are missing at the moment lost at sea. They have been lost at sea for over 14 hours now so this is an extraordinarily concerning time for the families and friends of those who are still missing. I am sure I speak on behalf of all New Zealanders when I say ‘oku faka folau atu ‘emau lotu mo ‘emau ‘ofa lolotonga ‘a e taimi faingata‘a ko eni.” In the Tongan language that means: “Our hearts are with you at this difficult time.”
English Bill: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
English Bill: Motions — Tonga—Sinking of Ferry Princess Ashika 
[Volume:656;Page:5527] 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Deputy Prime Minister) 
: 
 I seek leave to move a motion without notice relating to the tragedy in Tonga. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is none. 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: I move  
That this Parliament express its sympathy and concern to the people of Tonga as search and rescue efforts continue following an overnight ferry sinking. 
 The ferry the  
Princess Ashika 
 was sailing for the Ha‘apai group of islands in northern Tonga when it sank earlier today. An estimated 82 passengers and crew were on board. The cause of the sinking is not yet known. Rescuers so far have found 56 survivors. Two Orions a Tongan Navy vessel and other ships are searching the area for those missing although the exact number of people on the ferry has not been confirmed. 
New Zealand shares a close and longstanding relationship with Tonga and a delegation of New Zealanders led by the Prime Minister visited Tonga only last month. We are offering our full support to Tonga following this tragic event. Two RNZAF Orions are assisting with the search for survivors and the New Zealand authorities are in close touch with Tongan officials in case further support can be provided. New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre in Wellington is coordinating the search which is centred about 86 kilometres off Tonga’s capital Nuku‘alofa. New Zealand officials will also help provide any support that may be required to maintain interim services following the loss of the vessel. 
We are deeply concerned about those still missing but we are informed that the rescue conditions are good and our hopes remain high that more survivors will be found. At this difficult time our hearts go out to those in Tonga dealing directly with this tragedy but also to the members of our own large and respected Tongan community in New Zealand who will be deeply concerned.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:656;Page:5527] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 It is of course the Government’s intention to progress that bill. I did not mention it in today’s business statement but the Government as always is open to cooperation from the Opposition to advance these matters. If the shadow Leader of the House wishes to approach me to accommodate such a move then of course there will be discussions.
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
[Volume:656;Page:5527] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I wonder whether the Leader of the House could let us know when he expects the Immigration Bill to actually be brought to the floor of the House. He has mentioned it in several business statements and has signalled that it was the Government’s intention to progress that legislation but it does not appear to have made its way here to the House.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:656;Page:5527] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 At the conclusion of business today the House will adjourn for 1 week. When we resume on Tuesday 18 August it is the Government’s intention to complete the estimates debate and make progress on the first readings of bills on the Order Paper. Wednesday 19 August will be a members’ day.
Smith Lockwood: Visitors — Malaysia Federation—Parliamentary Delegation House of Representatives 
Smith Lockwood: Visitors — Malaysia Federation—Parliamentary Delegation House of Representatives 
[Volume:656;Page:5527] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing the House that a parliamentary delegation from the House of Representatives of the Federation of Malaysia led by the Hon Datuk Ronald Kiandee Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is present in the gallery. I am sure members would wish that the delegation be welcomed.
Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:656;Page:5581] 
Estimates Debate 
In Committee 
Debate resumed. 
Vote Climate Change ( 
continued 
)  
Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 I rise to speak on the climate change estimates. I will make a few points in this short contribution. The first is that when it comes to climate change we have a moral obligation to take action. We have a moral obligation not only to ourselves and to future generations of New Zealanders but also to people who live in the Pacific. Just in the last few days the Alliance of Small Island States—some of our key neighbours—called on developed countries like New Zealand to commit to an emissions reduction target of at least 40 percent by 2020. They have called on New Zealand to make a strong reduction target because their very homes may go under. We have a moral obligation to act on climate change. It has been one of the Green Party’s great frustrations that over the years there has been very little action in terms of actually reducing our gross emissions. It is probably true that our net emissions will come pretty close to zero by 2012 but our gross emissions will be way over. 
Progress reported. 
Report adopted.
Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 3 to Minister Question No. 2 to Minister 
Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 3 to Minister Question No. 2 to Minister 
[Volume:656;Page:5580] 
Amended Answers to Oral Questions 
Question No. 3 to Minister 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Acting Prime Minister) 
: 
 I want to correct a detail in my answer to oral question No. 3 today. I stated that the unemployment rate was last at 6 percent in 2005. In fact— 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: The member needs to seek leave. 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: I seek leave Mr Chairperson. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: Is this a personal explanation or a correction? Either way is the member seeking to make a personal statement or to make— 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: I seek leave to make a personal explanation to correct a detail in an answer to a question— 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: Just a moment. Leave is sought for that purpose. Is anyone opposed to that course of action? It appears not. 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: In answer to oral question No. 3 today I stated that the unemployment rate was last at 6 percent in 2005. The correct figure is that the unemployment benefit is the same now as it was in 2005 not the unemployment rate as measured by the household labour force survey. 
Question No. 2 to Minister 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for Climate Change Issues) 
: 
 I seek the leave of the House to correct an answer that I gave in the House in respect of a question from Mr David Garrett. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: Leave is sought for a personal explanation in relation to a question. Is anyone opposed to that course of action? There appears not. Leave is granted. 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: In response to a question in respect of how much the existing emissions trading scheme legislation would reduce emissions I advised the House that the information was in the regulatory impact statement that had been provided. In fact it was in the economic analysis that was with the regulatory impact statement provided to the Emissions Trading Scheme Review Committee. I seek the leave of the House to table the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research report that has the information that the member sought. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is anyone opposed? Leave is granted. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:656;Page:5527] 
Business Statement 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 At the conclusion of business today the House will adjourn for 1 week. When we resume on Tuesday 18 August it is the Government’s intention to complete the estimates debate and make progress on the first readings of bills on the Order Paper. Wednesday 19 August will be a members’ day. 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I wonder whether the Leader of the House could let us know when he expects the Immigration Bill to actually be brought to the floor of the House. He has mentioned it in several business statements and has signalled that it was the Government’s intention to progress that legislation but it does not appear to have made its way here to the House. 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 It is of course the Government’s intention to progress that bill. I did not mention it in today’s business statement but the Government as always is open to cooperation from the Opposition to advance these matters. If the shadow Leader of the House wishes to approach me to accommodate such a move then of course there will be discussions.
Visitors — Malaysia Federation—Parliamentary Delegation House of Representatives 
Visitors — Malaysia Federation—Parliamentary Delegation House of Representatives 
[Volume:656;Page:5527] 
Thursday 6 August 2009 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Visitors 
Malaysia Federation—Parliamentary Delegation House of Representatives 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing the House that a parliamentary delegation from the House of Representatives of the Federation of Malaysia led by the Hon Datuk Ronald Kiandee Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is present in the gallery. I am sure members would wish that the delegation be welcomed.
Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5804] 
6.  
KATRINA SHANKS (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What reports has she received on the Government’s Job Ops scheme? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 Since I stood up in the Chamber last week an additional 176 new Job Ops positions have been placed on Work and Income’s books. We now have a total of—members should listen up—590 Job Ops on our books. 
Katrina Shanks 
: Supplementary question Mr Speaker. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Before I call Katrina Shanks I ask both sides of the House to be a little reasonable with their enthusiasm in interjecting applauding or whatever. It was extraordinarily difficult to hear the Minister. 
Katrina Shanks 
: Has Work and Income tightened criteria around Job Ops? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: No. From day one careful guidelines have been in place to avoid displacement. The Job Ops scheme has always been about helping young people get work experience by creating new entry-level roles. 
Hon Annette King 
: Are existing vacancies not eligible to be used in the Job Ops programme as she claimed in the press statement on Friday; if so why are some employers publicly saying that they are not new vacancies but existing ones? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: These jobs are new. A job that exists in an employer’s head is not actually a job until it is on Work and Income’s books that the employer is actively looking for someone. These jobs are for new entry-level positions. The scheme is a positive thing. I know that that is hard for the Opposition to take into consideration. The scheme is giving young people new opportunities to get into work which is a good thing. 
Katrina Shanks 
: What reports has the Minister received about the Government’s Community Max scheme? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: We have had 251 community groups registering their interest in the Community Max programme. These projects are a bit slower to come in because they take a bit more work to get up in the communities and get them under way but the interest is there. The interest is perhaps higher than we expected to start with. We are very pleased with how the programme is going.
Dunne Peter: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Dunne Peter: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:656;Page:5877] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Minister of Revenue) 
: 
 I move  
That the Education and Science Committee consider the bill  
that the committee report finally to the House on or before 30 November 2009 and that the committee have the authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during questions for oral answer) and during any evening on a day in which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House despite Standing Orders 187 and 190(1)(b) and (c). 
Motion agreed to.
Vote: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:656;Page:5876] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 113 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 43; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 9 
Green Party 9. 
Bill read a first time.
Gilmore Aaron: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Gilmore Aaron: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:656;Page:5876] 
AARON GILMORE (National) 
: 
 It is a pleasure to rise to support the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill. I have one thing to say: I say to my friend Frosty the snowman who is currently in Antarctica that this bill will allow him to get an interest-free student loan. How wonderful that will be! I say to Mr Frosty the snowman: “What a wonderful thing!”. Thank you very much.
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:656;Page:5874] 
PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie) 
: 
 I will not traverse all the issues that have already been covered tonight but will just cover two short points. Firstly the provisions of the Student Loan Scheme Act will be extended to students who live in countries that are part of the New Zealand territories—Niue the Cook Islands and Tokelau. I was on the recent Pacific mission led by our Prime Minister and it was the most celebrated mission in many a year to go to the Pacific Islands. The people of those territories will see this bill as a very welcome addition to the services that New Zealand already provides for them. 
Secondly interest-free loans are to be extended to include students who are furthering their education overseas and through full-time study. They will be doing that through study programmes exchange programmes and formal agreements between New Zealand and other nations. I spent some time studying overseas and had to look for ways to fund my own education so I say this provision will be very welcome to those people. We welcome students going overseas to pick up on new ideas new ways of thinking and innovative methods of doing things and bringing those ideas back to our country in order that we may benefit through their contribution to our local economy and our local people. So this is a very welcome provision. 
We should celebrate the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill. Much has been said across the Chamber about student loans and their value. Having had my student loan for a number of years I can say personally that it is a valuable scheme—not necessarily the interest-free scheme but certainly the student loan scheme. It is a benefit to our country. I support the bill and I thank you Mr Assistant Speaker for the opportunity to speak to it.
te Heuheu Georgina: Infrastructure Bill — First Reading 
te Heuheu Georgina: Infrastructure Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:656;Page:5860] 
Hon GEORGINA TE HEUHEU (Minister for Courts) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister for Infrastructure 
: 
 I move  
That the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee 
 consider the bill and that the committee report finally to the House on or before 13 November 2009 and that the committee has authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions) and during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House and to meet outside the Wellington region during a sitting of the House despite Standing Orders 187 189 and 190(1)(b) and (c). 
Motion agreed to.
Roy Eric: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Roy Eric: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:656;Page:5838] 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: I am sorry to interrupt the member but the time for the debate has now expired. 
Hon Parekura Horomia 
: This is outrageous. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: I am on my feet. I will now put the remaining votes as one question. 
The question was put that Vote Maori Affairs Vote Community and Voluntary Sector Vote Revenue the preamble clauses 1 to 12 and schedules 1 to 7 be agreed to. 
Votes preamble clauses 1 to 12 and schedules 1 to 7 agreed to. 
Bill reported without amendment. 
Report adopted.
Horomia Parekura: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Horomia Parekura: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:656;Page:5837] 
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA (Labour—Ikaroa-Rawhiti) 
: 
 Mihi atu ki te Minita Maori ki a Pita tena koe. Mo te raru inaianei kia kaha kia maia. 
[ 
I acknowledge you Pita Minister of Maori Affairs greetings. In regard to the current problems be strong be courageous 
.] 
I just respond to that young chap from Tauranga Simon Bridges. One thing I know about the previous Minister of Maori Affairs is that he was pioneering. A lot of the stuff that is being painted up as brand new is actually about 6 or 7 years old. Fishing training has been going since 1999; 684 people have gone through it. The trade training in Tai Tokerau has been going for 5 years. There are a host of things. I commend the present Minister of Maori Affairs Dr Pita Sharples for staying on the same track as the previous Minister because that is where he is safe. He understands the nuances of Maoridom unlike the shabby buffoonish shallow leadership that will not even recognise Maori and has used all sorts of excuses. It is outrageous. 
I can talk to members about the appropriation for Vote Maori Affairs because the Maori Party members came and said they wanted to do a lot of things. They wanted to have a $15 minimum wage. That did not happen. They promised no tax on up to $25000 earned and instead they voted to reduce tax cuts.
Sharples Pita: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Sharples Pita: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:656;Page:5835] 
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Minister of Maori Affairs) 
: 
 I welcome the report of the Maori Affairs Committee on the 2009-10 estimates for Vote Maori Affairs. In this tight fiscal environment my focus for Budget 2009 is on bringing about a change in focus for Maori development. Although the vote was reduced by $27 million this was largely due to some one-off commitments made by the previous Government that we were quite happy to honour. The new initiatives include the Maori Economic Taskforce and the Whanau Advocates Programme which is a flagship in terms of a change in direction. These initiatives are to be administered amongst the Maori community by Te Puni Kokiri. 
As the Minister of Maori Affairs I will be seeking to empower Maori communities to develop their own solutions to their issues. In doing that I propose to put people into the community who will be responsible to community organisations and not to Te Puni Kokiri although the funding will go through Te Puni Kokiri to them. This will empower communities to get involved with their own people and create their own solutions. Workers will be selected by the community and not by Te Puni Kokiri; they will be the people whom the community identifies as ideal for that kind of whanau development work—whanau awhina. I also intend to put a number of our nannies—our kuia—into the community so that they can work amongst women who are expecting babies and can get into the homes of children. Perhaps while they are visiting and caring for those children they can take cognisance of their situation in terms of resources in the house the tone of the house the behaviour and so on. Hopefully this initiative will bring some information forward that will allow us to apply the appropriate social service. This is not intended to bond people to social services but rather to put them on their feet so that they can make their own decisions. 
In addition the economic task force that we have developed which in these hard times does not have a big budget and will not be in the field of creating employment will prepare Maori for coming out of the recession in terms of opportunities for development of small businesses for investment for training and for various other ventures that I will not talk about at length here. That is what is happening. 
Once again I say that I am very pleased to take this call to represent the vote. I thank the Committee for its support on this vote.
Chadwick Steve: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Chadwick Steve: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:656;Page:5825] 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Junior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Chair. Could I make a few phone calls before that negotiation is agreed to? 
The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch) 
: If there is no other speaker I will be putting the vote. The member has sought leave so I will test the Committee on the issue. The member has sought leave to make a contribution on Vote Food Safety. Is there any objection to that? There is objection. I am sorry but the member cannot speak on that vote. 
Vote agreed to.
Kedgley Sue: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Kedgley Sue: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:656;Page:5825] 
SUE KEDGLEY (Green) 
: 
 Mr Chair— 
The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch) 
: I am sorry but the Green Party has used its allocated seven speeches so I cannot accept your call. If you wish to negotiate with another party however that is up to you. 
SUE KEDGLEY 
: I seek the leave of the Committee to make an additional contribution on Vote Food Safety. I understood from our whip that I was entitled to speak on it which is why I came to the Chamber. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch) 
: No your party has used its time so I cannot give you an allocation. But you could negotiate with another party. Are you seeking leave? 
SUE KEDGLEY 
: I have sought the leave of the Committee. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch) 
: The member is seeking leave. No I am sorry I cannot accept leave. This debate is a time-limited debate and the time would have to come off someone else’s allocation. I suggest the member negotiates with another party. I understand that the Progressive party has allocated its vote to Labour but Labour possibly will not be using it. Am I correct? I do not want to take a speaking spot away from someone else.
Tremain Chris: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Tremain Chris: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:656;Page:5815] 
CHRIS TREMAIN (Senior Whip—National) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. I seek a point of clarification. I realise that this is a time-limited debate and that there are a certain number of calls for each— 
The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch) 
: I have just ruled that I am not taking into account the few seconds spoken by the member because obviously he was not speaking on the vote. I am happy to start again. 
Vote agreed to.
Boscawen John: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
Boscawen John: Estimates Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:656;Page:5814] 
JOHN BOSCAWEN (ACT) 
: 
 It is a pleasure to follow the Hon Tariana Turia. She just talked about the 12000 children who are subject to neglect and abuse. I quite agree with her that it is a subject— 
The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch) 
: I interrupt the member. We are actually on Vote Employment and possibly the points that you want to make come under Vote Social Development. 
JOHN BOSCAWEN 
: Correct. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch) 
: So I will not take up your time. We will start again on that but I bring that to your attention. We are actually on Vote Employment. Are there any other speakers?
Goff Phil: Urgent Debates Declined — Citizens Initiated Referendum on Parental Correction—Government Response Auckland Local Government Reform—Maori Representation on Auckland Council 
Goff Phil: Urgent Debates Declined — Citizens Initiated Referendum on Parental Correction—Government Response Auckland Local Government Reform—Maori Representation on Auckland Council 
[Volume:656;Page:5812] 
Hon PHIL GOFF (Leader of the Opposition) 
: 
 I seek leave for the agreement of the House to have such a debate. The whole country is focused on the issues that revolve around Cabinet’s decision on the Maori seats. Of course normally Mr Speaker you would be absolutely right because legislation is coming before the House. But in submitting the letter I took into account the fact that the decisions that were made yesterday pre-empted that process through the legislature. I wonder whether you have taken that into account. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I must not get into a debate with the member but obviously Governments make all sorts of decisions about legislation they are bringing into the House as a matter of general course so that is not a matter the Speaker can take into account. Leave has been sought for time to be set aside for that debate. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Smith Lockwood: Urgent Debates Declined — Citizens Initiated Referendum on Parental Correction—Government Response Auckland Local Government Reform—Maori Representation on Auckland Council 
Smith Lockwood: Urgent Debates Declined — Citizens Initiated Referendum on Parental Correction—Government Response Auckland Local Government Reform—Maori Representation on Auckland Council 
[Volume:656;Page:5812] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have received a letter from John Boscawen seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the Government’s response to the results of the citizens initiated referendum on the question “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?”. The Government’s response is a case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility but I am not persuaded that it requires the immediate attention of the House. The test is a high one. There needs to be an element of urgency for the business of the House to be set aside. The response announced includes a review of police and Child Youth and Family procedures to be reported back by 1 December 2009; the bringing forward to late September or early October of the delivery of a report on the effect of the law change; and the continued monitoring of the operation of the law. 
The setting up of a review rarely justifies an urgent debate. When a review is reported there may be exceptional circumstances that will justify a debate but even then that is not always the case and members might care to look at Speaker’s ruling 177/1. In the circumstances I do not believe that the business of the House ought to be set aside today. The application is therefore declined. 
I have also received a letter from the Leader of the Opposition the Hon Phil Goff seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 Cabinet’s decision not to include Maori seats on the new Auckland Council. The decision is a case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. In considering whether a matter requires the urgent attention of the House it is relevant to consider whether the matter proposed to be discussed must come before the House reasonably soon in the form of legislation. The Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill is required to be reported back to the House by 4 September 2009. The consideration of this legislation will provide the opportunity to debate the issue of Maori representation on the new Auckland Council. The application is also therefore declined.
Horomia Parekura: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Horomia Parekura: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5811] 
5.  
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA (Labour—Ikaroa-Rawhiti) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee 
: What 
process did the committee follow for hearing submissions relating to Maori representation? 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee) 
: 
 The committee received 2538 submissions from interested groups and individuals. A subcommittee heard evidence in all seven Auckland districts including Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island and on three marae in the Auckland region. 
Hon Parekura Horomia 
: What integrity does the process have given that the submissions have been overridden by his Government? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The first part of the question was fine in asking about the integrity of the process but asking what the Government might have done is irrelevant to the responsibilities of the chair of the committee. That is outside the Standing Orders and that brings to a conclusion questions for oral answer. 
Hon Darren Hughes 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. You ruled that the first part of the question was in order so maybe the chairperson could answer the first part. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have already concluded question time. I think that members asking questions of chairs need to be a bit more careful about their supplementary questions. I think I have been fairly tolerant of that today.
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5811] 
4.  
PHIL TWYFORD (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee 
: When will the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill be reported back to the House? 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee): 
 As I said previously the report-back date for the bill is 4 September 2009. 
Phil Twyford 
: Has the Associate Minister of Local Government the Hon John Carter advised him that decisions have already been made about the bill— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: No—I think the member needs to have a look at the Standing Orders relating to questions to chairs of committees because that kind of question does not fall within the ambit of questions to chairs.
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5810] 
3.  
PHIL TWYFORD (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee 
: What progress has been made on the committee’s consideration of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill? 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee): 
 The committee has made good progress and is on schedule to meet the report-back date of 4 September 2009. 
Phil Twyford 
: Has the chairperson had any communications with the Associate Minister of Local Government the Hon John Carter about Cabinet processes relating to the bill? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I do not think the chair of the committee has any responsibility for Cabinet processes. 
Hon Darren Hughes 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. My memory of this particular matter is that you did allow supplementary questions like that from the Hon Trevor Mallard to the chair of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee about communication with members of the executive the processes within the executive and how they impacted on the process of the select committee. That was what my colleague was trying to get to with this question—the process as it affects this special committee the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee. There is a precedent for this under Speaker Smith. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I think the difference on that particular occasion was that the Hon Trevor Mallard was specifically asking the chair of the select committee what he had done in response to certain things. On this occasion although the supplementary question might be asking about the same person it must relate to something that the chair of the committee is doing not what Cabinet might be doing. If the member has a further supplementary question— 
Hon Darren Hughes 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The issue is that the chair of the parliamentary select committee is also the Associate Minister of Local Government about whom my colleague is asking the question—the very same person. Of any member here he should be in the best position to answer that question. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Again—[ 
Interruption 
] There must be no interjections when the Speaker is considering matters. The fact that it might be the same member is quite irrelevant to the Speaker’s ruling on the matter. The chair of the committee is responsible only for matters to do with the chair. The fact the chair is also the Associate Minister is irrelevant. 
Hon Rodney Hide 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Just quickly perhaps it would be helpful to Mr Darren Hughes and Mr Phil Twyford if you organised a seminar on asking questions. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member will resume his seat. 
Phil Twyford 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. If I could rephrase that earlier question— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have called question No. 4.
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5810] 
2.  
PHIL TWYFORD (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee 
: How many submissions were heard on the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill? 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee): 
 The committee heard a total of 619 submissions of which 343 were oral submissions from individuals and 276 were submissions from groups organisations and experts. 
Phil Twyford 
: How many of those submissions supported Maori seats on the Auckland Council? 
Hon JOHN CARTER 
: I do not have that analysis with me.
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5810] 
1.  
PHIL TWYFORD (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee 
: Can he confirm that the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill is currently being considered by the committee? 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Chairperson of the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee): 
 Yes. 
Phil Twyford 
: What communications if any has he received from the Prime Minister or the Minister of Local Government about yesterday’s announcement about what can and what cannot be included in the bill? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I fail to see how that question has anything to do with the procedure of the committee. The member must make his supplementary question bear some relationship to the procedures or processes going on in the committee. Questions to members are somewhat different from questions to Ministers. 
Hon Darren Hughes 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. One of the processes of a select committee is the chair’s communications with Ministers about the progress of bills before the committee. My colleague is asking whether following yesterday’s announcement there has been any communication about things that can or cannot be included in the bill. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: It is a nice try by the honourable member but I am not sure the Speaker stands persuaded on that matter.
Parata Hekia: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Parata Hekia: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5809] 
12.  
HEKIA PARATA (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Housing 
: What progress has the Government made with fulfilling the establishment of an Options and Advice Service? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Housing) 
: 
 I am pleased to announce the launch of phase 1 of the Options and Advice Service which has eight pilot neighbourhoods. The aim of the service is to provide applicants with information and advice that helps them to identify housing options that may be available to them not just State housing but rental opportunities in the private sector or possibly even homeownership. I thank my colleague the Hon Paula Bennett and her ministry team for their support in working with us on developing the scheme. 
Hekia Parata 
: How will this service be rolled out? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY 
: Phase 1 of the roll-out will see the service operating in Whangarei Onehunga Panmure Manurewa Hamilton Manawatu Linwood and Timaru. These sites were chosen for geographical spread as well as to see how the service works in different types of neighbourhood units. Phase 2 will consist of a national roll-out of the service in 2010. Initially customers to Housing New Zealand Corporation’s front door will be the focus of the service. However we are looking to provide the service to existing tenants—for example offering them the opportunity to buy the home they live in in some cases.
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5807] 
10.  
PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie) 
 to the  
Minister of Broadcasting 
: What practical steps is the Government taking towards the switch-over to digital television? 
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Broadcasting) 
: 
 The Government has established the Digital Switchover Steering Group which is comprised of representatives from Television New Zealand (TVNZ) Kordia and Sky television as well as from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The group has been established to manage the transition from analog to digital television and to advise the Government on issues relating to the switch-over. The group will be responsible for a comprehensive information programme to ensure that the public is fully informed throughout the transition process and that all New Zealanders know exactly what they need to do to switch to digital television. 
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga 
: What else has been happening to drive the uptake of digital television? 
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN 
: Last week it was announced that Prime Television would be joining the suite of channels offered on the FreeView platform. The National-led Government has always been keen for Prime Television to be available on FreeView and earlier this year it held a meeting of the relevant parties to identify the barriers to this happening. I am happy to report that FreeView Sky television and Kordia were able to reach a commercial agreement that means Prime Television can now be viewed on both the FreeView satellite and terrestrial platforms. This is a practical measure that will make the uptake of digital TV via the FreeView platform even more attractive to the public. 
Brendon Burns 
: Can the Minister assure the House that he will change his current hands-off approach to his portfolio and plan to use some of the digital dividend to ensure FreeView terrestrial reception extends beyond major centres allowing regional New Zealanders to see their local and other channels without having pay television as their only option? 
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN 
: At the moment we have a discussion document out. It discusses all the options around the future of that digital spectrum and the digital dividend. I am sure we will take all the submissions into account before making any future decisions. 
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga 
: When will digital switch-over occur? 
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN 
: A firm date for digital switch-over will be set once the uptake of digital television has reached 75 percent of households or 2012 whichever occurs first. To realise the full economic benefits of digital switch-over it needs to occur by 2015 at the latest.
Street Maryan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Street Maryan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5806] 
9.  
Hon MARYAN STREET (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister for Tertiary Education 
: Will she reconsider her decision to cut $13 million from adult and community education delivered through high schools and the community organisations they support; if not why not? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Tertiary Education) 
: 
 No; the Government has had to fill a $520 million hole that was left in the tertiary budget by the previous Government in which the questioner was an Associate Minister for tertiary education herself. We have made the necessary decision to target our limited tertiary education dollars on younger students who are likely to be disproportionably affected by the economic downturn. 
Hon Maryan Street 
: Is the Minister aware that it is likely that only one out of a group of seven high schools in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will apply for the remaining $3 million and if she is aware of that what has she to say to the thousands of people in that area who will not be improving their skills next year because self-funding is not an option in that area? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: It is my understanding that high schools have until the end of this month to have their discussions with the Tertiary Education Commission and make their views available. I will await the outcome of those decisions. 
Hon Maryan Street 
: Has she received any representations from her National colleagues about the closure of adult and community education courses; if so what have they said? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: There has been a great deal of discussion from a number of people on all sides of the House. Some are concerned about the loss of adult and community education and some are looking for the opportunities that may well be taken up in communities by clubs and other organisations. 
Hon Maryan Street 
: Which sign language training courses can the Minister guarantee will survive these cuts to adult and community education as she has suggested previously in areas where such training is provided only through high school night classes and organisations dependent upon the support of high school adult and community education funding? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: I remind that member that no decisions have yet been made about the provision of services next year. I also remind that member there is still $124 million invested by this Government in adult and community education.
Wong Pansy: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Wong Pansy: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:656;Page:5806] 
Hon PANSY WONG (Acting Minister for ACC) 
: 
 I have indicated that I would table a document so I am now seeking the leave of the House to table a document entitled  
Sexual Abuse and Mental Injury: Practice Guidelines for Aotearoa New Zealand 
 by Massey University which was commissioned completed and buried by the previous Labour Government. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.