edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Lee MelissaMELISSA LEE (National): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It is a great opportunity for me to take a call. I'd like to congratulate you on your election and that of your fellow presiding officers.This is the first time that I am actually getting up to speak on the bill and I'd like to say what a fantastic thing it was for me to speak in my own mother tongue yesterday when I was being sworn in and to notice that there were so many other languages that were actually present in this House. I think it goes to show what a diverse place this has become and I'd like to welcome all of the new members who were elected in the 2017 election. Obviously I've managed to learn all of my side's new members' names and over the next couple of weeks I will get to learn all of your names as well.I'd like to say as the mother of a teenager—as my learned colleague to my right Jacqui Dean has actually sort of reflected on her own experience as a mother—that it was rather different back then. You know my son is now 19 and back 19 years ago when I gave birth I was running a television production company and I did not actually have a lot of paid parental leave. I remember going home from the hospital a couple of hours after giving birth and trying to figure out what to do with this bundle and not actually knowing how to deal with a baby as a brand new mother. As one of my friends who had experience with a few more babies said If you manage to get up in the morning and do one thing in your day that is not baby-related you're doing really well."So to the mothers and the new fathers who are on our side—Tim van de Molen and Chris Penk; I have met their babies this week as well—and to the two mothers on the other side who have brought their babies in congratulations. I know what a fantastic job it is and what a great thing you are doing: being responsible and working as well as being a mother and in this House changing history being able to bring the child into this House and able to be breastfeeding as well. I think it's actually a great move.I'd like to just point out a study that was done by the Asia New Zealand Foundation—this piece of paper—that talks about 18 percent of under-fives in New Zealand being of Asian heritage and it affects New Zealanders. This bill actually affects New Zealanders of Asian heritage as well. National has increased paid parental leave from 14 weeks to 18 weeks and to 22 weeks which we actually supported and for that we are now supporting 26 weeks in this House. I commend the bill to the House."
Genter Julie AnneHon JULIE ANNE GENTER (Minister for Women): Tēnā koe Madam Deputy Speaker and congratulations on your election. It is wonderful to be able to say Madam Deputy Speaker" for the first time during my time in Parliament. As this is the second reading I am just going to take a very short call. I'm not going to re-traverse the issues that have been well traversed throughout the first reading of the bill and indeed in the second reading around the use of urgency but I will say that I'm very touched by the Opposition's concerns about the Green Party's principles. You know it's wonderful—it's wonderful—and I invite the Opposition to embrace the principles and protection of democracy not only when the National Party is in Opposition but when they are in Government. That would have been wonderful given that urgency was used literally dozens and dozens of times including the last time there was an extension to paid parental leave by the National Government. But the Green Party has explained why we're not concerned about the use of urgency this time because this bill has already been through select committee and has had thousands and thousands of submissions. But what's really important and what I want to emphasise here is that what this signals is the priorities of this progressive Labour - Green - New Zealand First Government. Most people in New Zealand share the values of compassion and generosity and that is indeed what our society should be based on. When we invest in our people that is how we become a successful and flourishing society and we cannot have a successful and flourishing economy if we aren't investing in our people because that is all the economy is. It is people and natural resources—people using their time and effort. So although the ACT Party is not supporting this bill I thought it might be worth mentioning that this should not be seen as a cost and I think that's where that side of the House gets it wrong. It's not a cost to invest in the first months of a baby's life. It is not a cost to support families to be able to participate in that because those children grow up to become healthy happy constructive members of our society who are contributing in many ways. So the value to all of us is perceived many times over when we have policies that support families. I think we're going to see many many more great policies from this progressive Government that support families and I look forward to hearing the constructive contribution from the new National Party Opposition."
Dowie SarahSARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill): Well that speaker Tracey Martin needs to go and do some more research because if she had read the material that she has in her hot little hand then she would understand that every time that I've stood up I have been supportive of paid parental leave and that I was a member of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee which heard the National Government's amendment on paid parental leave and of the Government Administration Committee which heard Sue Moroney's bills.I am supportive of this bill but I do have concerns with the process. I accept the Hon Iain Lees-Galloway's invitation to work with him because I am genuinely concerned about keeping-in-touch hours. It is a genuine concern that if we are going to extend paid parental leave the men and women who take that up should not feel isolated. They shouldn't just be sitting at home. They should be able to re-engage with their workplace to keep in touch with their employment with their workmates and enjoy that camaraderie while they have their children.There are other aspects of having children that are not so pleasurable—obviously things like post-natal depression. Obviously things can go wrong in the household when you're under stress so that connection with community is extremely important and that is the nuance that this Government brought in under paid parental leave referred to as keeping-in-touch hours. That needs to be explored and it would have been explored—I am sorry to say—if this had gone to a select committee process but we do not have that opportunity. We have been denied that opportunity so we will need to change tack and look at a Supplementary Order Paper.We accept that challenge because we as the new Opposition on this side of the House will take our duties seriously and we will make sure that legislation that is passed is the best that it can possibly be for the people of New Zealand. Paid parental leave is an extremely important part of our democracy and entitlements here in New Zealand because we want our children to have the best start in life and we want our parents to be supported. Keeping-in-touch hours combat isolation. Keeping-in-touch hours are a really important nuanced part of paid parental leave and so we will take up that challenge. We support the spirit of the bill but we need to nuance it further.
Dean JacquiHon JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker and congratulations on your new role. I know you will be a wonderful Deputy Speaker. Congratulations also to the new Government of the day and to other officers of Parliament. I will make a positive contribution and if I might indulge in a few memories of my own time with young children I remember very well my sister and I sitting together on a couch on about a Wednesday afternoon a babe in arms each a toddler on the floor each with a mountain of cloth nappies surrounding us in various stages of disarray. I will never forget those happy memories. Sometimes I feel it was almost a relief to go back to work.But we do support paid parental leave; we do support this bill. I do have concerns however about the process that this new Government has embarked upon. The issues have been well traversed. I just want to say what a missed opportunity we have had in not having a select committee process. I'm mindful of the contribution and press release put out by Kirk Hope within the last couple of days on behalf of Retail NZ where he expresses his reservations around the impacts of this bill of this piece of law to be on small business. Now small business comprises 29 percent of the workforce of New Zealand so there are a significant number of New Zealanders who will be impacted—positively yes; we all agree on that—but there will be an impact for those businesses that I don't believe has been well enough traversed in this Parliament and I simply don't know whether Kirk Hope or small-business interests were represented at the select committee occasions previously. But the very fact that Kirk Hope has chosen to put out a release voicing his concerns shows that New Zealand has not gone along with this legislation completely and there should have been an opportunity for them to say so. That is how legislation is crafted well in New Zealand.So I just want to make a brief final point on this. The Minister the Hon Iain Lees-Galloway made an offer to Sarah Dowie to bring an amendment to the committee of the whole House; he indicated that it would be considered. Well why couldn't it have gone to a select committee hearing? I know select committees very well. There could have been a targeted consultation and I would venture to say that Sarah Dowie's excellent amendment she is going to bring forward around keeping in touch would have meant we would have had an even better outcome—not for the Government but for the people of New Zealand and that is what good legislation good government process is all about.
Huo RaymondRAYMOND HUO (Labour): Tēnā koe Mr Assistant Speaker. I would like to act with my colleagues in congratulating you on your new role and I'd like to acknowledge Mr Speaker the Rt Hon Trevor Mallard and the baby he just held in his arms which would serve as a good reminder that this bill is about our babies and that this bill is about our future and about the way we invest in our future. I'd like also to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Sue Moroney who championed this move and who worked passionately and tirelessly to make this bill what it is now.We have been through two select committee sessions and we heard submissions—close to 7000 of them—and 99.9 percent of the submitters were in favour of this bill so it's time for us to honour our commitments and it's time for us to say to those hard-working Kiwis and mums and dads Let's do something about that."We may set aside the politics for a little while and look at some scientific observations. The difference between the current 18 weeks and the proposed 26 weeks is about two months. During the two months the babies will grow from the most vulnerable into babies who will stop regularly crying and will begin playing by themselves with the toys in a cot. At the end of five months a baby will begin to develop their speech to two or three syllables on repeat—not quite as fluent as the Hon Judith Collins. By the end of 26 weeks babies will start to roll and sit up by themselves. This is an important development for parents to be a part of because it paves the way for a baby to crawl and eventually walk by themselves.This is the essential bonding time—within the first year of birth—and the OECD report just confirmed the importance of that. The OECD report found that children have fewer cognitive and behavioural problems later on in their lives if they have essential bonding time within the first year of birth.So this bill is good for the babies it's good for the mum and dad and it's good for the workers and employers. Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker."
Address in Reply (continued)
Hipkins ChrisURGENCYHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That urgency be accorded the introduction first reading and second reading of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Bill.This bill was part of the Government's 100-day plan—is part of the Government's 100-day plan—and has been well traversed in this House on several occasions previously. Previously the bill was passed through all stages to third reading before being voted down the first time. The second time it was passed through all stages before being financially vetoed at the third reading. Therefore the Government does not believe it is necessary to take the bill through a further select committee process.Urgency is required in order to introduce the bill and have a first reading today. Without the use of urgency the Government would be unable to progress any other business today other than the Address in Reply debate because the Order Paper has only just been reinstated. Therefore there is an important element to doing that.We did seek whether there would be leave forthcoming in order to introduce the bill without the need for urgency and do the first reading today and it was clear that leave would not be granted for that. We also sought whether leave could be granted for the bill to have its first and second readings without the need for urgency and there was not leave forthcoming for that either. Therefore in order to progress this matter in order to give the parents of New Zealand certainty as to when their paid parental leave increase will come into force the Government believes that urgency is required.
Twyford PhilADDRESS IN REPLYDebate resumed.Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): I move That this debate be now adjourned.Motion agreed to.
Appointments — Deputy Speaker and Assistant Speakers
Motions — Black Ferns—2017 Women's Rugby World Cup Victory
Motions — Battle of Passchendaele—Centenary
Governor-General's Speech
Speaker's Statements — Chamber—Formalities
Bridges SimonHon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. I didn't want to interrupt any of the leaders' speeches—I know we've got the leader of the ACT Party coming—but I did just want to check with you given I suppose your position as Assistant Speaker prior to this about the reading of speeches. Without going into the gory details I think we have seen some very significant reading and so for the rest of the debate I just want to get some guidance from you on that on what the position was. Mr SPEAKER: Sure I'm happy to do it. There was one leader in particular who—one person acting for a leader—read a speech that had been supplied and had been approved by the party leader. So I was made aware of that fact beforehand and was deliberately looser than I would have been. But there have been some discussions between myself and the Deputy Speaker and we will be with the notable exceptions—you know a bit of leniency for new members or certainly leniency for new members and for Ministers who have technical bills where the detail and the wording is very important. But I think all of us know that if members make speeches from notes and from their heart you have better-quality speeches than reading out things that have—and I've seen it on both sides of the House—been very obviously drafted by research units. That wasn't the case today.
Mihi
Obituaries — Rangi McGarvey
Authority to Administer Oath
Election of Speaker
Lees-Galloway Iain; Mallard TrevorHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Deputy Leader of the House): I move That the question be now put.Mr SPEAKER: Yes I'm quite convinced that the House is in a position—Hon Michael Woodhouse: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.Mr SPEAKER: I hope you're not going to test my judgment Mr Woodhouse because you know that you can't.Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National): No. I would just point out two things. Apart from the obvious energy for continuing the debate and what has so far I think been extremely intelligent I was the architect of the piece of legislation—Mr SPEAKER: No. [Interruption] Order! The member will resume his seat. [Interruption] The member will resume his seat. The House is in a position to make a judgment as to whether it agrees with Mr Woodhouse and wants to hear him or not.
Mallard Trevor; Hipkins ChrisSTANDING ORDERSSessionalMr SPEAKER: According to the determination of the Business Committee I call upon the Leader of the House to move a motion regarding entities deemed to be public organisations.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That the Abortion Supervisory Committee Air New Zealand Ltd Genesis Energy Ltd Meridian Energy Ltd Mercury New Zealand Ltd and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand be public organisations for the purposes of the Standing Orders.Motion agreed to.
Hipkins Chris; Bridges Simon; Mallard TrevorHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That Adrian Paki Rurawhe be appointed Assistant Speaker.Adrian Rurawhe has been a member of the Government Administration Committee and a member of the Education and Science Committee. He has a quiet yet forceful persona and I'm sure he will be a diligent champion of the rights of all members of the House. He is respected and liked across the House and I'm sure that he will do this job well.Hon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I simply want assurance because today of course on the whips' door it says Adrian Rurawhe. Of course the Standing Orders make it quite clear—Mr SPEAKER: No. The member will resume his seat. The member is now trifling with the House. [Interruption] Order! Order! I—[Interruption] Mr Ball you will stand and apologise.Darroch Ball: I apologise.Mr SPEAKER: I want to make absolutely clear that when I'm on my feet there will be no interjection whatsoever. Mr Ball suffered from being the loudest; they were coming from my left and my right. But I want to make absolutely clear that to retain order in the House that be the case. And I do reiterate my comments Mr Bridges. The member knows well that anything that is on a door in this Parliament does not bind this House.Hon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I take it—and I genuinely simply want to understand the situation—we are correct in working according to the Standing Orders. Standing Order 35 Notification of party details" makes quite clear that the Speaker must be informed—I think it's in writing by convention—who the various leader officers are.Mr SPEAKER: The member will resume his seat. And I have been and Mr Rurawhe is not a whip.Motion agreed to."
Bridges SimonHon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga): Can I simply second this motion and say that Anne Tolley will make an absolutely fine Deputy Speaker. She's got the experience and the intellect to do a wonderful job and we wish her well.Motion agreed to.
Hipkins ChrisAPPOINTMENTSDeputy SpeakerHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That Hon Anne Tolley be appointed Deputy Speaker.Mr Speaker when I first suggested that the Hon Anne Tolley be appointed as the Deputy Speaker I was hoping that that would smooth the pathway to your election as Speaker. That didn't quite turn out as planned. However I am very pleased to confirm that the Government will certainly be supporting the nomination of the Hon Anne Tolley as Deputy Speaker because we think she's the best person for the job.Anne Tolley has been a member of this House since 2005 as the member for East Coast and was previously a list MP from 1999 to 2002. She was the Deputy Leader of the House from 2011 to 2014 and has served in a multitude of roles in both Government and Opposition including as a whip—I think on the Opposition side of the House when the National Party were last in Opposition. She was a Minister through the previous National administration taking on quite a wide range of roles and is well respected across the House and has a good understanding of parliamentary procedure and practice. So I commend the nomination to the House.
Robertson GrantBlack Ferns—Women's Rugby World Cup 2017 VictoryHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister for Sport and Recreation): I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate congratulating the Black Ferns on winning the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I move That this House congratulate Captain Fiao'o Fa'mausili and the Black Ferns on winning the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup with a 41 to 32 win over England in the final in Belfast this being the fifth time the Black Ferns have won the Rugby World Cup.Mr SPEAKER: I want to thank members who have given me leave to be there.Motion agreed to.
Mark RonMOTIONSBattle of Passchendaele—CentenaryHon RON MARK (Minister of Defence): Thank you Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate to mark the centennial last month of the Battle of Passchendaele. Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none. Hon RON MARK: Thank you Mr Speaker. I move That this House note the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele in the First World War and remember the loss of 843 New Zealand soldiers in one day 12 October 1917—the blackest in New Zealand's military history.Motion agreed to.
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER'S OBSERVATIONSChambers Lobbies and Galleries—Conduct in the ChamberMr SPEAKER: Before we get into the more formal business I do want to make a brief apology to the House. It is a tradition of this House that when the Speaker comes in he or she bows to the Government and bows to the Opposition and praises the country. I omitted to bow to both sides and I apologise for that. [Interruption] Order!
Mallard TrevorOBITUARIESRangi McGarveyMr SPEAKER: Members it is with regret that I inform the House of the death on 12 October 2017 of Rangi McGarvey who was a long-serving interpreter for the House and for the select committees. I desire on behalf of the House to express our sense of the loss we have suffered and our sympathy with the relatives of the late Rangi McGarvey.
Mallard TrevorAUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER OATHMr SPEAKER: I have received the following authorisation from Her Excellency the Governor-General to administer the oath or affirmation prescribed by law to be taken or made by members of the House:Pursuant to section 11 of the Constitution Act 1986 I The Right Honourable Dame Patsy Reddy Governor-General of New Zealand hereby authorise you The Right Honourable Trevor Colin MallardSpeaker of the House of Representativesto administer to members of Parliament the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen required to be taken or made by every such member before that member shall be permitted to sit or vote in the House of Representatives. Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister.
Mallard TrevorWEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2017Mr Speaker took the Chair at 10.30 a.m.Karakia.ELECTION OF SPEAKERMr SPEAKER: I have to report that accompanied by members I waited on Her Excellency the Governor-General at Government House yesterday when I addressed Her Excellency as follows:Following Your Excellency's request the House of Representatives has elected me as Speaker and I now present myself for Your Excellency's confirmation.Her Excellency repliedMr Speaker it is with much pleasure that I confirm the choice by the House of Representatives of you as its Speaker.I congratulate you on your election to this distinguished office marking as it does the appreciation of the House of Representatives of your impartiality and ability.I then replied to Her ExcellencyI thank Your Excellency for your confirmation of the choice made by the House of Representatives of me to be its Speaker.I now on behalf of the House lay claim to all its privileges and especially to freedom of speech in debate to free access to Your Excellency whenever occasion may require it and to the most favourable construction being put on all its proceedings.Her Excellency replied as follows:Mr Speaker I confirm all the rights and privileges of the House of Representatives which have ever been granted. I assure you that the House of Representatives shall always have ready access to me and that I will at all times place the most favourable construction upon its proceedings.
Tuesday 28 November 2017 - Volume 725
Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill (No 2) — In Committee
VoteThe question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 1 in the name of the Hon Phil Twyford to clause 6 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 6 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 6 as amended agreed to.Clause 7 Schedule 1A amendedThe question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 1 in the name of the Hon Phil Twyford to clause 7 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 7 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 7 as amended agreed to.New clause 8 Related and consequential amendmentsThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 1 in the name of the Hon Phil Twyford to insert new clause 8 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1. New clause 8 agreed to.New scheduleThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 1 in the name of the Hon Phil Twyford to insert a new schedule be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1. New schedule agreed to.House resumed.Bill reported with amendment.Report adopted.
VoteClause 4 Section 13A amended (Contents of tenancy agreement)The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 1 in the name of the Hon Phil Twyford to clause 4 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 4 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 4 as amended agreed to.Clause 5 Section 45 amended (Landlord's responsibilities)The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 1 in the name of the Hon Phil Twyford to clause 5 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 5 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 5 as amended agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That clause 3 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 3 agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the following words be added to the Address: That in the context of a strong economy and strong government books the Government be held to account for its progress based on improvements it delivers for New Zealanders beyond the impressive achievements of New Zealand in the last decade. They will be held to account for delivering economic growth faster than is forecast. The rate of job creation faster than it is occurring. Growing real wages faster than the last nine years. Reducing debt and maintaining surpluses and reductions in poverty and benefit dependence rates and those supported by the previous Government's Family Incomes Package and its programme of social investment. The Government will also be held to account on progress for lifting the number of new houses built and first home buyers assisted lifting measured improvement in water quality lifting Māori and Pacifica NCEA achievement rates lifting numeracy and literacy levels in year 8 and reducing reoffending and substantiated child abuse."Ayes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Amendment not agreed to.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 56 Noes 64.A party vote was called for on the question That a respectful Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor-General in reply to Her Excellency's speech.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Address in Reply agreed to.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I apologise Mr Speaker but in reading out the result of the first vote count you indicated that the Ayes vote was 56. My understanding from my count of that is that they voted 57 votes.Jami-Lee Ross: Fifty-six National one ACT in favour of the Leader of the Opposition's amendment.Mr SPEAKER: So we'll seek leave of the House to amend the previous vote to 57 in favour 63 against. Is there any objection to that? All right. That's the case and my having declared the result of the previous one I will now read the Address to Her Excellency."
10. Housing Affordability and Availability—Supply and KiwiBuildHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHousing Affordability and Availability—Supply and KiwiBuild10. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development: Does he agree that the best measure of the success of the Labour-led Government in increasing housing supply is to ensure that more houses are built on their watch than would otherwise have been built; if not what is the best measure?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): Yes that is an important measure. Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) projections show that without KiwiBuild the number of houses built would start falling but with KiwiBuild it will keep on increasing.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is a fair three-year target for the Government 118000 residential dwellings given his commitment to 16000 KiwiBuild dwellings over the next three years and MBIE's reported 102000 dwellings already forecast?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Our plan is to build 100000 affordable homes over 10 years over and above what the private market is producing. I would point out that the past Government planned to build only 4555. The KiwiBuild houses will be built alongside thousands of extra State houses and many open market houses many of them built in large-scale urban development projects. I expect that will deliver much more than the 100000 in additional supply over 10 years.Hon Michael Woodhouse: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It was a long and interesting answer but it did not address the question and that was simply this: does he agree that an appropriate target would be 118000 extra dwellings from now given his answer to the primary question?Mr SPEAKER: I think the Minister did in a long way and in a slightly circular way address the question.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is KiwiBuild actually KiwiBuy" given he has admitted that he is going to purchase already consented dwellings off the plans in special housing areas and sell them to KiwiBuild customers?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: There are currently dozens of projects around the country that could deliver affordable housing but they're in limbo right now due to uncertain access to capital. Building companies and developers are excited that KiwiBuild buying off the plan will get affordable homes built that otherwise would not be.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is the advice he's getting from the same source as Shane Jones received advice from given the house target and the tree target that they committed to are now half what they were?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: I reject the premise of the question.Kiritapu Allan: Has he seen any reports claiming there is no housing crisis and that "If a house is purchased it's certainly affordable for someone."?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well I did hear someone on television yesterday making those statements but I wouldn't regard them as a credible source."
9. Children in State Care—Report on Harm in 2015-16PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister for ChildrenChildren in State Care—Report on Harm in 2015-169. PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister for Children: What reports has she received on the safety of children in care?Hon TRACEY MARTIN (Minister for Children): Today Oranga Tamariki released a research report on the harm experienced by children and young people in care in the 2015-16 year. The report took a much wider view of harm than has previously been reported—something that was asked for by the expert panel behind the establishment of the ministry—so not surprisingly it showed a higher number of incidents of harm. Out of a total sample of 698 children 85 had experienced some sort of harm. Clearly that number is too high but it is important that we have a clearer picture of what is happening so that improvements can be made. This Government is committed to building on the system changes that were introduced by the Hon Anne Tolley earlier this year and improving the outcomes for all our children.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: What actions have been taken to deal with the issues identified in the report?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: This was also the first question I asked. The ministry did check on all of the children who experienced an incident of harm to ensure that they are now safe. However there have also been a number of important system changes made since these incidents occurred in 2015 and 2016. Oranga Tamariki was established in April this year to ensure that we do better for our children and a number of steps have already been taken to improve the protections for children. For example the criteria for assessing whānau caregivers are stronger and these now match the same standard for non-whānau caregivers. There is improved checking and assessment of regular visitors to caregivers' households and the ministry has started a dedicated caregiver helpline. The new practice framework for social workers will also introduce new formal processes for documenting and following up on any report of concern and focuses on social workers spending more time with tamariki. That is what the children have told us and that means there is a greater chance to catch any sign of things going wrong earlier.
6. Metro Sports Facility—Overspend Progress and ConsultationDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Greater Christchurch RegenerationMetro Sports Facility—Overspend Progress and Consultation6. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration: When was she first informed about a $75 million budget blow-out on the proposed Metro Sports Facility and what steps is she taking to get this project back on track?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration): I was first informed about arising issues with this project during my initial briefings with officials. It was disappointing to hear about a $75 million budget blowout during my first week. However following this I took immediate steps to get this project back on track. Ōtākaro Ltd has now cancelled the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process and is working to complete the design of the project along the existing timeline. Parallel to this process I have directed officials to investigate alternative options for Christchurch such as combining the Metro Sports Facility with the multi-use arena.Dr Duncan Webb: Why is it important to the Minister to consider alternative options?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Because we can't keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. I am keen to ensure that we get the best facilities for Christchurch while also protecting the interests of taxpayers and ratepayers. This work has been progressed with urgency because this is also about speeding things up. The reality is that we've seen far too many delays to date. People need certainty and this is a Government demonstrating that we have a plan to deliver that.Dr Duncan Webb: What engagement has the Minister had with people in Canterbury about her announcement?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I've engaged with various organisations and people in Canterbury about this announcement such as the interested sporting codes who've expressed gratitude for being consulted for the first time. The Mayor of Christchurch and I have had a conversation and she has welcomed the decision. And I also engaged in a panel discussion on Friday where another participant said I think she's done the right thing." That participant was the Hon Nicky Wagner from the National Party."
4. Government Financial Position—Cost of New Government PoliciesHon STEVEN JOYCE (National) to the Minister of FinanceGovernment Financial Position—Cost of New Government Policies4. Hon STEVEN JOYCE (National) to the Minister of Finance: What are the estimates of the operating expenditure impacts on the Government by year over the next four years of implementing the policies contained in the coalition agreement between the Labour Party and New Zealand First?Mr SPEAKER: Again I'm just going to remind members to try to read it as on the question sheet.Hon Steven Joyce: I just said party" for Labour yeah.Mr SPEAKER: Yes that's right.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The operating expenditure impacts are currently being worked through as part of the Budget process. I can assure the member that they will be met within the Budget responsibility rules as outlined in the Speech from the Throne.Hon Steven Joyce: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. This is a question on notice. Surely the finance Minister must have some idea of those costings and he must have had them actually before he signed up to them. It really is stretching credibility to not be able to come down to the House and provide that information.Mr SPEAKER: I have had some experience in these areas as the Minister has and know that they're often a bit of a moving feast until final decisions are made.Hon Steven Joyce: Is the finance Minister telling the House that he had no work done and had officials do no work on the costs of the various coalition agreement proposals before the Government signed up to them?Mr SPEAKER: I'll let the member have another crack without ruling that one out but I think he's got to focus on things that are the responsibility of the Minister of Finance and by definition Mr Robertson wasn't at that time.Hon Steven Joyce: Is the finance Minister concerned that it's possible that the then finance spokesperson of the Labour Party had no work done and had the officials do no work on the costs of the coalition agreements before that said finance spokesperson signed up to them?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: No.Hon Steven Joyce: So how does the finance Minister explain that Treasury responded to an Official Information Act request on 20 November saying that—and I quote—"the Treasury can confirm that its staff worked on costing policies for the Labour Party during the recent Government formation negotiations"; and given that he is the finance Minister in charge of Treasury perhaps he could enlighten us on the content of that work?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: As I and the Prime Minister said to media on 30 October we did access Treasury for a handful of specific policy ideas.Hon Steven Joyce: If the costings prepared by Treasury were good enough to choose a Government for New Zealand for the next three years then why isn't it good enough for the finance Minister who is in charge of Treasury to release that information and provide it to the Parliament and to the people of New Zealand?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The release of that information will be handled by the relevant agency which I think is the State Services Commission in accordance with the Official Information Act."
3. Government Financial Position—Infrastructure Deficit and Capital Spending PressuresDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister of FinanceGovernment Financial Position—Infrastructure Deficit and Capital Spending Pressures3. Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister of Finance: What advice has the Government received on capital spending pressures?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Treasury has advised that ahead of the 2015 Budget the capital allowance was oversubscribed by 313 percent. At the equivalent point ahead of Budget 2017 this over-subscription rate had grown to 448 percent. This unmet capital spending represents the state of disrepair in our hospitals and schools and the failure to invest in our regions. It is an infrastructure deficit that is the legacy of the previous Government. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Right. That's two questions that the Opposition has lost Mr Brownlee and Mr Bridges.Dr Deborah Russell: What is the dollar figure impact of this—Hon Simon Bridges: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I think the issue is—it's very difficult to calibrate because you've taken in my view a very lenient position in relation to the Government on that issue. There's been a number of times where they've interjected while there've been questions on this side and now suddenly we've lost two. I think there's a need for some evenness in relation to that.Mr SPEAKER: Thank you for your advice.Dr Deborah Russell: What is the dollar figure impact of this infrastructure deficit?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: In dollar terms ahead of the 2017 Budget the value of unfunded bids was $10.4 billion. This is almost twice the available future new capital spending allowance for the entire forecast period. This new Government is committed to meeting the infrastructure needs of future generations unlike the previous Government.Dr Deborah Russell: How does this Government plan to reduce this infrastructure deficit?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government has adopted a long-term view and by cancelling the previous Government's tax cuts and adopting a slightly slower debt repayment track we have given ourselves the room for a significantly higher future capital spending plan including investing in our regions. In addition the Government is committed to investigating further ways of responsibly financing infrastructure with measures such as infrastructure bonds and other innovative financing mechanisms. We will not leave such a big capital expenditure hole.Hon Steven Joyce: Hasn't the Government simply caused its own capital pressures by ruling out funding via public-private partnerships which were provided for by the previous Government which would have funded additional infrastructure across the education transport and health portfolios for example?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: On this side of the House we are committed to services such as Dunedin Hospital being funded from the public purse because we think public hospitals are part of the responsibilities of a Government. What we won't do is leave a $10 billion capital hole as that member did.
Motions — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—Engagement
Ardern JacindaTUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2017Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.MOTIONSCongratulatory Message—Engagement of His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales and Meghan MarkleRt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): I seek leave to move a motion without notice congratulating Prince Harry on his engagement to Meghan Markle.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I move That the House congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement and wish them many years of happiness together. I'm delighted to stand on behalf in particular of the New Zealand Labour Party and congratulate Prince Harry and Ms Markle on the announcement of their engagement. Today I had the privilege of writing to the couple to offer them the warmest congratulations on behalf of the New Zealand Government but also on behalf of the New Zealand people. You would be hard-pressed to find someone I'm sure who wouldn't delight in the happiness of a newly engaged couple but more than that by virtue of Prince Harry's unique affinity with New Zealand this union is even more special. Many of us will remember his visit to New Zealand in 2015. He's always shown an understanding of and connection with our corner of the world and I'm sure we all look forward to welcoming the happy couple to New Zealand sometime in the future. Till then we offer them our heartiest congratulations.
Brown SimeonSIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga): Thank you very much Mr Assistant Speaker. It's interesting what you learn every single day and tonight I learnt the technical definition of a chicken. It's very good because there was some story about Mr Chicken Little" but I don't think that was referring to anyone around here ha!It's good to be able to take a call on this legislation the Subordinate Legislation Confirmation Bill (No 3) which is the second reading in the name of the Hon Chris Hipkins. The Government—Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 10 p.m."
Electronic Interactions Reform Bill — Second Reading