edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Goodhew Jo: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Goodhew Jo: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:659;Page:8526] 
JO GOODHEW (Junior Whip—National) 
: 
 I move  
That the question be now put 
.
Upston Louise: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Upston Louise: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:659;Page:8524] 
LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupo) 
: 
 I move  
That the question be now put 
.
Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8511] 
11.  
KATRINA SHANKS (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What is the Government doing to deliver services more efficiently through Work and Income? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 One of the many initiatives is the new electronic payment card to administer emergency food grants. This replaces the previously outdated paper voucher system. The technology has been available for years and it seems sensible for this Government to roll it out as soon as possible. It is better for beneficiaries it saves money for taxpayers and it is easier for retailers. 
Katrina Shanks 
: How does the payment card operate? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: It works just like a bank card but it has restrictions on it. It has approved providers and has spending control so it is only for food and household costs. It is also faster and quicker to administer. It has been so successful that we will be rolling out the second wave shortly using it to administer all special-needs grants and advances.
Goff Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Goff Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8506] 
Hon PHIL GOFF (Leader of the Opposition) 
: 
 Before I sought leave to table a document from the newspaper. I can now table the original document from Statistics New Zealand but could I seek leave to correct the statement that I made that was in the document? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to correct that statement. 
Hon PHIL GOFF 
: I said before that it was 8 percent. Actually the median rent has gone up by 9.5 percent— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Dyson Ruth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Dyson Ruth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8504] 
6.  
Hon RUTH DYSON (Labour—Port Hills) 
 to the  
Minister for ACC 
: Is he committed to making New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme fair? 
Hon PANSY WONG (Acting Minister for ACC) 
: 
 The no-fault accident compensation scheme was established to avoid lengthy litigation for injury claimants. I am committed to the scheme striking a fair balance between levy affordability and claimant entitlements. What is not fair is that Labour left the accident compensation scheme with net liabilities that soared by $4 billion to $12.7 billion and claim costs have risen 57 percent in those 4 years. 
Hon Ruth Dyson 
: How can it be fair that injured New Zealanders now wait 6 weeks for a decision from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) about surgery compared to 10 days last year that 80 percent of people with shoulder injuries are being refused surgery and that the decisions to decline surgery are made by people who are not clinicians and who quote from a 1937 textbook? 
Hon PANSY WONG 
: The ACC operates under very strict regulations under the legislation. There are protocols for assessments for acceptance of coverage. If the member had any specific evidence she would have written to me and she has not. 
Hon Ruth Dyson 
: Is it fair that the ACC is putting levies up and turning down legitimate claims so that people are paying more and getting less and so that orthopaedic surgeons are being forced to spend their time writing appeal letters to the ACC instead of operating on their injured patients? 
Hon PANSY WONG 
: The accident compensation scheme has a process for assessing entitlement and coverage and also an appeal process. Once again if the member had specific evidence for so-called wrong decisions she should have written to me but she has not. 
Hon Ruth Dyson 
: I seek leave to table a letter from Dr Josie Sinclair an orthopaedic surgeon outlining the very points I made during my questions. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House. 
Darien Fenton 
: How can it be fair that in the last 9 months alone 8454 injured Kiwis have had accident compensation - funded surgery declined—people such as Pauline Grogan from the North Shore who was just one of the many affected by the huge jump in injured people being declined and being left unable to get back to work and full productivity? 
Hon PANSY WONG 
: The accident compensation scheme operates under the Injury Prevention Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2001 and there are strict protocols and dispute resolution procedures. Claimants have many processes that they can go through to seek the appeal of decisions. 
Darien Fenton 
: I seek leave to table a letter from Pauline Grogan of the North Shore to ACC outlining her struggle to get treatment for her injury. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Parata Hekia: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Parata Hekia: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8504] 
5.  
HEKIA PARATA (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Transport 
: What progress has been made on the Wellington-Levin road of national significance? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) 
: 
 I am pleased to announce to the House that this Government and the New Zealand Transport Agency have green-lighted a $2.2 billion package of improvements covering the corridor between Wellington Airport and Levin. This is the first time that a coordinated sequence programme has been planned along with the funding track to build it in the form of the Government’s commitment to an $11 billion investment in State highway infrastructure over the next 10 years. The package includes Basin Reserve improvements the Levin bypass an Otaki bypass the Kapiti Expressway the Mount Victoria Tunnel duplication the Terrace Tunnel duplication and finally after years of debate Transmission Gully. 
Hekia Parata 
: What benefits will these developments bring to the Wellington Airport to Levin corridor? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: This package will reduce congestion improve safety and support economic growth in our capital city and its region and also nationally. The improvements are expected to deliver travel-time savings of around half an hour between Levin and Wellington during peak times. Improved access to areas north of Wellington will support and encourage growth across the whole lower North Island including Palmerston North and Wanganui. This highway is crucial for the efficient north-south movement of freight and people. About 7 million tonnes of long-distance freight leaves Wellington by road and rail every year including 1 million to 2 million tonnes crossing Cook Strait. 
Hon Darren Hughes 
: What level of tolling for Transmission Gully is the Government prepared to entertain? Is it likely to exceed $5 per trip? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: No it is not likely to exceed that amount although it is very early days. As the member will know the consultation process on tolling is quite a long and involved one but consideration will be given to a toll and the New Zealand Transport Agency will consult and make recommendations in due course. 
Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban 
: Why is the Mayor of Kapiti Jenny Rowan wrong when she says that this proposal damages Kapiti for ever? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: Mayor Jenny Rowan advocates on behalf of her district but as we all know in the Kapiti Coast area there has been a strong and divergent range of opinions as to what would be the best approach for State Highway 1 through the district. I am confident that the Transport Agency has taken everybody’s views into account and has come up with an option that will benefit not only the Kapiti Coast but also areas north and south of the Kapiti Coast.
Visitors — Commonwealth Parliamentary Association—Parliamentary Delegation Parliament of Canada 
Visitors — Commonwealth Parliamentary Association—Parliamentary Delegation Parliament of Canada 
[Volume:659;Page:8499] 
Tuesday 15 December 2009 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Visitors 
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association—Parliamentary Delegation Parliament of Canada 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing the House that a parliamentary delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association branch of the Parliament of Canada led by Mr Merv Tweed Chair of the Canada - New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Group is present in the gallery. I am sure members would wish that the delegation be welcomed.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8502] 
3.  
JOHN BOSCAWEN (ACT) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: By how much does New Zealand’s annual GDP growth rate need to exceed Australia’s to achieve the Government’s concrete goal of closing the income gap with Australia by 2025 and do Treasury’s 2010 Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update forecasts released today indicate that the Government’s economic plan will achieve the required rate over the next 5 years? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 The growth rate needed to close the income gap by 2025 would be 1.8 percent per capita income growth higher than Australia’s. Today’s forecast does not indicate that the plan will achieve that rate over the next 5 years. 
John Boscawen 
: When does he expect “Treasury to increase their growth forecasts to account for the Government’s comprehensive plan to catch Australia by 2025” or has it already done so? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: Treasury as an independent forecaster will make a judgment roughly every 6 months when the forecasts are updated as to whether it believes New Zealand’s growth potential has increased. It is as aware as the Government that we are now dealing with the burden of 10 years of economic mismanagement. It will take some time to clear that out. 
John Boscawen 
: By what date does he expect Treasury forecasts to show that we are on track to catch Australia or does he not know that? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: The Government has not set some artificial date for that; we have focused strongly on putting in place an economic programme that will sort out the mess we were left with from the previous Government—which squandered one of the best decades New Zealand could have—and putting in place a platform for lifting our economic performance.
Sharples Pita: Points of Order — Simultaneous Interpretation—Implementation 
Sharples Pita: Points of Order — Simultaneous Interpretation—Implementation 
[Volume:659;Page:8499] 
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It is in respect of the order of the House. I noted the announcement from the Clerk of the House that simultaneous interpretation will be introduced into the House when it resumes in 2010. The Maori Party is pleased to hear this advice. We believe that it will increase the understanding of Maori add to the profile of te reo improve pronunciation and establish the status of te reo as an official language in this land. We seek clarification from the Speaker as to how this service will impact on the operations of the House. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am sure the matter will be dealt with in due course and there are a range of mechanisms for me to make sure members are fully aware of that. I undertake to the honourable member that we will make sure members are made fully aware of the impact. We will not take further time of the House now to pursue that matter.
Smith Lockwood: Visitors — Commonwealth Parliamentary Association—Parliamentary Delegation Parliament of Canada 
Smith Lockwood: Visitors — Commonwealth Parliamentary Association—Parliamentary Delegation Parliament of Canada 
[Volume:659;Page:8499] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing the House that a parliamentary delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association branch of the Parliament of Canada led by Mr Merv Tweed Chair of the Canada - New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Group is present in the gallery. I am sure members would wish that the delegation be welcomed.
Sittings of the House 
Sittings of the House 
[Volume:659;Page:8584] 
Sittings of the House 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Mr Deputy Speaker we are about 1½ minutes away from the time when you would normally leave the Chair. The House has made a lot of progress today. I seek leave for the House to rise at this earlier point. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is not.
Brownlee Gerry: Motions — Parliamentary Precincts—Addition of Premises 
Brownlee Gerry: Motions — Parliamentary Precincts—Addition of Premises 
[Volume:659;Page:8513] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That pursuant to section 25(1) of the Parliamentary Service Act 2000 this House add the following premises to the parliamentary precincts: 
All that part of the mezzanine level of the buildings situated at 1 and 3 The Terrace Wellington as comprised within Certificates of Title WN41C/804 and WN41C/805 having a net lettable area of 477.2 square metres as more particularly shown on the plan attached to the lease between AMP NZ Office 1 The Terrace Limited and the Parliamentary Corporation dated 12 August 2009.  
It has been agreed that this is a good measure as it simply adds part of a different building to the parliamentary precincts. In this building there will be people employed by the Parliamentary Service and there will be occasions for other officers of Parliament to be in those places too. 
Motion agreed to.
Offices of Parliament — Appointment of Auditors—Controller and Auditor-General 
Offices of Parliament — Appointment of Auditors—Controller and Auditor-General 
[Volume:659;Page:8513] 
Offices of Parliament 
Appointment of Auditors—Controller and Auditor-General 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That pursuant to section 38(1) of the Public Audit Act 2001 the House appoint CST Nexia as the independent auditor to audit the financial statements accounts and other information of the Office of the Controller and Auditor-General for the financial years ending on 30 June 2010 30 June 2011 and 30 June 2012 commencing with effect on 22 December 2009 
. It has been agreed that this measure is worthy of the House’s passing as it appoints an independent auditor to audit the Government’s own auditor the Office of the Auditor-General as is set out in the motion 
. 
Motion agreed to.
Motions — Parliamentary Precincts—Addition of Premises 
Motions — Parliamentary Precincts—Addition of Premises 
[Volume:659;Page:8513] 
Motions 
Parliamentary Precincts—Addition of Premises 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That pursuant to section 25(1) of the Parliamentary Service Act 2000 this House add the following premises to the parliamentary precincts: 
All that part of the mezzanine level of the buildings situated at 1 and 3 The Terrace Wellington as comprised within Certificates of Title WN41C/804 and WN41C/805 having a net lettable area of 477.2 square metres as more particularly shown on the plan attached to the lease between AMP NZ Office 1 The Terrace Limited and the Parliamentary Corporation dated 12 August 2009.  
It has been agreed that this is a good measure as it simply adds part of a different building to the parliamentary precincts. In this building there will be people employed by the Parliamentary Service and there will be occasions for other officers of Parliament to be in those places too. 
Motion agreed to.
Appropriation (2008/09 Financial Review) Bill — First Reading 
Appropriation (2008/09 Financial Review) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8512] 
Appropriation (2008/09 Financial Review) Bill 
First Reading 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 Mr Speaker— 
Hon Pete Hodgson 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I notice that there appears to be no mention of inappropriate expenditure for self-drive ministerial vehicles in the bill that is front of us and I wonder whether that means we must wait until next year for the issue to be— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am at an absolute loss to understand what that point of order was about. I take a pretty dim view of it if it was what I perceive it might have been. We will have no more of that. 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: I move  
That the Appropriation (2008/09 Financial Review) Bill be now read a first time. 
Bill read a first time.
Points of Order — Simultaneous Interpretation—Implementation 
Points of Order — Simultaneous Interpretation—Implementation 
[Volume:659;Page:8499] 
Points of Order 
Simultaneous Interpretation—Implementation 
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It is in respect of the order of the House. I noted the announcement from the Clerk of the House that simultaneous interpretation will be introduced into the House when it resumes in 2010. The Maori Party is pleased to hear this advice. We believe that it will increase the understanding of Maori add to the profile of te reo improve pronunciation and establish the status of te reo as an official language in this land. We seek clarification from the Speaker as to how this service will impact on the operations of the House. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am sure the matter will be dealt with in due course and there are a range of mechanisms for me to make sure members are fully aware of that. I undertake to the honourable member that we will make sure members are made fully aware of the impact. We will not take further time of the House now to pursue that matter.
McClay Todd: Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill — Procedure Second Reading Third Reading 
McClay Todd: Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill — Procedure Second Reading Third Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8488] 
TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) 
: 
 It gives me pleasure to speak in support of the Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill. The committee took some time to work very closely together to deliver a good bill for the House. Like all members I believe that the sooner we get this into law the better. Thank you.
Brownlee Gerry: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
Brownlee Gerry: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8463] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister for Tertiary Education 
: This is important legislation that is designed to determine the future of polytechnics in New Zealand. I am delighted to support the bill. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker) 
: The member has to— 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: You’ve got to move it: “I move it get a second reading.” 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker) 
: Order! 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
:  
I move that the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.
Brownlee Gerry: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
Brownlee Gerry: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8463] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill be now read a second and third time 
. This bill confirms and validates 20 Orders in Council and one set of regulations made under nine separate Acts. The bill must be enacted by 31 December 2009 to avoid the subordinate legislation lapsing. The bill was introduced on 23 September 2009 and referred to the Regulations Review Committee on 20 October 2009. The select committee asked the seven relevant Government agencies responsible for administering the legislation to explain why confirmation or validation of orders was warranted. It should be self-evident. For example we want those who are in receipt of State benefits to be able to continue to be in receipt of such. The select committee was satisfied with the responses it received and presented its report on 20 November recommending that the bill be passed without amendment. On that basis I thank the select committee for its expeditious consideration of this bill and I look forward to its passage this evening.
Brownlee Gerry: Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill — Procedure Second Reading Third Reading 
Brownlee Gerry: Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill — Procedure Second Reading Third Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8482] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Subject to discussions that have been held across the House I seek leave for the second and third readings on the Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill to be taken simultaneously as one debate of 12 10-minute speeches with one question to be put at the end. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Vote: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
Vote: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8482] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendments recommended by the Education and Science Committee by majority be agreed to. 
Ayes 69 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 5; United Future 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand Labour 43; Green Party 9; Progressive 1. 
Question agreed to.
Goodhew Jo: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
Goodhew Jo: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8481] 
JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) 
: 
 I rise to take the last call on the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill and I do so with great pleasure because it is time we corrected the record. First of all the Education and Science Committee did listen and there have been significant changes to the bill that reflect the views of the submitters. I went back to my own polytech and I asked them whether it agreed with the changes the select committee members had made. Would having four opportunities to choose local representatives from the community from the staff and from the students give the polytech what it wants? In fact its representatives said to me: “Yes; you have listened.” There are significant changes in amendments to this bill which shows we have listened. 
It is very apparent that the way in which Labour conducted its affairs in the previous Government—throwing money at polytechs that were turning bad—is the way that Labour would like to continue. But those surpluses are gone and this Government wants to get the governance of polytechs correct. They are important institutions to this Government and good governance is what it takes. I support this bill and the amendments to it wholeheartedly. Thank you.
King Colin: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
King Colin: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8475] 
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
: 
 I will take just a brief call on this very important Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill. This bill needs to be enacted very very quickly. On this side of the House we believe that good governance means having good polytechs. We certainly do need to have good polytechs. We were informed that as we speak here seven polytechs are at risk and we do not want them to fail. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: What about the universities that are at a much bigger risk? 
COLIN KING 
: Although we can hear the noise coming from a former Minister there is total denial from members on the Opposition side of the House. In fact there is a legacy of waste and failure of rorts of soft money and of poor governance from the previous Labour administration. That has to stop. 
This bill is long overdue and we need to have it passed. We need to have a greater expanded more flexible intervention process with at least two more steps. We are also encouraging the formation of other sorts of advisory committees. What we heard around the Education and Science Committee was that people all wanted to have their feet under the table and all wanted to have their say. This legislation is about delivering quality education and quality skills training and that is what the National Party stands for in Government. We look forward to this bill being progressed speedily and we look forward to the Committee stage in order to be able to identify the detail and the reason for it. On that basis I have pleasure in recommending this bill to the House. Thank you.
Lee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Lee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8462] 
12.  
MELISSA LEE (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Corrections 
: What advice has she received recently about the work that is under way to expand employment opportunities and training for prisoners? 
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections) 
: 
 Following the launch of the Prisoner Skills and Employment Strategy in October a large programme of work is under way to provide additional job training to prisoners. Twelve new workshops are currently being built nationally and I am advised that they will be fully operational by July next year. At Rimutaka Prison alone new training is currently being planned in partnership with WelTec in automotive engineering bricklaying and distribution. 
Melissa Lee 
: What further initiatives are planned by the Department of Corrections to improve the employability of prisoners following their release? 
Hon JUDITH COLLINS 
: I am advised that over the coming year training will be expanded in motor mechanics painting and decorating horticulture distribution catering and building construction and allied trades. Training in bricklaying and plumbing is also being introduced. These initiatives will boost the chances of prisoners finding jobs on their release. We know that those who find employment are less likely to reoffend. This will contribute to making our communities safer. 
Hon Clayton Cosgrove 
: Given the link between prisoner training and employment and prisoner rehabilitation does she stand by her statement to this House: “We in the National Party are not foolish enough to think that prisons … ever rehabilitate.”? 
Hon JUDITH COLLINS 
: Unless the member can verify that statement with a document I really could not take him at his word. Frankly he has made so many statements in this House. Just this week he told us that a dog handler’s van had been sold when the person who was using the van did not even have a dog.
Hughes Darren: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
Hughes Darren: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8463] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Labour) 
: 
 Labour will be supporting the motion moved by the Leader of the House who enthusiastically expounded to the country the virtues of this short but perfectly formed legislation. Subordinate legislation of this type confirms and validates other decisions that flow from other legislation. It is very much a procedural bill. In fact this particular one affects very few Acts as the Leader of the House has just outlined: the Animal Products Act the Commodity Levies Act the Customs and Excise Act the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act the Social Security Act changes to road-user charges the Tariff Act the War Pensions Act and the Wine Act. It has been fully considered by the Regulations Review Committee. Those are the only comments Labour has to make about it. The select committee has done a very credible job in its consideration of this legislation. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker) 
: I say to members that there is a lot of noise in the House today. Could those members who are standing up and conducting noisy conversations please depart for the lobbies. I mean all those members who are standing up and conducting noisy conversations—please depart for the lobbies. There is a lot of noise in this Chamber. 
Bill read a second and a third time.
Vote: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
Vote: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8482] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill be now read a second time. 
Ayes 69 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 5; United Future 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand Labour 43; Green Party 9; Progressive 1. 
Bill read a second time.
Graham Kennedy: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Graham Kennedy: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8460] 
Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green) 
: 
 I seek leave to table a document pertaining to question No. 8 and which was referred to by Jeanette Fitzsimons. The document is called  
Green New Deal: Forestry Pest Control and Wilding Conifers—Investing in a Permanent Future. 
 The document was released last week not in May which reflects a misunderstanding on the part of the Minister for Climate Change Issues. This is a new document that was released last week. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: What is the source of the document? 
Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM 
: The source of the document is the Green Party and it is entitled  
Green New Deal 
— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8456] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I apologise to Jeanette Fitzsimons. I am raising it about the requirement for Ministers to answer questions. Obviously when Ministers are outside Wellington or outside the parliamentary complex another Minister answers on behalf of the absent Minister. We saw that with Mr Power answering for Mr Finlayson. But two questions are set down for the Prime Minister one of which is about to be asked. The Prime Minister is in Copperfields having a cup of coffee not in the debating chamber― 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member will sit down immediately. The member knows he cannot by way of a point of order make any reference to a member’s absence from the House. It is simply not acceptable practice at all and I ask him not to do that sort of thing. The member knows better than to do that. [ 
Interruption 
] I am on my feet and someone will be leaving this Chamber very soon unless there is some silence.
Calder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Calder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8456] 
7.  
Dr CAM CALDER (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What progress has been made on the Government’s summer school holiday programmes? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 We have announced the 26 community organisations that have been selected to run school holiday programmes as part of the Break Away package. These holiday programmes are free and target young people who would not otherwise have this opportunity. We have places for 15000 11 to 17-year-olds. This Government is sending a clear message to our young people that we are willing to invest in their long-term potential. 
Dr Cam Calder 
: Will Break Away reach those young people who can benefit the most from it? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: Yes it will. Today 100 young people will get a letter from the Prime Minister congratulating them on being nominated for his youth programme in January. These young people have histories of low-level offending but have made a real effort to turn their lives round. We know the Government does not have all the answers and we do not pretend to. It is about working together. I want to say thank you for the strong support we have had from philanthropic groups corporates and high-profile New Zealanders who are giving their time and resources.
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8455] 
6.  
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
 to the  
Attorney-General 
: Will the threshold tests for the establishment of customary interest in the foreshore or seabed be altered from those which currently apply under the current Foreshore and Seabed Act; if so will those new thresholds be defined in statute or left to the courts? 
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) 
on behalf of the  
Attorney-General 
: Cabinet has not made a decision on these matters. The Government is taking a thorough consultative approach to its review of the Foreshore and Seabed Act and Cabinet will make final decisions on these issues next year after that consultation has been completed not before. In respect of the second part of the question whether threshold tests are defined in statute or left to the courts is also yet to be determined. 
Hon David Parker 
: If the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 is amended or repealed to allow a customary title to be sought for areas of seabed or foreshore is legislation likely to be needed to prevent the conversion of such customary titles to alienable freehold titles? 
Hon SIMON POWER 
: As I said in answer to the primary question decisions by Cabinet have not yet been taken on this matter and whether any consequent decisions will need to be made by way of statute or otherwise also remains to be determined by Cabinet. 
Hon David Parker 
: Did representatives of Ngati Porou ask the National-led Government to honour the foreshore and seabed agreement they reached under the existing Foreshore and Seabed Act with the previous Government and to proceed with the resulting Nga Rohe Moana o Nga Hapu o Ngati Porou Bill? 
Hon SIMON POWER 
: The member will be aware that there would be no need for such a request because the Crown and Ngati Porou have a binding agreement that can only be varied by the agreement of both parties. National’s 2008 election policy undertook to honour agreements already reached under the Foreshore and Seabed Act. This Government keeps its promises. 
Hon David Parker 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. My question asked whether representatives of Ngati Porou requested that the Government continue with that agreement. The question was not answered. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: With respect I thought the Minister said there was no need for such a request because of certain agreements. By that answer I thought he had answered the member’s question. 
Hon David Parker 
: Will the new arrangements reopen claims to oil and gas royalties or revenue for oil and gas under the foreshore and seabed? 
Hon SIMON POWER 
: The advice we have to hand is that they will not.
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8455] 
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
: 
 I seek leave to hold this question over to another day when the Attorney-General is present. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to defer this question. Is there any objection to the course of action? There is objection.
Goodhew Jo: Sittings of the House 
Goodhew Jo: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:659;Page:8497] 
JO GOODHEW (Junior Whip—National) 
: 
 As the House has made such excellent progress this afternoon I seek leave for the House to rise early. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy) 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is anyone opposed to that course of action? There being no opposition the House will rise.
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8447] 
PHIL TWYFORD (Labour) 
: 
 I seek leave to table the questions so that members can see the questions that the Minister did not want to answer. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member is seeking leave to table a document that is apparently a question. Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is objection.
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8447] 
PHIL TWYFORD (Labour) 
: 
 I seek leave to ask an additional oral question and three additional supplementary questions today to the Minister of Local Government based on new information that has become available to members since the time for submitting questions. To assist the Minister I am happy to table my questions by leave to enable him to prepare an answer to them. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to ask an additional oral question accompanied by three further supplementary questions. Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is objection.
Brownlee Gerry: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Procedure 
Brownlee Gerry: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Procedure 
[Volume:659;Page:8445] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave subsequent to discussions at the Business Committee the other day and further discussion among parties for the debates on the second and third readings of the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill to be taken as one debate of no more than 12 speeches with one question at the end. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:659;Page:8445] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 In response to that I say to the shadow Leader of the House he should not count his chickens before they have hatched. The House has certainly moved along this week at the shuffling pace that Labour may be more used to. But we appreciate the offer on the Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill and I think it is worth considering. I suggest that we have a bit of a discussion offline with other whips to see if it is possible to have a second and third reading combination that would facilitate that bill passing. I quite genuinely appreciate the offer.
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
[Volume:659;Page:8445] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 First of all I offer my warm congratulations to the Leader of the House as it appears we will go through an entire sitting of Parliament without urgency. I think it worthy of strong congratulations to him on his strong respect for the parliamentary process. In that same spirit of cooperation I inform the Leader of the House of the Labour Opposition’s strong desire to see the Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill pass through all its stages before Christmas. We are very keen to cooperate with the Government for that to happen so that New Zealand can be part of the first tranche of signatories to the agreement that was started off by Mr Goff as the Minister for Disarmament and Arm Control and has been ably continued by Mrs te Heuheu. We would want to see that bill passed before Christmas and we give our full cooperation to him for that to happen.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:659;Page:8445] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes next Tuesday the Government intends to make progress on bills on the Order Paper two bills that will be introduced today and notices of motion. Depending on satisfactory progress being made on the Government’s agenda it is expected that the House will lift at some point next week for the summer adjournment. I might add that it is not only the Government’s progress but perhaps the weather as well that may be a factor in this.
Sittings of the House 
Sittings of the House 
[Volume:659;Page:8497] 
Sittings of the House 
JO GOODHEW (Junior Whip—National) 
: 
 As the House has made such excellent progress this afternoon I seek leave for the House to rise early. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy) 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is anyone opposed to that course of action? There being no opposition the House will rise.
Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
[Volume:659;Page:8463] 
Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill 
Second Reading 
Third Reading 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill be now read a second and third time 
. This bill confirms and validates 20 Orders in Council and one set of regulations made under nine separate Acts. The bill must be enacted by 31 December 2009 to avoid the subordinate legislation lapsing. The bill was introduced on 23 September 2009 and referred to the Regulations Review Committee on 20 October 2009. The select committee asked the seven relevant Government agencies responsible for administering the legislation to explain why confirmation or validation of orders was warranted. It should be self-evident. For example we want those who are in receipt of State benefits to be able to continue to be in receipt of such. The select committee was satisfied with the responses it received and presented its report on 20 November recommending that the bill be passed without amendment. On that basis I thank the select committee for its expeditious consideration of this bill and I look forward to its passage this evening. 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Labour) 
: 
 Labour will be supporting the motion moved by the Leader of the House who enthusiastically expounded to the country the virtues of this short but perfectly formed legislation. Subordinate legislation of this type confirms and validates other decisions that flow from other legislation. It is very much a procedural bill. In fact this particular one affects very few Acts as the Leader of the House has just outlined: the Animal Products Act the Commodity Levies Act the Customs and Excise Act the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act the Social Security Act changes to road-user charges the Tariff Act the War Pensions Act and the Wine Act. It has been fully considered by the Regulations Review Committee. Those are the only comments Labour has to make about it. The select committee has done a very credible job in its consideration of this legislation. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker) 
: I say to members that there is a lot of noise in the House today. Could those members who are standing up and conducting noisy conversations please depart for the lobbies. I mean all those members who are standing up and conducting noisy conversations—please depart for the lobbies. There is a lot of noise in this Chamber. 
Bill read a second and a third time.
Upston Louise: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Upston Louise: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:8461] 
10.  
LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupo) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: When will parents receive plain English reports against the national standards and why? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) 
: 
 This Government has heard the calls from parents for school reports in plain language that they can understand and for school reports that tell them how they can help their children to do better. That is why schools next year will report to parents in plain language at least twice a year on how their kids are doing and how the parents can help. That was a very clear message that we got from parents throughout both the election campaign and the consultation on national standards. That is what parents want and that is what we will make sure they get. 
Louise Upston 
: What reports has she seen of parents being concerned about the school reports that they currently receive and why? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Parents strongly supported getting good information from schools about their child’s progress against the national standards and we are delivering that for them. In the consultation round one parent said that schools need to provide “honesty plain language and no surprises.” Another parent said: “Honest reporting; tell me how he is really doing. I want reality—the good the bad and the ugly”. We are very happy to be delivering that. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: In taking into account the development of plain English reporting did she take into account Professor Hattie’s statement: “We advise that the descriptions and examples of the Standards are not sufficient at this stage to allow them to be applied consistently. Teachers will be forced to report to parents and principals to their Boards in ways that could not be trusted to be sufficiently consistent from teacher to teacher or school to school.”? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Yes and I say to the member that we trust parents with the information about how well or not their children are doing. Parents want the information they have a right to the information and we will make sure that they get the information. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I know that this is slightly technical but I am sure you will understand. I asked a question about the quality of the information that is to go to parents not a question about the trust of the parents. The question was about trust in the standards. 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Mr Speaker— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: No I do not need to hear any further on the matter. The member asked whether the Minister had taken into account that statement from Professor Hattie and the Minister said: “Yes”. That is an answer to the question.
Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Procedure 
Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Procedure 
[Volume:659;Page:8445] 
Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill 
Procedure 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave subsequent to discussions at the Business Committee the other day and further discussion among parties for the debates on the second and third readings of the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill to be taken as one debate of no more than 12 speeches with one question at the end. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.