2. Question No. 2—Prime MinisterHon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 2—Prime Minister2. Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her Government's statements policies and actions?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Yes particularly the Government's economic strategy which is supporting innovation through our 15 percent research and development tax credit; improving skills and training through reforming vocational education; expanding amazing schemes like Mana in Mahi; investing in infrastructure—Budget 2019 invested $1.2 billion in schools and $1.7 billion in hospitals—investing in regions through the Provincial Growth Fund; and of course diversifying our trade. Hon Simon Bridges: In light of that why then is it that business confidence is lower than at the height of the global financial crisis and economic growth's gone from nearly 4 percent to 2 percent under her watch?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Of course we've had this conversation many times in this House and my response is not going to change. In fact I think the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research and the report that they've released today is a snapshot of where we currently sit. It states that The New Zealand economy has experienced 33 consecutive quarters of growth—the longest stretch since records began in 1947. The unemployment rate is at an 11-year low of 3.9 percent. … Although the number of tourists coming into the country [has] peaked tourism spending is holding up. All this suggests the New Zealand economy is on a solid footing to weather the global headwinds."Hon Simon Bridges: Has the Crown had any discussions regarding a loan to Kīngitanga or Tainui so either can purchase land at Ihumātao?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I said in the House yesterday I'm not going to enter into speculation around negotiations between Kīngitanga and mana whenua. They are the parties around the table. We should respect the process that they're involved in. That's what this Government is going to do.Hon Simon Bridges: Has the Crown had any discussions regarding a loan to the Kīngitanga or Tainui so either can purchase land at Ihumātao?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I said in my previous answer the discussions between the parties include Kīngitanga and mana whenua. That is who is around the table talking with one another around a solution for Ihumātao. I am not going to disrespect that process which is still ongoing by entering into discussion or speculation around their talks.Hon Simon Bridges: Will any public money be used to either directly or indirectly purchase land at Ihumātao?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Again I refer to the process that is involving Kīngitanga and mana whenua. What I would also just add to that of course is that from the Crown's perspective we are mindful of our obligations as a Treaty partner; we're mindful of course of our Treaty obligations; we're mindful of Treaty precedent; and we're of course mindful of our commercial obligations to the taxpayers of New Zealand. But we are also allowing the process to occur between mana whenua and Kīngitanga. Hon Simon Bridges: Will she rule out any public money being used to either directly or indirectly purchase land at Ihumātao?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I just said in my previous answer of course the process at the moment is between mana whenua and Kīngitanga. They are the ones that are in conversation and I want to respect that. If you want to know my position on the Crown of course we are not a party to the conversations happening at present but from our perspective we know we have obligations that include around the Treaty and Treaty precedent and of course we take that very seriously.Hon Simon Bridges: How much will the cheque by taxpayers be?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Mr Speaker again I—SPEAKER: Probably out of order.Hon Simon Bridges: Does she accept that there is a public interest in knowing whether the Government—not Kīngitanga or Tainui—is having any discussions regarding taxpayers' money to the Kīngitanga or Tainui for the purposes of purchasing the land at Ihumātao; and if not why not?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Again public interest I think lies in there being resolution around Ihumātao and at present supporting the partners to find a solution which we have been doing as a Government—supporting a for Māori by Māori solution. The conversation therefore is currently being led by Kīngitanga and involves mana whenua not the Crown. With regard to the Crown's wider position as to the land at Ihumātao we are very aware that our obligation is as a Treaty partner respecting the Treaty and making sure that we don't create precedent with regard to the Treaty.Hon Simon Bridges: Why won't she tell New Zealand and this House what's happening with taxpayers' money at Ihumātao?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Because there is nothing to tell. The conversation right now is between mana whenua and Kīngitanga. I think most New Zealanders understand that this is an incredibly complex situation—an incredibly complex situation. On this side of the House we're treating it with respect and dignity. We are supporting an outcome that will be beneficial to everyone but particularly those who are at the heart of this which is the mana whenua and Kīngitanga.Hon Simon Bridges: Is the Government being open and transparent in relation to taxpayers' money at Ihumātao?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Yes."