edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:672;Page:18412] 
4. 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Labour—New Lynn) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: Will he rule out cuts to KiwiSaver in the coming Budget such as those outlined in today’s  
Dominion Post 
? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 The Government remains committed to KiwiSaver. We have said many times that we are committed to lifting national savings. The member will have to wait for the Budget to find out what if anything happens. 
Hon David Cunliffe 
: Does the Minister stand by the following quote made by him: “It is important the Government plays its part in improving New Zealand’s national savings” given that he has reduced the default KiwiSaver contribution from 4 percent to 2 percent has reduced the employer contribution from 4 percent to 2 percent has deferred contributions to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and now appears at least to be planning further cuts to KiwiSaver? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: Yes I stand by the statements I made. I am a bit surprised to find today that the Labour Party no longer has a position on KiwiSaver. It will wait until we announce ours so that it can follow it. 
Hon David Cunliffe 
: Will the Minister in trying to lift national savings acknowledge that 90 percent of New Zealand’s total international debt is private debt and only 10 percent is public debt and will he therefore accept that even the most savage cuts to public expenditure could not possibly save the private savings problem? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: We take a national view—after all we are a National-led Government. We believe that households and Governments should do what they can to increase national savings. I know the member agrees that the country needs more of that. 
Hon David Cunliffe 
: Does he agree that the 271400 jobless New Zealanders—according to Statistics New Zealand today—will struggle to save at all and does he think they might be tired of waiting for the brighter future his party keeps promising is just around the next Budget? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: We agree that the number of people without jobs is too high. The good news today was that as a small step in the right direction there are 30000 new jobs in the economy in the last quarter. That is a start. Clearly there is a long way to go.
Vote: Environmental Protection Authority Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Environmental Protection Authority Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:672;Page:18456] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the question be now put. 
Ayes 66 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 2; United Future 1. 
Noes 54 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Progressive 1; Independents: Carter C Harawira. 
Motion agreed to. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: The question is that Rahui Katene’s typescript amendment to insert new clause 3A be agreed to.
King Annette: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
King Annette: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:672;Page:18423] 
Hon ANNETTE KING (Deputy Leader—Labour) 
: 
 I seek leave to table a letter from the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges to Richard Wood of the Ministry of Social Development dated 4 April noting that its organisation is to lose $382000 in funding from Te Rito advocates for children and the family violence education fund. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Kaye Nikki: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Kaye Nikki: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:672;Page:18422] 
11. 
NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) 
 to the  
Minister of Transport 
: What progress has been made on the procurement of new electric trains for Auckland’s commuter rail system? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) 
: 
 Good news. I am pleased to confirm to the House that new electric trains for Auckland rail commuters are one step closer following KiwiRail’s announcement of a shortlist of two bidders. The selection process will be completed later this year and I expect to see the first trains delivered in 2013. Rail’s popularity in Auckland is rising and these new trains will build on previous work building new stations and upgrading the network. Getting all of Auckland’s transport corridors working effectively is crucial to getting the city to grow faster and provide more jobs. 
Nikki Kaye 
: Has the Minister seen reports speculating on the likely successful tenderer and how accurate are these reports? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: Yes I have seen several reports calling for the procurement of new electric trains for Auckland to be delayed because they were to be built in China—a result of all sorts of wild conspiracies. As it turns out the two shortlisted consortiums are from Korea and Japan and Europe—I suppose at least Korea and Japan are in Asia. It is just as well KiwiRail continued with the procurement job. It all goes to show that people should treat these types of reports— 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: As soon as Pansy was gone! 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: —and the relevant conspiracy theories I say to Mr Mallard which were from the Labour Party with a very large grain of salt especially in election year. 
Phil Twyford 
: Does he agree that if he had not interfered in the process to buy the electric trains Aucklanders would be riding them now instead of waiting through a 2-year process of missed deadlines and a shonky tendering process which has seen four parties withdraw in protest? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: I disagree with the member on two grounds. Firstly the trains were always scheduled to arrive in 2013. Secondly if I had not interfered petrol prices in Auckland would be 10c a litre higher today than they are because of Labour’s ridiculous regional fuel tax. If you want to campaign on bringing it back then you should go right ahead—sorry not you Mr Speaker. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I just remind the Minister that the Speaker is not campaigning on any such thing.
Kaye Nikki: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Kaye Nikki: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:672;Page:18422] 
NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) 
: 
 My question is to the Minister of Transport. What progress has been made on the procurement—[ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I apologise to the honourable member. I say to members on both sides at the front of the House that it is difficult to hear members at the back of the House. Nikki Kaye has every right to be heard as she asks question No. 11.
Calder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Calder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:672;Page:18419] 
Dr CAM CALDER (National) 
: 
 My question is to the Minister for Climate Change Issues—[ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I say to both front benches that I want to hear Dr Cam Calder’s question.
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:672;Page:18423] 
12. 
DARIEN FENTON (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Labour 
: What reports if any has she seen on the use of the 90-day trial provisions in the State sector? 
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP (Minister of Defence) 
on behalf of the  
Minister of Labour 
: The Minister has received no formal reports specifically on the use of the 90-day trial period in the State sector. She is aware of the State Service Commission’s guidance to chief executives not to contract out of their ability to use trial periods in collective contracts. I might add that I have also seen a report from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research that showed that 13000 new jobs had been created due to the trial periods. 
Darien Fenton 
: Is she confident that her assurance to the House last year that unless employees want a trial period they do not have to have one is being applied in the State sector? 
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP 
: Yes. Just because there has been guidance from the State Services Commission it does not mean to say that in particular cases of the individual contract between employer and employee a trial period would be automatic. It relates to the collective contract as a whole. 
Darien Fenton 
: Does she believe the 90-day trial period provisions are working as intended given that the Parliamentary Service has issued guidelines requiring “no rights” trial periods for all new parliamentary employees when she told the House repeatedly that the fire-at-will provisions would be in employment agreements only by negotiation? 
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP 
: The Minister stands by all her previous statements on this issue. 
Darien Fenton 
: Does she stand by the assurances she gave the House last year that a 90-day trial period must be negotiated in good faith; if so does the State Services Commission’s direction to State sector agencies not to contract out of or restrict any application of the 90-day law meet that test? 
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP 
: Yes; and yes. 
Darien Fenton 
: Very good—very good. Does she think that parliamentary and out-of-Parliament staff have the right to refuse a 90-day trial period including those employed by National Party MPs? 
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP 
: The use of the 90-day period is always an issue between the employer and employee—a matter of negotiation.
Blue Jackie: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Blue Jackie: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:672;Page:18413] 
5. 
Dr JACKIE BLUE (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Health 
: What reports if any has he received in relation to maternity services and services for mothers with new babies? 
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) 
: 
 I have received a report that in Budget 2011 the Government is investing an extra $54.5 million in new initiatives for maternity services to help new mothers and their babies. This includes an extra $33 million to improve teamwork in maternity services including $18.4 million to improve safety and quality by bringing together all local maternity professionals for clinical reviews of all births. This funding will also increase the number of midwives in some hospitals together with medical specialists on site and on call. Additionally there will be an extra $6.8 million to help vulnerable mothers access a fuller range of social and health services in a whanau ora approach and to assist midwives to make timely referrals to other practitioners. 
Dr Jackie Blue 
: What other service improvements for new mothers have been announced? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: In addition to the money announced for maternity services the Government is announcing an additional $21 million over 4 years for additional well child visits. These visits have a focus on supporting vulnerable mothers to care for their babies and currently two visits are provided during the first 2 months of life. This new funding is expected to deliver three additional well child visits to 18000 mothers around New Zealand who need this additional support. This is yet another example of this Government’s determination to protect and grow the New Zealand public health service.
Wagner Nicky: Environmental Protection Authority Bill — In Committee 
Wagner Nicky: Environmental Protection Authority Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:672;Page:18446] 
NICKY WAGNER (National) 
: 
 The establishment by the Environmental Protection Authority Bill of the Environmental Protection Authority is all about creating a strong independent regulatory authority that contrary to Sue Kedgley’s opinion will protect our natural environment. It fulfils National’s election promise and will improve the environmental management system at a national level. Internationally New Zealand is known as a beautiful country and New Zealanders are known to appreciate our great outdoors. The Environmental Protection Authority will help us deliver on our “clean green” image. It will give greater central government direction and more consistency to the management and regulation of the environment. It will bring together a whole range of regulatory functions and provide stronger direction to the environmental roles of regional and district councils. The Environmental Protection Authority will be a one-stop shop for environmental regulatory functions: consenting monitoring and providing technical advice. It will provide more effective efficient and transparent management of regulations in relation to New Zealand’s environment and natural and physical resources. The authority is a very positive step for New Zealand and for all New Zealanders.
Henare Tau: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Henare Tau: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:672;Page:18412] 
3. 
Hon TAU HENARE (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What announcements has she made on supporting young people into jobs? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 Some very good ones. Yesterday the Prime Minister and I announced that $55.2 million will go into youth employment in this year’s Budget. Young New Zealanders had been hit hard; we have certainly seen those numbers today come out in the household labour force survey. We supported them initially with Job Ops and Community Max which are keeping over 15000 young people in the job market. This initiative is the next step and will provide a further 13000 places for young people over the next few years. 
Hon Tau Henare 
: What are the key components of the youth employment package? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: There are three key components to this package. One is Skills for Growth which really relates jobs to training that is New Zealand Qualifications Authority accredited. It means that a young person is less likely to go back on a benefit because he or she is gaining real skills and real jobs in industries of need over a long period of time like aged care agriculture and horticulture. The second is Job Ops with Training. Job Ops has been successful; we are just taking it that extra step. Then of course there are the Limited Service Volunteers where we see fantastic motivation and self-disciplined people eager to get ahead. We are keen to support them. 
Hon Sir Roger Douglas 
: Could the Minister explain to the House what she considers extreme about wanting to allow a young Maori the right to work as an apprentice builder for $400 a week? Why does she think it is better that this person not be allowed to take up this job preferring that he sit at home on the couch watching  
Desperate Housewives 
 or playing Nintendo Wii? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: I presume that the member is referring to the minimum wage particularly for youth. I suppose we would say that we are subsidising a lot of wages for employers. That is what these initiatives are doing and I really have no other answer to that question. Thank you.
Power Simon: Business Statement 
Power Simon: Business Statement 
[Volume:672;Page:18409] 
Hon SIMON POWER (Acting Leader of the House) 
: 
 The shadow Leader of the House can be assured that I will keep him fully informed as these matters develop.
Mallard Trevor: Business Statement 
Mallard Trevor: Business Statement 
[Volume:672;Page:18409] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 I thank the very informative Acting Leader of the House for that information. Could he tell us when he will be in a position to outline Government expectations for the use of urgency in the following week—whether it is likely to be Friday Saturday or the following Monday.
Power Simon: Business Statement 
Power Simon: Business Statement 
[Volume:672;Page:18409] 
Hon SIMON POWER (Acting Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes on Tuesday 10 May the Government intends to move Government notice of motion No. 8 pertaining to the appropriations for the Officers of Parliament. We intend to make further progress on the Environmental Protection Authority Bill the Dairy Industry Restructuring (New Sunset Provisions) Amendment Bill and other bills on the Order Paper.
Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 6 to Minister 
Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 6 to Minister 
[Volume:672;Page:18463] 
Amended Answers to Oral Questions 
Question No. 6 to Minister 
Hon HEKIA PARATA (Acting Minister of Energy and Resources) 
: 
 I seek leave to make a correction to an answer I gave in question No. 6 earlier today. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Hon HEKIA PARATA 
: During one of my answers in question No. 6 earlier today I advised the House that I had met with Dr Brent Layton of the Electricity Authority yesterday when in fact I met with Dr Layton on Monday of this week.
Parata Hekia: Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 6 to Minister 
Parata Hekia: Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 6 to Minister 
[Volume:672;Page:18463] 
Hon HEKIA PARATA (Acting Minister of Energy and Resources) 
: 
 I seek leave to make a correction to an answer I gave in question No. 6 earlier today. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Hon HEKIA PARATA 
: During one of my answers in question No. 6 earlier today I advised the House that I had met with Dr Brent Layton of the Electricity Authority yesterday when in fact I met with Dr Layton on Monday of this week.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:672;Page:18409] 
Thursday 5 May 2011 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Business Statement 
Hon SIMON POWER (Acting Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes on Tuesday 10 May the Government intends to move Government notice of motion No. 8 pertaining to the appropriations for the Officers of Parliament. We intend to make further progress on the Environmental Protection Authority Bill the Dairy Industry Restructuring (New Sunset Provisions) Amendment Bill and other bills on the Order Paper. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 I thank the very informative Acting Leader of the House for that information. Could he tell us when he will be in a position to outline Government expectations for the use of urgency in the following week—whether it is likely to be Friday Saturday or the following Monday. 
Hon SIMON POWER (Acting Leader of the House) 
: 
 The shadow Leader of the House can be assured that I will keep him fully informed as these matters develop.
Lee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Lee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:673;Page:19237] 
7. 
MELISSA LEE (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Communications and Information Technology 
: What benefits will ultra-fast broadband services bring to health providers in New Zealand? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Communications and Information Technology) 
: 
 Health care services will make huge gains with the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband which is why we are committed to providing fibre access to all registered health care centres in urban areas by the end of 2015. Faster connections will make the transfer of information and services much simpler and will reduce the tyranny of distance. By being able to deliver health services in new and innovative ways we will be able to increase the quality of care that patients receive and reduce the costs of providing that care. 
Melissa Lee 
: What specific services will be able to be delivered over fibre in the future that cannot be delivered today? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: It is very exciting. Ultra-fast broadband will give medical practitioners wherever their patients are access to the country’s and the world’s leading researchers and specialists. Telehealth technologies will allow patients and medical staff to remotely monitor their health at home whether it is diagnostic equipment connected to the hospital or consultations conducted in high-definition video. Another enormous benefit will be the ability to transfer medical files—for example magnetic resonance imaging scans—at almost real time rather than relying on slow downloads or a courier which will save time money and ultimately lives.
Vote: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:673;Page:19279] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Freedom Camping Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 108 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 42; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 3. 
Noes 10 
Green Party 9; Independent: Carter C. 
Bill read a first time. 
Bill referred to the Local Government and Environment Committee.
Hide Rodney: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
Hide Rodney: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:673;Page:19271] 
Hon RODNEY HIDE (Minister of Local Government) 
: 
I must say I was a bit shocked that the Green Party has now joined— 
Chris Hipkins 
: He’s still here. 
Hon RODNEY HIDE 
: —yes unlike Darren Hughes—the attack on farmers along with the Labour Party. It is very very clear that the Green Party hates farmers and the Labour Party hates farmers. Farmers are the very people who provide the backbone of the country and the fact that those members would turn the issue of freedom camping into an attack on farmers is extraordinary to me indeed. 
Let me start by thanking the Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson the Minister for the Environment Nick Smith and their officials for their work on this bill because surprisingly it was a very tough policy issue to work on and to resolve. I also acknowledge the work of Local Government New Zealand in this regard. 
Freedom camping has obviously been increasing in recent years particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Fiordland Queenstown Nelson-Marlborough the Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty. That increase in popularity has also resulted in an increase in complaints. The Greens asked for some data so here is some. The number of complaints to the Marlborough District Council about freedom camping have increased from 132 in 2007 to 432 in 2009. The main problem is people who camp on inappropriate sites such as lay-bys beaches and car parks and leave behind human poo and other litter. This behaviour is offensive and it creates a human health risk. Many of the sites used by freedom campers are on local authority or conservation land and both councils and the Department of Conservation spend a lot of money monitoring and cleaning up these sites. Queenstown Lakes District Council spends $30000 a year on monitoring patrols just looking out for the poo. 
Although we want to encourage visitors to come to New Zealand and enjoy our country and all it has to offer we also want them to respect our environment and be responsible campers. At present we do not have an effective way to deter irresponsible freedom camping or an enforcement regime to address the sometimes offensive behaviour of some freedom campers—just some. Expensive and time-consuming court action is not working; therefore the Freedom Camping Bill provides a low-cost simple way of addressing the problems created by some freedom campers. The bill provides a nationally consistent infringement regime that will enable local authorities and the Department of Conservation to issue an instant $200 ticket to those who are creating the problems. This is a great bill and it has the full support of the ACT Party.
Upston Louise: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
Upston Louise: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:673;Page:19276] 
LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupo) 
: 
 Picture this: an international visitor is on the edge of the great Lake Taupo for the very first time when that visitor stands in a piece of —. What will that do for his or her experience of this fantastic country? There will be thousands pouring into Taupo when they come to support South Africa Ireland and Wales during the Rugby World Cup in only 92 days’ time. I am proud to support the Freedom Camping Bill this practical sensible legislation that has been led by Jacqui Dean and the Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson.
Auchinvole Chris: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
Auchinvole Chris: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:673;Page:19274] 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National—West Coast - Tasman) 
: 
 Freedom campers have an important place in New Zealand’s tourism industry. They are very important to us. Both international tourists and New Zealand domestic tourists quite rightly enjoy the freedom to park their vehicles at no cost and to enjoy our beautiful environment responsibly. For the most part freedom campers in New Zealand are responsible about where they camp and they are to be encouraged in this endeavour. They take notice of signs that prohibit them from certain areas and they are responsible with their waste. But ever since I have had the privilege of serving as an MP I have had people from all over my electorate particularly in Tasman tell me of their very serious concerns about irresponsible campers who ignore the signs park their vehicles in areas with no facilities have no facilities in their vehicles and leave their litter and human waste behind. In fact some of the anecdotal evidence I have had from local constituents has been not only disturbing but also quite frequently disgusting to hear. 
We all know that this problem should not go on. Local councils just have not had the tools to deal with it until now; neither have communities that have concerns. In addition different approaches by different councils have made it difficult for freedom campers to know where they can and cannot park for the night. 
This Freedom Camping Bill deals with the problems I have outlined. It provides better information for freedom campers and effective enforcement powers to councils. It enables councils to determine where camping is and is not allowed where it is restricted to campervans with self-containment and where it is prohibited. Nationally consistent signage and enforcement will make things clear for everyone involved. Quite frankly this is long overdue. I commend this bill to the House.
Mallard Trevor: Business Statement 
Mallard Trevor: Business Statement 
[Volume:673;Page:19227] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 Can I therefore seek from the Acting Leader of the House the assurance that he will not try to ram through the telecommunications bill under urgency next Thursday?
Vote: Budget Debate 
Vote: Budget Debate 
[Volume:673;Page:19262] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the words after “That” be omitted and the following substituted: “this House has no confidence in the National Government led by John Key which has borrowed heavily and created a record deficit of $16.7 billion; has no plan and no vision to improve New Zealand’s economic performance; has broken its promises not to cut entitlements to KiwiSaver and working for families; has made cuts that hurt but will not solve New Zealand’s economic difficulties; and has failed to act fairly in the interest of all New Zealanders.” 
Ayes 53 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Progressive 1; Independent: Carter C. 
Noes 67 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 3; United Future 1. 
Amendment not agreed to.
Vote: Budget Debate 
Vote: Budget Debate 
[Volume:673;Page:19262] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Appropriation (2011/12 Estimates) Bill be now read a second time. 
Ayes 67 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 3; United Future 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Progressive 1; Independent: Carter C. 
Bill read a second time.
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:673;Page:19237] 
8. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: Does he believe that the Government should take a cautious approach to borrowing in light of “uncertainty and volatility in financial markets”? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 Yes. That is why we are committed to reducing our borrowing over the next 4 years. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Why is he then speculating on the fixed interest market by borrowing $100 million a week more than necessary? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: It has been on the advice of the Debt Management Office. Because conditions are favourable up until the end of this month the Government is borrowing more than is strictly necessary for its cash requirements. This means that over the next couple of years we will be borrowing less than is strictly necessary and in the current international environment I think that is a good thing. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Why is Treasury’s best estimate of the effect on the exchange rate and on jobs of this excessive borrowing? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: It has not given a specific estimate of that. The member may well know that Treasury is generally opposed to almost any borrowing whatsoever.
Delahunty Catherine: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Delahunty Catherine: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:673;Page:19238] 
CATHERINE DELAHUNTY (Green) 
: 
 Tena koutou e te Whare. To the Minister for Social Development and Employment does she consider bringing up babies to be meaningful productive work; if so— [ 
Interruption 
] Excuse me— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I apologise. The Speaker will deal with the matter. I ask both members to please stop this inane interjection across the front of the House.
Young Jonathan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Young Jonathan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:673;Page:19239] 
11. 
JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) 
 to the  
Minister of Customs 
: What reports has he received from the Customs Service on seizures of the rare drug DMT? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON (Minister of Customs) 
: 
 Excellent work by customs officers recently led to the seizure of 18 kilograms of the rare drug dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT is a hallucinogenic drug similar in its effects to LSD. The class A drug was detected in a package destined for Blenheim at the Auckland Mail Centre and customs officers from Christchurch later arrested a 21-year-old Blenheim man who has been charged with the importation of a class A controlled drug. 
Jonathan Young 
: What other drugs have the Customs Service stopped at our border and what methods have been used to try to smuggle them over the border? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON 
: On 17 May New Zealand Customs Service officers in Wellington arrested a 34-year-old New Zealand male after they became suspicious of two packages arriving from the United States. The packages contained 1.2 litres of the class B controlled drug gamma butyrolactone (GBL) which is known as the “date rape” drug. The drug had been smuggled in nail polish bottles and it was only excellent work and vigilance by customs officers that detected it. A man is now facing class B controlled drug-importing charges which carry a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.
Power Simon: Business Statement 
Power Simon: Business Statement 
[Volume:673;Page:19227] 
Hon SIMON POWER (Acting Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes on Tuesday 14 June the Government intends to hold the 3-hour debate on the consideration of financial reviews of Crown entities public organisations and State enterprises. The Government also intends to make further progress on the Telecommunications (TSO Broadband and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. Wednesday is a members’ day.
Power Simon: Business Statement 
Power Simon: Business Statement 
[Volume:673;Page:19227] 
Hon SIMON POWER (Acting Leader of the House) 
: 
 The Government has no intention of using urgency provisions in respect of that bill at this stage.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:673;Page:19227] 
Thursday 9 June 2011 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Business Statement 
Hon SIMON POWER (Acting Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes on Tuesday 14 June the Government intends to hold the 3-hour debate on the consideration of financial reviews of Crown entities public organisations and State enterprises. The Government also intends to make further progress on the Telecommunications (TSO Broadband and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. Wednesday is a members’ day. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 Can I therefore seek from the Acting Leader of the House the assurance that he will not try to ram through the telecommunications bill under urgency next Thursday? 
Hon SIMON POWER (Acting Leader of the House) 
: 
 The Government has no intention of using urgency provisions in respect of that bill at this stage.
Dean Jacqui: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
Dean Jacqui: Freedom Camping Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:673;Page:19278] 
JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) 
: 
 The real problem with freedom camping as members have noted is that although the Government can bring in any number of measures—it might be fines good signage or describing places where people can and cannot camp and whether they have self-containment—the real problem we need to overcome is that we need people who visit New Zealand from overseas and New Zealanders themselves to understand that they have environmental responsibilities. We cannot stop people going to the loo in our beautiful places in New Zealand just by the suite of measures we are proposing in the Freedom Camping Bill but they are a good step along the way. They are an excellent step along the way of reminding people who come to New Zealand that we love them—we love people coming to our country; we love the way they spend money in our country and make a contribution to our society—but please they must not foul our environment before they go home. 
The other point is that unless we get on top of this problem we are in danger of people coming to New Zealand from say Sweden parking up against the shores of Lake Wanaka seeing the mess left there and then going back to Sweden and saying that they loved New Zealand but it is actually not as good as New Zealanders crack it up to be. We need to be very careful that we maintain New Zealand’s good image. 
The reason this bill is so good is that it is making a stand. Labour members can lament the fact that the bill will not fix the problem but it will. It will help to fix the problem because we will remind people of their environmental responsibilities. As I say no single measure will fix this problem. Once again it is up to individuals to understand their environmental responsibilities. 
In closing I commend the Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson for her preparedness to act on this issue in advance of the Rugby World Cup. I congratulate Geoff Ensor from the Freedom Camping Forum who has worked so hard across many sectors on this bill. I commend this bill to the House.
Robertson Grant: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Robertson Grant: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:673;Page:19239] 
10. 
GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central) 
 to the  
Minister of Health 
: Does he stand by all his answers to oral question number 5 yesterday? 
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) 
: 
 Taken within the context of the questions yes. 
Grant Robertson 
: Can he therefore confirm that the advice of his ministry was that funding of $576 million was required for demographic and population growth for Vote Health in 2011-12? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: That was in the answer I gave the House yesterday. 
Grant Robertson 
: Does he stand by his earlier statements that the amount of new money for Vote Health in Budget 2011-12 is $420 million meaning that there is a $156 million gap between what is in the Budget and what is needed to keep pace with population and demographic growth? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: One of those figures mentioned by the member is in the press release of 19 May 2011 which has been widely distributed. 
Grant Robertson 
: Why then did the Minister not give upfront answers yesterday on exactly that question and acknowledge that there is a $156 million gap in this Budget between what is needed for meeting population growth and what he has provided? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: I did answer all the questions yesterday and $585 million has been made available for health initiatives this year. 
Grant Robertson 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. We went through this exercise yesterday with the Minister and today. I make the point that we use a lot of supplementary questions for the Minister to obfuscate answers— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: No no. I might have some sympathy with the member but he cannot use the point of order process in that manner. With some Ministers questions have to be very very finely focused. 
Grant Robertson 
: Can he confirm that the Budget figures we have just been discussing do not take account of the $45 million annual cost that district health boards will face when meeting the employer contribution to KiwiSaver thereby making the $156 million gap even larger? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: District health boards will not face that cost until the 2012-13 Budget.
Chauvel Charles: Budget Debate 
Chauvel Charles: Budget Debate 
[Volume:673;Page:19226] 
CHARLES CHAUVEL (Labour) 
: 
 I want to talk about a key aspect of the Budget that concerns me the most. It is the proposal to sell off stakes in Air New Zealand Meridian Energy Genesis Energy Mighty River Power and Solid Energy. 
Sandra Goudie 
: We’re not. 
CHARLES CHAUVEL 
: Ms Goudie has just interjected with a denial but if she has a look at the Budget documents she will see that all the forward projections for revenue and all the forward projections on a fiscal basis relate to and rely on the sale of these assets. It is all very well to say the sales will have to be approved at a general election but the reality is that the sums will not work if this short-sighted policy is followed. Why is it a short-sighted policy? For some time before I came into Parliament I was the deputy chair of Meridian Energy which is the biggest of the State-owned power companies. 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: Political appointment. 
CHARLES CHAUVEL 
: Of course that Minister has never made a political appointment in his life! Meridian Energy is currently valued at $6.3 billion. It is the biggest of the State-owned power companies. If it goes along with the other companies then it will be gone for good. 
What we can do with the revenues with the dividends from those companies is to pay 10300 teachers every year pay 12600 police officers undertake 33000 hip operations pay for 69700 university placements and 91500 polytechnic placements— 
Sandra Goudie 
: Spend spend spend. 
CHARLES CHAUVEL 
: All those spending commitments I say to Ms Goudie are investments in this country and investments in the people of New Zealand. If we sell these assets we will not be able to undertake that spending that investment in people. What will happen when those assets are gone? We do not have the answer to that from the National Government. 
Debate interrupted.
Curran Clare: Budget Debate 
Curran Clare: Budget Debate 
[Volume:673;Page:19153] 
CLARE CURRAN (Labour—Dunedin South) 
: 
 I was talking last night about the way that this Government makes up stuff in the Budget and its policies and about the elaborate charade that this country has been put through for the last 2½ years while the “Minister for Miscommunications and Misinformation” Steven Joyce works out how to give almost $1.5 billion to Telecom to roll out our newest and most important network of ultra-fast broadband. Telecom which in 2009 helped pay for a report that argued why ultra-fast broadband was not necessary has spent much time in the last 2 years trying to delay a decision on broadband because it believes that its existing copper network is sufficient for the country’s broadband needs. It has no incentive to get a wriggle on and deliver fibre to the doors of the people of New Zealand. It will continue to do what it has always done which is to look after its own interests not the interests of New Zealand. 
Steven Joyce who could not get away with handing Telecom a 10-year regulatory holiday or an exemption from the commission on oversight on price will still shortly force through a law in this Parliament that will amongst other things allow the prices of our existing broadband on copper to go up while the new network is installed and there are no guarantees that the vast majority of people will actually be connected for years to come. Take Dunedin Invercargill Napier and Whanganui just for starters. When will they get broadband? “Don’t hold your breath.” is all I can say. There are gaping holes in this programme. I ask where in the Budget is the allocation of the new money that will be needed.
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:673;Page:19149] 
9. 
DARIEN FENTON (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Labour 
: Do Budget changes to the Department of Labour reflect the Government’s commitment to health and safety? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) 
on behalf of the  
Minister of Labour 
: The Budget included no significant net changes to the funding for health and safety and the Government remains firmly committed to health and safety. 
Darien Fenton 
: Can she rule out cuts to the Department of Labour health and safety inspector and front-line positions in the next 12 months; if not how does she plan to protect New Zealand workers from unsafe work practices and accidents like the two that have tragically claimed lives in the last week? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: Yes. There are currently 142 health and safety inspector positions and there is no plan for those to change. The department is currently undertaking a review of the labour group management and support positions which may be affected by the outcome of that but the 142 health and safety front-line inspector positions will not change. 
Darien Fenton 
: Is she concerned that the number of workers completing health and safety representative training has dropped by two-thirds in the last 2 years and what effect does she think this will have on workplace safety? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: I do not have that information to hand. What I can do is to confirm once again that the budget remains unchanged and the number of inspector positions remains unchanged. If the member would like to put that question in writing to the Minister I am sure it will be answered. 
Darien Fenton 
: How will the cuts to the funding for workplace health and safety training a 40 percent cut in this year’s Budget to the Employment Relations Education Contestable Fund and the scrapping of $39 million worth of worker health and safety education through the industry training organisations help to prevent more tragic workplace accidents like the 85 accidents that have occurred in the last 12 months? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: I reject two of the subparts of that question including the suggestion that the health and safety training in industry training organisations is not taking place. I think it is important to point out that in the industry training area it is devoted to obtaining qualifications and skills for workers and that is an important refocusing that the Government has undertaken.
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:673;Page:19148] 
8. 
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
 to the  
Acting Minister for Economic Development 
: What steps has the Government recently taken to support New Zealand’s billion dollar - plus wine industry? 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Acting Minister for Economic Development) 
: 
 Last week in conjunction with the Minister of Customs I was pleased to announce a significant simplification of the wine excise rules. These changes to the thresholds for payment will benefit more than half of New Zealand wineries and they are a common-sense solution to reducing the regulatory burden on our small wine producers. This is just another example of the National Government’s support for the vital export sector. 
Colin King 
: Why has the Government made these changes to the wine excise tax rules? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: Our wine industry is a $1.1 billion export earner for New Zealand. It should not be hobbled by unnecessary red tape and regulations. These changes to the thresholds are the first in 14 years. They are not about reducing the wineries’ tax obligation; they are about aligning their excise payments with their revenue flows. It is a common-sense move that will cut administration costs and in a number of cases will enable some small wineries to actually stay in business.
Borrows Chester: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Borrows Chester: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:673;Page:19147] 
6. 
CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What was the number of individuals on the unemployment benefit in May 2011? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 The May benefit numbers show that 57058 people were on an unemployment benefit—a fall of 1723. Overall there were 328043 people on all main benefits in May; main benefit numbers decreased by 2295. Future Focus changes and increasing business confidence are making a difference. These May figures are encouraging but are slow and modest as well. 
Chester Borrows 
: How many more people were on the unemployment benefit in Canterbury in May compared with the number before the February earthquake? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: Seven hundred and seventeen more people were on that benefit at the end of May which is a lower figure than the many doom and gloom predictions we heard from the other side of the House. Although we anticipate that this figure may well increase as people return to Canterbury and with the Government’s wage support finishing the job market does appear to be holding up better than was expected.