edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Wagner NickyHon NICKY WAGNER (National): Thank you very much Madam Deputy Speaker. New Zealand has plenty of clean fresh water but because the flow of our rivers varies naturally over time and because different water bodies use it in different ways water is not always where we need it when we want it. But Kiwis quite rightly expect to be able to have clean fresh drinking-water available in their homes and available in their communities and this bill is a first step towards improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Part 2A the drinking water section of the Health Act 1956. It's only a small step. It's really an administrative bill—a bit of housekeeping. It came as we've heard in response to the Havelock North drinking-water contamination incident in August 2016. That was a significant contamination incident affecting more than 5000 people. Forty-five of them were hospitalised and we believe that for three or four people it contributed to their deaths. So it was an important significant contamination outbreak and we're responding to that. National of course was the Government at the time and we initiated an inquiry into that outbreak and this bill incorporates some of the more straightforward simple administration recommendations that came from that report. As we've heard it's about streamlining the consultation process around water-quality issues so that can be done more quickly when decisions are made. It's about clarifying water safety plans and putting an implementation date with them—which of course is important—and it tidies up the appointment process for drinking-water assessors. As I've said I think the bill can be described as general housekeeping in preparation for major legislative changes which are coming through after we have the Three Waters Review—the three waters being drinking water waste water and stormwater—and that review is presently under way. So the next step—the major part of this legislation—will be far more controversial than this one because it includes discussions about requiring all water supplies to be treated with disinfectant and it's about establishing a dedicated drinking-water regulator and dedicated water suppliers. I would like to take this opportunity to put on record that the people of Christchurch are extremely proud of our pure artesian water. We enjoy being able to drink some of the best-quality water in the world from our taps. We do not want that to change and we are resolutely opposed to mandatory water treatment. But fortunately that is an issue for another bill and this is but the first step. So I commend this bill to the House.
Doocey MattMATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I take a call to rise in support of the Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Bill in the first reading. Like that last speaker the Hon Ron Mark I too am very much looking forward to the submissions process. I think it will be very interesting to hear the submissions. It would be very easy to think of this bill as a highly technical bill which it is but equally we know when we are talking about water that it can be highly emotive and it will be very interesting to hear the submissions that will speak to this bill.Can I also take a quick opportunity to acknowledge the Hon Ron Mark for taking the time out to attend the Waimakariri on the weekend to open the new Rangiora RSA. I know the veterans there were very happy that the Minister had taken time out to officially open that facility. I know for him it's a bit like Welcome home" to come back to Waimakariri as well.I did feel like potentially maybe wearing a pair of gumboots and a black singlet for this speech. It reminds me of Fred Dagg "We Don't Know How Lucky We Are". I think like many young New Zealanders who take off on their OE around the world we quickly realise that—water I think for New Zealanders we have been fairly complacent about and to a point we are still very complacent about it. I think what the Havelock North inquiry did and the issues there that drove the course of events shook us somewhat out of that complacency. To hear the Minister of Health today say quite genuinely that potentially 100000 New Zealanders might be getting sick from water every year is concerning. I think the role of Government in this space of working with local government and iwi and other stakeholders is to provide some leadership and to work through the issues—yes it will be very emotive but actually to show some leadership to work through what are very serious issues potentially focused on water supply.I'd be very interested to hear from submitters the variance of views—I know in my electorate of Waimakariri a full broad spectrum. We have the highest number of lifestylers in New Zealand ranging from alpaca farmers to olive growers right through to high growth urban areas like Kaiapoi and Rangiora. So a full spectrum of some people drawing from their own bores right through to using reticulated metropolitan systems.I think all those groups are going to have very distinct views and I'd welcome them making a submission. I'm very much looking forward to how this adds a small bit—because as we've heard from previous submitters the Three Waters review will be a significant piece of work but quite rightly these technical amendments should work complementary towards that. I commend this bill to the House. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker."
Reti ShaneDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It's a pleasure to take a short call on this bill which we will be supporting to select committee. This bill has a long history. If we look at the drinking-water standards in New Zealand the core of this bill makes amendments to the 1956 Health Act which clearly is quite old. It was re-amended in 2007 as the Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Act and then in the 2013 Health Amendment Act. As we've heard the Havelock North inquiry has been the hastener of this bill particularly for Part 2 which talks to the policy settings. The bill itself has four main provisions.The first provision is the mechanism by which the Ministry of Health makes changes to the drinking-water standards. As we've heard the before and after situation is before there was three years' consultation required; that will come down to just adequate consultation". And gazetting for two years will come down to 28 days clearly needing to be more responsive but also acknowledging technological advances whereby we can assess water as compared to the 1956 Act.The second of the four provisions is the water safety plans—requiring a timeliness of them. Now a water safety plan was initially known actually as a public health risk management plan for drinking-water supplies and it was amended in 2013 to become the water safety plans. I'm sure we'll hear more about this in select committee but a water safety plan has three main parts to it. It talks about the source it talks about treatment and it talks about distribution. Of the source part it primarily focuses on groundwater and roof. The treatment process part part two is quite extensive. It talks about pre-treatment treatment filtration disinfection fluoridation and transmission—so we'll have a lot of discussion I'm sure in select committee around that. As I mentioned the third part is distribution.The third main provision that this bill enables is the appointment of drinking-water assessors. And again I expect to know more about that from select committee but they have three fundamental processes—a water assessor—that is to assess the performance of drinking-water suppliers and their compliance with the water safety plan; secondly to notify appropriate officials of any issues; and thirdly to assess the competence of the people who are actually analysing the drinking water.The fourth and last provision to this bill is removing redundant notifications of designated ports and airports. As I look back through the old Act it wasn't clear why it was there in the first place. It was sort of lumped together with bulk suppliers network suppliers water carriers and designated ports and airports and so this is primarily an administrative task labelling everything henceforth as "water carriers".I'm looking forward to this bill coming to select committee and I commend it to the House here now."
Earthquake Commission Amendment Bill — Second Reading
Woodhouse MichaelHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I too will make a short call in support of this motion just pointing out a couple of the features of it that I think are pertinent to Parliament's consideration of it.My father was a tobacconist. He was a barber and he'd sell pipe tobacco and cigarettes. He would sit very keenly listening to—Hon Chris Hipkins: Muldoon?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: Mostly Muldoon actually in the mid-1970s who was also Minister of Finance at 7 o'clock on what I'm pretty sure was a Tuesday night. As Mr Brownlee has indicated very little had been released. We would rush to the service station but Alan would—my father would know how grumpy his customers would be the following morning as he changed the price of cigarettes and tobacco. Of course we're well past that but I think the principle of holding the Budget earlier in the week probably on a Tuesday is a sensible one. It certainly gives the House and its members and the media and public a great deal of time through that peak of the week to examine the Government's intentions in that regard and I support it.I just want to touch quickly on the second part of the motion and that is an Estimates week which was attempted this year actually. As a member of the Standing Orders Committee of the 51st Parliament we did discuss the question—indeed the report talked about the increasing expectation that select committees should meet more often in a recess week. Now for various reasons which I understand that hasn't been quite so successful except I note for what was effectively a notion of Estimates week this year. I'm not even sure if it was called as such and indeed some Ministers weren't able to be present because they were overseas or otherwise committed and that's understandable. But I think that while paragraph 2 of the motion does indicate that the Estimates week can be held in a sitting week I would be interested to see how that discussion in the Business Committee goes because I don't think it absolutely needs to be. Indeed it might give select committees more of an opportunity to scrutinise the vote. But I also note my understanding that the Leader of the House has made a commitment that if it is in a sitting week there be no controversial legislation that would require the House members to be split between a careful examination of the Budget and the robust examination of bills which they don't support.In saying those comments I'm very happy to add my support to this sensible motion.Motion agreed to.
Swarbrick ChlöeCHLÖE SWARBRICK (Green): I rise to take another short call on this motion and state that the Green Party will of course be supporting it as it was well fleshed out at Business Committee. I think that the details of what is being proposed have been well established by the speakers much more experienced than I am who have risen so far. The Green Party supports this motion.
Tabuteau FletcherFLETCHER TABUTEAU (Deputy Leader—NZ First): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It's a pleasure to take this call on behalf of New Zealand First in support of some common-sense changes to what we do in this House in terms of how the Budget's set out and the timing around it. As the honourable member Gerry Brownlee previously enunciated to the House—and quite eloquently if I do say so myself—we now have a sensible option where the House has the ability now to introduce the appropriations bill on the Budget any sitting day of the week. We support that. I think that flexibility as noted does offer opportunity.Then I think I would simply add to the conversation by noting that the extension of time for which select committees can examine the Budget is fundamental to good democracy and I congratulate the Business Committee for the way that they have worked together on this. I think New Zealand First sees this as simply an opportunity for more transparency more accountability and a move towards a sensible common-sense approach in terms of the Budget in New Zealand. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.
Seymour DavidDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): I want to join with other parties on behalf of ACT in commending the Leader of the House for this wise and inspired sitting programme. And I want to invite him to ask me for advice more often because I could have actually told him that while it was mathematically beautiful to go four two four two four two knowing that that would fit with the school holiday programme of 10 two 10 two 10 two—it must've seemed like a beautiful idea but it wasn't a wise one because it meant that a Government that might've got itself into a little bit of trouble had nowhere to hide potentially for a whole month. I think the Government could be in a lot of trouble next year and that's why they have presented a calendar with a lot more hiding places.I say this to the Government too—Fletcher Tabuteau: You just said it was your idea.DAVID SEYMOUR: It's the idea I would have given to this Government Mr Tabuteau because I know they're going to be in a lot of trouble next year. The other thing I'd say to the Leader of the House is there's an old maxim that a socialist is somebody who sits and thinks but mostly sits. I put it to him that this Government has done far too much sitting and not enough thinking. That's why there's been so much time spent going into extra time—or an extended sitting as it's called here in Parliament—because they hadn't thought it through beforehand.They might take a bit of advice from Martin Luther King Jr who said I have lots to do today so I must pray for an extra hour." I'd say to the Government I'd say to the Leader of the House maybe the way to get more done is to think it through a bit more before he brings bad legislation to the House and gets into trouble. I'd say one last thing to the Leader of the House and to members. There's this place outside Parliament there's this place outside Wellington: it's called New Zealand. I actually don't think it's a bad thing that members are going to take six weeks or maybe even longer and talk to New Zealanders. This is a House of Representatives and it's hard to represent without actually going and talking to people.You know in the great state of Texas—one of the most prosperous in the United States—their House sits for only three months a year. This means that the property rights of Texans are safe for nine months a year. I think it would be a wonderful thing for New Zealand if this House sat a bit less and the property rights of New Zealanders were safe for a greater portion of the year. Nevertheless this is the sitting programme that the Leader of the Opposition has put up—sorry the Leader of the House; if he put it up we'd probably be here a lot less. The Leader of the House has given us a sitting programme which is wiser than the one that he gave us. I just encourage him to reflect on legislating a little bit more wisely next year so he doesn't have to spend so much time in extended sittings making up for all the mistakes of his fellow Ministers. Nevertheless I'm still happy to support the motion and the programme. Thank you Mr Speaker.Motion agreed to."
Swarbrick ChlöeCHLÖE SWARBRICK (Green): Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. Just adding my voice in support to this motion—I think it's relatively non-controversial and think that it'll be fantastic for us to experience particularly as first-time members in this House a new format around the weeks and the recesses. I tautoko the point made by Mark Patterson previously and am enjoying rising to speak in my unprecedented new position as chief whip of the Greens. Gareth will be back next week.
Patterson MarkMARK PATTERSON (NZ First): It falls on me in my newly found status of chief whip of New Zealand First to respond to the motion that's been put forward. In terms of the pre-Christmas—SPEAKER: I hope the member's getting the pay. MARK PATTERSON: No I'm not—we're going to have to discuss that. But in terms of the pre-Christmas sitting days New Zealand First totally supports the extension. You will not find a plumber or a builder or a shearer or a nurse out in New Zealand that will shed a single crocodile tear that we should be coming here and expected to fulfil our duties and responsibilities that they elected us to do. In terms of the sitting programme going through a bit and the extended hours and the ability of this Government to push through legislation at record pace it is very hard I might say to push back against such a weak and dispirited Opposition who are disarrayed. We are trying to give them time to properly execute their position as Her Majesty's Opposition and to challenge our legislation that's coming through and we are seeing debates folded left right and centre. We are ready on this side of the House—you bring it on. In terms of the length of the break that was mentioned by Gerry Brownlee the previous speaker I think it is actually really important that we have a good proper break over this sitting block. There is a lot of pressure on members in this House—particularly I would say our executive. It's a really relentless position and I think that we need—everyone's only human and we need to have some space to get away with family and friends and to reboot so that we can come back and make good decisions on behalf of the people of New Zealand. In terms of the sitting arrangements for next year or the proposed programme we totally support that. Of course as a new member of the House—and for those of us that have come into the House post the 2017 election that's all we've ever known so we just get on and do it but of course those that have been here longer have been whingeing and moaning quite a bit about the schedule. Maybe they should consider their motivations. But the new members will acquiesce I'm sure to those wishes. The total quantum of the sitting blocks is still the same. We're just slicing it and dicing it a different way and if it can be done in a more user-friendly fashion then New Zealand First is more than happy to endorse that. So thank you Mr Speaker.
Copyright (Marrakesh Treaty Implementation) Amendment Bill — First Reading
Visitors — Republic of Indonesia—Speaker of the House of Representatives
Hipkins ChrisSITTINGS OF THE HOUSEHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That the House's sitting programme for 2018 be varied by the addition of sitting days on 18 and 19 December 2018; that at the conclusion of the sitting held on Wednesday 19 December 2018 the House adjourn until 2.00 pm on Tuesday 12 February 2019; and that the sitting programme for 2019 be as follows:February 12 13 14 19 20 and 21;March 5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 and 21;April 2 3 4 9 10 11 and 30;May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23 28 29 and 30;June 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 and 27;July 23 24 25 30 and 31;August 1 6 7 8 20 21 22 27 28 and 29;September 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 and 26;October 15 16 17 22 23 and 24;November 5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 and 21;December 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 and 19.The motion that I'm putting forward today does exactly what it says on the tin: it sets out the sitting programme for next year—the days on which the House is intended to sit—and it also extends the House's sitting programme by one more week for this year.The sitting programme for next year is recommended to the House by the Business Committee in a report to the House. This year that report was made on 20 September. I note that that was a month earlier than it has previously been made I hope enabling not just members but everybody to plan a little better for the 2019 year.As for the shape of the new year I have listened to the feedback that I've received about the sitting programme this year. Some members apparently don't like sitting for four weeks in a row on a regular basis and so we have listened to that feedback and reverted to a regular pattern of two- and three-week sitting blocks separated by one-week adjournments with two-week breaks during the school holidays.It is important to note that select committees may still meet when the House is not sitting and in fact I encourage them to do so.Three weeks in the middle of the year around July have been set aside as a non-sitting period in order to accommodate the Youth Parliament when many members will be here with their Youth MPs as well. In total the House is scheduled to sit for 90 days next year in line with the requirements of the Standing Orders. This motion also extends this year's sitting programme by an extra week meaning the House will now rise—not quite another week but another couple of days—on Wednesday 19 December allowing extra time for the Government's very ambitious and transformative programme of legislation for the first year to be completed.There's plenty more to come in 2019 which will be a busy and exciting year for the Government and for the Parliament and I thank the parties on both sides of the House for supporting this motion setting out the sitting programme.
Faafoi KrisCOPYRIGHT (MARRAKESH TREATY IMPLEMENTATION) AMENDMENT BILLFirst ReadingHon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Broadcasting Communications and Digital Media): I move That the Copyright (Marrakesh Treaty Implementation) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Bill read a first time. Bill referred to the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee.
Mallard Trevor; Brownlee GerryURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDRetail Electricity Market Withdrawal—Payless EnergyIndustrial Action—Ministry of Justice StaffSPEAKER: I have received two letters from David Seymour seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 Payless Energy's intention to withdraw from the retail electricity market and the industrial action being taken by the Ministry of Justice staff.In the first case Speaker Smith ruled that in order to hold an urgent debate There must be distinct governmental responsibility for the particular case which it is sought to debate." That's Speaker's ruling 191/3. The Minister has no responsibility for an electricity retailer. It is not sufficient that a Minister has overall responsibility for a sector. In the second case the decision by the Employment Court confirming current law does not meet the criteria for a particular case of recent occurrence. Therefore both applications are declined. I call on Government order of the day No. 1.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I appreciate the ruling that you've just made on the first application by the honourable David Seymour but I would point out and I think it's worth your considering the extent to which there is ministerial responsibility in an environment where the overwhelming amount of generated capacity that can be offered into the market is offered by the generators that are substantially owned by the New Zealand Government. The question is: have those generators been exercising market power in a way that has forced a discount retailer to exit the market? That is a very serious point. It goes to the heart of concerns about the rising cost of living for New Zealanders and in particular it relates to the security of supply not only in the industry but to the very households which is a prime responsibility of the Minister of Energy and Resources. You have multiple Ministers who could have been called on that particular issue.SPEAKER: I want to thank the member for his comments. Quite obviously the letter was not framed in those terms—one could tell from the way that I ruled it out—but even if it had been I think it would be a very big call for this House to have a debate because some people had to change their electricity retailer. I call on Government order of the day No. 1.Hon Gerry Brownlee: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: Well no—Hon Gerry Brownlee: I'm not challenging you.SPEAKER: No you are challenging me.Hon Gerry Brownlee: No I'm defending myself.SPEAKER: No. The member will resume his seat. I have ruled on those applications. I have called Government order of the day No. 1 and we will proceed now."
Hipkins Chris; Brownlee GerryBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Today the House adjourns until Tuesday 27 November. During the first week of the final sitting block of the year the legislation to be considered by the House will include the committee stage of the Child Poverty Reduction Bill and the second readings of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Monetary Policy) Amendment Bill. Wednesday 28 November will be a members' day.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I wonder if the Leader of the House would be able to indicate whether or not it is the Government's intention to take extended hours sittings as was previously suggested.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): That's currently still the Government's intention although I note that legislation is moving very quickly at the moment so we will keep that under review.
Mallard TrevorVISITORSRepublic of Indonesia—Speaker of the House of RepresentativesSPEAKER: I have much pleasure in welcoming the Rt Hon Bambang Soesatyo Prijono the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia and his delegation who are present in the gallery and accord the Speaker a seat to the left of the Chair. [Applause]
Mallard Trevor; Allan KiritapuTHURSDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIASPEAKER: In order to commemorate a culturally significant event in our nation's history Te Waru o Noema—the hundredth anniversary of the Rātana faith—I have asked Kiritapu Allan to commemorate this event through this dedication.KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour): E te Māngai e ngā Anahera Toru e te Tokotoru Tapu. Ka tuku whakamoimiti atu mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga ki ā mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou whāinga whaiaro katoa. Ki te taha ka mihi mātou ki te Kuini me te īnoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ā mātou whakaaroarohanga kia mōhio ai kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere. E ngā take o Te Whare nei mō te oranga te maungārongo me te aroha o Aotearoa ko te Māngai hei tautoko mai? Āianei ake nei āe.[To you the Mouthpiece the Faithful Angels and the Holy Trinity. I hereby offer my gratitude for the prayers that have been delivered for us. We cast aside all of our personal ambitions. We also pay our gratitude to the Queen and ask her for guidance for our tasks ahead. Let us consider these matters carefully and with humility. As to the matters before the House to bring peace prosperity and happiness to New Zealand. May the Divine Mouthpiece confirm this prayer. Now and for ever yes.]
Tuesday 6 November 2018 - Volume 734
Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Clauses 1 to 3
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 55New Zealand National 55.Motion agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 1 agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 152 in the name of Jonathan Young to clause 2 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 55New Zealand National 55.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 2 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 3 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Clause 3 agreed to.House resumed.Bill reported without amendment.Report adopted.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the schedule be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Schedule agreed to.
Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 2
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Motion agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Part 2 agreed to.Schedule
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 151 in the name of Gareth Hughes to Part 1 be agreed to.Amendments not agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 148 in the name of Jonathan Young to clause 6A be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 55New Zealand National 55.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Amendment not agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 149 in the name of Jonathan Young to insert new clause 6B be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 55New Zealand National 55.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Amendment not agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 150 in the name of Jonathan Young to clause 7 be agreed to.Ayes 55New Zealand National 55.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 1 be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Part 1 agreed to.
Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 1
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the motion be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1.Motion agreed to.
12. Question No. 12—Internal AffairsCHRIS BISHOP (National—Hutt South) to the Minister of Internal AffairsQuestion No. 12—Internal Affairs12. CHRIS BISHOP (National—Hutt South) to the Minister of Internal Affairs: Which Ministers if any have been provided with a copy or executive summary of the final report of the Government Inquiry into the Appointment Process for a Deputy Commissioner of Police and when were those Ministers provided with those copies or summaries?Hon TRACEY MARTIN (Minister of Internal Affairs): My office delivered a copy to the office of the Prime Minister yesterday.Chris Bishop: Does the report of the inquiry into the appointment process for a Deputy Commissioner of Police recommend that the appointment process be reopened?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: I will not discuss any recommendations—for or otherwise—inside the inquiry until the full process of the inquiry around its release has been clarified.Chris Bishop: Is she comfortable with the fact that the confidential versions of all information and correspondence provided by police the State Services Commissioner the Department of Corrections the Ministry of Justice the Minister of Police and Deputy Commissioner Haumaha will be suppressed until 2 November in the year 2068?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: I think the member has misunderstood as the members of the press have misunderstood the chair's posting up on the Internal Affairs website. That is around transcripts and information that was provided for her to actually write the report. That is what the suppression is: transcripts and so on. That is what was put inside the Inquiries Act by the previous Government to ensure that people who we need to come forward have confidence to give testimony in an inquiry and can be confident around their privacy.Chris Bishop: Will she be discussing the report and the next steps the Government will be taking with the State Services Commissioner and/or the Solicitor-General?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: My office is currently taking legal advice around the process to hand over to the Minister of State Services and the process with which to do pre-releases to those who need to see the report—e.g. those who participated in it—and then when that report will be released. We are trying to release the report as quickly as possible.
11. Question No. 11—Commerce and Consumer AffairsMICHAEL WOOD (Labour—Mt Roskill) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsQuestion No. 11—Commerce and Consumer Affairs11. MICHAEL WOOD (Labour—Mt Roskill) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What reports has he seen on banking culture and conduct?Hon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): A review of bank conduct released yesterday by the Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank of New Zealand has identified instances of poor conduct by staff and weaknesses in bank processes to manage them. The findings of the report are a concern to the Government as we want a fair banking system that is in the interests of all New Zealanders. Although the conduct and culture issues do not appear to be widespread there are weaknesses within bank systems and controls that have resulted in poor conduct and instances of consumer harm. This is not good enough and banks have their work cut out for them to address the problems of conduct and culture in the report and ensure New Zealanders have confidence in their banking system.Michael Wood: What work is under way to provide reassurance to bank customers?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: We have had work under way since we came into Government in terms of changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act to target irresponsible lending the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill and also the insurance contract law review. We've asked officials to begin work on where we should go post the report being delivered today if we need to take further regulatory action. The Government does have a role to play in strengthening the way the banks conduct given their conduct within their own businesses. At the same time the sector also needs to take a greater responsibility for ensuring that misconduct does not occur and needs to focus on long-term customer outcomes.Michael Wood: What are the next steps for banks regulators and Government in response to the report's findings?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: The Government expects to see banks proactively address their conduct and culture issues. They will be receiving an individualised work programme from regulators and will report back in March where they must provide their plan for addressing their shortfalls. I want to see better checks and balances in place to ensure poor conduct does not continue in New Zealand banks. The bottom line is that a New Zealand customer should get fair and appropriate treatment and consumers' needs should be put first.
9. Question No. 9—Housing and Urban DevelopmentANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of Housing and Urban DevelopmentQuestion No. 9—Housing and Urban Development9. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development: Does he stand by his statement that if the KiwiBuild Buying off the Plans initiative targets are met the total financial value may be between $3.7 billion and $4.7 billion over three years and what KiwiBuild developments have been announced so far through the Buying off the Plans initiative?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): Yes. The Government has announced 25 homes in Onehunga; 211 homes in Queenstown Lakes with 10 KiwiBuild homes to be completed by Christmas 2019; 20 homes in Mount Albert; 175 homes in Te Kauwhata with 10 KiwiBuild homes there to be completed by Christmas 2019; and 10 homes in Ōtāhuhu with a further nine being built by June 2019.Andrew Bayly: How many houses in the Buying off the Plans development in Wānaka did not receive any applications to purchase before the ballot close date was extended?SPEAKER: Order! No hang on. I'm just going to reflect on whether that question actually relates—oh I'll be liberal and let it go but in future can the member make sure that the supplementary question relates either to the primary question or to the answer. Just saying KiwiBuild" doesn't get it there.Hon PHIL TWYFORD: I don't have that number to hand but I'm happy to get it if the member puts the question down in writing.Andrew Bayly: What is he planning to do if houses KiwiBuild has underwritten in Wānaka and other such Buying off the Plans developments cannot be sold at the price agreed between KiwiBuild and the developer?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The nature of the Buying off the Plans scheme is that there's an underwrite by the Crown. So in the event of a KiwiBuild home being unsold at the end of the contracted period the Crown then purchases it and can onsell it.Andrew Bayly: Can he confirm that KiwiBuild will not be permitted to sell houses at a discount to the original price agreed with the developer?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: No."
8. Question No. 8—EducationJAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 8—Education8. JAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What steps if any has the Government taken to support teachers in classrooms?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): The Government recognises the importance of the teaching profession and we're committed to lifting the status of teaching and ensuring that our teachers are respected and valued. Sunday's announcement of 600 learning support coordinators in schools builds on the $40 million investment we've already been making in teacher supply and recruitment initiatives. We've abolished national standards we've restored the right of teachers to elect their own members to their own regulatory council we've got a task force working on reducing red tape and compliance workload we've been listening to teachers and we are taking action to address all of the concerns they have been raising.Jan Tinetti: What else is the Government doing to support the teaching workforce?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: It's now no secret whatsoever that we have a serious teacher shortage. We've already provided funding for over a thousand teachers to refresh their training so that they can return to the classroom. Our international recruitment campaign has so far identified over 500 appropriate candidates ready for appointment to vacancies and we've launched a nationwide mentoring programme to support new teachers to get their careers off to a great start. We are pulling out all of the stops to clean up the mess that we inherited.
7. Question No. 7—ImmigrationHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 7—Immigration7. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Immigration: Does he stand by all of his statements and actions in relation to Karel Sroubek also known as Jan Antolik?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister of Immigration): Yes in the context of the information that I had available to me at the time.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is he satisfied that at the time he made his decision to grant residency to Mr Sroubek he had a reasonable summary of the criminal charges laid against him in New Zealand between 2009 and 2016 and of the outcome of those charges?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: As the member is aware there is an investigation under way into this matter. It's important that I do not prejudice the investigation or possible further action as a result. Because of this ongoing work it is not in the public interest for me to answer the question at this time. I will be able to provide more information at the appropriate time.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Did any member of Parliament advocate on Mr Sroubek's behalf?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: No.Hon Michael Woodhouse: If it is appropriate for the Minister to say what information he didn't have why is it not appropriate now for him to say to the House what information he did have?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: For all the reasons that I've just explained.Hon Michael Woodhouse: If it isn't in the public interest to answer certain questions prior to the conclusion of his investigation will he commit to a full release of the investigation's findings once it is concluded?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I will commit to the release of the appropriate information at the appropriate time.
3. Question No. 3—FinanceTAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 3—Finance3. TAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Last week the World Bank released its Doing Business 2019 report ranking New Zealand at number one in the world for ease of doing business. The report specifically comments that the top three countries led by New Zealand exemplify a business-friendly environment. This is another real-life example of the strength of New Zealand's underlying economic and business fundamentals. These are supported by the coalition Government's business-friendly plan which includes infrastructure investment skills and training support for Kiwi businesses and research and development support.Tamati Coffey: What other reports has he seen on the Government's role in the strength of the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I have seen analysis from a well-known commentator who said quote For now the economy is holding up nicely despite all the numbers around confidence there is a $5.5 billion surplus genuinely solid growth there are … shortages in the workforce interest rates are low all the ingredients are there to argue economic credibility." I can confirm to Mike Hosking that the Government is working alongside businesses and training institutions to address the skills shortages he references. Tamati Coffey: What reports has he seen from Treasury on the future strength of the New Zealand economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Treasury's latest set of forecasts released at Budget 2018 showed forecast growth of about 3 percent on average—Hon Member: They're very unreliable.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: —actually they're very reliable—over the next few years. Since these forecasts we've continued solid underlying growth in the New Zealand economy although there are increasing risks around the international situation which we need to keep an eye on. I can inform the House today that Treasury's next set of forecasts will be released in the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update alongside the Budget Policy Statement 2019 on Thursday 13 December."
Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
Henare PeeniHon PEENI HENARE (Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector): Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. Thank you for this opportunity in concluding the speeches on these particular bills—excellent bills. I want to congratulate the work of Jan Logie and of course the Hon Andrew Little for ushering these bills through the House. It is a momentous occasion for this country when we can actually take these matters very seriously. So I do want to commend these bills to the House.Bills read a third time.
Family Violence Bill & Family Violence (Amendments) Bill — Third Readings
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER: Before I call the member our adjustments earlier have I think probably resulted in two National Party members thinking that they've still got the call. And I want to indicate that I will call both of them before—[Interruption] No we're not taking that approach. I will call both of them—full calls—in a row before we revert back to the last speaker.
Bennett DavidHon DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East): I find myself in a very unusual position in this House of thanking the Speaker. Maybe it's because of the bipartisan nature of this bill that parties come together and even the greatest enemies can come together and share a moment of hilarity. But it won't last—I'm sure of that. But thank you Mr Speaker—back to normal tomorrow at question time.SPEAKER: No just speak to the bill now.Michael Wood: This is torture—I wish I had objected!Hon DAVID BENNETT: Yes. But I was nearly finished Mr Wood. I was on the last point so I won't take too much longer. Your objection wasn't really needed; it would've been a short resumption of the call anyway. I had been aware it was a 10-minute call so that's why my guidance as to the timing wasn't so important.When we come to the Minister of Justice—this is the last change—having the ability to issue codes of practice relating to service delivery that's something that on this side of the House we didn't think was ultimately necessary as part of the review of this bill.But in essence I think there will be a lot of people in this House and in the communities that we serve that want to see change in this area. It is something that creates so much harm in our community. It can lead to so many lives being lost in the sense of opportunity and chances for people to succeed and actually become the best they can through family violence. So I think anything we can do that is jointly supported through this House is a good move and a good sign to New Zealanders that we take this issue very seriously and wish to have the best solutions for our communities that we can.So once again thank you Mr Speaker. We will resume our normal code of practice tomorrow.
Carter David; Woodhouse MichaelRt Hon DAVID CARTER (National): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I don't believe the member's time has expired. We got off to a false start because at the very start of this when you reintroduced the bill you should have announced that Raymond Huo had eight and a half minutes—SPEAKER: The member will resume his seat. It's not been the practice in the last year where members who are absent are called. Chairs or I certainly have always looked to see if the member's absent. I haven't drawn attention to the absence of a member. When the bill was being called the next person just takes a call. If the member really wants to have another five minutes I'm prepared to seek the leave of the House for that to happen. But I will remind members to stay alert to the fact that they should take the call. I seek the leave for David Bennett to have another five minutes. Is there any objection?Michael Wood: Yes.SPEAKER: There is none. David Bennett.Hon David Bennett: Mr Speaker there was objection from Michael Wood.SPEAKER: No no there wasn't. I think it was just—[Interruption] Order! Order! Did a member object?Michael Wood: Yes I did object Mr Speaker.Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker you may well be correct in your understanding of the practice of this House but I can tell you that the other presiding officers have continued the practice of announcing that there is some time to go and then checking whether the member wanted to continue the call. I would also further add that a change of that nature is usually set out in some kind of announcement or amendment to Speakers' rulings. I'm not sure that the House has actually seen that.SPEAKER: Well I certainly haven't announced that. I just work on the basis that a member who isn't here can't take the call. It's relatively simple. Unless it's a Minister who is in charge of a bill and that is a different situation because the Minister's time of course can be picked up by another Minister. Now and I know it's an unusual practice and it's irregular I'm going to look at Michael Wood and I'm going to put the question again and seek leave for David Bennett to have a further five minutes. Is there any objection? Hon Member: Go Michael.SPEAKER: Where did that come from? I call David Bennett.