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Dean Jacqui: Kaikōura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDean Jacqui: Kaikōura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16931. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki):The problem I have with the kind of hocus-pocus science we have just heard from across the House about whales and deep-sea drilling exploration is that that member Maryan Street acknowledges that she does not know what whales are afraid of and yet she does not hesitate to give a very strong position that is absolutely against any kind of deep-sea exploration for oil. It is very confusing because on the other hand another member of the Labour Party the Hon Shane Jones gives out exactly the opposite message. So what are we to believe from the Labour Party? What is its position? Well frankly I do not think it knows what its position is because on the one hand we have one member of Parliament from Labour who seems to understand that deep-sea drilling can actually bring benefits and then we have seemingly the rest of the members who rely on hocus-pocus science which they admit they do not even know to debunk that signal. So that kind of just summarises Labour all over. It does not really know where it is.I did google what whales are afraid of because I reckoned that this kind of hocus-pocus science is as good as their hocus-pocus science and what I have learnt today from some person on the internet is that whales are afraid of sharks and killer whales. So that is my scientific contribution. The Kaikōura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Bill is a great bill and we will have fun with it at the Local Government and Envronment Committee.
Goldsmith Paul: Kaikōura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeGoldsmith Paul: Kaikōura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16929. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]PAUL GOLDSMITH (National):Like other members I have had the pleasure of driving along this wonderful coastline of Kaikōura with my family—over Christmas actually. It was about 12 degrees—it was January—but it was still a very beautiful place. It is not just what is on the surface but what lies underneath that is important so this bill the Kaikōura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Bill is a significant one for New Zealand conservation. It seeks to address the current lack of formal protection and recognition of marine species in the submarine canyon and other natural marine habitats.The phrase “te korowai” refers to a cloak of a chiefly person laid over something so as to ensure its care and protection. It is worth noting that although we have got about a third of the land mass in Department of Conservation estates—that is one-third—the marine environment is a new frontier for conservation. New Zealand has some of the most spectacular and important oceans of the world and National is working very hard to protect them. On that basis I commend this bill to the House.
Heatley Phil: Kaikōura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHeatley Phil: Kaikōura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16927. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon PHIL HEATLEY (National—Whangarei):I too rise in support of this legislation the Kaikōura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Bill sponsored by the Minister of Conservation Nick Smith. It is another opportunity that the Minister has brought forward to create marine reserves around the coastline of New Zealand. When we brought another bill to the House only a few weeks ago regarding marine reserves I indicated in the debate that there had been a lot of talk from the Green Party and Labour Party in Opposition about marine reserves. They did talk a lot about them for those 9 years. National seems to be creating them. I think that is all about delivering on stuff not just consulting on it which is the mark of our Government.This bill establishes the following management measures off the Kaikōura coast: a marine reserve; a whale sanctuary for obvious reasons; a New Zealand fur seal sanctuary; five customary fishing areas; fishing regulations that are specific to the area; and an advisory committee that the Minister will draw upon to make management decisions. Interestingly of the five customary fisheries areas two are taiāpure—local fisheries areas—and three are mātaitai reserves. In a taiāpure you can in fact fish. In a mātaitai as a general rule you do not fish. With taiāpure it tends to be local iwi and the community who manage the taiāpure and make recommendations to the Minister. With a mātaitai it is generally iwi led and it is a non-fishing area. So it is quite a broad approach to the marine management and protection tools that the Minister is bringing to the House today on behalf of all those who worked in the Kaikōura and upper South Island area—all those communities and all those iwi. I know that he does it with some pride. I know that he does it acknowledging that it was the people down there who did the hard graft. I support him in bringing this legislation to the House.
Carter David: Urgent Debates Declined — Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board—Audit and Te Pātaka ŌhangaText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Urgent Debates Declined — Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board—Audit and Te Pātaka Ōhanga[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16916. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from the Hon David Parker seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the referral by the Minister of Education to the Serious Fraud Office of allegations of inappropriate spending of public money by Te Pātaka Ōhanga. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The purpose of the urgent debate procedure is to provide an opportunity for the House to hold the Government accountable for its decisions.As I stated yesterday public confidence in the use of public funding is important. However not every ministerial announcement will give grounds for an urgent debate. As Speaker’s ruling 191/5 makes clear: “The big hurdle to get over in applications for urgent debates is whether the matter has reached the stage where the business of the House ought to be set aside.” This is a case where the use of public funds has been referred for further investigation. The matter is obviously still under way. When any decision on the investigation is reported members will have the opportunity to raise its conclusions if this is warranted.Furthermore at least two questions today have been addressed to the Minister about this matter. This has given further opportunity for discussion. In these circumstances I do not believe there is any justification that would require the setting aside of the usual business of the House to debate the matter today. The application for an urgent debate is therefore declined.
Carter David: Points of Order — Clerk of the House of Representatives—Queen’s Service MedalText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Points of Order — Clerk of the House of Representatives—Queen’s Service Medal[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16916. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Noted by acclamation.
Robertson Grant: Points of Order — Clerk of the House of Representatives—Queen’s Service MedalText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson Grant: Points of Order — Clerk of the House of Representatives—Queen’s Service Medal[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16916. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central):I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I know that we do not refer to the absence of members but I do want to refer today to the absence of a staff member. It is Mary Harris the Clerk of the House. She is not with us today because she is receiving her honour at Government House—her Queen’s Service Medal for services to Parliament. I think that it is appropriate to put on the record of Parliament our appreciation of Mary’s terrific contribution to Parliament over many years and to congratulate her heartily on this honour.
Lee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16914. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.MELISSA LEE (National)to the Minister for Social Development: What recent announcements has she made about ensuring housing assistance goes to those most in need of it?Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development):Last week I along with the Minister of Housing announced the introduction of reviewable tenancies the next step in ensuring housing assistance is going to those most in need. There are 68000 State house tenancies and it is vital that the right people are in the right homes for the right amount of time. Around 800 reviews will take place over 12 months starting in July this year. They will target those already paying market rents or close to market rents to see whether they can move into and sustain a private rental. It is only fair that those who can move into a private rental do so to free up a home for those more in need.Melissa Lee: How will the reviews work?Hon PAULA BENNETT: The review process is all about finding accommodation that bests suits people’s needs. As part of its role of assessing housing needs the Ministry of Social Development will conduct these reviews. The reviews will look at whether a household can afford an alternative housing option but will also take into account whether alternative housing is accessible and sustainable.Melissa Lee: What are the reviews likely to find?Hon PAULA BENNETT: People’s housing needs change as their incomes and circumstances change. Some reviews will find that tenants still have a need and should stay in their current home. Some will find that their needs have changed and perhaps they need another State house. However other reviews will find that a person no longer requires social housing and a plan will be set up to help find them another home. No tenant will be asked to move if there is no suitable home for them to go to.
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16913. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National)to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What announcement has he made in relation to smart electricity in New Zealand?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Energy and Resources):This morning at the National Energy Research Institute conference I announced the members of the newly established New Zealand Smart Grid Forum. The forum will provide a platform for dialogue between senior representatives from all parts of the electricity system including business scientific academic and consumer interests. The forum reflects the Government’s commitment to the responsible and savvy use of resources and technology to help secure our energy future. New technology like smart meters and smart appliances will help empower consumers by giving them more information on and control over their energy usage. I believe the Smart Grid Forum can play a significant role in the innovative and competitive electricity market being created in New Zealand.Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi: What other electricity initiatives has the Minister announced to help empower consumers?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: Today I also announced changes to improve electricity price monitoring and provide more accurate information for consumers about how the market is performing. The changes to take effect from June will see electricity price monitoring more accurately reflect what consumers actually pay for their electricity as we know advertised prices tell only a part of the overall price story. Offerings such as prompt payment discounts and online discounts are now commonplace and this should be captured by price monitoring. This work complements projects already under way by the Electricity Authority to ensure New Zealanders have access to transparent reliable and consistent information about their electricity prices.
Sabin Mike: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSabin Mike: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16910. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]7.MIKE SABIN (National—Northland)to the Minister for Courts: What progress can he report on the Government’s efforts to reduce the age of civil court cases?Hon CHESTER BORROWS (Minister for Courts):Sometimes disputes need to be resolved and contracts need to be enforced and that is why it is important that we have a robust and smoothly functioning civil court jurisdiction ready to support people in businesses when they need it. I recently reported to the House that the disputes tribunals have cut 15 percent or 11 days off their average case age last year. I can today also report that the average age of civil cases last year fell nationally by 16 days. This is a small but positive move towards helping businesses spend less time in court and more time creating jobs.Mike Sabin: How have specialist courts like the Environment Court and the Employment Court contributed to faster more efficient resolutions of civil court cases?Hon CHESTER BORROWS: The Environment Court and Employment Court both face challenging cases but are equally committed to getting cases resolved faster. In 2013 the Employment Court cut 13 days off the average age of its cases and is on track to cut another 67 days off those cases over the course of this year. The Environment Court achieved a 13 percent drop in the age of cases in 2013 and is working towards another 50 days faster by the end of this year. The courts are doing this by focusing on older cases a new commitment by the judiciary to getting reserved judgments out quicker and the smarter management of their support and judicial resources.Mike Sabin: Can he highlight for the House the works of individual courts that made a particular contribution to speeding up civil cases last year?Hon CHESTER BORROWS: Yes I can. In Palmerston North civil trials are moving 15 percent faster with the average age down 34 days. In the Gisborne District Court civil cases are moving 49 percent faster at an average age of 137 days and disputes tribunal cases are down 36 percent. The Invercargill disputes tribunal is at the top of the table cutting the age of its cases by 75 percent down to less than 1 month. This is just another way this Government is working to make life easier for businesses all across New Zealand.
Upston Louise: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeUpston Louise: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16907. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]5.LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō)to the Minister of Health: What reports has he received about recent progress in the treatment of stroke in New Zealand?Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health):Stroke is the leading cause of disability in New Zealand and we know that fast treatment means a faster recovery. When it comes to stroke time is brain. Research shows a dedicated stroke unit prevents many people from having a more severe stroke and significantly improves a patient’s recovery after a stroke. An audit in 2009 showed that only 39 percent of stroke patients were being treated in dedicated stroke units. Because of the Government’s focus on this all district health boards now have a dedicated acute stroke unit or service and I am advised that they are meeting the guidelines that 80 percent of stroke patients are treated in a dedicated stroke unit or service.Louise Upston: What specific reports has he received about improvements in stroke treatment?Hon TONY RYALL: A couple. Recently I visited the stroke unit at the Tauranga public hospital and the professor in charge of the stroke unit there told me that their audit results would indicate that Tauranga’s stroke unit was achieving above-average results compared with the United Kingdom which interestingly has spent £100 million on trying to improve stroke care and many of our services are already exceeding what it does. The MidCentral District Health Board is leading work on telestroke which means working with other district health boards to use telemedicine technology in order to link up with clinicians who can provide diagnostic support 24 hours a day to better support patient management decisions for those with stroke.Te Ururoa Flavell: Does he agree that stroke disproportionately affects Māori people and contributes to a disparity in life expectancy equivalent to a silent epidemic that is killing 10 percent of the Māori population every year; and does he think that health services are giving this pretty shocking situation sufficient priority?Hon TONY RYALL: Yes I think the member made a very good point in the statistics he talked about. My response would be that our Government has put in a huge effort particularly in the focus on the preventive areas that can help prevent people being at risk of stroke. The member will be well aware of the huge turning point that our Government has created in the fight against tobacco and he will be very aware that one of the Government’s six national health targets is more heart and diabetes checks which is more about people getting into a pathway of care in order to avoid the risk factors of stroke.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16899. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):The Government will attempt to make great progress with all its legislation across all of the Order Paper. As well I think there could be the anticipation of a number of new bills that the Government will want to progress as we get closer to the 31 July date. But I would not advise the member to rush to that too quickly. There is still 4 months of hard work to do.
Robertson Grant: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson Grant: Business Statement[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16899. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central):Can I ask the Leader of the House whether it is the intention of the Government to push the Education Amendment Bill (No 2) through before the House rises on 31 July.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16899. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):Next week the House begins a 2-week adjournment. When the House resumes on Tuesday 8 April the Government will look to progress a number of bills on the Order Paper including the Industry Training and Apprenticeships Amendment Bill the Land Transport and Road User Charges Legislation Amendment Bill and the Credit Contracts and Financial Services Law Reform Bill. Wednesday of that first week back will be a members’ day—that is 9 April. Effective on the morning of Thursday 10 April the Wednesday session will be extended. With the agreement of the Business Committee the House will sit to progress Treaty legislation during that time.
Tabling of Documents — Māori Television—Appointment Process for Chief ExecutiveText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTabling of Documents — Māori Television—Appointment Process for Chief Executive[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16946. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Tabling of DocumentsMāori Television—Appointment Process for Chief ExecutiveHon SHANE JONES (Labour):First I seek leave of the House to table a letter signed by me and crafted by Kris Faafoi to the chief executive officer of Television One.Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there anyone opposed to that course of action? It appears not. Leave is granted.Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Urgent Debates Declined — Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board—Audit and Te Pātaka ŌhangaText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeUrgent Debates Declined — Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board—Audit and Te Pātaka Ōhanga[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16916. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Urgent Debates DeclinedTe Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board—Audit and Te Pātaka ŌhangaMr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from the Hon David Parker seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the referral by the Minister of Education to the Serious Fraud Office of allegations of inappropriate spending of public money by Te Pātaka Ōhanga. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The purpose of the urgent debate procedure is to provide an opportunity for the House to hold the Government accountable for its decisions.As I stated yesterday public confidence in the use of public funding is important. However not every ministerial announcement will give grounds for an urgent debate. As Speaker’s ruling 191/5 makes clear: “The big hurdle to get over in applications for urgent debates is whether the matter has reached the stage where the business of the House ought to be set aside.” This is a case where the use of public funds has been referred for further investigation. The matter is obviously still under way. When any decision on the investigation is reported members will have the opportunity to raise its conclusions if this is warranted.Furthermore at least two questions today have been addressed to the Minister about this matter. This has given further opportunity for discussion. In these circumstances I do not believe there is any justification that would require the setting aside of the usual business of the House to debate the matter today. The application for an urgent debate is therefore declined.
Points of Order — Clerk of the House of Representatives—Queen’s Service MedalText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePoints of Order — Clerk of the House of Representatives—Queen’s Service Medal[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16916. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Points of OrderClerk of the House of Representatives—Queen’s Service MedalGRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central):I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I know that we do not refer to the absence of members but I do want to refer today to the absence of a staff member. It is Mary Harris the Clerk of the House. She is not with us today because she is receiving her honour at Government House—her Queen’s Service Medal for services to Parliament. I think that it is appropriate to put on the record of Parliament our appreciation of Mary’s terrific contribution to Parliament over many years and to congratulate her heartily on this honour.Mr SPEAKER: Noted by acclamation.
Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBusiness Statement[Sitting date: 20 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16899. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Thursday 20 March 2014Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.Business StatementHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):Next week the House begins a 2-week adjournment. When the House resumes on Tuesday 8 April the Government will look to progress a number of bills on the Order Paper including the Industry Training and Apprenticeships Amendment Bill the Land Transport and Road User Charges Legislation Amendment Bill and the Credit Contracts and Financial Services Law Reform Bill. Wednesday of that first week back will be a members’ day—that is 9 April. Effective on the morning of Thursday 10 April the Wednesday session will be extended. With the agreement of the Business Committee the House will sit to progress Treaty legislation during that time.GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central):Can I ask the Leader of the House whether it is the intention of the Government to push the Education Amendment Bill (No 2) through before the House rises on 31 July.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):The Government will attempt to make great progress with all its legislation across all of the Order Paper. As well I think there could be the anticipation of a number of new bills that the Government will want to progress as we get closer to the 31 July date. But I would not advise the member to rush to that too quickly. There is still 4 months of hard work to do.
Vote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat the question be agreed to.Ayes61New Zealand National 59; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes58New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 7; Māori Party 2; Mana 1.Question agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Robertson H V Ross: Customs and Excise (Border Processing—Trade Single Window and Duties) Amendment Bill Biosecurity (Border Processing—Trade Single Window) Amendment Bill — Third ReadingsText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson H V Ross: Customs and Excise (Border Processing—Trade Single Window and Duties) Amendment Bill Biosecurity (Border Processing—Trade Single Window) Amendment Bill — Third Readings[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): I am sorry to interrupt the honourable member but the time has come for me to leave the Chair.Debate interrupted.
Hayes John: Customs and Excise (Border Processing—Trade Single Window and Duties) Amendment Bill Biosecurity (Border Processing—Trade Single Window) Amendment Bill — Third ReadingsText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHayes John: Customs and Excise (Border Processing—Trade Single Window and Duties) Amendment Bill Biosecurity (Border Processing—Trade Single Window) Amendment Bill — Third Readings[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JOHN HAYES (National—Wairarapa):I have got a lot of pleasure in standing up to discuss the Customs and Excise (Border Processing—Trade Single Window and Duties) Amendment Bill and the Biosecurity (Border Processing—Trade Single Window) Amendment Bill this evening. The Minister who is responsible the Minister of Customs is more IT-savvy than anybody else in this Chamber this evening. I think he has done an absolutely fantastic job. I will say to the last speaker the Hon Phil Goff that more than 250000 transactions have been processed to date through the Trade Single Window traders are continuing to register and transaction volumes are increasing. Building a more productive and competitive economy is of course one of our major—
Robertson H V Ross: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson H V Ross: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): That will do. Is there any—Andrew Williams: —a record return—of 25.8 percent.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): Order! Well that may be true but the House is the master of its own destiny. Is there any objection to that course of action? There is.Bill read a first time.Bill referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
Williams Andrew: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWilliams Andrew: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]ANDREW WILLIAMS (NZ First):I wish to table the New Zealand Superannuation Fund returns for 30 June 2013 which show that the fund made a gross return—
Bennett David: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBennett David: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East):I think the productive sector of New Zealand should listen to the speech on the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill made by the previous speaker and the next leader of the Labour Party Shane Jones. In that speech Mr Jones said he is going to make an all-out attack on the one sector that is providing the income for New Zealand. Leave this room Mr Jones you should. Listen to what would be coming under a Labour Government: not only a capital gains tax on dairy farmers but an attack on environmental standards by the Labour Party which does not believe that regional councils do their own work these days.Take Mr Jones’ argument and put it the other way round. He is saying we should not be giving any particular industries a special handout without giving it to everybody. Well why attack the dairy industry which is the big income earner of New Zealand? Why give it the special attack that is coming from the Labour Party if it ever gets into Government? Labour will attack the great industry that provides the income for this country specifically to pay for its own plans.Look at your own argument Mr Jones. Turn it in reverse. Why are you attacking the industry that provides the bread and butter of this country going forward? Mr Jones think about your argument as you go forward. To all the voters out there remember that the dairy industry has got the New Zealand economy in the position it is in at the moment. Mr Jones wants to stop that.
Hayes John: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHayes John: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JOHN HAYES (National—Wairarapa):I am interested in the strategic plan that Labour has—the big ideas the grand vision—but can I say to the reverend from Dunedin that there is a hole in your argument a hole in your bucket. You will never ever get to implement those big ideas that big strategy until you start hating members on this side of the House more than you hate each other because that is going to make you fail.Can I come to the speaker from New Zealand First Andrew Williams who along with Labour supports this New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill. You criticised us for not sharing for making a bigger gap between the rich and the poor but let me say to you that we do care about superannuitants. On 1 April this year every superannuitant in this country will get an additional payment of $14.68 a fortnight. Why? Because we are paying them the minimum wage—[Interruption] We are paying 66 percent of the minimum wage. This is a wonderful piece of legislation which I absolutely support. Thank you.
McKelvie Ian: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMcKelvie Ian: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]IAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei):I was sheltered by a very solid man. I just want to comment very briefly on the last speaker Andrew Williams who clearly does not get investment. This Government has chosen its investment path and it has chosen to invest in the future of New Zealanders not in a savings scheme that could return money or could not. Clearly the investment in the future of New Zealanders has provided a great return. One has only to look at the export receipts for this year to see that.I listened to the Minister of Finance give a clear and plausible description of why this bill the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill is necessary. I have since listened to the Greens’ co-leader Russel Norman describing his isolationist policy for New Zealand. We have never seen Government interference in any market succeed. Distortion inevitably occurs. I did hear the co-leader of the Greens proposing tonight what sounded like a supplementary minimum price recipe for forestry. I well remember the damage done to our sheep industry by supplementary minimum prices in the late 1970s and 1980s.The New Zealand Superannuation Fund has around $25 billion in it at the moment $3.7 billion of which is invested in New Zealand. The capital market growth promoted by this Government will enable a significantly larger proportion of that fund to be invested in New Zealand in the future. That is what this Government is about. I have great pleasure in commending this bill to the House.
Robertson H V Ross: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson H V Ross: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): I am going to call the honourable member Ian McKelvie.Dr David Clark: Oh! He wasn’t there. He wasn’t there.
Ross Jami-Lee: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoss Jami-Lee: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JAMI-LEE ROSS (National—Botany):I commend the Employment Relations Amendment Bill to the House.The question was put that the amendments recommended by the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee by majority be agreed to.
Roy Eric: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoy Eric: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Iain Lees-Galloway—split call 5 minutes.
Vote: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat the Families Commission Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes61New Zealand National 59; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes59New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 7; Māori Party 3; Mana 1.Bill read a third time.
Calder Cam: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCalder Cam: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Dr CAM CALDER (National):It gives me a slight amount of pleasure to rise and talk on this bill the Employment Relations Amendment Bill. The purpose of this bill—Barbara Stewart: It’s a terrible bill.Dr CAM CALDER: Barbara it has a lot of good points to it. It amends the Employment Relations Act 2000 in relation to collective bargaining flexible working arrangements good-faith bargaining rest breaks meal break provisions and the Employment Relations Authority. What do we expect to have as a result of these changes? Well we expect faster resolution of disputes through changes to the processes of the employment relations—Barbara Stewart: You want to increase productivity.Dr CAM CALDER: What can be wrong with that Barbara? What can be wrong with that? Nothing. We also expect that the extension of the flexible working arrangements means that any employee not just caregivers can ask for flexible work. Also employees will be able to ask for flexible working arrangements from the start of their employment. I just picked the eyes out of a couple of the positive things of this bill. I will restrain myself from any further comment and commend the bill to the House.
Bennett David: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBennett David: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East):I just wanted to follow on from that speech. Andrew Little is a good member of our Transport and Industrial Relations Committee but that was a very disappointing speech because rather than focus on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill he talked about the wider context of wages and how employees are not valued. That is simply rubbish. Wages are increasing in New Zealand at this time employees are valued and we see a future in which we can have a modern environment that is dominated not by what Andrew Little talked about—the methodology that is dominated by union movement—but by a methodology where companies can grow and provide more jobs and opportunities for people. That is the future of work in New Zealand. It is an environment where there is listening between the worker and the employer and that does happen. That is happening in New Zealand.The Labour Party wants to go back to some model where it is not actually the worker who has control and it is not actually the union that has control; it is the Labour Party that has control. That is what it really wants. There is a difference between giving workers rights and having the Labour Party in this room say what workers’ rights should be.Hon Members: Ha ha!DAVID BENNETT: They can laugh now because I have hit a nerve but that is the reality of the Labour Party. It does not want to have fair and equal bargaining or an open environment for workers; it wants to have a place where it controls it dictates and it sets the tempo of that environment. It is a shame to see someone like Andrew Little do that in this House. Thank you.
Macindoe Tim: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMacindoe Tim: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West):The Minister outlined clearly that the reasons for these changes are to build a more resilient social sector and I am happy to lend my support to the Families Commission Amendment Bill. I wish the newly structured Families Commission well in the work ahead of it.
Tisch Lindsay: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I understand that the next call is a split call. Poto Williams—5 minutes.
Sabin Mike: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSabin Mike: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MIKE SABIN (National—Northland):I will give a short contribution to cap off what other members have been saying on the Families Commission Amendment Bill. I want to acknowledge the member Dr Rajen Prasad for his previous role and actually for his thoughtful contribution to the Social Services Committee. We do not often agree on things but I have to say that the member’s experience is valued.The previous speaker Jacinda Ardern just alluded to finances and funds and so on and so forth. Interestingly enough we just had the Families Commission in for a financial review the other day and it said that it was not about money; it was about outcomes. Actually that is exactly what the New Zealand taxpayer should rightly expect of good Government—that is that we are always looking to evaluate to ensure that we are getting the absolute best outcome for the investment that the taxpayer is making. The changes in this legislation and what this legislation really points to is the fact that the Families Commission has now got a far more prescriptive role in terms of driving its research towards arriving at positive outcomes for the families that are struggling in this country. I personally get very cynical about the idea of creating commissions here and administrative bodies here there and everywhere and thinking that if we throw a lot of money at them somehow that is going to change things. What we really need to ensure is that for every dollar that we are spending—that the Government is ultimately spending—we are doing it in such a way that we can drive a better outcome. That really goes back to the heart of the Better Public Services improvements that we have been making and to putting expectations upon agencies that are receiving Government funding.In terms of the discussion that we had at the financial review the other day the commission focused very much on the idea of its enhanced ability to be able to understand a problem to therefore understand the nexus with the appropriate solution and then to look to drive those solutions to achieve outcomes and measures and to evaluate those. I think that is a very fine place to end this call. I very much commend the bill to the House.
Heatley Phil: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHeatley Phil: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon PHIL HEATLEY (National—Whangarei):I for one accept Rajen Prasad’s apology and explanation to the House in his personal statement. It came as some surprise to me that he used his speech to attack a possible National Party candidate out there because it is not like him to attack people personally. It is not like him. It is not in his character to do that and I was a little bit surprised. It is true that people raised that he was in fact Chief Families Commissioner once. He clearly had some sort of Labour Party allegiance or support at that time. He has explained that in fact he was not active.Dr Rajen Prasad: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I know what the member is going to say. The member speaking cannot relitigate comments following a personal explanation so the member will not mention that again. It has been cleared. A personal explanation is the finality of it and that is the end of the matter.Hon PHIL HEATLEY: Mr Assistant Speaker I was just accepting Mr Prasad’s statement.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): No no just carry on and go ahead with your speech.Hon PHIL HEATLEY: I acknowledge that and support this legislation the Families Commission Amendment Bill in the House. This bill amends the Families Commission Act 2003. It provides for a single Families Commissioner along with new provisions for the independent monitoring evaluation and research of key issues and programmes across the social sector.There have been threats that the Families Commission will be subsumed under a new Labour Government. Should that ever come to pass it would be a sad thing. The reality is that it is a commission that is going to become more focused and more useful to families and the taxpayer in the future. I am disappointed as I say in the Labour Party’s approach and in Rajen Prasad’s approach given his history. But I support this bill in the House today.
Prasad Rajen: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePrasad Rajen: Families Commission Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 19 March 2014. Volume:697;Page:16811. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Dr RAJEN PRASAD (Labour):I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. [Interruption]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): It is a point of order. Please points of order are to be heard in silence.Dr RAJEN PRASAD: In light of what has been said by Melissa Lee I seek leave of the House to make a personal statement.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? [Interruption] Order! Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is none.Dr RAJEN PRASAD: Melissa Lee in her speech referred to a visit to India in 2004 that I made with the then Prime Minister. I want to put it on record that the then Prime Minister invited two senior officials to go with her for the State visit to India: me as Chief Families Commissioner and Anand Satyanand the then Ombudsman. That was because of our familiarity with India and because of our own ancestry as Indians. At that time I was not a member of the Labour Party and did not participate in any political activity. Melissa Lee then went on to imply that I also took political action in my role as Chief Families Commissioner. During the time I was Chief Families Commissioner I did not take part in any political activity for any party. I want to put that on record. Thank you.