edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Patterson MarkHon MARK PATTERSON (Minister for Rural Communities): Thank you Mr Speaker and may I commend you on retaining your seat in the Chair; very good stuff.I think we've heard some fine contributions on the theory of inflation and Milton Friedman and the like. But essentially what we're dealing with here is a real-world issue that as Mr Stephenson just pointed out families are hurting cost of living is hurting our business community and our farmers are hurting with record-high interest rates that's driven as a result of the record-high inflation. So we do need to get our arms around this. We as a Government have decided to cut out the fluff and the nonsense to get down to tin tacks.We have been convinced by a very persuasive argument from the Minister of Finance to support this bill. So we commend it to the House. Thank you.
Nimon KatieRESERVE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (ECONOMIC OBJECTIVE) AMENDMENT BILLFirst ReadingDebate resumed.KATIE NIMON (National—Napier): I speak in support of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Economic Objective) Amendment Bill.While the members opposite might be out of touch with what people around New Zealand are dealing with this Government will be laser-focused on getting the cost of living under control and inflation under control and we cannot do that by having a dual mandate. We cannot let another day go by where we do not focus everything we've got on getting inflation under control.I met a family months ago that said that despite everything they are doing—working harder than they've ever worked—despite the odd wage increase they are going backwards. That is because inflation is out of control. No matter what we do to focus on jobs if people earn more but inflation is getting higher that wage increase means nothing. We need to help these people and we cannot keep going like we are where people cannot afford to meet their mortgage payments. We have to do this first because Christmas is coming and people cannot afford to pay their bills. We need to do whatever we can and if the members opposite think that this is a waste of time what is a bigger waste of time is the fact that we have to change this back to a single mandate when according to members opposite a dual mandate didn't make a difference. The thing that I will say in finishing is that I commend this to the House.
Chhour KarenAMENDED ANSWERS TO ORAL QUESTIONSQuestion No. 11 to MinisterHon KAREN CHHOUR (Minister for Children): Point of order Madam Speaker. I seek leave to correct an answer I gave in response to oral question No. 11 today.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection?Hon KAREN CHHOUR: In response to the Hon Willow-Jean Prime's supplementary to oral question 11 in regard to repealing section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act I stated I wouldn't expect to receive advice on this. I meant to say I would expect to receive advice on this.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Economic Objective) Amendment Bill — First Reading
MacLeod DavidDAVID MacLEOD (National—New Plymouth): Thank you Madam Speaker and can I also congratulate you on your appointment to Deputy Speaker. It's a pleasure for me to stand for the first time in this House to talk to a bill.What does inflation mean to you? I ask that question because it touches every single one of us whether it's through the daily cost of buying groceries or when you fill your car up pay the power bill pay for insurance—increases by the way in recent times—or what really is hurtful for many is actually paying our mortgages each and every week or fortnightly. Everybody is suffering. Everybody. Not just Māori; everybody.There are thousands of hard-working individuals across our country who simply have to find hundreds of dollars extra every week just to pay their mortgages. High inflation is the tyranny of any country. Milton Friedman said inflation is one of the forms of taxation that can be imposed without legislation. So it should not come as a surprise that a reasonable Government such as this National-led coalition Government has this bill as the first piece of legislation being introduced to the House in this term. It is a high priority to get the Reserve Bank's focus back solely on getting inflation under control but also maintaining it under control once you're in the desired bandwidth.Inflation has been out of control for far too long. The second requirement of the Reserve Bank was introduced back in 2019 right before the country was about to hit its highest level of inflation in decades. The Reserve Bank has been struggling ever since to get it under control.Labour's experiment of including an additional focus for the Reserve Bank has failed and we're all paying for it—literally. Cost of living is out of control everybody knows that. And to help this bill will amend the very important economic objectives of the Reserve Bank. They will no longer have to answer to two key performance indicators two masters two objectives.The bill removes the Labour Party's introduced target of maximum sustainable employment. It's an applaudable target but clearly trying to deliver it via the Reserve Bank is the wrong place and it needs to be corrected. Inflation is as violent as a mugger as frightening as an armed robber and as deadly as a hit man"—that was quoted by Ronald Reagan a very wise man back in the day. So I am very happy to commend this bill to the House. Thank you."
Wedd CatherineCATHERINE WEDD (National—Tukituki): Thank you Madam Speaker. I'm proud to stand on this side of the House as part of a Government which is totally committed to reducing the cost of living and reducing inflation. The commitment to beating inflation starts with ensuring the Reserve Bank is returning to a single mandate of keeping down inflation.At the moment hard-working New Zealanders can't get ahead because everything costs more. The weekly grocery bill the weekly petrol the weekly rent—it's a struggle for so many families. High inflation is prolonging the cost of living. As the MP for Tukituki I represent a rural electorate. Hawke's Bay is a food producing region. Hastings is the fruit bowl of New Zealand. Our economy is driven by agriculture and horticulture but our farmers are dealing with the highest level of on-farm inflation in 40 years. Farming confidence is low. Our growers are facing tough times. We need to restore confidence back into our primary sector. At the moment it's costing so much more to grow and export a box of apples—the costs of the trees the cost of the fertiliser the cost of the petrol the labour costs the shipping costs the logistics costs; they've all gone up because inflation is so high but growers aren't getting more for that box of apples in the market. Our Hawke's Bay growers are losing our competitive advantage as other countries can produce the same box of apples for less because their inflation is less.On top of this our region is having to rebuild after a cyclone. But everything costs more—billions of dollars. High inflation is taking its toll on these costs and our rebuild. The rising cost of building means the roads the bridges the houses they're all costing more. For some growers and farmers it's become unsustainable. This has a huge knock-on effect to the wider economy as everyone is tightening their belts and provincial New Zealand is going backwards. We need to get the wheels moving on our economy once again by getting inflation under control.This bill is a solid start to tackling inflation and reducing the cost of living for everyday Kiwis and businesses and strengthening our economy. I commend this bill to the House.
Marcroft JennyJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First): Thank you Madam Speaker. It is a pleasure to be back in this House and I'd like to first congratulate you on your appointment Madam Deputy Speaker. I'd like to speak on behalf of New Zealand First in support of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Economic Objective) Amendment Bill and on that note I commend it to the House.
Kuriger BarbaraINTRODUCTION OF BILLSCLERK: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Economic Objective) Amendment Bill introductionFair Pay Agreements Act Repeal Bill introductionLand Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Repeal) Amendment Bill introduction.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Those bills are set down for first reading immediately.
Bishop ChrisURGENCYHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): I move That urgency be accorded the introduction and passing through all stages of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Economic Objective) Amendment Bill the Fair Pay Agreements Act Repeal Bill and the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Repeal) Amendment Bill.This urgency motion is required for the Government to give effect to key elements of its 100-day plan of action. All three bills are agreed between—Carl Bates: Great plan!Hon CHRIS BISHOP: It is a fantastic plan. Very busy Government; ambitious programme of work. In order to give effect to this ambitious programme of work from time to time the House—Chlöe Swarbrick: Give us some vision mate. Hon CHRIS BISHOP: —as the member squawking opposite knows—sometimes needs to accord urgency to items of business and I therefore move this motion.
Simpson ScottHon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel): I move That this debate be now adjourned.Motion agreed to.Debate interrupted.
Brownlee GerryPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK:Petition of Deirdre Kent requesting that the House investigate an energy rationing scheme such as the tradable energy quotas. petition of Alva Feldmeier requesting that the House urge the Government to make a commitment and release a strategy to help Aotearoa achieve 750 megawatts of community energy generation and 400 megawatts of community energy storage by 2035petition of Focus on Iran requesting that the House of Representatives urge the Prime Minister to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp as a terrorist entity.SPEAKER: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee. Ministers have delivered papers. There is quite a list.CLERK:2022-23 annual reports of:Crown Law OfficeCrown Regional Holdings LtdMinistry of EducationHealth and Disability CommissionerHealth Quality and Safety Commission New ZealandHealth Research Council of New ZealandMinistry of HealthNetwork for Learning LtdNew Zealand Blood Service LtdNew Zealand Infrastructure CommissionParliamentary Counsel OfficeSport New Zealand GroupTamaki Regeneration CompanyMinistry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentMinistry for Women.2023-24 Statements of Performance Expectations for:Health and Disability CommissionerHealth Research Council of New ZealandHealth Quality and Safety CommissionPharmac.2023-27 Statements of Intent for:New Zealand Blood and Organ ServiceHealth Research Council of New Zealand.2023-27 Strategic Intentions for the Parliamentary Counsel OfficeReports in relation to selected non-departmental appropriations for the year ended 30 June 2023 for the following portfolios within Vote Business Science and Innovation:Economic DevelopmentRegional DevelopmentSport and RecreationTourismClimate Change Commission 2023 advice on the direction of polity for the Government's second emissions reduction plan.SPEAKER: Those papers are published under the authority of the House. There are no select committee papers. No bills have been introduced.
Brownlee GerrySTANDING ORDERSSPEAKER: Members I'd like to draw your attention to a change in the Standing Orders that was agreed last Thursday by the House and that is the adoption of the term Amendment Paper" to replace "Supplementary Order Paper"—something that might be useful for members in debates over coming days."
Brownlee Gerry; Davis KelvinMEMBERS SWORNSPEAKER: Members I have to report that on Friday 8 December 2023 the Hon David Parker was sworn in as member of Parliament by the Clerk of the House.I understand that the Hon Kelvin Davis is present and wishes to make the Affirmation of Allegiance. Would he please come forward to the chair on my right.Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Labour): Ko ahau ko Kelvin Glen Davis e kī i runga i te pono i te tika i te ngākau tapatahi me te whakaū anō ka noho pirihonga ka noho pūmau ki a Kīngi Tiāre te Tuatoru me tōna kāhui whakaheke e ai ki te ture. [I Kelvin Glen Davis solemnly sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III His heirs and successors according to law.]
Brownlee GerryTUESDAY 12 DECEMBER 2023The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSSPEAKER: Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Thursday 7 December 2023 - Volume 772
11. Question No. 11—EducationKATIE NIMON (National—Napier) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 11—Education11. KATIE NIMON (National—Napier) to the Minister of Education: What reports has she received on student achievement?Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education): The 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment results released this week show a decline in the performance of 15-year-old students in maths compared to 2018 and confirm the long-term trend of declining achievement in core subjects.Katie Nimon: What do these results show?Hon ERICA STANFORD: These results show us that our education system has continued to deliver declining outcomes for learners but our Government has a plan to turn this around.Katie Nimon: Does the Government have plans to change this?Hon ERICA STANFORD: We certainly do. In our first hundred days the coalition Government is moving with urgency. We are removing distractions from classrooms by banning cellphone use during the school day in order to lift engagement achievement and importantly wellbeing. We also will ensure students at primary school receive at least one hour of reading writing and maths throughout every day.Katie Nimon: What else is the Government doing to turn around the declining levels of achievement?Hon ERICA STANFORD: This is just the very start. Our Teaching the basics brilliantly" policy builds an important foundation to ensure young people receive the high-quality education they deserve that allows them to live the life that they want. Our Government will ensure that we have a knowledge-rich curriculum consistent measures of student progress and structured literacy in every primary classroom."
8. Question No. 8—EnergyGRANT McCALLUM (National—Northland) to the Minister for EnergyQuestion No. 8—Energy8. GRANT McCALLUM (National—Northland) to the Minister for Energy: What recent announcements has he made on the Lake Onslow Pumped Hydro scheme?Hon SIMEON BROWN (Minister for Energy): Thank you Mr Speaker. This week I announced that the coalition Government had axed the former Government's hugely wasteful $16 billion Lake Onslow scheme This decision fulfils another commitment under our coalition Government's 100-day plan.Hon Willie Jackson: No one cares.Hon SIMEON BROWN: Labour's pumped hydro scheme was a vanity project and their intention to press ahead with it—no one cares about the project; that's correct Mr Jackson—was threatening the market-led investment needed to offer New Zealand the best chance of ensuring energy security. Our Government's decision—SPEAKER: OK this is as close as anyone would want to go using a primary question in this case to attack the Opposition. I'm sure the Minister is well capable of answering other questions related to this.Grant McCallum: What reports has he seen on the Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme?Hon SIMEON BROWN: I've seen a number of reports on the pumped hydro Lake Onslow scheme including from Contact Energy chairperson Rob McDonald who warned that this scheme would have a chilling effect on a robust renewables investment pipeline in New Zealand.Grant McCallum: Has the Minister seen any other reports on the cancellation of the Lake Onslow scheme?Hon SIMEON BROWN: Yes. I have also seen a report in The Press today where Labour's energy spokesperson and the former Minister for Energy and Resources has said that Labour is rethinking its policy on this scheme.Hon Dr Megan Woods: What is the dollar amount of savings of cancelling the investigation into pumped hydro?Hon SIMEON BROWN: I believe it's over $60 million but under that former Government they don't care about taxpayers' money. They wasted money every single day on business cases consultants reports and if they'd continued it would've been $8000 per household at least for the $16 billion scheme they proposed.Grant McCallum: What are the Government's next steps to ensure energy security?Hon SIMEON BROWN: Well the first priority was to scrap this Lake Onslow scheme within our first hundred days. Our next steps are to cut the red tape and to recognise the nature of the energy problem facing our country so that we can double renewable energy by 2050. Axing the Lake Onslow scheme and our coalition Government's commitments to allow natural gas to function as a transition fuel will give our energy sector much greater confidence to invest in the dry year solution and keep the lights on.
4. Question No. 4—FinanceHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 4—Finance4. Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: Will the tax cut package promised by the Government in the Speech from the Throne be self-funding"; if so what specific revenue measures will be used to fund it?Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance): Yes. I continue to seek advice from officials on the implementation of tax changes as part of the Budget process. I am still receiving advice on tax policies and the details of any specific revenue measures the Government may choose to pursue are yet to be finalised.Hon Grant Robertson: Can the Minister confirm her earlier statement that revenue from rolling back the previous Government's smoke-free policies will be used to fund the tax cut package?NICOLA WILLIS: As I say I am still receiving advice on tax policies and I do not intend to get ahead of final Government decisions.Hon Grant Robertson: Can the Minister confirm her statement made to the media that revenue derived from rolling back smoke-free changes will be used to fund tax cuts or has her position on that changed?NICOLA WILLIS: "We consider a range of issues around tax on an ongoing basis and information about those will be released at an appropriate time." said one Grant Robertson on 2 May 2023. The difference between my approach and the previous Minister's approach is I'm not hiding a sneaky wealth tax or capital gains tax when I answer these questions.Hon Grant Robertson: Is she now regretting saying that the Government's tax cut policies would be paid for by rolling back the smoke-free law changes?NICOLA WILLIS: To quote a member of this House I admire very much one Judith Collins "I regret very little".Hon Grant Robertson: That was actually Édith Piaf if I remember correctly. On what date will New Zealanders know how she is paying for the tax cuts that she has promised them?NICOLA WILLIS: They will know in due course and I'm sorry to say it but I doubt that the member will be the first to know.Hon Grant Robertson: So can she confirm that she is telling the House she doesn't know how she's paying for her tax cuts and she doesn't know when she's going to be able to tell New Zealanders what kind of tax cuts they will get or how they will be paid for?NICOLA WILLIS: As I said in answer to the primary question which the member may not have listened to yes the tax reduction package promised by the Government in the Speech from the Throne will be self-funding. I'll tell you what else it'll do: it'll put real cash into the bank accounts of working people—bank accounts that have been eroded by a cost of living crisis presided over by that member who over-taxed them spent their money badly and left the economy in tatters."
3. Question No. 3—Prime MinisterHon MARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 3—Prime Minister3. Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Prime Minister): Yes I do and particularly my statement yesterday that New Zealand is under new management and that we are here because we are the parties that can get things done for New Zealanders. We are focused on three things: rebuilding the economy restoring law and order and delivering better outcomes for New Zealanders.Hon Marama Davidson: Does he stand by his commitment to remove the ban on new offshore oil and gas permits and if so does he agree with the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment that a thorough analysis of the costs and benefits of removing the ban should be undertaken before any legislation is introduced?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Yes I do.Hon Marama Davidson: Is he committed to the principles in his coalition agreements of rigorous cost-benefit analysis and basing decisions on data and evidence and if so does he accept the advice of the International Energy Agency from 2021 that if Governments are serious about the climate crisis there can be no new investments in oil gas and coal from now?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Yes we do support rigorous cost-benefit analysis.Hon Marama Davidson: Is the International Energy Agency's expert scientific and technical analysis wrong?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: It's very obvious to us that New Zealand needs transitionary energy sources and gas is a good part to doing that.Hon Marama Davidson: What would he say to Vanuatu's climate change Minister Ralph Regenvanu who said in relation to his Government's plan to reopen oil and gas drilling We call on them not to do it. To be in line with Paris the 1.5 degree target the science says you cannot do new fossil fuels."?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: We're deeply committed to delivering on our climate change goals and commitments but we believe that gas is better than coal.Hon Marama Davidson: Does he agree with Christopher Luxon former CEO of Air New Zealand that "We risk losing our social licence to operate if we do not genuinely address climate change." and if so does he accept that reopening oil and gas drilling would mean failing our Pacific neighbours and our mokopuna?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: I agree Christopher Luxon is a very smart man."
Motions—Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories —Ongoing Violence
SpeechSPEAKER: The Business Committee decision has been at this time inside the Address in Reply debate to hear maiden speeches. Accordingly I call on Dr Vanessa Weenink.
Standing Orders—Sessional
Bishop ChrisSTANDING ORDERSSessionalCHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): I seek leave to move Government notices of motion Nos 2 to 3 in my name. SPEAKER: Leave is sought. Is there any objection to that course of action? There being none please go.CHRIS BISHOP: I move That the following sessional order be adopted with effect from the start of the next working day:Amendment papersUse of term amendment paper" to replace "Supplementary Order Paper"(1) Any reference to the term "Supplementary Order Paper" in the Standing Orders or in any other rule or practice of the House is to be read as a reference to "amendment paper".(2) A Supplementary Order Paper that has been released and that relates to business dealt with by the House or a committee after this sessional order comes into effect is to be treated as an amendment paper.Motion agreed to.CHRIS BISHOP: Thank you Mr Speaker. I move That the following sessional order be adopted with effect from the start of the next working day:Swearing-in of member outside the Chamber(1) Despite Standing Order 14(2) a member may take the oath or make the affirmation without presenting themselves at the Bar of the House if the Speaker considers it necessary or desirable for the member to be sworn in sooner than would be possible under Standing Order 14 and 1 or more of the following apply:(a) the member's absence is due to circumstances beyond the member's control that are on-going and will prevent the member from attending for a significant period of time:(b) the next sitting of the House is not scheduled to occur within three weeks or has been postponed on account of an emergency.(2) A member may be sworn in under paragraph (1) by taking the oath or making the affirmation when the House is not sitting.(3) The Speaker reports to the House when a member has taken the oath or made the affirmation under paragraph (2).Motion agreed to."
Brownlee GerryPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: A petition has been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Brian Tamaki requesting that the House urge the Government to designate the political wings of the Hamas and Hezbollah movements as terrorist organisations and pass legislation that expels members of Parliament who support any activities of designated terrorist organisations.SPEAKER: That petition stands referred to the Petitions Committee. Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK: Report in relation to selected non-departmental appropriations for the year ended 30 June 2023 Digital Economy and Communications Portfolio Vote Business Science and Innovation2022-23 annual reports for:Climate Change CommissionDiversity WorksEnvironmental Protection AuthorityMinistry for the Environment.SPEAKER: I present to the House the 2022-23 annual report of the Controller and Auditor-General and the Controller and Auditor-General's report on the inquiry into Callaghan Innovation's procurement process. Those papers are published under the authority of the House. There are no select committee reports. There is a bill for introduction.CLERK: Local Government (Facilitation of Remote Participation) Amendment Bill introduction.SPEAKER: That bill is set down for first reading.
Appointments—Assistant Speakers
Bishop ChrisAPPOINTMENTSAssistant SpeakerHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): I haven't checked this with the shadow Leader of the House but following discussions with the Greens I wonder if I might just beg the House's indulgence and move Government notice of motion No. 1 which is the appointment of Teanau Tuiono as Assistant Speaker.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action? There appears to be none. Go ahead.Hon CHRIS BISHOP: I move That Teanau Tuiono be appointed an Assistant Speaker.Mr Tuiono has been a member of Parliament for the last three years. He has served with distinction as Green Party representative and spokesperson across a range of portfolios. I've got a long list; I won't bother the House's time with them but he has served in a variety of capacities and on a variety of committees. And I think I'm right in saying that this is the first time the Greens will have an Assistant Speaker in the Parliament so it is a noteworthy occasion.SPEAKER: Thank you very much. I think we should congratulate the member on his appointment there. [Applause]Sorry I've just mucked up. The question is that the motion be agreed to. I'll take that as read thank you.Motion agreed to.
Bishop Chris; McAnulty KieranBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): Thank you Mr Speaker. Next week the House will consider legislation under urgency to progress the Government's 100-day plan. The legislation to be considered will include the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Economic Objective) Amendment Bill and the Fair Pay Agreements Legislation Repeal Bill. And there will be a continuation of the Address in Reply debate including members' maiden speeches.Hon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour): Thank you Mr Speaker. I thank the Leader of the House for that. I've got a couple of questions. First when can we expect to see copies of the bills? And second when the urgency motion is confirmed can the Leader of the House confirm that there will be bills that are doing new things rather than just repealing other things?Hon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): In relation to the copies of the bills as soon as they are available and the Government wishes to make them available to the Opposition. And in relation to the second part it's always worth the House's time repealing dumb legislation.
Urgent Debates Declined—Escalation of Conflict in Gaza—Government Reponse
SpeechURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDGaza—Escalation of Conflict Government ResponseSPEAKER: I have received a letter—I think I was supposed to stand for this—from the Hon Marama Davidson and from Golriz Ghahraman seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the Government response to the escalation of conflict in Gaza. I think given the debate that we've just had I'm going to decline that request for an urgent debate on the basis that we've just had a very full discussion on that matter.
Hipkins ChrisRt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the Opposition): Point of order Mr Speaker. I have two matters of order regarding the debate that we have just held to raise with you. The first is I think in the 5½-odd years that I was Leader of the House I cannot recall a situation in which I put a Government notice of motion before the House without first discussing that with the Business Committee and seeking some agreement as to how that motion was to be handled and who was to speak on that motion. My understanding is that there was a discussion at the Business Committee this week on this particular motion or a variant thereof and there was an agreement that it be deferred until next week and the Government decided to subsequently pursue the course of action that they have today. That has a number of implications for the House and actually it first of all is a breach of good faith across the House. But the second is that it would actually mean that potentially members on this side of the House might have made different decisions. You will see my question No. 1 for example was lodged on the basis that we were not going to be having the debate that we have just held because that is what the Business Committee had agreed. So I would ask you and the Business Committee to reflect on the process for how motions like this should be handled. The second of which is that you invited the mover of the motion to respond at the end of the debate. Now I happen to agree that that was an appropriate course of action; however the Standing Orders does not allow for that. This was not a ministerial statement; it was a motion before the House. The Standing Orders are very clear that members can only speak once in a debate on a question. SPEAKER: So two things. Firstly you know that I'm a strong supporter of the Business Committee and believe it should work appropriately. The question discussed at the Business Committee was a matter of leave that was proposed not the motion—so I don't think the Business Committee can be too much criticised for others' actions beyond them. The second thing is that Standing Order 129 does provide for the response in a debate like this. I thank the member for his contributions.
Brownlee GerrySPEAKER: All members will be aware that relevance in debates is important. There is a motion and there are three amendments to it and I would encourage the whole House to recognise that there is a collective wellbeing expressed by all speakers whether the words used by each are similar or not. So it's not my intention that this will be a debate that goes on for any lengthy period of time.
McClay ToddHon TODD McCLAY (Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs): Mr Speaker thank you. We're extremely concerned about the renewed hostilities and their disastrous impacts upon civilians. We've called on all parties as well as countries with influence in the region to take urgent steps towards establishing a ceasefire. The Government urges all parties to return to the negotiating table and to find a way to avoid further suffering and loss of life.The Government fully supports Israel's right to defend itself from the terrorist organisation Hamas. Israel must abide by international humanitarian law at all times even when fighting a terrorist group which is clearly disregarding humanitarian law itself. The massive loss of civilian life and displacement of the scale seen in northern Gaza is deeply concerning and we call again on Hamas to locate and release all hostages immediately. Hamas must cease its attack on Israel and Hamas must cease using civilian infrastructure and its deplorable use of human shields. We continue to call for food water fuel medical supplies and other humanitarian aid to get to civilians in Gaza with the utmost urgency.The Government is pleased that 20 New Zealand citizens permanent residents and family members have now exited Gaza. We're aware there are a small number of New Zealanders who are seeking to leave Gaza and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials continue to work to secure approvals for these individuals to leave. The Government has also contributed $10 million to address immediate humanitarian need. A lasting solution to the conflict will only be achieved by peaceful means. Action to revive the Middle East peace process is critical.
Brownlee Gerry; Peters WinstonMOTIONSIsrael and Occupied Palestinian Territories—Ongoing ViolenceSPEAKER: We come now I think—is there a Government motion?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Minister of Foreign Affairs): I seek leave to move Government notice of motion No. 4 in my name.SPEAKER: Leave is sought. Is there any objection?Golriz Ghahraman: Point of order Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: Ah no we're in a leave process. You can't take a point of order in the middle of a leave process. [Interruption] No you can't take a point of order in the middle of a leave process. So leave has been sought. Is there any objection?Golriz Ghahraman: Sir I seek leave to move two amendments to the motion.SPEAKER: No no let's get us through it. I'll go one more time: is there any objection to the course of action being followed? There appears to be none.GOLRIZ GHAHRAMAN (Green): Point of order Mr Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move two amendments to the motion: firstly to add and the death of over 16000 people in Gaza including over 7000 children together with 1200 killed in Israel on 7 October" at the end of the first point in the motion.SPEAKER: Yeah can I just interrupt the member. I don't like doing this but there is a procedure that I'm very keen that we follow to make it proper. So if there is to be an amendment the amendment should be made during the speech in response to the motion being put to the House.Golriz Ghahraman: Is that during the debate sir?SPEAKER: Yes it is.Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Minister of Foreign Affairs): I move That this House express grave concern at the ongoing violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories; unequivocally condemn the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October 2023 and call for the release of all hostages; call on all parties involved in the conflict as well as countries with influence in the region to take urgent steps towards establishing a ceasefire; recognise Israel's right to defend itself acting in accordance with international law and that all civilians be protected from armed conflict; affirm that a lasting solution to the conflict will only be achieved by peaceful means and that action to revive the Middle East Peace Process is critical; note that the Government will continue its efforts to help all New Zealanders impacted by the conflict."
Brownlee Gerry; Collins Judith; Belich CamillaMEMBERS SWORNSPEAKER: I understand also that the Hon Judith Collins is present and wishes to take an oath of allegiance. Would Judith Collins please come forward to the chair on my right.Hon JUDITH COLLINS (National—Papakura): I Judith Anne Collins swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III His heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.SPEAKER: I understand that Camilla Belich is present and wishes to make an affirmation of allegiance. Would Camilla Belich please come forward to the chair on my right.CAMILLA BELICH (Labour): Ko ahau ko Camilla Vera Feslier Belich e kī ana i runga i te pono i te tika i te ngākau tapatahi me te whakaū anō ka noho pirihonga ka noho pūmau ki a Kīngi Tiāre te Tuatoru me tōna kāhui whakaheke e ai ki te ture. [I Camilla Vera Feslier Belich solemnly sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III His heirs and successors according to law.]SPEAKER: The House might like to congratulate those members on that.[Applause]
Brownlee GerryLIST MEMBER VACANCYSPEAKER: I've been advised by the Electoral Commissioner that under section 137 of the Electoral Act 1993 Camilla Belich has been declared to be elected a member of the House of Representatives in place of Andrew Little.
Brownlee GerryTHURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2023The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSSPEAKER: Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Wednesday 6 December 2023 - Volume 772
EventSTATE OPENINGA message from Her Excellency the Governor-General desiring the immediate attendance of honourable members in the Legislative Council Chamber was delivered by the Usher of the Black Rod.Accordingly the Speaker and honourable members preceded by the Serjeant-at-Arms proceeded to the Legislative Council Chamber and after a short absence returned.
Pugh MaureenASSISTANT SPEAKER (Maureen Pugh): Before I call the member can I just make a reminder especially for some of our new MPs that we do not permit filming in the House. You can watch it again later on Parliament TV if you so wish.
Bishop ChrisSTANDING ORDERSSessionalSPEAKER: According to a determination of the Business Committee I call upon the Leader of the House to move a motion regarding entities deemed to be public organisations.Hon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): I move That Air New Zealand Ltd Genesis Energy Ltd Meridian Energy Ltd Mercury New Zealand Ltd the Reserve Bank of New Zealand the Judicial Conduct Commissioner the Māori Television Service Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and Te Aka Whai Ora - Māori Health Authority be public organisations for the purposes of the Standing Orders.SPEAKER: The question is that the motion be agreed to.Motion agreed to.SPEAKER: The House is suspended until 2 p.m. today for the Address in Reply.Sitting suspended from 11.46 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bishop Chris; Brownlee GerryREINSTATEMENT OF BUSINESSHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): I move Government motion No. 4 in my name relating to the reinstatement of business.Members if they pick up the Order Paper will notice Government motion No. 4 is a very long motion and I'm not intending to read it out for the House. Basically what we're doing here is reinstating every item of business from the last Parliament on to the new Parliament. Now it may be that—Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: All quality legislation.Hon CHRIS BISHOP: Ha ha! Well some of it's OK; some of it isn't Mr Leader of the Opposition. There have been debates in the past including the last Parliament about the appropriate course of action for a new Parliament dealing with the business of the last Parliament because by definition it reflects the business of a Parliament that has expired and the people have spoken in the interim and given a new sense of direction to the Parliament.Frankly I think it was regrettable that the onset of the last Parliament discharged—made some changes to the business in this interregnum period. What we're proposing to do is reinstate every item of business from the last Parliament so that Ministers—and members actually for that matter—can have a good opportunity to look at what they may wish to proceed with and items that they may wish to discharge. I think that's the appropriate constitutional thing to do. I think it's right in principle and right in a convention sense that that is what happens. So every item of business is being reinstated and Ministers and members in due course as the weeks go by will be considering whether or not bills and items of business get shunted further up the priority list or whether or not things make their way down the Order Paper to the tail end where things may not be advancing so quickly or may in fact be discharged.But I think the constitutional thing to do is to reinstate the items of business and that's what this motion does.SPEAKER: Thank you. The question is that the motion be agreed to.Motion agreed to.
Bishop ChrisAssistant SpeakersHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): I move That Maureen Helena Pugh be appointed Assistant Speaker.Maureen Pugh is the MP for West Coast-Tasman. She was in the invidious position at least twice of being elected on election night only to be—not unelected but not quite have that result confirmed after the special votes. So she entered Parliament the first time on 21 December 2015 and that happened again after a subsequent election. She's a member of Parliament who comes to the House with experience on the Westland District Council first elected in 1998 before she became the first woman mayor elected as the mayor of the West Coast. She has served in a variety of committees over the last few years in the Parliament and for the last three years she has been junior whip for the National Party. She's someone who I think also enjoys the confidence of the House to do an excellent job in the very important role as Assistant Speaker so it gives me great pleasure to move her nomination.Motion agreed to.CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): I move That Gregory Eamon O'Connor be appointed Assistant Speaker.It's wonderful to see a fellow member of the parliamentary cricket team ascend to the august office of Assistant Speaker. But of course Mr O'Connor has been acting as Deputy Speaker in the 53rd Parliament and of course I think all members of the House would agree he did an excellent job in discharging that important job—someone who brought his experience in the Police and the Police Association with a firm but fair handling of the House. I'm sure that he will continue that diligence as the Assistant Speaker of the 54th Parliament.Motion agreed to.SPEAKER: Congratulations to those members.
Bishop ChrisAPPOINTMENTSDeputy SpeakerHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): I move That Barbara Joan Kuriger be appointed Deputy Speaker.Mr Speaker can I take this opportunity as my first contribution to the 54th Parliament to congratulate you sir on your election to—SPEAKER: Yeah take your time.Hon CHRIS BISHOP: That's perhaps a comment you may not be repeating during the rest of this Parliament but thank you. It gives me great pleasure to nominate and move that Barbara Kuriger be appointed as Deputy Speaker. I well recall when Mrs Kuriger was an inexperienced member of the Parliament as she entered Parliament the same year as I did in 2014 but she's now been here for nine years entering her fourth term as the member of Parliament for Taranaki-King Country. She has served on a variety of select committees over the time including the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee Environment Committee Finance and Expenditure Committee Health Committee as well as the Standing Orders Committee and Officers of Parliament Committee. There have been times in the last Parliament the 53rd Parliament where Mrs Kuriger acted as a temporary Assistant Speaker and has discharged that duty very well indeed. I think she enjoys the respect of the entire House for the gentle and diligent way she chairs meetings both in committees but also in the House. She brings a real gravitas to the role as Deputy Speaker and can I say in closing in nominating Mrs Kuriger the symmetry of today is not lost on me because it was nine years ago that Mrs Kuriger and I moved the Address in Reply debate which two National backbenchers will move this afternoon and it's nice to see Mrs Kuriger ascend to the august office of Deputy Speaker. Motion agreed to.
Brownlee Gerry; Twyford PhilMEMBERS SWORNSPEAKER: I understand that the Hon Phil Twyford is present and wishes to make an affirmation. Would he please come forward to the chair on my right. Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Labour—Te Atatū): I Philip Stoner Twyford solemnly sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III His heirs and successors according to law.
Brownlee GerryRESIGNATIONSHon Andrew Little New Zealand LabourSPEAKER: I wish to advise the House that I have received a letter from the Hon Andrew Little resigning his seat in the House with effect at 6 p.m. on 5 December 2023.
Brownlee GerryAUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER OATHSPEAKER: I have received the following authorisation from Her Excellency the Governor-General to administer the Oath or Affirmation prescribed by law to be taken by members of the House:In accordance with section 11 of the Constitution Act 1986 I The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro Governor-General of New Zealand authorise youThe Right Honourable Gerard Anthony BrownleeSpeaker of the House of Representativesto administer to members of Parliament the Oath of Affirmation of Allegiance to His Majesty the King required to be taken or made by every such member before that member shall be permitted to sit or vote in the House of Representatives.Prime Minister.Authorised by Governor-General5 December 2023
Brownlee GerryELECTION OF SPEAKERSPEAKER: I have to report that accompanied by members I waited upon Her Excellency the Governor-General at Government House yesterday when I addressed Her Excellency as follows: Following Your Excellency's request the House of Representatives has elected me as Speaker and I now present myself for Your Excellency's confirmation.Her Excellency replied as follows:Mr Speaker it is with much pleasure that I confirm the choice by the House of Representatives of you as its Speaker.I congratulate you on your election to this distinguished office marking as it does the appreciation of the House of Representatives of your impartiality and ability. I then replied to Her Excellency as follows:I thank Your Excellency for your confirmation of the choice made by the House of Representatives of me to be its Speaker.I now on behalf of the House lay claim to all its privileges and especially to freedom of speech in debate to free access to Your Excellency whenever occasion may require it and to the most favourable construction being put on all its proceedings. Her Excellency replied as follows:Mr Speaker I confirm all the rights and privileges of the House of Representatives which have ever been granted. I assure you that the House of Representatives shall always have ready access to me and that I will at all times place the most favourable construction upon its proceedings.
Brownlee GerryWEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2023The Speaker took the Chair at 10.30 a.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSSPEAKER: Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and the peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Urgent Debates Declined — Newshub Closure—Ministerial Response
Brownlee GerryURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDClosure of Newshub—Ministerial ResponseSPEAKER: Members I've received a letter from the Hon Willie Jackson seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the ministerial response to the confirmed closure of Newstalk—oh sorry; of Newshub. [Interruption] Yeah turn off the alarms! I should read that again. I've received a letter from the Hon Willie Jackson seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the ministerial response to the confirmed closure of Newshub. The member's authentication shows that the Government has said it is working towards a solution. Urgent debates are a way of holding the Government to account for its actions not for things that might happen in the future—Speakers' rulings 216/4 and 222/2. The application's therefore declined. I make this announcement now because the general debate is an opportunity for members to raise matters of concern that may be organisationally useful to know this decision now.