edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
11. Question No. 11—Workplace Relations and SafetyHon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and SafetyQuestion No. 11—Workplace Relations and Safety11. Hon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Does he stand by all his statements and actions in relation to the Employment Relations Amendment Bill; if so what changes if any has he agreed to make to the bill at the committee of the whole House?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety): In answer to the first part of the question yes; and in answer to the second part of the question if the Government determines that changes need to be made that would be a decision for Cabinet.Hon Scott Simpson: If changes have been made why will he not disclose what those changes are?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Changes have not been made.Hon Scott Simpson: Which Ministers has he had discussions with in regard to changes of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Many of them.Hon Scott Simpson: Have any members of New Zealand First discussed with him issues they have with the bill as reported back from the select committee?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: We are a collaborative Government made up of three parties. Of course I've spoken not only to members of New Zealand First but to members of the Labour Party and the Green Party too.Hon Scott Simpson: Why when the bill has been through a Cabinet process and through a select committee process where the Government has had a Government majority can he not be transparent with New Zealanders about what the final shape of his Employment Relations Amendment Bill will be?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Because sensible Governments do take all opportunities to make sure that their legislation is fit for purpose and as good as it can be. No decisions have been made. If any decisions need to be made the public will be made aware of that at the time.Hon Scott Simpson: Isn't it true that his trade union friendly employment relations legislation originally supported by the Deputy Prime Minister and his party is now being used merely as a political bargaining chip by the Deputy Prime Minister and his party?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: No. That's a very silly accusation.
10. Question No. 10—TransportMARK PATTERSON (NZ First) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 10—Transport10. MARK PATTERSON (NZ First) to the Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made regarding regional rail?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport): On Tuesday along with the Deputy Prime Minister the Rt Hon Winston Peters and the Acting Associate Minister of Transport the Hon James Shaw I announced $35 million for KiwiRail to reverse the decision made under the past Government to decommission the electric locomotives running on the Palmerston North to Hamilton section of the North Island main trunk line. This follows announcements of the upgrade of the Wairarapa line the reopening of the Wairoa to Napier line and the start of geotechnical investigation for the Marsden Point spur. For these initiatives I would like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister and the Hon Shane Jones as the first citizen of the provinces for their leadership.Mark Patterson: What impact will these projects have on regional New Zealand?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Investing in the rail network will get trucks off the road reducing deaths and serious injuries and the costs of road maintenance while also reducing carbon emissions. Enhancing regional rail lines will mean more jobs and economic growth in the regions. Our Government believes that rail can be the backbone of a sustainable 21st century transport system. Our aim is to accelerate the transition to non-fossil fuels and moving to diesel alone would have been a backward step.SPEAKER: Order! Can I just ask members—I'm sure you're not calling out about train speeds and therefore the interjections are not relevant.Mark Patterson: What has the reaction been to these projects from regional New Zealand?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The Rail and Maritime Transport Union general secretary Wayne Butson said that investment from the Government will be a boon for regions such as Taumarunui Taihape and Ōhākune. These regions have highly skilled rail workers on good pay and conditions putting money back into the local economies. When I was recently in the Wairarapa with the Hon Ron Mark the local mayors were extremely positive about the Government's long-overdue investment in upgrading the Wairarapa line.
8. Question No. 8—Energy and ResourcesJONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesQuestion No. 8—Energy and Resources8. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Has she received any reports which show that wholesale electricity prices for the first 22 days of October 2018 are over 2½ times higher than the previous record for October which was in 2011 and is she aware of the main causes of this record electricity price?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for Economic Development) on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Resources: In answer to the first part of the question no; in answer to the second part of the question yes.Jonathan Young: Can we expect the current high wholesale prices to become normal in the future as gas reserves rapidly deplete as has been the case currently?Hon DAVID PARKER: On behalf of the Minister of Energy and Resources no because the main cause of the current price rise which is short term is problems with faults and maintenance of the gas supply system not a shortage of gas. In these circumstances why the member would want a system reliant on more gas rather than less is beyond me. However I am pleased to inform the member that the South Island's coming to the rescue. There's been rain this week and there's more forecast in the next week or two.Jonathan Young: Is the Minister aware that we are currently burning 5000 tonnes of coal a day to keep the lights on because of current gas shortages and is this what the future looks like?Hon DAVID PARKER: Well the future would look like more of that if that member was in Government but under this it will be more renewables not more thermal. I would quote from an article in Business Desk which quotes the chief executive of Genesis who says that The problem is a combination of low storage and reduced gas supplies from the Pohokura field. Normally in other dry periods they would have been able to rely on gas but they can't because of these faults in the system. It's not about the shortage of gas." I would also note that the chief executive of the Electricity Authority says that the problem is that thermal is only running at 40 percent of its potential because of those gas constraints.Jonathan Young: So does she still disagree with her officials that her offshore exploration ban will increase electricity prices and will increase greenhouse gas emissions when these two things are happening right now as an example due to natural gas shortage of supply?Hon DAVID PARKER: No for two reasons. The most recent investment which is a matter of competitive market choices by participants has been in more wind power not in more gas because it's cheaper.Jonathan Young: So with the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill going through the House today and next week can the Minister give us a guarantee that this bill will not contribute to electricity price increases?Hon DAVID PARKER: Yes."
7. Question No. 7—Pacific PeoplesANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister for Pacific PeoplesQuestion No. 7—Pacific Peoples7. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister for Pacific Peoples: What recent announcements has he made regarding the future of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa?Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO (Minister for Pacific Peoples): I recently launched the Pacific Aotearoa website ahead of the 13 November Pacific Vision summit to share what the Pacific community have said in relation to a refreshed Pacific Vision for Pacific peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand. With nearly two-thirds of our Pacific population now born in New Zealand our Pacific story has evolved from a story of migration to one of belonging to Aotearoa New Zealand. It's time our Pacific Vision set back in 1999 was refreshed to reflect this.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: What is the refreshed Pacific Vision about?Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO: When I became the Minister for Pacific Peoples I asked the ministry to engage with our communities through the talanoa process in our search to find inspiration and confirmation from our communities about what issues are a priority to achieving their general well-being how we have fared in the past where we are today and where we want to be in the future in our collective pursuit to achieve success prosperity and security for our families. To date we have engaged with more than 130 Pacific groups and more than 2500 Pacific people representing the diversity of community organisations and the diverse make-up of Pacific peoples who willingly provided raw and valuable feedback in developing a refreshed Pacific Vision. The ministry have captured this feedback in a reflections report which will be shared next month at the Pacific Vision summit. The Pacific Vision work gives us a much clearer picture of what well-being means for Pacific people from a Pacific perspective.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: What key issues have Pacific communities identified through the talanoa process?Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO: There were many issues captured during the talanoa process and I just highlight a few of the key priority areas. Pacific peoples value their languages cultures their arts and heritage and our stories our spiritualties are key areas of pride our source of identity confidence and our source also of our well-being. They are treasured by Pacific people including the New Zealand - born generation who want to see it recognised and valued as an asset in New Zealand. They want prosperous Pacific communities participating in the labour market embarking in businesses and social enterprises volunteering learning caring donating and contributing to New Zealand's economy. They want to strengthen their healthy well-being and resiliency by being the authors of the design and delivery of our own health solutions: a confident thriving innovative resilient—SPEAKER: Order! Order! Order! I think the member has been following the bad example of the Minister of Finance—far too long.
6. Question No. 6—EducationDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 6—Education6. DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister of Education: Does he stand by his statement in relation to partnership schools that The Government's strong view is that there is no place for them in the New Zealand education system" given that UNICEF's Innocenti Report Card found New Zealand has one of the most unequal education systems in the OECD?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): Yes. The UNICEF data from 2015 and 2016 reinforces the importance of the Government's commitment to a quality public education system that caters to the needs of all New Zealanders.David Seymour: Did the Minister have any official documents or advice suggesting that partnership schools were not contributing to greater education equality?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The reasons the Government has removed the partnership schools model or the charter schools model have been well canvassed. They were well canvassed in the debate. The charter schools didn't have to employ registered and qualified teachers didn't have to teach to the Curriculum and weren't using the quality of educational facilities that we would expect of public schools—in one case with a school being threatened with closure in the middle of the school year because its lease had expired. That's not the type of educational model that we think some of the most vulnerable kids in our education system should be put into.David Seymour: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Can I just ask that if the Minister was quoting from any official document he table it? He didn't have any official document?SPEAKER: The Minister was clearly not quoting from anything. He was answering the question. It was a supplementary question.David Seymour: Oh. Well in that case—SPEAKER: Does the member want another supplementary?David Seymour: Yes please sir.SPEAKER: Away you go.David Seymour: How can the Minister reconcile his answer to the previous supplementary question with an independent report by Cognition Education that said that partnership schools "are aligned with the New Zealand curriculum and provide for the personalised needs of priority learners many of whom had been failed by the current public education system."?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Quite easily because the legislative model allowed for those things to happen. Those schools that have been complying with those requirements are transitioning into the public education system."
4. Question No. 4—Pike River Re-entryJO LUXTON (Labour) to the Minister responsible for Pike River Re-entryQuestion No. 4—Pike River Re-entry4. JO LUXTON (Labour) to the Minister responsible for Pike River Re-entry: What progress if any has been made on the work of the Te Kāhui Whakamana Rua Tekau mā Iwa Pike River Recovery Agency?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister responsible for Pike River Re-entry): I'm happy to report to the House that yesterday I received a report on re-entering the Pike River drift following nine months of intensive work by Te Kāhui Whakamana Rua Tekau mā Iwa—Pike River Recovery Agency. The agency has identified three re-entry options to recover the drift. These are to drive a small tunnel to create a ventilation circuit; secondly single entry using the existing main drift access tunnel as the sole means to ventilate the main drift; and single entry with a large-diameter borehole. I've also received advice from my independent ministerial adviser Rob Fyfe who has reviewed the re-entry options. According to the reports all of the options are safe and feasible and the product of months of rigorous analysis and risk assessment.Jo Luxton: Why is the re-entering of the Pike River drift important?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The explosion at the Pike River mine on 19 November 2010 was a national tragedy. Therefore the re-entry and recovery of the Pike River drift is an act of justice to bring closure to the families of the 29 men who lost their lives in that event and by ascertaining the causes of the explosion so we can ensure that a disaster like this never happens again.Jo Luxton: What is the time line on re-entering the Pike River drift from here?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: It's my responsibility as Minister to carefully weigh the options alongside Rob Fyfe's independent advice. I take that responsibility very seriously and I expect to make a decision by mid-November.
1. Question No 1—FinancePAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai) to the Minister of FinanceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No 1—Finance1. PAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai) to the Minister of Finance: What examples if any are there of a well-being approach influencing Government policy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): This Government is currently using a well-being approach to underpin the Budget 2019 process through which agencies are collaborating across Government on their Budget bids and policies in support of the Government's well-being priorities. These priorities have been informed by a comprehensive well-being analysis undertaken by Treasury to determine where the greatest need for improvement in long-term intergenerational well-being exists. At the core of this is Treasury's Living Standards Framework which measures success across finance environment communities and people. The Government is putting the well-being of New Zealanders at the heart of what we do and in particular our Budget policy and investment decisions.Paul Eagle: What specific Government initiatives have been developed under a well-being approach?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: This morning the Government announced a major $1.5 billion project to revitalise eastern Porirua. The project will renew and build 2900 State homes and at least 2000 affordable KiwiBuild and market homes. This project is a genuine partnership with Ngāti Toa Rangatira. I want to acknowledge Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti and the Minister Kelvin Davis for his work with them but also a range of other Government agencies: Housing New Zealand HLC Te Puni Kōkiri Treasury the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development the Ministry of Education the Ministry of Social Development and indeed the Porirua City Council. It is a plan for a total community renewal including housing education urban development and employment. It is a 25-year intergenerational well-being project and represents a practical application of the well-being approach not just being about a narrow view of a return on investment but actually being about how we can improve living standards health justice and education outcomes all at once.Paul Eagle: Why is it important that policies are assessed under a well-being approach?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The core focus of this Government is to improve the well-being and living standards of all New Zealanders. Rather than seeing New Zealanders as some kind of liability on a balance sheet we are using the well-being approach to ensure our policies and investments benefit our people our communities—Hon Dr Nick Smith: Just mush.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: —and our environment. Hard luck Nick. We've actually got on and done something—SPEAKER: Order!Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: —unlike you. This is groundbreaking work and I am proud to be part of a Government that is truly putting the well-being of New Zealanders at the heart of everything we do. I want to acknowledge all the Ministers who've been involved but in particular the local member Kris Faafoi for his tireless advocacy for the city of Porirua.
Huo RaymondFAMILY VIOLENCE BILLFAMILY VIOLENCE (AMENDMENTS) BILLThird ReadingsDebate resumed from 31 October.RAYMOND HUO (Labour): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. Today would otherwise be yet another ordinary extended sitting day but today is special. Today is extraordinary. Earlier this morning Prime Minister the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern delivered her speech at the second reading of the Child Poverty Reduction Bill. Child poverty reduction is at the very heart of this coalition Government and in a similar vein we are having this third reading debate on the Family Violence Bill and Family Violence (Amendments) Bill—two bills that are designed to prevent and eliminate family violence.The two bills were divided from the Family and Whānau Violence Legislation Bill through a Supplementary Order Paper at the committee of the whole House stage. Preventing and eliminating family violence is one of the greatest opportunities to improve the well-being of New Zealanders. Isn't it shocking that one in three New Zealand women experience physical violence from a partner in their life and more than a quarter of New Zealand children have witnessed family violence.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 6 p.m.
Williams Poto; Nash StuartASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): Is there some Minister to move the report-back date?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Police): I move the report-back date.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): Can someone help the Minister with the wording please? [Interruption] Does the Minister need some assistance?Hon STUART NASH: That would be very kind Madam Assistant Speaker.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): Just a moment.Hon STUART NASH: I move That the Taxation (Research and Development Tax Credits) Bill be reported to the House by 1 April 2019 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions) 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 outside the Wellington area despite Standing Orders 191 193 and 194(1)(b) and (c).Motion agreed to.
Curran Clare; Rurawhe AdrianHon CLARE CURRAN (Labour—Dunedin South): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. If not now when? If not us who? Those are the two key concepts that lie behind this bill. I'm really proud to stand here today in support of it because it shows leadership. I'm also proud of the leadership shown in the Environment Committee led by Dr Russell. This is a careful it's a managed and it's a planned transition over 30 years. Listening to that side of the House today you would think it was all happening tomorrow. Everyone—and in fact everyone who submitted pretty much except for the few extremists on the bill—accepted that the world was changing and that we've got to change with it. We say that if we don't act communities will be left stranded and exposed to economic shocks. They say Oh yes we have to change but not our industry not now not ever and could we wait and let some other country do it?" I refer back to what David Parker said earlier on. He said "If not New Zealand then who?" and I also reflect back to 2008 when John Key told the world and told New Zealand that we should be fast followers on climate change. How ashamed I felt as a New Zealander—and those words will haunt him and haunt that party because that is basically the rhetoric that they're using now. They're still using it. They're not using the phrase "fast followers" but that's essentially what they're saying—"Don't let it be us." Well why can't it be us? That's why I'm standing in support of this bill today.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): I call David Seymour—five minutes."
Warren-Clark AngieANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. I rise today with immense pride in my Government. I rise today absolutely delighted with this courageous decision that we have made across our three parties in Government to make an end. I think it's important to say this and to say this up front: when we considered this—and it was not a policy made just on the spur of the moment; this is part of the Labour Party's and of course the Green Party's manifestos long long made—Andrew Falloon: Where is it? Table it.ANGIE WARREN-CLARK: Have a look at the—Andrew Falloon: Table it.ANGIE WARREN-CLARK: It's a public document.Dr Duncan Webb: Google it.ANGIE WARREN-CLARK: Google it. It's a public document. Anyway it is a longstanding decision that we have wanted to make and what I wanted to say about it is actually it's about a just transition but it is also about—absolutely—the environment. If we cannot get to grips that this is not an economic argument—this is an argument about a country and a world in crisis and about global warming—then actually cross-party discussions will never happen. Cross-party discussions will never happen.We had over 7000 submissions on this bill and I'd like to address very quickly—because I will be taking a short call—the process discussion last raised. Now we had over 7000 submissions chaired very very ably by the good member Dr Deborah Russell who gave each individual the opportunity to speak for five minutes and each group the opportunity to speak for 15 minutes. We used the technology of Skype and phones in order to hear from those members of the public who were based in other parts of the community. The entire country took the opportunity to ring in and make presentations.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): Order! Sorry to interrupt the member but could the two hui taking place over there go out in the lobbies. I want to hear Ms Angie Warren-Clark and her contribution.ANGIE WARREN-CLARK: Thank you sir. So there was an opportunity. Of course it was a truncated process. We were ensuring that there would be a just transition for the short-term onshore permits on Taranaki.I'd also like to make a very quick point: of the 75 percent of people who were in absolute favour closest to my heart were those who were concerned about conservation land and about the mining on conservation land and schedule 1 land. I would like to in conclusion advise that this has clearly been covered in the legislation that we've proposed. With that I commend this bill.
Hipkins Chris; Woodhouse MichaelTHURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Next week the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill will complete its remaining stages. Third readings will be given to the Courts Matters Bill the Tribunals Powers and Procedures Legislation Bill and the Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Bill. The Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Levy) Amendment Bill and the Copyright (Marrakesh Treaty Implementation) Amendment Bill will receive first readings and as notified to the Business Committee there will be an extended sitting on Wednesday morning.Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National): Thank you Mr Speaker. May I ask the Leader of the House if it's the Government's intention to pass the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill prior to the Prime Minister travelling to APEC?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): As I indicated the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill will complete its remaining stages next week.
Tuesday 30 October 2018 - Volume 734
Family and Whānau Violence Legislation Bill — In Committee
VoteThe question was put that the following amendments in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to the proposed amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 116 in his name to Part 1 be agreed to:in new clause 8 in paragraph (a) of the definition of dwellinghouse replace section 121A of the Land Transfer Act 1952" with "section 122 of the Land Transfer Act 2017"; in new clause 45(1) replace "43(3)" with "43(2)"; andin new clause 249(d)(i) before "the Senior Courts Act 2016" insert "of".Amendments to the amendments agreed to.The question was put that the amendments as amended set out on Supplementary Order Paper 116 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to Part 1 be agreed to.Amendments as amended agreed to.Part 1 as amended agreed to.Part 2 Amendments to other enactmentsThe question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 116 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to Part 2 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Part 2 as amended agreed to.Schedule 1The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 116 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to schedule 1 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Schedule 1 as amended agreed to.Schedule 2The question was put that the following amendments in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to the proposed amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 116 in his name to schedule 2 be agreed to: delete the item relating to the Land Transfer Act 1952; anddelete the items relating to Schedule 2 of the Land Transfer Act 2017.Amendments to the amendments agreed to.The question was put that the amendments as amended set out on Supplementary Order Paper 116 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to schedule 2 be agreed to.Amendments as amended agreed to.Schedule 2 as amended agreed to.Clause 1The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 116 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to clause 1 be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.Clause 1 as amended agreed to.Clause 2The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 116 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to clause 2 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Clause 2 as amended agreed to.The committee divided the bill into the Family Violence Bill and the Family Violence (Amendments) Bill as set out on Supplementary Order Paper 117 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little.Bill to be reported with amendment presently."
Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Clauses 1 to 3
VoteClauses 1 to 3A party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 1 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 2 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 3 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 3 agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment presently.
VoteThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 142 in the name of the Hon Phil Twyford to Part 2 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Amendment agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Part 2 as amended agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 142 in the name of the Hon Phil Twyford to the schedule be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the schedule as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Schedule as amended agreed to.
Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 2
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Part 1 stand part.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Part 1 agreed to.
Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 1 (continued)
12. Question No. 12—Workplace Relations and SafetyHon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and SafetyQuestion No. 12—Workplace Relations and Safety12. Hon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What progress if any has he made regarding changes to the Employment Relations Amendment Bill as reported back from the Education and Workforce Committee?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety): I've had very constructive discussions with my Government colleagues and I am confident that the bill will pass with a parliamentary majority before the end of this year.Hon Scott Simpson: Is he considering making changes to the Employment Relations Amendment Bill regarding opt-in and opt-out provisions relating to union membership?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: No.Hon Scott Simpson: Does he agree with section 17 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 which declares that everyone has the right to freedom of association?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Yes.Hon Scott Simpson: Does he support the concept of voluntary unionism?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Yes.
11. Question No. 11—Regional Economic DevelopmentMARK PATTERSON (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentQuestion No. 11—Regional Economic Development11. MARK PATTERSON (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: What recent Provincial Growth Fund announcements has he made?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Regional Economic Development): Given that these are weighty matters my answer might be slightly longer than usual. Yesterday a sum of $19 million was announced to meet the expansion of Light Detection and Ranging a technology a mapping system that will vastly improve the ability of local and central government businesses and NGOs to understand the challenges of how to respond to matters such as flood resilience and climate change impacts. I also took the first step to create 150 new jobs in Kawerau with the announcement of $2 million for the first stage of the Kawerau Pūtauaki Industrial Development.Mark Patterson: How have our regions reacted to the latest Provincial Growth Fund announcements?Hon SHANE JONES: Perhaps the best regional reaction could be described in the following way: prior to my announcement in Kawerau the local mountain otherwise known as Mount Pūtauaki was covered in fog and the mist and the fog cleared as a consequence of the announcement and there was a blaze of certainty and clarity.Mark Patterson: Which regions will be next to benefit from the $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund?Hon SHANE JONES: These are not matters of torpor or sluggishness. Prior to Christmas Te Tai Poutini the West Coast Manawatū Whanganui and Eastern Bay of Plenty will all enjoy the presence of the first champion and citizen of the provinces with substantial announcements with the full backing of the Jacinda - Winston Peters - led Government.SPEAKER: I'm sure the member will get it right next time.
10. Question No. 10—Energy and ResourcesJONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesQuestion No. 10—Energy and Resources10. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does she stand by all her Government's policies statements and actions in relation to the Energy and Resources portfolio?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): Yes.Jonathan Young: Considering a transition to a hydrogen-based energy system would take several decades according to local experts—SPEAKER: Order! I'm going to get the member to start with a question word. Jonathan Young: Does the Minister consider that despite a transition to a hydrogen-based energy system taking several decades the current price rises in electricity of 400 to 500 percent due to gas shortages should require her to ensure that gas supply in New Zealand is consistent and strong?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I think that question demonstrated just how confused that member is about the future of the energy system in New Zealand. I want to address one part of that. Hydrogen will not take several decades to develop. It is operational in other parts of the world now. In fact Tokyo is intent on making the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 the Hydrogen Olympics". In terms of the cost of production I point that member to the fact that actually renewables are the cheapest form of electricity that we produce in this country and if we want to lower electricity costs for New Zealand consumers we need to do what this Government is doing and that is produce more renewable electricity.Jonathan Young: So what research does the Minister have to back up her statement that the offshore exploration ban will in fact reduce greenhouse gases?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: There is common knowledge around the development of the Chinese emissions trading scheme (ETS). I encourage that member to look at the International Energy Agency's report on the Chinese ETS. The International Energy Agency were involved in the development of the Chinese ETS. So when that member trots out last century's arguments that New Zealand's ceasing the use of fossil fuels will result in a transference I ask him to just read a little.Jonathan Young: Has the Minister read the articles from Carbon Brief a highly reputable organisation with many awards in the UK that state that methanol could not be manufactured from coal in China without displacing the other emissions—as she has constantly said—when China's ETS doesn't cover methanol production?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: What I encourage that member to look at is the continual development of the Chinese ETS. There are currently seven systems on trial in China at the moment and the International Energy Agency is involved in all of them. If that member cares to read a little he will find out that actually the involvement of those industries in the Chinese ETS is imminent. In fact there are individual cities in China that are ruling out more coal production."
8. Question No. 8—Energy and ResourcesDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesQuestion No. 8—Energy and Resources8. Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What recent action has the Government taken to promote alternative energy sources?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): Last week I signed a memorandum of cooperation with Japan's economy trade and industry Minister on the development of hydrogen technology. The memorandum which is the first of its kind with Japan in the world signalled New Zealand's interests in working with Japan on developing hydrogen. This Government sees great potential in alternative energy sources such as hydrogen—in particular green hydrogen generation from renewable energy—as we transition away from a reliance on fossil fuels and towards a low-emissions renewable future.Dr Deborah Russell: What developments have been made in New Zealand to advance the production and use of hydrogen?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Last week Tararaki-based Hiringa Energy signed a memorandum of understanding with major freight company TIL Logistics Group to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology transport solutions. This is an exciting development and follows the commencement of a project in Taupō between the Tuarōpaki Trust and the Japanese company Obayashi Corporation to pilot the commercial production of hydrogen using renewable geothermal energy.Dr Deborah Russell: What is the role that green hydrogen could play in our energy system?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Green hydrogen could play an important role in New Zealand's security of supply and energy future by supporting electricity generation during dry weather. Obviously it also has transport applications for instance by enabling the conversion of New Zealand's heavy vehicle fleet away from fossil fuel reliance and there are also potential uses in shipping and rail. Focusing on green hydrogen is important because it's made using renewable energy and in the future could demand a premium or have a lower cost to generate. That's why this Government is taking the opportunity seriously. Rt Hon Winston Peters: Can I ask the Minister whether she is aware of the recent decision by the Government for the continuation of electrification in KiwiRail and not the diesel replacements which was a decision by the previous Government?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Yes I certainly am aware of that excellent decision by this Government. This is a Government that is committed to the decarbonisation of our transport system and that is an important step in it. I also point the member to my answer that indicated that hydrogen could also be part of that future.
7. Question No. 7—FinanceHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 7—Finance7. Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of Finance: In dollar terms and as a percentage how much more tax including levies does he expect to collect in the 2020 financial year as compared with the 2018 financial year?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Core Crown tax revenue as a percentage of GDP is forecast to remain stable at around 27.5 percent similar to the levels recorded by the previous Government in its final term. In dollar terms total taxation revenue for the year to 30 June 2018 was $79.596 billion. In 2020 the latest forecasts show this to be $88.187 billion—a difference of $8.591 billion or 10.8 percent. Including ACC fire and Earthquake Commission levies between 2018 and 2020 the answer is $9.323 billion or 11.2 percent. These forecasts do not include tax or levy changes since the published forecasts. These will be incorporated into the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Is he sure that he needs every single extra dollar of that $8.5 billion?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I'm confident that we will be investing that money very very wisely indeed.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Does he expect that New Zealand wage earners' incomes will rise as quickly as his tax revenues particularly for those in the squeezed middle?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I can't speculate on that at the moment but I presume that between 2015 and 2017 when total taxation revenue increased by 13.5 percent the previous Government had the same thought process.Hon Paul Goldsmith: When he says in relation to a potential capital gains tax that one of the options is that it be revenue-neutral isn't it true that he's more likely to go with the other option which is that it will be an additional tax?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: As the member well knows those decisions are yet to be made and I would not rate his ability to read my mind.
5. Question No. 5—Housing and Urban DevelopmentPRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister of Housing and Urban DevelopmentQuestion No. 5—Housing and Urban Development5. PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development: What progress if any has been made towards the Government's KiwiBuild homes targets?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): Thank you Mr Speaker. On Saturday the first 18 KiwiBuild families were welcomed to their new homes by the Prime Minister. KiwiBuild is giving thousands of young families who have been locked out of homeownership a chance to buy their own affordable starter home. There is still a lot of work to do to build our way out of the national housing crisis but Saturday showed that we are making progress.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: What reports has he seen on the welcoming of the first KiwiBuild families?Hon Phil Twyford: The first KiwiBuild families come from diverse backgrounds but one of the things they have in common is that they are young families looking to get a place of their own and struggling to find affordable-priced homes in a city where the housing crisis is most acute. As the first KiwiBuild family said on Saturday they had given up on buying their own home before KiwiBuild arrived because housing is just so expensive. I'm proud that this Government is giving these families and thousands more like them hope.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: Why is the Government building KiwiBuild homes?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Because a generation of young New Zealanders with good jobs are priced out of homeownership. The families at McLennan represent many areas of the workforce—nurses warehouse workers concrete workers medical students administration workers engineers designers and stay-at-home mums. KiwiBuild aims to increase homeownership to increase the number of homes being built at an affordable price point and to use Government procurement to drive down costs. Only 5 percent of new builds are in the affordable lower quartile which means that there are fewer and fewer modest starter homes for young families.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: Why has the Government set the eligibility criteria that it has for KiwiBuild homes?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well KiwiBuild is about restoring the dream of homeownership to young families and it's a sign of just how bad the national housing crisis has got that for young families in places like Auckland couples with good jobs—like two teachers with five years' experience earning $160000 a year pre-tax—are locked out of homeownership. In fact since 2007 the greatest fall in homeownership has been for families earning between 80000 and 180000.Hon James Shaw: Does he think it's appropriate for KiwiBuild families to be targeted for online bullying by members of Parliament?SPEAKER: Order! Order! No other than the use of the word KiwiBuild" there's no relationship with this Minister and if there are serious allegations to be made like that they shouldn't be made as a casual question."
4. Question No. 4—ImmigrationHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 4—Immigration4. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Immigration: Does he stand by all his statements and actions in relation to Karel Sroubek?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister of Immigration): Over the last few days I've taken the opportunity to reflect on the decision that I made and to consider the information that was available to me at the time of making that decision. Having done that I absolutely stand by the action that I took. I also stand by the following statement: I can understand why people want more information. However I must maintain the long-held convention that Ministers do not divulge the reasons for reaching their decision in order to maintain the integrity of the process." Hon Michael Woodhouse: What specific regulation convention or law is stopping him from revealing the reason the immigration Minister decided Karel Sroubek should not be deported? Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: It is a long-held convention that several Ministers of Immigration have adhered to not to divulge the reasons for their decision in order to maintain the integrity of the process. Hon Michael Woodhouse: Well does he agree with the member for Palmerston North when he said "That's the problem with the use of ministerial discretion: it's not transparent."? Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: It certainly can be a problem from a public perception point of view but the truth is that in order to maintain the integrity of this process it is incumbent on Ministers not to divulge the reasons for reaching their decision. Hon Michael Woodhouse: Well does he agree with the member for Palmerston North who also said "Yes and I intend to hold myself to the standards we have demanded in Opposition."? Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Yes. Hon Michael Woodhouse: Was the Minister privy to all of the information before the Parole Board before its decision not to grant Karel Sroubek parole? Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I was privy to all the information that was provided to me in exactly the fashion that the member would be aware of from when he was Minister. I believe that I had sufficient information to make a decision.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Does he believe the right of a recidivist unrepentant drug-dealing gangster is greater than the right of the public to be kept safe and know why he made that decision?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: It's absolutely true that I had to weigh up matters of public safety and the criminal behaviour of the individual involved. I weighed up all of those matters. I believe that it is important for Ministers when taking these serious decisions to weigh up all of the evidence."
2. Question No. 2—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What progress if any is the Government making on implementing its fiscal strategy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The Government is making excellent progress as demonstrated by us delivering on all of our Budget responsibility rules in our first Budget and across the forecast period. We're taking a prudent approach to managing debt to ensure New Zealand is able to respond to any potential shocks and we are maintaining expenditure around its historical average as a percentage of GDP and we are delivering surpluses that are truly sustainable by continuing to make the necessary investments in health housing education and infrastructure. This is what responsible fiscal management looks like.Dr Duncan Webb: Why is it important to maintain sustainable operating surpluses?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The operating surpluses that we have already delivered and will continue to deliver allow us to pay down debt and make much-needed capital investments in things like hospitals schools and transport infrastructure. As noted at Budget 2018 across the forecast period we will actually be investing $25 billion more overall than the previous Government had planned. Treasury's latest forecast shows rising operating balance before gains and losses surpluses over the forecast period while we continue to make significant investments in our public services. This shows that we are living within our means while also allowing ourselves the ability to respond to any unexpected events that may occur.Dr Duncan Webb: What alternative proposals has he seen for managing the Government's books?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I have seen analysis from a group of commentators who have suggested that the Government should cut significant amounts of revenue—for example through tax cuts that would disproportionately benefit the wealthiest New Zealanders—while at the same time suggesting that we should spend significantly more. This confused combination would of course lead to much higher debt or if you will a fiscal hole. On this side of the House we're very clear about our fiscal stance. Unfortunately the same can't be said for the National Party.