edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
9. America's Cup 2021—VenueDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister for Economic DevelopmentAmerica's Cup 2021—Venue9. Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister for Economic Development: What announcements has the Government made regarding the hosting of the 36th America's Cup?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for Economic Development): Yesterday the Government signed an agreement with Auckland Council and Emirates Team New Zealand to host the 36th America's Cup in Auckland in 2021. This plan will deliver a world-class venue for the event and economic benefits to Auckland and the country. It is a fantastic achievement by the officials involved and testament to the effort this coalition Government has made to reach the best possible outcome.Dr Deborah Russell: What benefits does this venue design provide over other plans?Hon DAVID PARKER: The objective of the Prime Minister Mayor Goff and I was always to minimise the intrusion into the harbour while delivering a top-class venue at the lowest possible cost. This outcome saves tax- and ratepayers more than $50 million compared with other options. It entails the 6600 square metre intrusion into the harbour which is 16000 square metres less than previously proposed. That 16000 square metre reduction is equivalent to 40 waterfront sections of 400 square metres each. Property valued this represents an environmental saving of an additional $50 million meaning our interventions have helped save $100 million in financial and environmental costs.Dr Deborah Russell: What reports has he received about the America's Cup venue?Hon DAVID PARKER: I have received reports congratulating the Government for utilising land on Wynyard Point which results in a better outcome including the legacy of clearing off Stolthaven's southern tank farm. This is in contrast to another report claiming the new Government was wasting time pushing for Wynyard Point preferring that we roll over and accept the plan initially presented to us. If we'd listened to that unsolicited advice in December it would have cost $50 million more and caused significant loss of harbour space and sight lines. Luckily Simon Bridges could not act on his own advice.SPEAKER: Order! Order! Ministers have been reminded on a number of occasions not to use patsy questions from the Government in order to attack the Opposition. As a result of that breach there will be the return of the three remaining questions to the National Party. Can I ask both sides just to have cognisance of the rules.
8. Oil and Gas Industry—Gas Exports and Petroleum ExplorationJONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesOil and Gas Industry—Gas Exports and Petroleum Exploration8. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Is she committed to playing a part in reducing global carbon emissions?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): Yes.Jonathan Young: Will she support the exporting of lower-carbon New Zealand gas to nations currently depending on higher-carbon coal for electricity generation considering that China is currently burning 50 percent of the world's coal and over 70 percent of India's electricity comes from—SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! The member finished his question in the first phrase.Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Thank you Mr Speaker. New Zealand currently does not export any of the gas it produces. In fact to make it transportable in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG) would require significant infrastructural investment. I point the member to the recent investment in Western Australia by Chevron Oil of $45 billion on the Wheatstone LNG plant in order to produce LNG.Jonathan Young: Is the Minister aware that 48 percent of New Zealand's gas is exported as methanol to South-east Asia currently?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: It is not exported as LNG. It has gone through an industrial process that uses gas at the Methanex plants. It is not exported as a gas. The member asks whether we would support it. What this Government has been consistently clear on is that we have a very long-term opportunity here. We have a range of 20- and 30-year horizons for us to do the kind of long-term planning that New Zealanders expect of a responsible Government.Jonathan Young: After she told the New Zealand Petroleum Conference that existing permits are protected can she give assurance to those who currently hold exploration permits but not mining permits that should they apply for a petroleum mining permit following successful exploration this pathway will remain open?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Both the Prime Minister and I have been crystal clear on that point. We have said that existing permits both mining and exploration will be honoured. Of course anyone with an exploration permit will have to go through the appropriate application processes.
7. Defence Minister—Travel and Statements about Mark MitchellHon MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney) to the Minister of DefenceDefence Minister—Travel and Statements about Mark Mitchell7. Hon MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney) to the Minister of Defence: Does he stand by all of his statements?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister) on behalf of the Minister of Defence: On behalf of my colleague the hard-working Minister of Defence most certainly when they're in their context.Hon Mark Mitchell: When the Minister said on RadioLive Drive I will deal with Mr Mitchell." what did he mean by this statement?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: I think he meant that Mr Mitchell is one of those people that says "Do as I say not as I do." For example on 9 June 2017 he took an NH90 which is not positioned in Auckland from—guess where—Whenuapai to that extensively long place away Papakura so he could make a dinner. Now there are other examples if that member wants to hear them.Hon Mark Mitchell: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. During my time as Minister of Defence I never rode in an NH90. [Interruption] Supplementary?SPEAKER: Supplementary question the Hon Mark Mitchell.Hon Mark Mitchell: Following the two dinners the Minister had with Tracey Martin when she requested a C-130 aircraft has the Minister discussed with her how he would "deal with Mr Mitchell"?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: First of all the Minister in question did not have any evidence regarding a C-130—Hon Members: Oh!Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: —and that's a fact. No no—bull dust doesn't work around here. You know we tell the facts.SPEAKER: Order! I know that as has been said in the past the winds of time are changing but I don't think we've got quite to that point. I think the Deputy Prime Minister will be a little more restrained in his language. [Interruption] No.Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: Can I just say Mr Speaker that the allegation made by Mr Mitchell is not correct both as to the dinner and as to demanding a certain aircraft. The reality is of course we were going with a number of National Party MPs as well to the Chatham Islands to open a wharf. We are for celebrating regional achievements not petty picking like that member there.Hon Mark Mitchell: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I'd like the Deputy Prime Minister just to clarify to me—SPEAKER: No no. You can ask another supplementary. That's how you get someone to clarify something.Hon Mark Mitchell: Did the Minister discuss with any of his Government ministerial colleagues his plans on how to "deal with Mr Mitchell"?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: I think it would have been very strange if a Minister or an MP being the subject of false allegations was not to discuss it with some colleagues I suspect but I am not one of them other than to say this: what he did discuss with me of course was on 5 May Mr Mitchell took a jaunt around Auckland on a Seasprite for a media photo op to get stock footage of him playing Top Gun."
6. KiwiBuild—Unitec DevelopmentPRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister of Housing and Urban DevelopmentKiwiBuild—Unitec Development6. PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development: What are the main benefits expected from the announcement he made at Unitec earlier this week?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): On Sunday the Prime Minister and I announced the purchase from Unitec Institute of Technology of 29 hectares of land at their Mount Albert campus. It will be the first major development under the Government's ambitious KiwiBuild programme and will help restore the dream of homeownership to a generation of Kiwi families. It will be a new master planned medium-density community combining a mix of open market KiwiBuild and State houses in the form of terraced housing apartments and townhouses with high-quality urban design. We want to create a place for people to put down roots and to live work learn and play for generations to come.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: Would these benefits have occurred had it not been for the Government's KiwiBuild programme?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Auckland has a housing deficit of around 45000 homes that is growing by about 7000 homes a year. Soon after we came to office I was advised that Unitec was considering selling this beautiful site to property developers which would most likely have resulted in rows of high-priced McMansions" well out of the reach of first-home buyers or worse it would've fallen prey to speculation at the hands of land bankers. KiwiBuild means the Government can step into the broken housing market in Auckland and by working with iwi with the private sector and with Auckland Council deliver quality affordable homes for Kiwi families a vastly better outcome for Auckland.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: How has his announcement been received?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well Unitec chair Dr Lee Mathias said that the proposed development was fantastic and would open the space up to others who will make it their home grow businesses and create a community. The Auckland mayor applauded the vision and ambition of the project. The New Zealand Herald this morning called it a "good use of a large underused area of the city that has been ripe for a plan such as this." Some others have criticised the provision of affordable housing and State houses on the Unitec—primarily those also responsible for the national housing crisis in the first place."
5. Provincial Growth Fund—Decision MakingHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentProvincial Growth Fund—Decision Making5. Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: What specific criteria is he using to determine which projects will be funded by the Provincial Growth Fund?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Regional Economic Development): The question leaves the impression that I solely am responsible for criteria. I would tell the House that there are four Ministers responsible for the determination when decisions are made. They are the Ministers of Finance and Transport and the Minister for the Environment.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Is political advantage to the New Zealand First Party another criterion?Hon SHANE JONES: I would draw the member's attention—I won't spend the House's time on reading out the criteria—to section 62 in the Cabinet paper which has been made abundantly available to the media and to the other sides of the House.Hon Paul Goldsmith: What specifically is he doing to demonstrate the Prime Minister is correct when she says the Provincial Growth Fund is not a political fund?Hon Paula Bennett: Meetings at the surf club?Hon SHANE JONES: Taiho kuikui! [Patience old lady!] I would say that the Prime Minister is absolutely accurate. Not only have I advanced the interests of the provinces as being a Minister but I have been scrupulously faithful to the Cabinet Manual and the Cabinet policy process.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Is he happy with me asking questions on this topic?SPEAKER: No. Hon Paul Goldsmith: Did he recently agree in principle to co-fund the extension of the Clutha Gold Trail cycle trail the same trail his colleague Mark Patterson was the chair of as recently as last year?Hon SHANE JONES: I enjoyed my time down that part of the country and I was hosted by the local mayor—Mayor Cadogan I think is his name. I most certainly assured them that they have a champion in the provinces number one—Hon Simon Bridges: I thought you said it wasn't just you who decided.Hon SHANE JONES: Turituri e tama! [Be quiet young man!] Not only was I handsomely received I advised that particular cycleway trust that they would not need to wait for five long years; they should work as soon as possible with the local mayor to bring forward a proposal that will be attended to by my hard-working colleagues and my good self. Nothing less should be expected from the provincial champion.
4. Nurses' Pay—Minister of Finance's StatementsHon AMY ADAMS (National—Selwyn) to the Minister of FinanceNurses' Pay—Minister of Finance's Statements4. Hon AMY ADAMS (National—Selwyn) to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by all his statements and actions?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Yes in the context in which they were given and undertaken.Hon Amy Adams: Does he stand by his statement on Q+A on 11 March when he agreed that nurses' pay rates are in line for a reasonable bump?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I stand by my full comments there which were in relation to the fact that working New Zealanders' share of economic prosperity wasn't what it should have been over the last nine years.Hon Amy Adams: Does he consider it prudent for a finance Minister to be stoking pay expectations in this way ahead of a significant scheduled pay round?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I was doing nothing of the sort. I reflected the fact in those answers that we as the Government were in the middle of a negotiation. It would be fair to say that nurses teachers and indeed other workers in our economy have been looking back over the last nine years at a Government that consistently underfunded health and now are looking at a Government that actually believes in investing in health and education.Hon Amy Adams: So has he provided district health boards (DHBs) with a funding signal for the upcoming year so they can conduct negotiations knowing the parameters they're operating within?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I believe that it's largely the responsibility of the Minister of Health to provide funding signals to DHBs. What this Government is doing is taking seriously the fact that after nine years and a couple of billion dollars' worth of underfunding in health the Government actually needs to step up and do something and it's pretty rich for the other side of the House to complain now that we have to clean up their mess.Hon Amy Adams: So why is he leaving DHBs in the dark on funding ahead of a significant pay round when his inaction could enhance the chances of a nurses' strike leaving New Zealanders missing out on vital surgery that they need?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I reject the premise of that question. What lies behind the issues in the health system is the fact that the previous Government failed to fund health properly.
3. Reserve Bank—Monetary Policy TargetsKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceReserve Bank—Monetary Policy Targets3. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has he made regarding the Reserve Bank?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): On Monday I signed a new policy targets agreement with the incoming Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr which reaffirmed the Reserve Bank's price stability target and introduced a requirement for employment outcomes to be considered by the Reserve Bank as it makes monetary policy decisions. I also announced Cabinet's recommendations on phase one of the review of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act which provide a pathway to legislating the new objectives for the bank. It also recommends a committee - decision-making structure for monetary policy including the involvement of a minority of external members on that committee. These changes will modernise New Zealand's monetary policy and ensure that it plays its appropriate part in our overall economic strategy.Kiritapu Allan: How will a change to the objectives affect specific monetary policy decisions?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well specific decisions are for the bank to make reflecting their operational independence. What these changes do is ensure that the focus of monetary policy continues to be price stability and that at the same time there is a focus on the contribution to maximum sustainable employment. Such a mandate is common overseas and better reflects the role of monetary policy in the economy.Kiritapu Allan: How do the recommendations from phase one of the review change the way monetary policy decisions are made?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Committee decision-making for monetary policy will deliver better quality decisions over time by harnessing a broad range of perspectives. Committee decision-making for central banks is common practice internationally and in fact has been the practice of the Reserve Bank for some time. We are codifying that and adding in the appointment of a minority of external members. These outside perspectives will be especially important with the widened objectives for the bank. A non-voting Treasury observer will also be able to attend the meetings which will help support the coordination of monetary and fiscal policy.
Wood Michael; Williams PotoMICHAEL WOOD (Labour—Mt Roskill): This bill is about unlocking the growth potential of one of the world's great cities: Auckland City—a place that I am proud to call home. And yet all we hear from the other side of the House is an anti-growth agenda—a group of members of Parliament who don't understand the potential of our biggest-growing city who don't understand that 59 percent of New Zealand's growth over the next 30 years is going to happen in Auckland and who don't understand that since the amalgamation in 2010 Auckland has grown by 180000 people and that every single week 900 new people make Auckland their home. And because we're a great city because we're a growing city we have to take the steps that are required to harness that growth for the benefit of the people of Auckland and New Zealand and not let that growth smother us.But all we have from National Party MPs like the Waldorf and Statler of the East and pull up nappies" Mr Ross and Mr Brown is an antediluvian 1950s view of what you need to invest in for a growing city. Let me tell those members for free over there what this regional fuel tax will fund. For the first time in decades there was agreement between central and local government about how we will plan for Auckland's growth and how we will get our city moving.We will do that by building a world-class congestion-free network. What that means is finally investing in the high-quality modern public transport that every single self-respecting First World city in the world is investing in. I would invite those members to just lift their sights a little bit. Maybe take a little bit of travel the next time you have an opportunity and look at what the successful cities of the world are doing. Look over the Tasman to Australia where Sydney the Gold Coast Brisbane and Canberra are all investing in modern light rail. Look at the great cities of North America. Look at the great cities of Europe. The way they invest in growth is with high-quality public transport that moves thousands of people quickly cleanly and efficiently.We have a challenge in Auckland. We have a problem a congestion problem that is costing us $2 billion in lost productivity every single year and that is costing Aucklanders endless frustration and delays every single day. Today four crashes on the Auckland motorway network—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): I apologise to the member but the debate is interrupted and is set down for resumption next sitting day.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 10 p.m."
Education (Tertiary Education and Other Matters) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
Brown SimeonSIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga): Well thank you very much Mr Speaker. It's a pleasure to take a call on the Education (Tertiary Education and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. Hopefully I can get through my speech on the first round and don't have to wait three times as the member opposite Jamie Strange had to. But let me just congratulate him on his upcoming pending graduation as well. It's a lot of work and effort that you've gone in to doing your Master's. I hope you have a fantastic celebration.So I'd just like to make a couple of comments on this bill another good National Party piece of legislation which we're progressing through in this Parliament. It's great to see that the Government is spending a lot of Parliament's time continuing to progress the agenda which we had progressed through our last three years in our third term in Government.I would just like to make a couple of comments in relation to the bill. It's a piece of legislation which improves the accountability for the tertiary sector improves monitoring and improves outcomes. We have to remember that this is our fourth-biggest industry in New Zealand bringing in $4.28 billion into the economy. So it is important that we ensure we are marketing a product to the world which people can know and have trust and faith in.But I would just like to point out that the Government has made one change to this piece of legislation. And they have not supported the Hon Paul Goldsmith's Supplementary Order Paper 17 which was to ensure that private and public sector both receive the same funding in the tertiary space. Even the Minister Chris Hipkins has publicly stated that the private sector often can do better. So I don't see why we have to pass legislation which continues to put in place a situation where the private sector is seen differently.But we do support this bill. It's a good piece of legislation and we will add that to our long list of things that we will do and fix up when we get back in to Government very soon. Thank you very much.
Strange JamieJAMIE STRANGE (Labour): I certainly do wish to speak on this bill. It's another excellent bill the Government's brought in around the area of education which as I've said before is certainly something that is very dear to my heart having just finished my masters in educational leadership—graduating next month so very excited about that. Hon Dr David Clark: Congratulations.JAMIE STRANGE: Thank you very much. Now I believe I've probably got about one minute to go so this is actually my third—I've got the full 10 minutes?SPEAKER: No less than a minute.JAMIE STRANGE: Oh heck. So this is actually the third time I've tried to finish this speech. I've been cut off twice so fingers crossed for this time.There's just a key focus I'd like to bring out in this bill and that's the focus—Hon David Parker: The name of the bill.JAMIE STRANGE: The Education (Tertiary Education and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. But the focus is on public education. So if there's one thing this Government is absolutely committed to it is funding public education because it's about all Kiwi young people middle-aged and also seniors having the opportunity to study because as we know education provides opportunity.
Mallard TrevorEDUCATION (TERTIARY EDUCATION AND OTHER MATTERS) AMENDMENT BILLThird ReadingDebate resumed from 22 March.SPEAKER: When the House was last considering this bill Jamie Strange was speaking and if he wishes has one minute and 20 seconds to speak.
Valedictory Statement
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2017–18 Employment and Investment Income and Remedial Matters) Bill — Third Reading
Criminal Records (Expungement of Convictions for Historical Homosexual Offences) Bill — Second Reading
van de Molen TimTIM VAN DE MOLEN (National—Waikato): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. Look it's a privilege to rise as our last speaker on this bill and I certainly endorse those comments we've heard previously today and commend this bill. It is well past time and it is actually fantastic to see that this is now happening. To be able to expunge these historical convictions I can just imagine would be such a weight off the shoulders of those people that have had this hanging over their heads unfairly for far too many years. It I believe enables us as a country to actually celebrate our diversity so much better to celebrate the uniqueness that we have as New Zealanders and to recognise that people are different and something like this should not be considered a criminal act.Again I would just like to acknowledge the hard work of the Justice Committee in pushing this through. They've done a fantastic job and hearing some of the stories we've heard earlier today just reiterates the need for this piece of legislation. Also just echoing David Seymour's comments earlier it is a nice recognition to see every party speaking in support of this bill and acknowledging that indeed it is certainly time to address these concerns and to move forward as a much more open and inclusive society. So on that behalf I would like to commend this bill to the House.
Seymour DavidDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker and I rise on behalf of the ACT Party to take a very short call in support of the Criminal Records (Expungement of Convictions for Historical Homosexual Offences) Bill.I can only join with other members in saying that this is a wonderful occasion—to see members from five different parties coming together unanimously to say that these historical convictions are wrong they were hurtful and they should be gone. Indeed it's part of our tradition that we have worked on throughout our history as a nation to gradually expand the sphere of human rights so that people have the right to be who they want to be and act as they wish to act so long as they are harming nobody else.The men who were affected by these convictions did not hurt anybody else in what they did but they were none the less victimised by the State under the laws made by this Parliament. It's an important time for us to remember as lawmakers here in this House that the power of the State that we are charged with restraining can do real harm to the lives of innocent individuals if we get it wrong. That is why we should always exercise restraint in lawmaking. We should always reserve a special place for the rights of the individual when we make laws and we should always look up to the very basic principle that my choice is what I choose to do and if I'm causing no harm it shouldn't bother you; your choice is who you choose to be and if you're causing no harm then you're all right with me.That is a principle on which to make laws and I am so proud to stand here with four other parties unanimously supporting this bill through its second reading because it's the right thing to do and it signals the continued growth of our modern sophisticated liberal and tolerant nation—New Zealand. Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker.
Falloon AndrewANDREW FALLOON (National—Rangitata): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. It's a privilege to be speaking this afternoon on the second reading of the Criminal Records (Expungement of Convictions for Historical Homosexual Offences) Bill.I'd like to commend the current Minister of Justice Andrew Little for progressing the bill but also commend and congratulate the previous Minister of Justice Amy Adams for her dedication. There's been a lot of talk over many years about expunging homosexual offences and I don't think it would've happened without her hard work over the last few years.This bill has been a long time coming. In 1974 a National MP by the name of Venn Young who is the father of Jonathan Young a friend and colleague of ours introduced a bill to permit private homosexual acts. That bill was unfortunately defeated but was revived in the 1980s by Fran Wilde and I'd like to join other colleagues in acknowledging her tonight.The Homosexual Law Reform Act was passed in July 1986 and came into effect in August of that year. The Act decriminalised sexual acts between men aged 16 and over. However convictions prior to that have remained providing a permanent scar for those men who carry them.It was an absolute privilege and honour to sit on the Justice Committee that considered this bill. My colleague Amy Adams has already commented on the collegial atmosphere of that bill. At times it was I think eight members of the committee versus the officials rather than Labour versus National MPs. But that's the way it should be on important legislation such as this. My colleague Matt King has already commented on the very emotional testimony that was given at that committee. Sometimes it was very challenging to sit there and listen to it and hear the stories and the experiences that some of these men have gone through in the past and in more recent years.I'm conscious that this bill will never make up for the hurt that those men suffered over many decades and it won't erase the black stain on this nation's history. It is however the right thing to do and I hope it brings some sense of closure for those men and their families. Every member of this Parliament should be proud to see this bill's passage. Thank you.
King Matt; Williams PotoMATT KING (National—Northland): It's a pleasure to speak on this bill which we all support. Quite frankly it's a no-brainer. I'd like to acknowledge the Hon Amy Adams for the large amount of work that she carried out on this important piece of legislation which was referred to the Justice and Electoral Committee last year. I'd also like to acknowledge the current Government for reinstating this important piece of legislation and I'd like to acknowledge the current Justice Committee chair Raymond Huo. He does a fantastic job.As part of this current Parliament's Justice Committee I've heard some pretty convincing and emotional submissions from people grossly affected by these outdated laws. Quite frankly this legislation is well overdue. It allows people who have previously been convicted of specific sexual acts who in our modern society are now not considered criminals to stand before us and declare that they are conviction free. This fact is very important for many men we have heard from. In my view it is pointless having offences such as these removed from the statute book without having this expungement legislation to accompany it. We have heard some harrowing submissions from members of the public about how this has affected their lives and I want to recount one particular story which stuck with me. We heard from this poor man who recounted how many years ago at the age of 19 he'd been caught and convicted of a sexual act with another male—an offence which has now been removed from the statute book but back then was illegal. He'd been employed in a chosen profession which I won't disclose for privacy reasons for over 30 years very successfully. He decided to take some time away from his profession and return to it a few years later. On returning he applied for two different jobs and he would have been successful but for a refusal due to failing to pass the background checks based on his prior conviction. This background check by an anomaly included references to sections covering sexual offences which are not relevant today due to the removal of the offence from the statute law. Ultimately he was devastated by this and it eventually led to suicide attempts and a very low point in his life. I felt that there was no one in that select committee room that day that did not feel this man's pain. It's one of the reasons why I became a politician: to help right the wrongs. Accordingly we support this very worthwhile and life-changing legislation.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): I call Ginny Andersen. This is a split call; you have five minutes.
Appropriation (2016/17 Confirmation and Validation) Bill — Second Reading
Robertson GrantAPPROPRIATION (2016/17 CONFIRMATION AND VALIDATION) BILLSecond ReadingHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I move That the Appropriation (2016/17 Confirmation and Validation) Bill be now read a second time. Bill read a second time.
Ardern JacindaQuestion No. 1 to Minister—Amended AnswerRt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): I seek leave to correct an answer.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I made reference to 6000 written questions being answered at the time of Clare Curran being questioned in the House. I should be clear that that was the number being managed by the Government at the time not by any one Minister.
O'Connor Damien; Mallard TrevorHon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister of Agriculture): Thank you Mr Speaker. The outbreak of this disease is devastating for too many farming families around this country. I think the cheap politics in this House today shown by the Opposition is a disgrace at a time when too many families will be under huge pressure having to destroy the stock that they have bred and loved and nurtured and looked after. This Government is trying to clean up a mess left by the previous National-led Government which demanded more production from farmers but turned a blind eye to practices that have made this Mycoplasma bovis outbreak worse. The previous Government passed the National Animal Identification and Tracing legislation (NAIT) set up the NAIT system but did not enforce it and it turned a blind eye to obvious evidence and information that says that only 30 percent of farmers were recording farm-to-farm movements. That is not good enough. The Government by its action to cull cattle and check the movement of cattle and ramp up the Mycoplasma bovis response is working to tidy up this mess. We must make changes to our animal tracking system place greater emphasis on farm biosecurity measures and cast aside the laissez-faire approach promoted so long by the previous Government which endangered farmers' livelihoods and has endangered our wider economy.The Opposition can throw stones but their record here is pitiful. When there was a call for leadership they showed none instead choosing to turn a blind eye to the obvious problems of the NAIT system across the farming sector. The National Government was negligent and the effect of their slackness has put our economy at risk. No doubt the Opposition will complain bitterly about the speed of compensation payments to farmers. It's a system that has been set up—SPEAKER: Order! The member's time has expired. The member will resume his seat.
Ministerial Statements — Mycoplasma bovis Outbreak—Culling of Cattle
Hughes Gareth; Mallard TrevorGARETH HUGHES (Green): Kia ora Mr Speaker. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou kia ora. I rise on behalf of the Green Party to support the Minister's statement. We acknowledge the steps taken to control the spread of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis. This will be the largest cull of cattle in New Zealand's history reflecting the importance and the seriousness of this disease to our important dairy and cattle industries. Our thoughts are with the farms affected by this and note that while there will be compensation many will feel the emotional loss of the animals they've raised as well as the investment in time and breeding. We're particularly vulnerable in New Zealand to biosecurity incursions and we note the existing challenges of kauri dieback disease and myrtle rust. We are heartened by the announcement of a review into the funding model a review into the Biosecurity Act and an improvement to National's inadequate National Animal Identification and Tracing scheme. I think what many people in our rural communities would rather see from this House today is a focus on solutions not a focus on scoring political points particularly when the track record was so incredibly dire after the last nine years. Culling 22000 animals is an unfortunate but necessary step to protect these animals and our primary industries and hopefully eradicate Mycoplasma bovis.SPEAKER: The Hon Damien O'Connor in reply and I'll just say to the member in case he happens to look at the clock it starts at five and finishes at three because we don't have a two-minute bell.
Hipkins Chris; Mallard TrevorTUESDAY 27 MARCH 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.SITTINGS OF THE HOUSEHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I seek leave for the House to suspend for the dinner break following the valedictory statement of the Hon Steven Joyce later this afternoon.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is none.
Thursday 22 March 2018 - Volume 728
11. Water Quality—World Water DayANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister for the EnvironmentWater Quality—World Water Day11. ANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister for the Environment: What does he think New Zealanders have to celebrate on World Water Day?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): World Water Day is a time to celebrate the efforts of the many thousands of New Zealanders taking action to improve water quality and to restore our streams lakes and estuaries. I was glad to join the students and staff of Koraunui School today and I congratulate Liz Dave and Di on their excellent efforts over the past five years to improve the state of Stokes Valley Stream. It reminded me that the most important river or stream to most of us is the one that we live the closest to and which we and our communities use.Angie Warren-Clark: What does Auckland have to celebrate on World Water Day?Hon DAVID PARKER: In response to public pressure and showing great leadership Auckland Council intends to bring forward $856 million of investment over the next 10 years to reduce storm weather overflows into the sewerage system. This is expected to reduce sewage flows to city beaches by between 80 and 90 percent and I congratulate Auckland City. This coalition Government believes that in summer New Zealanders should be able to put their heads under the water at their local swimming spot without getting crook and this is an important step in that direction.Angie Warren-Clark: What do the regions have to celebrate on World Water Day?Hon DAVID PARKER: In many of the regions the greater challenge is rivers in rural areas. We're working with stakeholders like environmental NGOs farm groups and the Land and Water Forum on key issues including nutrient load allocation how landowners in a catchment can best share responsibility for reducing nutrient discharges within environmental limits how to manage sediment and what can be done to prevent further damage to our estuaries. The many voluntary actions in partnerships in cities and regions also make a difference and now that New Zealanders have a coalition Government that supports their actions we can make significance progress in improving water quality.
10. Budget 2018—Greater Christchurch Acceleration FacilityHon NICKY WAGNER (National) to the Minister for Greater Christchurch RegenerationBudget 2018—Greater Christchurch Acceleration Facility10. Hon NICKY WAGNER (National) to the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration: Does she stand by all her answers to written questions?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration): Yes.Hon Nicky Wagner: Does the Minister stand by her answer to written question No. 3542 when she said The timing and availability of the $300 million capital acceleration facility is subject to Budget 2018 decisions."?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Yes.Hon Nicky Wagner: Does the Minister agree with Jacinda Ardern when she promised in a statement on 27 August 2017 that this fund would be available and would be "providing certainty for investment and choice for where Christchurch wants to invest"; if so why is the Minister now uncertain about whether this funding will even be available?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: There are no inconsistencies in those statements. Clearly the previous Government did not prioritise the spending on Canterbury and certainly did not leave us $300 million spare in funding that we could just reprioritise in Canterbury. The Prime Minister was outlining a policy. It is obviously going to be the subject of a Budget bid.Hon Nicky Wagner: Can the Minister provide certainty to the House and more importantly to the Christchurch City Council that this funding will be in the Budget as Ms Ardern said—"Labour is putting $300 million on the table ready to be accessed for projects"—so that this funding can be included in the council's long-term plan currently being drafted?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: There is a Budget process. I would have thought the member asking the question herself being a former Minister would have her head around that detail.SPEAKER: No I think the Minister has answered it enough. She's heading in the wrong direction.Hon Nicky Wagner: Can the Minister clarify for the House that she is now saying that they are not as Ms Ardern promised "putting $300 million on the table ready to be accessed"?SPEAKER: And that one is ruled out because it's not a matter of ministerial responsibility. There is no responsibility for a promise made by a party before the election. Previously the member managed to just get them in."
9. Justice System—Sentences for Supplying Synthetic DrugsSIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga) to the Minister of JusticeJustice System—Sentences for Supplying Synthetic Drugs9. SIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga) to the Minister of Justice: Should maximum legislated sentences reflect the seriousness of the crime committed?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Acting Minister of Justice): On behalf of the Minister of Justice yes.Simeon Brown: Why should the illegal supply of synthetic psychoactive substances carry shorter maximum sentences than the supply of cannabis?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Justice the evidence is clear: locking up more people who are suffering from addictions does not fix drug addiction and it does not fix mental health issues. This Government will increasingly treat drug and addiction issues as health issues not justice issues. That's why we are prioritising and investing $8 billion over four years in health and making mental health and addiction a priority.Simeon Brown: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. My question was: why should the illegal supply of synthetic psychoactive substances carry shorter maximum sentences? I don't believe the Minister addressed that.SPEAKER: No no the Minister certainly addressed it. I'm not actually sure in the end that the Minister is responsible for that. But the Minister in her answer addressed that question substantially.Simeon Brown: How does he support the current sentences for those who sell synthetic drugs despite the targeting of poor and homeless by such dealers?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I'm answering on behalf of the Minister of Justice. As I said in my answer to the previous question the evidence is very clear about how we are going to fundamentally address this problem and bring about the change that is needed. This is a Government that will increasingly treat these issues as health issues and not justice issues.Simeon Brown: Does he agree that the current supply of synthetic drugs poses an intolerable risk to the vulnerable in our society which should be reflected in the sentences?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: In answer to the first part of this question—do I agree that the availability of synthetic drugs to people poses a risk?—yes. Do I think that needs to be reflected in the sentences? I have addressed that in my previous answers. We actually want to get to the root of addiction issues and treat this as a health not a justice issue increasingly.Simeon Brown: Does he agree that it is common sense to target the suppliers and dealers holding them to account as so eloquently stated in the House last night by Darroch Ball MP?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: What we want to do is make sure that we actually address these issues in a way that works. The previous Government's so-called war on drugs clearly did not work. We want to invest in ways that will make a meaningful difference.
8. Provincial Growth Fund—AnnouncementsJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentProvincial Growth Fund—AnnouncementsJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First): Thank you Mr Speaker. My question is to the Minister for Regional Economic Development and asks: what recent announcements has he made pertaining to the Provincial Growth Fund?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It's obvious to everybody in the House—and I know I'm breaching the Standing Orders by doing this—but the Minister for Regional Economic Development is not in the House. SPEAKER: He's gone to catch a plane has he? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I would seek leave of the House for this question to be delayed until such a time as Mr Jones is in the House. SPEAKER: Right? No it's been denied. The Rt Hon Winston Peters on behalf of Hon Shane Jones. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister): Could I hear the question again please? 8. JENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: What recent announcements has he made pertaining to the Provincial Growth Fund?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister) on behalf of the Minister for Regional Economic Development: The most recent announcements were threefold. They were to do with the Bay of Islands airport and the building expansion well into the future to take the—Hon Paula Bennett: We want Shane.Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: I know you want Shane but you only get me. [Interruption] Don't worry I'll grow on you. The second was the Paihia wharf extension and also the Russell wharf extension and the Ōpua wharf expansion as well. These are four critical infrastructural measures that did have the overwhelming support and gratitude of former National Party members John Carter Mayor and Murray McCully.Hon Paul Goldsmith: When he announced in an interview with the National Business Review yesterday that Air New Zealand should work quote more professionally and constructively with small airline firms" did he think of the irony of his words?SPEAKER: Order! There is no link to the original question in that.Hon Paul Goldsmith: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The original question was what announcements had he made and I—SPEAKER: Regional growth—Provincial Growth Fund.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Yeah and I'm asking—SPEAKER: And the member made no link to that whatsoever. Is the member going to dispute me now and lose some supplementary or not?Hon Paul Goldsmith: Certainly not Mr Speaker."