edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
1. Question No. 1—FinanceKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Finance1. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What is the Government's initial response to the independent Tax Working Group report released today?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The independent Tax Working Group report was released this morning and I want to thank the group for its hard work and say that we will now spend some time working through the options and the recommendations it contains. We established the Tax Working Group to examine the structure fairness and balance of the tax system. Today's report finds that overall our tax system is clear and simple but there is room for improvement. There is some unfairness that needs to be addressed. We will now work through the ways to do this to make the system as fair and as balanced as possible.Kiritapu Allan: When will the full Government response be announced?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: As I say we are taking technical advice on addressing the elements identified by the Tax Working Group and will make further announcements in April on any measures to enhance fairness and integrity in the system and we look forward to discussing the recommendations with our coalition and confidence and supply partners as we work to find consensus on the best overall package.Kiritapu Allan: When would any changes arising from the report be implemented?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I would like to reaffirm the commitment made when the Tax Working Group was established that no changes arising from the report will be implemented this term. We also set out some clear bottom lines: in particular the family home is off limits increases to income tax will not occur and there will be no inheritance tax. Finally as the working group has said the Government is not bound to accept all the recommendations that have been put forward. There are options to accept some or to phase or sequence aspects of the packages proposed by the group.Kiritapu Allan: How does the Tax Working Group report fit with the Government's wider programme to modernise the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government's tax reform initiatives that are separate to the work of the Tax Working Group will continue while we consider today's report. We remain vigilant to ways that the current tax system fails to address the global economic and social forces which affect our economic activity. We've already made some moves to restore fairness and balance including that announced earlier this week where we are taking steps to ensure that companies in the digital economy who do business across borders pay their fair share of tax. A discussion document on the options for the design of a digital services tax will be released in May and we will continue to work with other countries for a global solution to make sure that multinational companies pay their fair share.
Crimes Amendment Bill — Third Reading
O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): At times I think I'm in an irony-free zone here. I heard the previous speaker Maggie Barry speaking about one of the aspects of this bill—talking about being pleased it's not retrospective. She must not have been listening last night to one of her colleagues who stood here speaking at great length demanding some retrospectivity. But irony-free zone we will remain. As I look at what is being dealt with in this Crimes Amendment Bill it's a reminder that this House it's a continuity—those that came before us. I look at some of the I suppose old worldly quotes or the names of some of this legislation.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 6 p.m.
Eagle PaulPAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai): Whoo! That was a very very long 10 minutes but we got there and here I am the last speaker on this wonderful legislation. Look it's all been said. I mean I was going to give the member for Pakuranga my 10 minutes as he was keeping us so enlightened with just his knowledge of this legislation but no. We're lucky that I have the last word and things are done a bit quicker in Rongotai. We don't beat around the bush there in south Wellington. We make sure things get done and that's really what these bills are about. We've heard lots already this afternoon—repairs and maintenance non-controversial. People have tried to invent controversy and have tried to add more repairs and maintenance but look it is what it is and it's a very very good decent and dignified piece of work by those good people at the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. Kieran McAnulty: Hear hear!PAUL EAGLE: Hear hear! I don't want to repeat anything because look after that last speech all the way from Pakuranga—who knows? I'm surprised that everyone's still awake. But these bills are simply here to update clarify and remove duplication and unnecessary compliance—all the buzzwords—and that's all I'm going to say because they're off to select committees. I know that they'll do a fantastic job—even though you've got to keep your eye on that Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee—and this will just add to their workload. I commend these bills to the House. Bills read a first time. Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill referred to the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee.Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2) referred to the Social Services and Community Committee.Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2) referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.
Regulatory Systems Amendment Bills (No 2) — First Readings
O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): Earlier today I pointed out to the House that it was Thursday afternoon. We often have some very significant legislation come through here. We talk about Treaty bills; we talk about the significance of the Social Workers Registration Legislation Bill. At this stage the next bill on the surface of it looks somewhat an orphan against such mighty bills. However it is a bill that deals with something that is very important and that's regulation. So often when one is talking about the bureaucracy the terrible Wellington bureaucracy regulation—the two words are synonymous. But actually I invite anyone that doesn't like regulation to go to somewhere where they don't have it to go to some overseas jurisdictions—we have personnel there—where actually regulation doesn't exist and that means that essentially life doesn't exist. It becomes the law of the jungle. So regulation is incredibly important.I'd like to speak particularly to the Retirement Villages Act as someone who has seen some close relatives go through three different retirement villages—they're now on their third and having seen how retirement villages—the various standards the way that those who come and go from those villages are protected. It gives me some comfort to see that we will be amending the Retirement Villages Act with this regulation to ensure that it protects the interests of residents and intending residents of retirement villages. If ever there was a growing group of people that needed protection it is this group. These are people who've often been incredibly on to it during their lives and really capable looking after their own interests but as the modern medicine allows them to live longer often it means their ability to look after themselves and to be taken advantage of—they become much more vulnerable in that respect. So when I look at one of the regulations it is designed to ensure that these increasingly vulnerable members of our society or part of our society are going to be protected further. I look at this regulation and commend this. Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker.
Jones ShaneHon SHANE JONES (Minister of Forestry): Tēnā nō tātou katoa. It's best described that we're engaged in parliamentary housekeeping. I remember actually earlier versions of such legislation would have been regarded as having been dealt with as miscellaneous improvements" through some statutory revision legislation but we've got three cognate bills. My contribution isn't particularly long but there's one area I want to focus on which is the economic development portion of it.I look forward to the select committee sinking its teeth into it. I today have demonstrated my humility and sat on two of the select committees. I avoided being on the Primary Production Committee because Te Uru Rākau officials who were reporting to that select committee—unfortunately I was absent and I couldn't defend them from grossly improper behaviour visited upon them by Mr Nathan Guy and others but I'll deal with that politically at a different level and at a different particular point in time.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): I'm not sure this is entirely relevant.Hon SHANE JONES: Sorry?ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): If we could just concentrate on the first reading that would be great. Thank you.Hon SHANE JONES: Yes. Well in that case it's three pieces: workforce economic development housing. I stand we support the bill and we want to dispatch it as soon as possible. Thank you very much.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): I understand this is a split call. I call Andrew Falloon—five minutes."
Hughes GarethGARETH HUGHES (Green): Kia ora Madam Assistant Speaker. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora. I rise to support this legislation which is an omnibus piece of legislation. So for anyone watching in the House or online you might be wondering why Parliament—which does cost a lot of money to run—is dealing with such a technical such a focused and frankly such a dull piece of legislation but I want to give you one very concrete example which is the changes as they relate to parental leave.Here Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment officials identified a gap where existing rules as they apply for example to adoptive parents or other situations might find someone in the tragic case of a bereavement where a parent with custody of the child finds themselves ineligible for parental leave. Here's a good example where the House where parties across the political spectrum can come together to literally make a difference which will make a huge difference to people in literally some of the most tragic times of their lives. So I am proud to be supporting this legislation because it will make a difference for those people facing those circumstances.Of course it improves the situation for community housing providers by reducing the information burden and the regulatory costs that they have to deal with. I literally just half an hour ago was meeting with Habitat for Humanity New Zealand who are building 500 homes and are doing a great job—such a critical part of the housing ecosystem in New Zealand. It's great that this Parliament can be making it easier for them to get on with their job which is providing housing for Kiwis.Of course there are other changes such as clarifying penalties for retirement villages offences under the credit contracts and consumer finance legislation. Here you have a bit of a house-cleaning situation but I don't want to take my eye off the ball. This will make a difference to New Zealanders it will make a difference to their lives and it will make a better society. So while this Government is dealing with the big issues facing New Zealand—climate change inequality poverty the housing crisis—it's also finding those little opportunities to improve people's lives so I am proud to support it. Kia ora koutou.
Coffey TamatiTAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki): Madam Assistant Speaker thank you for that. We are obviously all in agreement that this is not the big fish; this is not the thing that we're going to lose sleep over tonight. This is a series of regulations that need a bit of tweaking and that's exactly why we're here. The Opposition have said so; we've said so as well. The bills involved—amendments around housing amendments around economic development and workforce as well. Being somebody that sits on both the Finance and Expenditure Committee and the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee the two main amendments in the economic development part are such that we're looking to add offences and infringement offences to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. Anything that helps look after the rights of our consumers of our people that go out there they earn hard money they spend money as well—anything that helps them to protect their rights as they go out there into the market place is a really good thing. The economic development bill in particular is going to amend the Companies Act the Insolvency Act the Personal Property Securities Act—all of these will be updated and brought into a better space so that they're more modernised and fit for purpose so that New Zealanders can have confidence in our market. That's one thing. As I say housing and workforce—there are other amendments in there but there's no opposition on this side from us and no opposition over there as well so I commend this bill to the House.
O'Connor SimonSIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki): It's really pleasing to take a call on this. I'll be brief. If one is going to talk about regulation one should start with oneself and regulate the time. There are three bills obviously involved with this—which is probably a great relief that I'll speak for a short time. It's amazing how one can spend 20 minutes talking on just a single clause. But we look forward to the committee stage and indulging the other side of the House. Look three omnibus bills and ones that will require I think a little bit of oversight in the select committee. I look forward to them going there. I'd like to confine though my comments to the housing amendment side of things. As I say there are three: one around economic development one around workforce and one around housing. There are two particular changes that the housing if you will subset legislation addresses. The first is around retirement villages which is good and prudent. Basically it's inserting a penalty. So there's been a requirement in law for something to happen but it seems there was an oversight to put in a penalty. So that will be good but I'm sure those in the retirement villages space will want to have their say and I certainly encourage them to do so. The other one is around the community housing providers. It's basically an attempt to remove an administrative burden. I won't go into the particular details at the time but it's really about how much information has to be put forward particularly if a member of a board that is doing community housing is not on the board any more—that that doesn't have to be reported say in the annual checks. So it's probably something that's going to be quite welcome to the community housing side. I mean they won't be rejoicing in the streets—this is only a small technical change—but they've had a bit of a rough ride in recent weeks. The Government announced that private developers could compete in the community housing space for their cash and the money that they use to obviously build houses and support people. So they're a little bit annoyed. I'm sure the Minister responsible for that will be hearing from them in good time. I certainly encourage them to do so. But this little regulatory change I'm sure is a little bit of light for them. So as I say I was going to regulate my speech. I was going to keep it to exactly seven minutes but two and a half does the trick.
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. I just want to make some brief comments on this excellent piece of legislation or these pieces of legislation which are largely maintenance. As the Minister noted they are all coming out of the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment—that well-signed workhorse of the Government.I'll acknowledge Mr Brownlee's comments in respect of retirement villages and rest homes and note Ruth Dyson's championing of the people who live there in her bill recently passed which gave rates rebates to residents there. And I note with some sadness that in my own electorate the Merrivale Retirement Village is moving on some of its residents without notice and that's exactly the kind of attention that we need to give. So I look forward to the day that we can attend to that business as well.But just noting really that this is regulatory maintenance and the various amendments going through in these pieces of legislation are updating some legislation enhancing it—and I note the amendment to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act where some new infringement offences are instituted there where documentation is not provided. It's not a major change to the legislation but it's really important that where obligations exist there are some teeth that follow. So it's good to see that there are those kinds of things going on there. Insolvency practitioners some tighter regulation around there—again some protective provisions making sure that things like lending goes on properly administration of insolvent estate goes on properly and so on and so forth. The Minister went through the various legislation that's amended—streamlining legislation enhancing clarifying and updating. It's great to see legislation like this coming through the House with such a co-operative approach this late on a Thursday afternoon. I commend it to the House.
Social Workers Registration Legislation Bill — Third Reading
O'Connor DamienHon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister for Biosecurity): Thank you Mr Speaker. I'll just take a brief moment to reply to those issues. I appreciate the cooperation that the member on the other side offered and will certainly take up that offer to cooperate.I won't go into the issues raised other than to say that biosecurity is a challenge for each and every New Zealander. At the moment the incursions that we are managing—including fruit fly—are all being funded by the taxpayer. It is important that we look to the future to ensure protection for the industry and for taxpayers in a world of increasing biosecurity risk where we are likely to see more fruit flies or the threat of fruit flies because of climate change and the wider scope that these fruit flies will exist in in countries from which we import products.I look forward to cooperation and a determination by the Government—supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries and the communities—to get rid of fruit flies from New Zealand. Kia ora.
Ministerial Statements — Fruit Fly Issue—Update
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER: Can I say any further response that we have will be much tighter. I let the member go much wider than he should have mainly because the Minister at the end of his contribution went beyond the very specific reason for this intervention.
Points of Order — Privileges—Members' Conduct
Hipkins Chris; Brownlee GerryPOINTS OF ORDERPrivilege—Members' ConductHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Yesterday during question time a member of the House was ejected for some disorderly comments that they were asked to withdraw and apologise for. Normally of course that would be the end of the matter but the member then went on to repeat the comments outside the House and state that they stood by the comments that they had previously withdrawn and apologised for. They then subsequently later in the evening were ejected from the House a second time for making a similar series of comments—in fact about eight or nine different infractions on the Standing Orders.It seems to me that if we're going to have any order in the House a member having to withdraw and apologise for a comment in the House and then going on to both repeat this comment and then repeat the behaviour on the same day does somewhat draw into question whether in fact the House has got any ability to impose any kind of order.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I just want to point out that what might be considered unparliamentary in the genteel confines of this delicate Chamber may not necessarily be seen as anything other than reasonable comment outside. It would be unfortunate if the Speaker was to determine what members are or are not able to say out in the large wide world as we know that there are only very limited protections for members who raise matters outside of the Parliament.SPEAKER: I'm happy to deal with this relatively quickly. The first point is that if the first matter had been raised with me in writing before 2 o'clock then I would have a matter of privilege to consider. Clearly if someone indicates something in the House and indicates that they were not telling the truth in the House soon afterwards there is a matter of privilege which could have been considered. It can't now because it is out of time. As far as the later behaviour is concerned I watched it. I think it's fair to say that the Assistant Speaker in the Chair at the time is a more tolerant person than I am and the behaviour certainly met the disorderly criteria for naming. It's my expectation that at some stage if that sort of behaviour continues the member will be named.Hon Damien O'Connor: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. SPEAKER: Can we finish the general business first? Thank you. Before the member speaks there's one further point I will make and I apologise for going back to a matter that's been dealt with. In future because of the behaviour that's occurred I will not make immediate decisions to let members come back in at the end of question time. I will review what has occurred afterwards before I make a decision that a member is allowed to return in the Chamber in the way that I did in my lenient manner yesterday.
Hipkins ChrisTHURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): The House will next sit on Tuesday 6 March. Legislation to be considered that week will include the first reading of the Financial Markets (Derivatives Margin and Benchmarking) Reform Amendment Bill and the committee stages of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill and the Accident Compensation Amendment Bill. The second reading of the Local Government Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill will also be considered that week. Wednesday 6 March will be the first members' day for the year but the general debate will be replaced by a two-hour debate on the Budget Policy Statement.
Tuesday 5 March 2019 - Volume 736
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Clauses 1 and 2
VoteA 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 of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Clause 1 agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 188 in the name of the Hon Stuart Nash to clause 2 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Amendments agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 189 in the name of the Hon Stuart Nash to clause 2 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 111New Zealand National 55; New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Ross.Noes 8Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Clause 2 as amended agreed to.House resumed.Bill reported with amendment.Report adopted.
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Part 4 and Schedules 3 and 6
VoteThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 188 in the name of the Hon Stuart Nash to Schedule 6 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 of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Amendment agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 6 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Schedule 6 as amended agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 188 in the name of the Hon Stuart Nash to Part 4 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 4 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Part 4 as amended agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 188 in the name of the Hon Stuart Nash to Schedule 1 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 1 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Schedule 1 as amended agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 1B be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Schedule 1B agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 2 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Schedule 2 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 3 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Schedule 3 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 4 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Schedule 4 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 5 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Schedule 5 agreed to.
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Part 3
VoteThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 189 in the name of the Hon Stuart Nash to Part 3 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 111New Zealand National 55; New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Ross.Noes 9Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8; ACT New Zealand 1.Amendment agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 3 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Part 3 as amended agreed to.
VoteThe question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 188 in the name of the Hon Stuart Nash to Part 3 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Amendments agreed to.
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Part 2
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 188 in the name of the Hon Stuart Nash to Part 2 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Amendments 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 of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Part 2 as amended agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the following amendment in the name of the Hon Amy Adams to clause 3 be agreed to: insert new clause 3(1):(1) Amend table 1 of schedule 1 of the Income Tax Act 2007 to be:Table 1RowRange of dollar in taxable incomeTax rate1$0 – $147000.1052$14701 – $504000.1753$50401 – $734000.3004$73401 upwards0.330A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 1 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Part 1 agreed to.
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Part 1 (continued)
12. Question No. 12—Commerce and Consumer AffairsTAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsQuestion No. 12—Commerce and Consumer Affairs12. TAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What measures is the Government considering to protect consumers from ticket scalpers? Hon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): The Government wants to stop the practice of ticket scalping in New Zealand which is harming Kiwi consumers and the creative and cultural sector. The measures we have planned include a price cap on resale tickets enforcing rules around the information that needs to be disclosed to better inform consumers and banning ticket-buying bots. We are concerned to hear that a growing number of Kiwis are missing out on events or being ripped off because of ticket scalping. We will ensure this will stop. Tamati Coffey: What advice has he seen on how bad the harm is in New Zealand? Hon KRIS FAAFOI: Work undertaken by officials has shown that the profit margins on the resale of tickets are reaching 205 percent although I have heard reports of mark-ups of up to 400 percent. Research undertaken by Consumer New Zealand showed that 54 percent of people who responded had paid more than the face value for tickets 38 percent were charged hidden fees 13 percent had paid for tickets that never arrived and 6 percent paid for tickets that were fake. This extra money goes to scalpers instead of going to the event's creators or remaining in the pockets of consumers. Hon Shane Jones: Blues tickets—what about Blues tickets? Tamati Coffey: What sort of ticket reselling activity does the Government want to target? Hon KRIS FAAFOI: It is important to differentiate between ticket scalping and ticket onselling. When people can no longer attend the event they purchased the tickets for because of unexpected events they should be allowed to resell their tickets and recover the money. Ticket scalpers on the other hand purchase tickets specifically to resell them and make an exorbitant profit taking advantage of vulnerable consumers who may not know who the official ticket reseller is and exploiting their willingness to pay by overcharging them. The Government is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that markets are working fairly and competitively. SPEAKER: That concludes oral questions. I will say to the Hon Shane Jones that there's no market for scalping Blues tickets at the moment.
11. Question No. 11—Prime MinisterHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 11—Prime Minister11. Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her Government's statements policies and actions? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Yes. Hon Paula Bennett: By what date can the public expect to know the question they are voting on to legalise recreational marijuana? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I do not have a firm date but it will be in good time. Hon Paula Bennett: In light of her saying it will be in good time" and last week saying "We will ensure that there's enough time for the public to properly engage" how much time is enough? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Perhaps I would be well advised to go back and look at some of the time frames around the flag referendum but we'll make sure that people have enough time to engage in the question. We're flagging well in advance obviously that this will be put in 2020 so people are already aware that the question will be asked. Hon Paula Bennett: Will the cannabis referendum bill set to be enacted by December 2019 simply enable the referendum or will it also outline the regulated framework for recreational marijuana use? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: These are all things that we will announce once Cabinet has finalised its decisions. Hon Paula Bennett: Will the Government have drafted any legislation that will regulate the market for recreational marijuana use which the public will see before deciding their vote at the referendum? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: These are all details we'll announce once Cabinet has made decisions."
9. Question No. 9—Research Science and InnovationJO LUXTON (Labour) to the Minister of Research Science and InnovationQuestion No. 9—Research Science and Innovation9. JO LUXTON (Labour) to the Minister of Research Science and Innovation: What recent reports has she seen about the growth of R & D spending across New Zealand? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Research Science and Innovation): I've seen the report of the 2018 R & D survey results released by Statistics New Zealand on 28 February 2019. It showed that total R & D spending grew by $758 million to $3.9 billion since the last survey in 2016. This Government has set a goal of reaching 2 percent of GDP as R & D by 2027. The survey shows an increase from 1.23 percent to 1.37 percent. While this is certainly encouraging progress there is still plenty to do. Jo Luxton: What is the Government doing to build on the results outlined in this report? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Despite this progress we're still near the bottom of the OECD rankings when it comes to R & D spending and that's why this Government is introducing the R & D tax incentive on 1 April. This will mean even more companies will be able to access R & D support which will help them lift their spend on science and innovation. Jo Luxton: How does increasing R & D spend contribute to the Government's overall economic goals? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: High levels of R & D spend are linked to higher levels of productivity. New Zealand has struggled with how to increase our productivity for a long time. Introducing the tax incentive will help alleviate this issue by helping more businesses invest in R & D. This is part of our Government's plan to transform the economy to be more productive sustainable and inclusive.
8. Question No. 8—EducationHon NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 8—Education8. Hon NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) to the Minister of Education: Does he have confidence in the current consultation process around the Tomorrow's Schools Review? Hon TRACEY MARTIN (Associate Minister of Education) on behalf of the Minister of Education: Yes. I support the work that the independent task force is doing over the four-month consultation period with the draft recommendations from the report and the consultation that they had with the stakeholder groups since April 2018 that led to the creation of the draft recommendations currently being discussed. Hon Nikki Kaye: Does he believe that for the biggest education reform in 30 years there should be only 3½ weeks between when the consultation closes on the current proposals and the report back to the Minister? Hon TRACEY MARTIN: On behalf of the Minister at this stage our understanding is that that time is adequate considering the at least year-long process that the task force has already taken to form their draft recommendations and the number of groups that they have spoken to during that period of time. Of course it is always an option for the task force to come back and ask the Minister for more time should they need it before they provide their final recommendations. Hon Nikki Kaye: Has he received any estimate of the potential cost of the Tomorrow's Schools reform and if so what is that estimate? Hon TRACEY MARTIN: On behalf of the Minister I'm not aware of any estimates of cost being provided to the Minister because no final decisions have been made. That is the purpose of the consultation process on the draft recommendations that will lead to final recommendations that will then require the Government to consider those recommendations before making any final decisions. Hon Nikki Kaye: Will he agree to give the task force additional time given that the Cabinet paper requires a report back by 30 April and will he ensure that there is an estimate of costs provided publicly prior to the consultation closing given this is the largest education reform in 30 years? Hon TRACEY MARTIN: On behalf of the Minister in answer to the first part of the question the Minister's door is always open to the task force whenever they would like to walk through it and have a discussion with him about the time frames that have been put into place. With regard to the second part of the question considering these are draft recommendations that will lead to final recommendations that will need to be considered by the Government before they make any decision it would be inappropriate to put any money around them.
5. Question No. 5—Economic DevelopmentHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister for Economic DevelopmentQuestion No. 5—Economic Development5. Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he think that increasing the tax burden on productive businesses would help or hinder New Zealand's economic development? Hon SHANE JONES (Acting Minister for Economic Development): The connection between tax burden and productive businesses is a complex matter. I would say however that in cases where a Government seeks fairness and identifies productive businesses that might be multinational a better tax burden shared with them is probably a better societal outcome. Hon Paul Goldsmith: When he told the House on 31 July 2008 we're changing the investment signals so that more capital goes to the productive export economy rather than unproductive speculation;"—Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Can I just make it very clear that while we take responsibility for a lot of things in politics the year 2008 is surely not the responsibility—Hon Member: 2018. Rt Hon Winston Peters: That's what he said—2008. Words matter. Thank you Mr Speaker. SPEAKER: He did. We would have got to it. Start again please. Hon Paul Goldsmith: When he told the House on 31 July 2018 "we're changing the investment signals so that more capital goes to the productive export economy rather than unproductive speculation;" how does he intend to engineer this change? Hon SHANE JONES: Well obviously in terms of effecting the transfer of capital from speculative assets to productive assets we have already supported the former Government in terms of the brightline test. Hon Paul Goldsmith: Does he accept that the country's economic development depends in large measure on private sector investment—someone somewhere deciding to put their money into starting a business and building it? Hon SHANE JONES: Yes indeed people do take risks. Up and down the country people are assessing opportunities. For those reasons those are the very people that our Government is consulting with and discussing the proposals from Dr Cullen's committee. Hon Paul Goldsmith: Does he expect that increasing the tax burden on investment would lead to more investment? Hon SHANE JONES: As I've said there are a myriad of taxpayers in New Zealand and if I can identify one segment who might be called part of the productive taxpaying base—multinationals—it may very well come to pass that they are not paying their way. Hon Paul Goldsmith: What fault can he find with Peter Beck's view that taxing the capital gains on intellectual property and stock "will decimate the already fragile New Zealand start-up industry."? Hon SHANE JONES: Obviously that inventor that entrepreneur and his efforts should be celebrated and he's being supported by the public with the allocation of public funding. His warning is a sensible admonition but he is not the exclusive authority on matters to do with tax."
4. Question No. 4—Housing and Urban DevelopmentGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu) to the Minister of Housing and Urban DevelopmentQuestion No. 4—Housing and Urban Development4. GREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu) to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development: Will the healthy homes standards reduce hospitalisations for housing-related illnesses; if so how? Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): Ministry of Health data shows that at least 6000 children are admitted each year for what they call housing sensitive hospitalisations. Otago University recently found that homes that are damp or mouldy cause more than 35000 nights in hospital and report problems with damp or mould. The study found that the statistics are worse the lower the income of the household and rental properties are the most problematic. The healthy homes standards will set minimum standards for insulation heating ventilation moisture and draughts so that rental homes are warm and dry. They're part of the Government's plan to improve the health and well-being of children. Greg O'Connor: Why is the Government focusing on rental homes? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: What we're doing is lifting standards to stop the bottom end of the market undercutting decent landlords. A report from Otago University highlighted that 15 percent of owner-occupied homes were reported to be cold compared to 35 percent of rental homes. Only 3 percent of owner-occupied homes were damp or mouldy compared to 12 percent of rentals. Greg O'Connor: Will the healthy homes standards reduce the health costs of tenants? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well the heating standard alone is predicted to reduce the costs incurred by tenants because of ill health by $129 million over the forecast 15-year period. That excludes non-quantifiable benefits such as increased school attendance greater educational attainment mental health well-being and comfort. This is all additional to the predicted $476 million in energy savings. Greg O'Connor: How do the healthy homes standards fit in with other policies aiming to reduce hospitalisations for housing-related illnesses? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The healthy homes standards are just one part of the Government's plan to improve the well-being of New Zealanders particularly children. Warmer Kiwi Homes provides grants covering two-thirds of the cost of installing ceiling and underfloor insulation topped up wherever possible by third-party funding to make insulation as low cost as possible. The winter energy payment provides $450 for a single person and $700 for a couple over the five months of winter to make sure that beneficiaries and those on super can afford to turn the heater on.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Last week the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) released its quarterly predictions for the March 2019 quarter showing a solid domestic outlook. The NZIER said global volatility in the form of the US-China trade dispute slowing growth in the Chinese economy and uncertainty over Brexit could weigh on export demand. The risks posed by the international situation continue to demonstrate the importance of our commitment to working on more diverse trade opportunities and agreements and to responsible fiscal management so that we are in a position to respond to any shocks. Dr Deborah Russell: What did NZIER say about the domestic outlook? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: NZIER said that despite some of the global developments clouding the growth outlook there remain many positive domestic factors underpinning growth in the New Zealand economy. Consumer spending is forecast to pick up on the back of rising wages as a result of a solid labour market and there is steady consumer confidence. This is backed up by the ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence survey for February which showed confidence at 121—around its historical average. The proportion of consumers who feel more better off financially than a year ago lifted by 2 percentage points and the proportion who think it's a good time to buy a major household item was also up 3 percentage points. This confident domestic outlook shows that the economy has solid fundamentals as we continue to transition to a more productive more sustainable and more inclusive economy. Dr Deborah Russell: What reports has he seen on other indicators of the strength of the economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: ANZ noted in its business outlook survey released last week that regional economy is booming". This is backed up today by the regional round-up from Westpac in which it pointed out that a number of regions have built up quite a head of steam and are expected to roll through 2019 in fine form. We do acknowledge that some regions are not growing at such a pace and that is why we have committed to growing jobs and business in regions through initiatives such as the Provincial Growth Fund."
Financial Markets (Derivatives Margin and Benchmarking) Reform Amendment Bill — First Reading