edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Adams Amy: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Adams Amy: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:661;Page:9531] 
3. 
AMY ADAMS (National—Selwyn) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: How will the 2010 Budget improve New Zealand’s economic performance? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 The Budget in 2010 will be another step towards turning round the bad performance of this economy under the appalling management of the previous Government. We need to move from a Government based on consuming too much and borrowing too much to an economy that is driven by investment savings and exports; and of course the Budget will continue to bring fiscal discipline to the significant waste of taxpayers’ money that occurred under the last administration. 
Amy Adams 
: What factors have been holding back growth that the Budget needs to address? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: The imbalances that built up in this economy over the last decade are really quite extraordinary. For instance in the 5 years to September 2009 the output of our food beverage and tobacco manufacturing sectors fell by 15 percent in real terms. Exports of services declined by 18 percent. In the same period Government spending grew by 12 percent and this is clearly unsustainable. 
Amy Adams 
: What have been the consequences for growth of those imbalances? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: These deep-set problems have meant that New Zealand’s economy started to wind down well before the global financial crisis. In fact in the 3 years to September 2008 GDP grew by less than 1 percent per year. Because the population grew per capita growth was negative between 2005 and 2008 at a time when the rest of the world was booming. That means that when the rest of the world was going ahead New Zealand’s income per person actually dropped and of course that is unsustainable. 
Amy Adams 
: How will stronger growth help families? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: We know that many families are paying the penalty for the mismanagement of this economy over the last 5 years because they have lost their jobs and will have to work hard to find another one. Had the economy grown at the average rate of recent years the average household would today be about $5000 a year after tax better off. That is why growth matters to New Zealanders because it provides new jobs and higher incomes.
Borrows Chester: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Borrows Chester: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:661;Page:9536] 
7. 
CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What reports has she received on the numbers of young people receiving benefits? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 There are many reports. The recession has hit our young people the hardest. They make up around a third of those on the unemployment benefit. However last month we saw a 6 percent fall in unemployment benefit numbers with over half of those being young people. This is a small but significant step in the right direction. 
Chester Borrows 
: Where are young people getting into work? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: At this time of the year young people are benefiting from seasonal work opportunities. However this year young people are picking up longer-term work in some of the hardest-hit areas. For example in Auckland over 500 young people got into work—over double the number at this time last year. The number is over 200 in Wellington over 160 in Canterbury and over 180 in the southern region. In respect of Northland which is an interesting case just 17 young people found work in February last year; last month 77 did. 
Jacinda Ardern 
: How many young people have moved off benefits in the last month because they have returned to education and if the Minister does not have an exact figure is it more or fewer people than in previous years? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: Of the young people who moved off the unemployment benefit—that is not the unemployment benefit student hardship—20 percent went into study and 80 percent moved into work. 
Hon Sir Roger Douglas 
: Can the Minister advise whether she will be supporting my Minimum Wage (Mitigation of Youth Unemployment) Amendment Bill which would enable young Maori who are currently suffering almost 40 percent unemployment to earn say $400 a week rather than to receive $160 a week from taxpayers in welfare; or has the Minister joined the unions in arguing for existing members over young workers? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: No we will not be supporting the bill as we are not convinced it would reduce youth unemployment plus it would be a distraction from the really important work of improving productivity and growing the economy in order to create long-term jobs which will keep young people in New Zealand.
Brownlee Gerry: Sittings of the House 
Brownlee Gerry: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:661;Page:9527] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Following discussions at the Business Committee yesterday I seek leave for the House to rise at 5 p.m. on Thursday 1 April 2010. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Sittings of the House 
Sittings of the House 
[Volume:661;Page:9527] 
Wednesday 17 March 2010 
Mr Deputy Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Sittings of the House 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Following discussions at the Business Committee yesterday I seek leave for the House to rise at 5 p.m. on Thursday 1 April 2010. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Dunne Peter: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Dunne Peter: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8647] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 I join with other members in expressing sympathy to the Royal New Zealand Air Force and to the wife and family of Squadron Leader Cree on his recent tragic death. This was a man who by all accounts was one of the outstanding up-and-coming members of our Defence Force a pilot beyond peer and well regarded by his colleagues. He had an extraordinary range of achievements for a 14-year career yet he met his end tragically performing what was described as a routine manoeuvre. I guess that simply serves to confirm the point that has been made about the danger involved in all of these activities and about the absolute fragility of service in this regard. On that calm morning in mid-January no one could have imagined the events that were about to befall the Cree family and the wider air force community at Ohakea. It is certainly true that they have had an impact. 
I hope that the sympathy and the outpouring of support in recent times will be of some consolation to Squadron Leader Cree’s wife Sarah and will be a proud memory for young Jackson as he grows up knowing of his father but not having the presence of his company. I also hope that the way in which this man’s career was able to be achieved with the support and encouragement of the Royal New Zealand Air Force acts as an encouragement and an incentive for other young New Zealanders to come forward and offer their life to service in the way that Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree did. 
Motion agreed to.
Roy Heather: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Roy Heather: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8645] 
Hon HEATHER ROY (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
: 
 I rise on behalf of the ACT Party to mark the passing of Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree who was tragically killed on 14 January at Ohakea air force base while practising aerial display manoeuvres. Nick Cree was a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force acrobatic team the Red Checkers and was “Checkers 5”. Only our very best pilots are chosen to fly with the Red Checkers. 
One of the hardest things I think for Ministers of Defence is to farewell alongside Defence Force personnel and families our fit young military people who have tragically had their lives cut short in the course of their service to New Zealand. On 19 January Ministers Mapp Power and I attended the funeral service of Squadron Leader Cree at Ohakea. We heard of a young man in his prime a son a brother a husband and a father who was passionate about everything he did—not just about his love of flying and his career with the air force but about his family and in particular he took great pride in twice finishing the physically punishing Ironman competition. 
As we have heard from others Squadron Leader Cree served his country for 14 years. During that time he served with dedication and professionalism both at home and abroad flying on deployment in the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste where he commanded a detachment of helicopters. He also served on exchange with the Singaporean air force. 
Possessed of an excellent flying record and a real love of flying Squadron Leader Cree was one of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s most talented and experienced flying instructors. He served as a flight commander at the Central Flying School and was an A category instructor instructing students on both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. 
There is always an element of danger with flying and Squadron Leader Cree’s passing is a reminder of the dangers faced every day by New Zealand Defence Force personnel. It is a reminder that our servicemen and women put their lives on the line both on deployment and when serving their country when exercising and training at home. It is also a reminder that “they also serve who stay at home and wait”. Families serve and bear the brunt of the commitment and dedication of their loved ones serving in our defence forces. 
Squadron Leader Nick Cree will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues at Ohakea and more widely in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time of loss.
Turei Metiria: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Turei Metiria: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8645] 
METIRIA TUREI (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 The Green Party also would like to send to Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree’s whanau his friends and his colleagues our sincerest aroha for their loss. Nicholas Cree served as has been said in Timor-Leste in Singapore and in the Solomons as part of a peacekeeping mission and we acknowledge his efforts in promoting peace in the Pacific and around the world. He was just a young man and was described by his friends as “a bloody good guy”. He was a top instructor and I am sure an inspiration to all of his students and those who worked with him. We would also like to acknowledge Jason Dellow for his heroic efforts in attempting a rescue and in the recovery and for all of his work. The Royal New Zealand Air Force motto I understand is “Through adversity to the stars” and the Green Party sincerely hopes that Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree rests peacefully among them. Kia ora.
Goff Phil: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Goff Phil: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8645] 
Hon PHIL GOFF (Leader of the Opposition) 
: 
 On behalf of the New Zealand Labour Party I join with everyone else in this House in extending our condolences to Squadron Leader Nick Cree’s wife Sarah his young son Jackson his wider family and friends and his colleagues in the New Zealand Defence Force. His tragic death is a huge loss most particularly of course to his family—a young wife has lost her husband and a child has lost his father—but also to his Defence Force colleagues amongst whom he was well respected and well liked. 
Squadron Leader Cree was one of the best pilots of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. He was a member of the famed Red Checkers team and he was an A category flying instructor. He had served New Zealand in operational deployments—in fact in three two in Timor-Leste and one in the Solomon Islands. He was only 32 years old but he had achieved a lot in that time. As his younger brother said he gave everything 100 percent. He had a passion for flying he had a passion for sport and in fact he had completed two New Zealand Ironman competitions. 
His death is a reminder to all of us that daily members of the New Zealand Defence Force at home and abroad put their lives at risk in the nature of the work that they do on behalf of their country. Together with his family and friends we mourn his loss.
Key John: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Key John: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8644] 
Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) 
: 
 I seek leave to move a further motion without notice relating to the recent death of a Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot at Ohakea air force base. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is no objection. 
Hon JOHN KEY 
: I move  
That this House express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the family of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree who died tragically on 14 January 2010 
. 
Of behalf of this House I offer my sincere sympathy to the colleagues friends and especially the family of Squadron Leader Cree. After 14 years in the Air Force Nick Cree had achieved impressive career highlights. He was hard-working meticulous and talented gaining the East Timor Medal in May 2001 the New Zealand Operational Service Medal in 2002 the New Zealand General Service Medal for his work in the Solomon Islands in 2004 and another New Zealand General Service Medal for his role in Timor-Leste in November 2007. He also served a stint in Singapore. 
At the time of his death Squadron Leader Cree was a flight commander and an A category instructor at Ohakea a role for which he showed considerable talent. He instructed students on fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters in which he did most of his flying. He had been flying with the Red Checkers the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s six-person elite aerobatic demonstration team and was practising in one of its air trainers when he was tragically killed. 
Squadron Leader Cree was just 32. He leaves behind his wife Sarah his baby son Jackson and many more family and friends. Colleagues have said that Squadron Leader Cree was a consummate professional who had a passion for flying. His family have described a man who was proud of his family and had packed a lot into his life. 
This tragedy sadly serves to remind us that the New Zealand Defence Force members both in New Zealand and overseas regularly put their lives at risk. The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s safety record is excellent but there are always dangers when flying and regrettably they can claim the lives of even the very best of our pilots.
Dunne Peter: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Dunne Peter: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8644] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 On behalf of United Future I share in the sentiments that others have expressed and support the motion that the Prime Minister has moved regarding the appalling situation that struck the country of Haiti in early January. I guess it is one of the sad realities of today’s world that we are not unused to seeing tragedy unfold on our television screens. We are not unused to seeing pictures of carnage and destruction. But when those first pictures came through from Port-au-Prince and we saw that buildings had been not just damaged but literally razed to the ground that no infrastructure was in place and that there was not even the capacity as graphically illustrated by the case of the New Zealand woman searching for her family to conduct proper searches it struck home that this devastation went far beyond the norm that we have become so used to seeing in far-off parts of the world. 
The enormity of the tragedy which others have reflected on has some lessons for us as a small country as well. We are prone to earthquakes in this city in particular. There will be a time when we may well face similar disruption. The lessons that arise from Haiti are that in such circumstances the international community needs to pull together to make recovery possible. These things are often beyond a nation itself. I think that New Zealand’s response to date has been good and proper. It needs to continue not just in the interests of the well-being of the people of Haiti and not just in the interests of that nation’s reconstruction but also in the interests of our commitment to being part of a connected world that bears its share of responsibility in these situations even if for no other reason than that the time may well come when we expect others to do likewise in respect of our country. 
So it is appropriate for this Parliament to support this motion today. It is appropriate to express our sympathy but also our hope for the people of Haiti. It is also appropriate for our country to play its part in the recovery. 
Motion agreed to.
Anderton Jim: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Anderton Jim: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8643] 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Leader—Progressive) 
: 
 Our heartfelt condolences go to the people of Haiti from this House today. Over the Christmas - New Year holiday period we looked on in shock and horror as that fragile and poverty-stricken country crumbled in a devastating earthquake. It seems so unfair that one of the poorest countries in the world should fall victim to a natural disaster of that magnitude. Port-au-Prince is an earthquake-prone capital just like Wellington but we have spent hundreds of millions of dollars earthquake-proofing our civic buildings. Haitian buildings look less stable than matchbox houses. 
So why was there no solid infrastructure in Haiti like there is in New Zealand? The simple answer is that Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and New Zealand is not. The real tragedy for Haiti is that before the earthquake hit the Government of René Préval had committed itself to a huge programme of development. The international community led by former US President Bill Clinton had got behind Haiti. A huge programme was about to begin. Finally the country was on the right road for growth after years of dictatorship and corrupt government. Then the earthquake hit. 
Today the international community including New Zealand must take this opportunity to pick up that action plan again. We must listen to the people of Haiti. It is my heartfelt hope that the Government will represent New Zealand and decide to play a role in the recovery phase no matter how small our part and I am sure the whole House will join in supporting the Government in that endeavour. We can help to decide whether Haiti will have a future of growth or will return to abject poverty. The decisions the international community makes today really do matter. 
I hope that New Zealand will be a strong voice in the international community for jobs because what the Haitian people need after the immediate relief effort is done are jobs that will give them income. When the international community non-governmental organisations and Governments move in to help rebuild roads power stations and buildings I hope they will use Haitian labour. Give the people the jobs they need! By all means bring in skilled labour that Haiti does not have but Haiti does not need just Doctors Without Borders; it needs architects engineers and accountants. Use the people of Haiti to build and give them a living. New Zealand will do much more for the people of Haiti if we advocate this approach to development right from the beginning. 
This has been an unimaginable tragedy for Haiti. The rebuilding of that country must now be seen as an opportunity for the international community including New Zealand and for a country and a people who deserve a better future.
Turia Tariana: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Turia Tariana: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8643] 
Hon TARIANA TURIA (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 Tena tatou katoa. The Maori Party stands to express our deepest sympathies with those affected by the utter tragedy that unfolded in Port-au-Prince less than a month ago. It has been a catastrophe on such a scale that it is really hard to comprehend. The ramifications of that day have been widespread with a shortage of food supplies; medical centres straining to cope; communication systems in disarray; air land and sea transport facilities hospitals and electrical networks damaged beyond use; and emergency relief accommodation and sanitation all in a state of crisis. 
Haiti is known as the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. It is a nation in which inadequate infrastructure had already left its people in a vulnerable state. In the midst of such chaos three things have stood out. The first is the collaboration between former United States Presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush and the current President Barack Obama. We hope that those three men will invest in a future for Haiti to assist long-term recovery and to confront the unspeakable devastation. 
Secondly there is the remarkable story of human resilience as each survivor was uncovered from the rubble. Like a delicate lotus flower emerging from the swamp each survivor has shown us the strength of the human spirit in its full magnificence. Ultimately that fight to live—that sheer will to endure—will be a foundation for their future. 
Finally I pay my tributes to the generosity of the New Zealand heart to support that little nation so far away. Kia ora.
Hide Rodney: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Hide Rodney: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8642] 
Hon RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) 
: 
 It is a great privilege to rise on behalf of the ACT Party to reflect in this Parliament the feelings and the empathy of the people of New Zealand for this distant nation in its time of great tragedy. It was amazing for Kiwis to see what befell Haiti—the damage the devastation and the despair—and I know that I speak on behalf of all New Zealanders when I say that the people of this distant nation have been constantly in all our thoughts and all our prayers as the modern age brings this distant island nation which many of us may not even have heard of into our living rooms each night. Such is the human condition that we have felt for their plight. Is it not an amazing thing in this great nation that Kiwis have opened not just their hearts but also as Mr Kennedy Graham said their wallets for those people? Thank you.
Graham Kennedy: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Graham Kennedy: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8642] 
Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green) 
: 
 The Green Party joins with others in expressing its deep condolences to the people of Haiti in their time of tragedy and to the family of our own New Zealand compatriot. This proud nation the first of its kind to gain independence in the Americas over two centuries ago has seen more than its share of disaster. As early as 1770 its capital Port au Prince was devastated by an earthquake and that happened again in 1842. Haiti has been ravaged repeatedly by hurricanes and floods but nothing over the years compares with the devastation of the kind that visited the country 4 weeks ago. 
Those of us in our own far-off islands find such numbers difficult to comprehend. We have had tragedies of our own though nothing comparable in scale. Yet in our own geologically young country with its restless turbulence both volcanic and seismic we share in the very human feeling of a common vulnerability. So we extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones and are struggling to survive and even to comprehend. 
Having visited Port au Prince on a mission some years ago with Parliamentarians for Global Action and having held meetings in the presidential palace and with MPs in the national assembly I harbour a special feeling of personal sorrow for what has occurred and for those who may have been tragically affected. 
It is pleasing to know however that New Zealanders have responded to the disaster with characteristic generosity. The Government has provided $2 million and the public has given almost $2.5 million. New Zealanders have responded by opening their hearts and their wallets giving generously through various relief organisations. We are doing what we can to help our fellow humans on the other side of the planet and we shall continue to do so. Thank you.
Goff Phil: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Goff Phil: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8641] 
Hon PHIL GOFF (Leader of the Opposition) 
: 
 All of us in the House today would want to express our heartfelt sympathy with and our condolences to the people of Haiti for the tragedy that they suffered on 12 January this year. We can barely imagine the ordeal that those people went through. An estimated 200000 people were killed 300000 were injured and a quarter of a million homes were destroyed. People today are still suffering there from inadequacy of food of shelter and of sanitation and a lack of security a lack of medical treatment and a lack of clean water. 
I think all of us felt the despair and the helplessness as we heard on morning radio of the plight of New Zealander Emily Sanson-Rejouis who searched desperately for her three young children and her husband digging with her bare hands because there was nobody there who could help her in that task. Very fortunately she was able to recover her baby Alyahna but her two daughters who had attended preschool in Nelson in New Zealand Zenzie and Kofie-Jade aged just 3 and 5 perished along with her husband Emmanuel. 
I am glad that New Zealand has been able to help in a small way—$2 million from the Government and another $2 million given to aid agencies through the generosity of New Zealanders. But I wish we could have done more immediately and perhaps the time has come for New Zealand to have its own ready-reaction force which could go in there immediately help with search and rescue and help with the urgent needs of reconstruction. Having a group of that nature gaining experience by helping others internationally would be of huge assistance if we suffered a disaster of that nature in New Zealand. 
I wish the people of Haiti well as they struggle to recover and I offer to support the Government in any further assistance that may be necessary to help those unfortunate people through their ordeal.
Key John: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
Key John: Motions — Haiti—Earthquake New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Squadron Leader Nicholas Cree 
[Volume:660;Page:8641] 
Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) 
: 
 I seek leave to move a motion without notice relating to the recent disaster in Haiti. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is no objection. 
Hon JOHN KEY 
: I move  
That this House express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the people and the Government of Haiti who suffered the devastating earthquake on 12 January 2010 that has resulted in catastrophic loss of life and a massive humanitarian disaster.  
On 12 January Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake that killed an estimated 200000 people and left more than 1 million people homeless. New Zealand’s deepest condolences go to the Government and the people of Haiti as they struggle with the enormous losses and damage caused by this disaster. Among the casualties a New Zealand woman working at the United Nations in Haiti lost her husband and two of her daughters. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Emily Sanson-Rejouis and her family for their loss. We offer our condolences too to the families of the many United Nations staff members and other international workers who were killed in the disaster. 
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake the New Zealand Government announced it would make an initial contribution of $1 million to international relief efforts. As the enormity of the disaster began to emerge over the following day New Zealand pledged a further $1 million. These funds have been channelled through the World Food Programme the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and New Zealand non-governmental organisations and their affiliates in Haiti. In addition the New Zealand public has once again reacted generously to the international disaster donating in excess of $2 million to the New Zealand Red Cross Society and non-governmental organisation appeals. The international response to the humanitarian crisis in Haiti has been significant with countries collectively pledging over US$1 billion to the United Nations flash appeal and broader relief efforts. 
New Zealand continues to monitor closely the situation in Haiti and the Government is ready to look at making a further contribution to recovery and reconstruction efforts as a clearer picture emerges of Haiti’s long-term needs.
Smith Lockwood: Speaker’s Statements — Maori Language / Te Reo—Simultaneous Interpretation in Chamber 
Smith Lockwood: Speaker’s Statements — Maori Language / Te Reo—Simultaneous Interpretation in Chamber 
[Volume:660;Page:8641] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Honourable members from today simultaneous interpretation is available in the Chamber and on television and web broadcasts when Maori is spoken.
Speaker’s Statements — Maori Language / Te Reo—Simultaneous Interpretation in Chamber 
Speaker’s Statements — Maori Language / Te Reo—Simultaneous Interpretation in Chamber 
[Volume:660;Page:8641] 
Tuesday 9 February 2010 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Speaker’s Statements 
Maori Language / Te Reo—Simultaneous Interpretation in Chamber 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Honourable members from today simultaneous interpretation is available in the Chamber and on television and web broadcasts when Maori is spoken.
Delahunty Catherine: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
Delahunty Catherine: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:660;Page:9416] 
CATHERINE DELAHUNTY (Green) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Chair. I will take a very short call. I would like to start by saying that urgency does not always bring out the best in us. It sometimes leads to flogging a dead horse or working out just how many ways one can say the same thing as someone else without using or stealing his or her precise words. I do not want to do that. But I would like to disagree with the Minister of Revenue about the title of the bill. I feel that the title although it has a certain musical ring is somewhat disingenuous. 
“Miscellaneous” is a beautiful word. It is a marvellous colourful word but it suggests very very small random issues and it is not accurate in terms of the way the Green Party sees this bill. I have also learnt in my brief time in this Chamber that we take on words like “miscellaneous” at face value at our peril. In this place it is essential to read the fine print and not only to read the fine print but also to get 12 other people to read it and then consult widely and exhaustively and extremely—as a result of urgency—with at least the groups who are most affected by the bill and then after all of that assume the worst. 
I like Mark Twain’s idea of brevity and I would like to suggest some brief titles that would satisfy the Green Party. One is “Give With One Hand Punish with the Other”; the other is “Fifteen Cents in the Dollar or Else”. Kia ora.
Guy Nathan: Animal Welfare Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Guy Nathan: Animal Welfare Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:660;Page:9440] 
Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Internal Affairs) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister of Agriculture 
: I move  
That the Primary Production Committee consider the Animal Welfare Bill 
 that the committee report finally to the House on or before 30 April 2010 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during questions for oral answer) and during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House despite Standing Orders 187 and 190(1)(b) and (c). 
Motion agreed to.
Wagner Nicky: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
Wagner Nicky: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:660;Page:9433] 
NICKY WAGNER (National) 
: 
 I support the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill. As we have heard today in the House it is mainly a technical bill which includes as everybody agrees several useful technical amendments. It clarifies some exemptions for students living outside but within the realm of New Zealand and for those who are studying overseas. 
The bill also makes some very sensible changes to interest payments. It has a softening of the conditions for those students who are fully repaying their loans and an extension of relief for other students on hardship grounds. But there is also a firming up of consequences for students who have failed to make payments failed to correct deductions or failed to pay any due amount. For those students the Inland Revenue Department will be allowed to increase the standard rate of repayment deductions from 10 percent to 15 percent. 
As we have heard in the House today it is great that New Zealand students have the opportunity to have a student loan scheme and it is great that it can help them to get a good tertiary education so that they have a future and a good career proposition. It is also great that the Government is joining with students to invest in their future. Thank you.
Dunne Peter: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
Dunne Peter: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:660;Page:9414] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Minister of Revenue) 
: 
 Yesterday I was listening to a discussion about language on that great national icon Radio New Zealand. It was stated that the great American writer Mark Twain was known for his precision in language. He was very critical of adverbs and adjectives and he wrote in short sentences. Members may be wondering what the relevance of this discussion is to the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill. I have been here for a little while avidly listening to some very strong arguments being advanced from members on the other side of the Committee about how the bill could be retitled. I have mulled over in my mind some suggestions from various members. I say to Moana Mackey that she fails the Mark Twain test. Her suggested amendments were far too long. 
Hon Maryan Street 
: I passed. 
Hon PETER DUNNE 
: I will come to Maryan Street in a minute. Lynne Pillay’s amendment seemed to never end. The problem I have in trying to apply the Mark Twain test to this is— 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: That’s why they couldn’t circumcise Muldoon isn’t it? 
Hon PETER DUNNE 
: I do not know what he had to do with Mark Twain but that may be another story. 
The point I am making is that this bill’s title is an accurate description of what the bill contains. It might not be the most exciting title but it is certainly the most accurate and it passes the Mark Twain test. That is why having heard the arguments put forward from members opposite I am not persuaded that a change is in order. 
I heard the Hon Maryan Street make reference to the timing of this bill in the context of the current urgency. I was grateful for her that I was excluded from her excoriating criticism. However I am concerned that this bill be passed as soon as possible and I will tell members why. In one of the earlier parts of this bill we passed some very important provisions relating to students being able to study overseas and access a student loan. Members will be aware that that provision is backdated to 2007. A lot of students have been waiting for this provision to pass because they will now be able to access it and they have been uneasy—I know this from the correspondence I have received from many of them and in particular from their parents—at the uncertainty that has prevailed. 
I am very keen to see the bill passed. I would have loved to see it passed last year but other circumstances got in the way. I am very pleased that it now will pass and those people will get the benefit. From the bottom of my heart I thank those members of the Opposition who have taken such a constructive interest in the grammar and construction of the title. I have listened to what they have said but I think on balance the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill captures it all really.
McClay Todd: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
McClay Todd: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:660;Page:9425] 
TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) 
: 
 It is a pleasure to speak in the third reading of the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill. The National Government is committed to having in place a student loan scheme that is balanced and at the same time to putting in place incentives for people to pay off their loans more quickly. More than half a million New Zealanders have a student loan and many of those New Zealanders have made long-term financial decisions on the basis of current interest-free student loan policy. We want to ensure that they can plan with certainty. 
Through this bill the National Government has fulfilled its commitment made during the election campaign to keep interest-free student loans for tertiary students. I support this bill fully. Thank you.
Vote: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
Vote: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:660;Page:9433] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill be now read a third time. 
Ayes 113 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 43; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 9 
Green Party 9. 
Bill read a third time.
Mackey Moana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mackey Moana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:660;Page:9405] 
10. 
MOANA MACKEY (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Housing 
: What is he doing to address the housing issues raised in the Salvation Army’s recent  
State of the Nation Report 
? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON (Acting Minister of Housing) 
: 
 As the Prime Minister appointed me to the role of Acting Minister of Housing only at lunchtime I guess it will come as no surprise to the House to know that I have not as yet read the Salvation Army’s recent  
State of the Nation Report 
. 
Moana Mackey 
: What is he doing to address the urgent issue of homelessness in Auckland given that more than 20000 Aucklanders alone are now believed to be homeless? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON 
: I am still waiting on even initial briefing notes to come from my new department. Until I get those I am not doing anything. [ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I say to honourable members that I have called their colleague Moana Mackey. 
Moana Mackey 
: I am sure that would be a great comfort to the homeless of Auckland. [ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I ask the member to resume her seat. Members can see what happens when we do things that are out of order. It leads to disorder. I ask the member to please just ask her question and I ask her colleagues not to interject while she is doing it. 
Moana Mackey 
: Does he stand by his Government’s response to the report that changes to the Resource Management Act and the Building Act as well as the Auckland super-city will fix the homelessness problem or does he agree with David Zussman from the Monte Cecilia Housing Trust who said that that response lacks vision and leadership? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON 
: I think it will be no surprise to any member of the House that I stand by the Government’s reaction to the report. 
Moana Mackey 
: If the Resource Management Act and Building Act reforms are the answer to homelessness how soon will these homes be available given that 20000 people are homeless now and how many will be priced at an affordable level for someone who is homeless? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON 
: If I could just divert from my portfolio of housing to the building and construction portfolio for a second and say that only next week we will be launching in cooperation with the Housing New Zealand Corporation a new low-cost house design and a sample home. These things are already under way.
Vote: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
Vote: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:660;Page:9417] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That clause 3 be agreed to. 
Ayes 113 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 43; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 9 
Green Party 9. 
Clause 3 agreed to. 
Bill reported without amendment. 
Report adopted.
Vote: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
Vote: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:660;Page:9417] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That clause 1 be agreed to. 
Ayes 113 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 43; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 9 
Green Party 9. 
Clause 1 agreed to.
Hipkins Chris: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
Hipkins Chris: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:660;Page:9415] 
CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) 
: 
 I will take a very brief call; this time I will be reasonably brief on this final point. We are debating the title and commencement clause of the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill. I do not intend to suggest a whole raft of alternative titles to the bill as some of my colleagues have. However I acknowledge the contribution of the Minister in the chair the Hon Peter Dunne in this debate. I have been in the Chamber for most of the Committee stage on this bill as I know the Minister of Revenue has been although a little earlier in the day than we might have initially anticipated. I thank him for engaging with the debate. We on this side of the Chamber are not used to having the opportunity to put questions to a Minister in the Committee stage and have the Minister stand up answer them and engage in that kind of interaction. That is what the Committee stage of a debate should be all about; I can see the Chair is agreeing with me on that. It is unusual but it is very welcome. 
I think the Minister has answered a number of the questions we put forward. I put forward questions to him earlier on about diplomats and about the thresholds. He has engaged with us on those issues and I think that provides some reassurance to people who are listening in on this debate that even though this bill does not necessarily address all of the issues or the technical concerns that exist with the current interest-free student loans scheme the Government has at least taken on board some of those issues. I was also very pleased to hear the Minister acknowledge the concern around diplomats and he gave us a commitment that he would look further into that issue. I am more than happy to talk to him about that issue further at any point if he wishes to do so. I am happy to give him some examples of people who have been captured by that particular problem. 
That was all I wanted to say on this particular part of the bill. I just wanted to acknowledge the contribution the Minister has made and to thank him for it.
Sepuloni Carmel: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Sepuloni Carmel: Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:660;Page:9393] 
CARMEL SEPULONI (Labour) 
: 
 I was really enjoying Trevor Mallard’s contribution to the debate and I hoped that he would seek a second call but he did not. Part 2 of the Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill is basically about consistency. There is really not very much to discuss with regard to what is in this part so I will go back to some of the other things that we have discussed. 
A few members have discussed the fact that they accessed student loans and what that meant for them. We are seeing that student loans will perhaps be in jeopardy moving forward with some of the public comments that have been made by members opposite including the Prime Minister and also unfortunately the Minister for Tertiary Education. The newest member of Parliament Gareth Hughes pointed out the fact that he is another former student who is paying back his student loan. As I said earlier I am nearly there. After 9 years of trying to pay back a student loan—not after 9 years of a great Labour Government—I have nearly finished paying it off. 
One thing that has come up publicly again is the issue of students who do not necessarily finish their degrees diplomas or study on time and the fact that this Government may be looking to making it difficult for them to access student loans for the full extent of their study. I point out something that I pointed out earlier which is that unfortunately in this country Maori and Pacific people still take longer to complete their tertiary qualifications in terms of degrees and diplomas. That is not because of lesser intelligence— 
Charles Chauvel 
: Or greater beauty. 
CARMEL SEPULONI 
: —and not because of greater beauty as Charles Chauvel has pointed out but because many Maori and Pacific students are still the first in their family to go to university or to do higher-level tertiary study and it is a very very strange experience for them. Many of our people are not accustomed to it especially when other family members have not done it before and that can result in a few failures in the first year or the second year. 
Debate interrupted. 
Sitting suspended from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.