edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Brownlee Gerry: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Brownlee Gerry: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:19] 
GERRY BROWNLEE (Deputy Leader—National) 
: 
 This motion proves just how hollow the claim in the Speech from the Throne was that the age of winner-takes-all politics is gone. If it had gone then the motion would have nominated someone from this side of the House for an Assistant Speaker’s position. 
I respond to Dr Cullen’s rather acerbic comments of a few moments ago suggesting that Mrs Hartley was rather unfairly treated as Deputy Speaker at the time. I tell him that we reject that utterly. Yesterday this House unanimously installed Margaret Wilson as the Speaker. Every party expressed its deep respect for her abilities as shown in that position. The reality is that if no one in this House is any more elected than anyone else then whoever sits as a presiding officer has to have the confidence of all the House in order to be able to exercise the authority that gives it any sort of direction. So we will move an amendment to the motion. We will nominate— 
Hon Dr Michael Cullen 
: Oh not Brian Connell. 
GERRY BROWNLEE 
: Dr Cullen will have his fun but let me make it very clear. Labour’s intention in putting Ann Hartley in the position of Assistant Speaker is to simply create a transit lounge before she goes off to Niue. That is the deal. We know that it will not be long before Dianne Yates explodes in such an apoplectic way that Labour will have to do something for her. We know that Dover Samuel’s days as a Minister are dependent on the term of one or two high commissioners around the place. There will be an exit from the Labour benches into all sorts of preferred positions as it tries to manage its own caucus. We believe that in nominating John McGregor Carter to be Assistant Speaker we nominate someone who has long political experience. He has been in this House since 1987 he has served as a senior whip for a very very long time and he is well respected not only in this party but across Parliament. So as an amendment to the motion I move  
That the name “Margaret Ann Hartley” be omitted and the name “John McGregor Carter” be inserted.
Cullen Michael: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Cullen Michael: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:18] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That Margaret Ann Hartley be appointed Assistant Speaker. 
 Ann Hartley was of course the Deputy Speaker in the previous Parliament so she comes to this nomination with a considerable amount of experience. I think it is fair to say that she had something of a baptism of fire as Deputy Speaker in the previous Parliament. There is something about a woman in authority that seems to lead to a certain kind of chromosomal outbreak on the part of some colleagues within this House but it is just a matter of adaptation over time I can assure them. 
Speaking from long experience over time I can say that one gets used to women in authority and actually comes to enjoy it after a period of time and I recommend it to members opposite in that respect. It is not really enough to sit on the front row of the paepae; sometimes it is more important to fully participate in all the activities from a leadership role as you have demonstrated so well yourself Madam Speaker. I have much pleasure in nominating Ann Hartley.
Simich Clem: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Simich Clem: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:18] 
Hon CLEM SIMICH (National) 
: 
 Firstly Madam Speaker I congratulate you on being elected to the position of Speaker and on having that election confirmed by the Governor-General. I have been pleased to work with you over the past year. I have found it quite rewarding to have you as my Speaker. The words you spoke in Parliament yesterday I endorse completely and I look forward to helping you as far as I can achieve the things you have set out that you wish to achieve as Speaker. 
My first and special thanks are to the Hon Dr Michael Cullen for moving the motion for my appointment. I want to thank all members for the very generous way that they have accepted and supported that motion. I also thank the other leaders who have been so generous in their words in respect of my appointment. I am quite humbled by it. I look forward to serving members as well as I can. Thank you.
Anderton Jim: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Anderton Jim: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:18] 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Leader—Progressive) 
: 
 The Progressive Party offers its warm congratulations to Clem Simich. I well recall Clem Simich winning a hard-fought by-election campaign in Tamaki to come here. He was going to deliver a message to his party; he is now in a position to deliver a message to the whole of Parliament. I offer my congratulations.
Hide Rodney: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Hide Rodney: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:18] 
RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) 
: 
 On behalf of the ACT party I rise to support Mr Simich’s appointment. It is clear that he did a fantastic job as Assistant Speaker. He was always fair and reasonable and I hope that that may long continue. Of course his appointment does solve two problems: one for the Labour Government in terms of filling the role and one for the National Party in terms of where to put Mr Simich. So it is a win-win situation.
Dunne Peter: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Dunne Peter: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:18] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 On behalf of United Future I convey our congratulations to Mr Simich on his elevation to be our Deputy Speaker. He is a man of rare courtesy and distinction and he took a very fair-minded approach in the Chair in the last 3 years. I am sure we will see that continue in his new role as Deputy Speaker. He has our best wishes.
Turia Tariana: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Turia Tariana: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:18] 
TARIANA TURIA (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 The Maori Party also wishes to endorse Clem Simich. This party operates under the principles and values that we saw Mr Simich uphold right throughout my parliamentary term and we want to wish him all the best.
Fitzsimons Jeanette: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Fitzsimons Jeanette: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:18] 
JEANETTE FITZSIMONS (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 The Greens would like to offer their congratulations to Clem Simich. We have found him to be a gentlemanly courteous and fair person to deal with.
Peters Winston: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Peters Winston: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:18] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I would like to add my comments by way of endorsement from New Zealand First of this appointment. I know full well that Clem Simich should be on the front bench of the National Party; everyone knows that. He clearly has the skill the talent and the ability but that of course would rule him out. Therefore we have found it necessary to promote him in another way the best way we can and I wish him all the best in the future.
Clark Helen: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Clark Helen: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:17] 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK (Prime Minister) 
: 
 Can I be the first to congratulate the Hon Clem Simich. He is a member who is well liked and respected across the House. He did serve well in the last term as Assistant Speaker and I wish him all the best in his term as Deputy Speaker.
Brash Don: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Brash Don: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:17] 
Dr DON BRASH (Leader of the Opposition) 
: 
 I rise to support that nomination. Clem Simich has been a member of this House for nearly 14 years and as the Leader of the House has indicated he held the post of Assistant Speaker with distinction in the last Parliament. I have no doubt at all that he can with distinction fill the role of Deputy Speaker also. 
Motion agreed to.
Cullen Michael: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
Cullen Michael: Appointments — Deputy Speaker Assistant Speakers 
[Volume:628;Page:17] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That Clem Rudolph Simich be appointed Deputy Speaker 
. I do so with great pleasure and with a sense of honour. When I moved the appointment some 3 years ago of Mr Simich as an Assistant Speaker I expressed strong confidence in his judgment in his impartiality and in his ability in terms of his presence to carry out the job with great distinction. It is clear that he has done so and I think it is clear too that there is a strong consensus in the House that he should move up a step to the position of Deputy Speaker for the coming 3-year term of this Parliament. We look forward to working with him; we have the greatest respect for his abilities.
Wilson Margaret: Business of the House 
Wilson Margaret: Business of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is no objection. The House will now await the summons to attend Her Excellency the Governor-General.
Event: State Opening 
Event: State Opening 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
State Opening 
A message from Her Excellency the Governor-General desiring the immediate attendance of honourable members in the Legislative Council Chamber was delivered by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. 
Accordingly Madam Speaker and honourable members preceded by the Serjeant-at-Arms proceeded to the Legislative Council Chamber and after a short absence returned.
Business of the House 
Business of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Business of the House 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I also seek leave that for the purposes of Standing Order 77(1) the publication and circulation of determinations of the Business Committee may be effected by electronic notification to all members of Parliament. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is no objection. The House will now await the summons to attend Her Excellency the Governor-General.
State Opening 
State Opening 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
State Opening 
A message from Her Excellency the Governor-General desiring the immediate attendance of honourable members in the Legislative Council Chamber was delivered by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. 
Accordingly Madam Speaker and honourable members preceded by the Serjeant-at-Arms proceeded to the Legislative Council Chamber and after a short absence returned.
Cullen Michael: Business of the House 
Cullen Michael: Business of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I also seek leave that for the purposes of Standing Order 77(1) the publication and circulation of determinations of the Business Committee may be effected by electronic notification to all members of Parliament.
Wilson Margaret: Business of Select Committees 
Wilson Margaret: Business of Select Committees 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is no objection.
Business of Select Committees 
Business of Select Committees 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Business of Select Committees 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave for all bills reinstated in this Parliament to be reported back to the House by 28 February 2006. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is no objection. 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I also seek leave that the time by which each select committee must finally report on the 2004-05 financial reviews of the performance and current operations of departments and Offices of Parliament be extended to 31 March 2006. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is no objection.
Cullen Michael: Business of Select Committees 
Cullen Michael: Business of Select Committees 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I also seek leave that the time by which each select committee must finally report on the 2004-05 financial reviews of the performance and current operations of departments and Offices of Parliament be extended to 31 March 2006.
Cullen Michael: Business of Select Committees 
Cullen Michael: Business of Select Committees 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave for all bills reinstated in this Parliament to be reported back to the House by 28 February 2006.
Wilson Margaret: Sittings of the House 
Wilson Margaret: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is no objection.
Sittings of the House 
Sittings of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Sittings of the House 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Pursuant to agreements arrived at in the Business Committee this morning I seek leave for a number of matters. I seek the leave of the House that at its sitting on Wednesday 9 November it consider two Government notices of motion—one relating to the death of the Rt Hon David Lange and the other relating to the death of Rod Donald—and for the House then to adjourn until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 15 November. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is no objection.
Cullen Michael: Sittings of the House 
Cullen Michael: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:8] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Pursuant to agreements arrived at in the Business Committee this morning I seek leave for a number of matters. I seek the leave of the House that at its sitting on Wednesday 9 November it consider two Government notices of motion—one relating to the death of the Rt Hon David Lange and the other relating to the death of Rod Donald—and for the House then to adjourn until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 15 November.
Wilson Margaret: Authority to Administer Oath 
Wilson Margaret: Authority to Administer Oath 
[Volume:628;Page:7] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have received the following authorisation from Her Excellency the Governor-General to administer the oath or affirmation prescribed by law to be taken or made by members of the House: 
Pursuant to section 11 of the Constitution Act 1986 I The Honourable Dame Silvia Cartwright Governor-General of New Zealand hereby authorise you 
The Honourable Margaret Anne Wilson 
Speaker of the House of Representatives 
to administer to members of Parliament the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen required to be taken or made by every such member before that member shall be permitted to sit or vote in the House of Representatives. 
HELEN CLARK Prime Minister 
Silvia Cartwright 
Governor-General 
7 November 2005
Authority to Administer Oath 
Authority to Administer Oath 
[Volume:628;Page:7] 
Authority to Administer Oath 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have received the following authorisation from Her Excellency the Governor-General to administer the oath or affirmation prescribed by law to be taken or made by members of the House: 
Pursuant to section 11 of the Constitution Act 1986 I The Honourable Dame Silvia Cartwright Governor-General of New Zealand hereby authorise you 
The Honourable Margaret Anne Wilson 
Speaker of the House of Representatives 
to administer to members of Parliament the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen required to be taken or made by every such member before that member shall be permitted to sit or vote in the House of Representatives. 
HELEN CLARK Prime Minister 
Silvia Cartwright 
Governor-General 
7 November 2005
Wilson Margaret: Election of Speaker 
Wilson Margaret: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:628;Page:7] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have to report that accompanied by members I waited upon Her Excellency the Governor-General at Government House yesterday when I addressed Her Excellency as follows: 
May it please Your Excellency: In obedience to Your Excellency’s request the Members of the House of Representatives in the exercise of their undoubted rights and privileges have proceeded to the election of a Speaker and as the subject of their choice I now present myself to you and submit myself for Your Excellency’s confirmation. 
To which Her Excellency replied as follows: 
Madam Speaker it is with much pleasure that I approve the choice by the House of Representatives of you as its Speaker. 
I congratulate you on your election to this distinguished office marking as it does the appreciation of the House of Representatives of your impartiality and ability. 
I have further to report that I also addressed Her Excellency as follows: 
I humbly thank Your Excellency for your confirmation of the choice made by the Members of the House of Representatives of me to be their Speaker. 
I have now on their behalf to lay claim to all their privileges and especially to freedom of speech in debate to free access to Your Excellency whenever occasion may require it and to the most favourable construction being put on all their proceedings. 
To which Her Excellency replied as follows: 
Madam Speaker I confirm all the rights and privileges of the House of Representatives which have ever been granted. I assure you that the House of Representatives shall always have ready access to me and that I will at all times place the most favourable construction upon its proceedings. 
I desire to repeat my respectful acknowledgement to the House of the high honour it has done me in electing me to be its Speaker.
Election of Speaker 
Election of Speaker 
[Volume:628;Page:7] 
Tuesday 8 November 2005 
Madam Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Election of Speaker 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have to report that accompanied by members I waited upon Her Excellency the Governor-General at Government House yesterday when I addressed Her Excellency as follows: 
May it please Your Excellency: In obedience to Your Excellency’s request the Members of the House of Representatives in the exercise of their undoubted rights and privileges have proceeded to the election of a Speaker and as the subject of their choice I now present myself to you and submit myself for Your Excellency’s confirmation. 
To which Her Excellency replied as follows: 
Madam Speaker it is with much pleasure that I approve the choice by the House of Representatives of you as its Speaker. 
I congratulate you on your election to this distinguished office marking as it does the appreciation of the House of Representatives of your impartiality and ability. 
I have further to report that I also addressed Her Excellency as follows: 
I humbly thank Your Excellency for your confirmation of the choice made by the Members of the House of Representatives of me to be their Speaker. 
I have now on their behalf to lay claim to all their privileges and especially to freedom of speech in debate to free access to Your Excellency whenever occasion may require it and to the most favourable construction being put on all their proceedings. 
To which Her Excellency replied as follows: 
Madam Speaker I confirm all the rights and privileges of the House of Representatives which have ever been granted. I assure you that the House of Representatives shall always have ready access to me and that I will at all times place the most favourable construction upon its proceedings. 
I desire to repeat my respectful acknowledgement to the House of the high honour it has done me in electing me to be its Speaker.
Copeland Gordon: Obituaries — Rt Hon David Russell Lange ONZ CH John Finlay Luxton QSO Hon John Howard Falloon CNZM Rod David Donald 
Copeland Gordon: Obituaries — Rt Hon David Russell Lange ONZ CH John Finlay Luxton QSO Hon John Howard Falloon CNZM Rod David Donald 
[Volume:628;Page:68] 
GORDON COPELAND (United Future) 
: 
 I knew Rod Donald only as a parliamentarian. During the term of the last Parliament we worked together on the Finance and Expenditure Committee the Business Committee and the Standing Orders Committee. Rod was a pleasure to work with. He was always well prepared constructive passionate and open-minded. 
We actually agreed on a few things. For example during the Finance and Expenditure Committee’s exchange visit to Canberra last year Rod took us all to the Buy Australian Made headquarters for discussions. The Buy Kiwi Made initiative which was so near and dear to Rod’s heart has my support. Rod was unquestionably a patriot. He was proud to be a Kiwi. 
Of course we also had policy differences. I will remember for a long time that during the same visit to Canberra when all of us went along to a select committee meeting to discuss Australia’s recently concluded free-trade agreement with USA as soon as we entered the room Rod was out of the blocks like a shot and way down the track pointing out to our Australian friends all the negatives and drawbacks of the agreement. Finally one of the Australians looked across to our side of the table and asked in a plaintive tone: “Are there any other views over there?” to which—to his visible relief—the rest of us chorused: “Yes there are.” 
As members of the Finance and Expenditure Committee Rod and I even plotted together a couple of times. I made my way up to his office late one night to find him surrounded by piles of handwritten notes with his tie off shoes off and socks off working like a Kiwi battler—and indeed he was a Kiwi battler. 
I was fond of Rod and I will miss him. I do not know his partner Nicola or his children but they have been in my thoughts and prayers over the last few days as we come to terms with the shock of his untimely death early on Sunday morning. I will always remember what I was doing on Sunday afternoon when I heard the news of Rod’s death from the Hon Peter Dunne who had just been informed by cellphone. I extend to Rod’s family my heartfelt condolences. 
Parliament will miss the presence of Rod Donald. May he rest in peace.
Wilson Margaret: Obituaries — Rt Hon David Russell Lange ONZ CH John Finlay Luxton QSO Hon John Howard Falloon CNZM Rod David Donald 
Wilson Margaret: Obituaries — Rt Hon David Russell Lange ONZ CH John Finlay Luxton QSO Hon John Howard Falloon CNZM Rod David Donald 
[Volume:628;Page:43] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is no objection.
Cullen Michael: Obituaries — Rt Hon David Russell Lange ONZ CH John Finlay Luxton QSO Hon John Howard Falloon CNZM Rod David Donald 
Cullen Michael: Obituaries — Rt Hon David Russell Lange ONZ CH John Finlay Luxton QSO Hon John Howard Falloon CNZM Rod David Donald 
[Volume:628;Page:43] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave for Government notices of motion Nos 1 and 2 to be taken together for the purposes of debate.
Wilson Margaret: Obituaries — Rt Hon David Russell Lange ONZ CH John Finlay Luxton QSO Hon John Howard Falloon CNZM Rod David Donald 
Wilson Margaret: Obituaries — Rt Hon David Russell Lange ONZ CH John Finlay Luxton QSO Hon John Howard Falloon CNZM Rod David Donald 
[Volume:628;Page:43] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Members I regret to inform the House of the death on 13 August 2005 of the Rt Hon David Russell Lange ONZ CH who represented the electorate of Mangere from 1977 to 1996 and was Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989. 
I also regret to inform the House of the death on 29 August 2005 of John (Jack) Finlay Luxton QSO who represented the electorate of Piako from 1966 to 1978 and that of Matamata from 1978 to 1987. He was a junior whip from 1976 to 1977 and Chairman of Committees and Deputy Speaker from 1978 to 1984. 
I regret also to inform the House of the death on 4 October 2005 of the Hon John Howard Falloon CNZM who represented the electorate of Pahiatua from 1977 to 1996. He was Postmaster-General from 1981 to 1982; Minister of Statistics Minister in charge of the Inland Revenue Department Minister in charge of Friendly Societies and Associate Minister of Finance from 1981 to 1984; and Minister of Agriculture Minister of Forestry and Minister for Racing from 1990 to 1996. 
I regret too to inform the House of the death on 6 November 2005 of Rod David Donald who was first elected to this House in 1996. He became co-leader of the Green Party in Parliament in 1999.
Choudhary Ashraf: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Choudhary Ashraf: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:628;Page:99] 
12.  
Dr ASHRAF CHOUDHARY (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Research Science and Technology 
: How is the Government fostering innovation in the New Zealand economy through research science and technology? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister of Research Science and Technology) 
: 
 Over the next 4 years this Government will invest just under $3 billion to foster innovation through research science and technology. That investment will ensure greater certainty around funding support areas of national research excellence and ensure faster commercialisation of research. That is 50 percent more than the previous Government chose to spend on innovation. 
Dr Ashraf Choudhary 
: What is the Government doing to support scientists? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY 
: Over the next 4 years the Government will invest an extra $47.8 million into programmes directly aimed at supporting scientists including $17.8 million to boost the capability of Crown research institutes $17.1 million to expand the International Investment Opportunities Fund $10 million to invest in the Marsden Fund and $2.7 million to double the number of Fulbright scholarships. Under investments by the Labour-led Government the number of people working in research science and technology has increased by 32 percent. 
Dr Paul Hutchison 
: How does the announcement made on 8 November by Industrial Research that it will axe 20 highly qualified scientists correlate with his innovation rhetoric and Labour’s pre-election statement: “We need to provide more security for researchers.”? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY 
: I repeat for the benefit of the member—and I thank him for the opportunity—that we have had a 32 percent increase in the number of people working in the sector and we are investing 50 percent more than National would have invested. But of course in the case of Industrial Research Ltd the difficulties with two of its subsidiary companies have caused it to change what it is doing. 
Dr Paul Hutchison 
: I seek leave to table two articles. The first dated 10 November 2005 is from the  
New Zealand Herald 
 and is entitled “IRL cutback a blow to research” and the second is an editorial from the  
New Zealand Herald  
of 14 November entitled “No way to treat a scientist”. That is the record of the Labour Government. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table those documents. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Bradford Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Bradford Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:628;Page:94] 
8.  
SUE BRADFORD (Green) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: Does he agree with the statement in the Speech from the Throne that New Zealand’s economic security will come from our firms being part of “a high skill high productivity and high wage economy.”; if so how does the loss of 600 high-wage high-skill engineering jobs from Air New Zealand contribute to this goal? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 Yes and bluntly not a great deal. 
Sue Bradford 
: Does the Minister agree with the Aviation Industry Association that New Zealand will lose specialist engineering intellectual property and human capital if Air New Zealand maintains its long-haul aircraft overseas; and why does the Government not put its money where its mouth is take a smaller dividend and demonstrate that it really does have a commitment to keeping highly skilled high-wage jobs in New Zealand? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: Firstly of course we have had only one dividend. Dividends are an unusual thing in the airline industry so a promise to forgo a dividend would not have a great deal of effect. Secondly we are not a 100-percent shareholder. There are minority shareholder interests to be considered and those are very important to consider in this kind of situation. Thirdly I do not want to sound overly cynical but if the Government gets into the business of subsidising jobs in order to keep them when a company wants to restructure I have a feeling there would be an awful lot of New Zealand companies lining up to restructure and pass on the wages of 600 jobs to the New Zealand Government. 
John Key 
: When did the Minister become aware of the fact that Air New Zealand was likely to lay off the 617 engineers given the rumour that abounded that he was aware of this prior to the election? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: I know of no such rumour. I know of attempts by the National Party to suggest it. I regard that as a slur upon the chair of the board. [ 
Interruption 
] The answer—if the member cares to wait—is that it was 4 or 5 days before the public announcement was made which was well after the election. 
Sue Bradford 
: Has the Minister received any advice on what impact Air New Zealand’s decision to sack skilled Kiwis and to buy offshore will have on customer loyalty and hence on the value of the Government’s fairly large investment in Air New Zealand? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: I have no advice on that. I have no reason to believe there will be an impact on customer loyalty. Major international airlines are already outsourcing their maintenance of this sort without any apparent impact on customer loyalty.
Beyer Georgina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Beyer Georgina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:628;Page:89] 
4.  
GEORGINA BEYER (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What reports has he received about the numbers of New Zealanders in work? 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 Statistics New Zealand’s latest household labour force survey shows that there are now 2093000 New Zealanders in employment. That is more than 300000 more New Zealanders in work today than were in work when the Labour-led Government came into office. That is approximately 150 additional New Zealanders in work every day since 1999 or 54750 each year under Labour. That is a city the size of Nelson in extra jobs each year every year for the past 6 years. 
Georgina Beyer 
: Given this exceptional result what reports has the Minister received about the number of New Zealanders not in work? 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE 
: The same household labour force survey showed that unemployment had fallen in New Zealand to 3.4 percent—the lowest rate in the 19-year history of that survey. This means that New Zealand has the lowest rate of unemployment in the OECD. This is considerably better than the result in Australia where the unemployment rate increased in the latest quarter to 5.2 percent making Australia by comparison in about 10th place in the OECD. 
Judith Collins 
: Are any of the newly counted in-work New Zealanders working for the Otago District Health Board where 55 staff have just recently been discovered to be receiving taxpayer-funded salaries while at the same time receiving taxpayer-funded benefits; and how many of these fraudsters have been prosecuted to date? 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE 
: The member can be assured that benefit fraud will not be tolerated—[ 
Interruption 
] I can tell that member that in October alone there was 97 percent clearance of prosecutions and 12 prison sentences. As to whether specifically any of those members are in that figure I am not able to provide her with that information at this time. 
Ron Mark 
: Is the Minister concerned that the unemployment statistics he so proudly quotes come on the back of a low-wage economy delivering incomes to New Zealand workers that are 30 percent less than those of their Australian counterparts; and what impact will New Zealand First’s post-election gain of a pledge to have a minimum wage of $12 per hour by the year 2008 have on the average wage of New Zealand workers? 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE 
: I am pleased about both the most significant movement in unemployment ever shown in the household labour force survey and the employment statistics. I am sure that the workers in this economy are starting to see the gains flowing through as we have seen in recent wage settlements. I must say that the overall figure is more positive than many believe because the total number of working-age New Zealanders on benefits has reduced by 21 percent since 1999.
Jones Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Jones Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:628;Page:88] 
2.  
SHANE JONES (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: Has he received any reports of support being expressed by the Governor of the Reserve Bank for the introduction of capital gains tax on housing? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I have seen a number of reports from the Governor of the Reserve Bank recommending a capital gains tax as an appropriate response to New Zealanders’ “obsession with property” and a useful measure to “take the steam out of the property market”. I should of course make it clear in all fairness that those statements were made not by the current governor but by his predecessor who is now the leader of the National Party. 
Shane Jones 
: Is the Government planning to introduce such a tax? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: No. We take very little advice from the former Governor of the Reserve Bank who is now the leader of the National Party. I have asked for a report from Treasury and the Reserve Bank on possible instruments the bank could use to underpin the effectiveness of the interest rate mechanism. The terms of reference exclude consideration of such a tax. Of course only one politician of note in the House has argued for such a tax and that is Dr Brash. 
John Key 
: Can the Minister confirm that far from ruling out the introduction of a capital gains tax last week’s terms of reference outlined by the Reserve Bank and Treasury simply delayed it “beyond the scope of the present review”; if this is the case will he once and for all get up in the House and confirm that he does not intend to put in place a capital gains tax on property? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: I can confirm it again but Treasury and the Reserve Bank are independent bodies and no doubt they foresee the possibility that at some stage in the long distant future when Dr Brash is in his 80s they may have to carry out a review at his request. 
John Key 
: Why having preached that New Zealanders should buy shares and having lamented that they have far too much invested in property and not enough invested in shares is he now proposing to apply a capital gains tax on New Zealanders who own foreign-domiciled shares including most of the banks that operate in New Zealand and many of the utilities? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: What I have said in the past and I think it is one area where Dr Brash actually agrees with me is that too high a proportion of our savings is in housing not because we have a love affair with housing—I do not agree with that—but because we do not save enough to save in anything else but our housing.
Brash Don: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Brash Don: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:628;Page:87] 
1. Dr DON BRASH (Leader of the Opposition) 
 to the  
Prime Minister 
: Has there been any amendment or addendum to the  
Cabinet Manual 
 to accommodate the arrangement her Government has reached with New Zealand First and United Future allowing their leaders to be Ministers but not fully bound by collective responsibility; if not why not? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK (Prime Minister) 
: 
 No but it may be revised in future to reflect practice as it develops. 
Dr Don Brash 
: How can she expect the public to understand her odd governmental arrangements that involve according to the Cabinet Office Winston Peters and Peter Dunne wearing at least three different hats when she has not even made changes to the  
Cabinet Manual  
to clarify the bizarre situation of Ministers wanting to sit with the Opposition? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: I am sure the public would be guided by the same advice from the Cabinet Office which is that the arrangements are entirely legally credible. 
Dr Don Brash 
: Why would the international community believe that anyone but Phil Goff is the real Minister of Foreign Affairs when her named Minister of Foreign Affairs does not even sit on the Cabinet external relations and defence committee let alone chair it as in the past and refuses to take any responsibility for the broader policies of the Government? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: I would be very surprised if the international community took the slightest interest in who sits on a Cabinet committee in New Zealand. 
Dr Don Brash 
: Why when the Cabinet secretary advised that the complex arrangement she has come up with requires clarification at an early stage has she not made any changes to the  
Cabinet Manual 
 in the month she has had since the formation of the Government? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: In terms of time if the  
Cabinet Manual 
 were revised in a month that would be galactic speed. 
Dr Don Brash 
: Does she agree with the advice of the Secretary of the Cabinet that “the foreign affairs portfolio stretches across the whole of Government business” and that the broad nature of the portfolios held by Mr Peters made this arrangement “complex to manage”; if so how does she believe that the Government can balance Mr Peters’ strong views on issues with international dimensions such as the proposed free-trade arrangement with China with his role as the Government’s representative to the world? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: In precisely the same way as I assume Dr Brash would have done given that we have Mr Peters’ word that Dr Brash offered him the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portfolio. 
Heather Roy 
: How can the Prime Minister have any confidence in Winston Peters as Minister of Foreign Affairs when he does not even have the diplomacy skills to keep his six New Zealand First MPs in the tent without the waka-jumping legislation to give her the votes to prop up her Government? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: There is huge irony in that question given that ACT is the only party to have used that Act.
Wilson Margaret: List Member Vacancy 
Wilson Margaret: List Member Vacancy 
[Volume:628;Page:87] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have been advised by the Chief Electoral Officer that pursuant to section 137 of the Electoral Act 1993 Nandor Steven Tanczos has been declared to be elected a member of the House of Representatives in place of Rod Donald.
List Member Vacancy 
List Member Vacancy 
[Volume:628;Page:87] 
List Member Vacancy 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have been advised by the Chief Electoral Officer that pursuant to section 137 of the Electoral Act 1993 Nandor Steven Tanczos has been declared to be elected a member of the House of Representatives in place of Rod Donald.
Event: Members Sworn 
Event: Members Sworn 
[Volume:628;Page:87] 
Members Sworn 
Pansy Wong was presented to the Speaker made the affirmation required by law and took her seat in the House.
Members Sworn 
Members Sworn 
[Volume:628;Page:87] 
Tuesday 15 November 2005 
Madam Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Members Sworn 
Pansy Wong was presented to the Speaker made the affirmation required by law and took her seat in the House.
Vote: Sittings of the House 
Vote: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:240] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the motion be agreed to. 
Ayes 72 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; United Future 3; ACT New Zealand 2; Progressive 1. 
Noes 48 
New Zealand National 48. 
Motion agreed to.
Vote: Sittings of the House 
Vote: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:240] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the question be now put. 
Ayes 72 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; United Future 3; ACT New Zealand 2; Progressive 1. 
Noes 48 
New Zealand National 48. 
Motion agreed to.
Chadwick Steve: Sittings of the House 
Chadwick Steve: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:239] 
STEVE CHADWICK (Labour—Rotorua) 
: 
 I move  
That the question be now put 
.
Hughes Darren: Sittings of the House 
Hughes Darren: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:237] 
DARREN HUGHES (Junior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I move  
That the question be now put 
.
Stewart Barbara: Sittings of the House 
Stewart Barbara: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:232] 
BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) 
: 
 On behalf of New Zealand First I rise to support the recommended sitting programme for the remainder of 2005 and for 2006. The recommended sitting dates are very similar to those of the previous Parliament and the total number of sitting days will also be very similar. We believe that the programme as outlined will be sufficient to give effect to those policies that are important to New Zealand First and the New Zealand people. So New Zealand First will be supporting the programme as outlined.
Cullen Michael: Sittings of the House 
Cullen Michael: Sittings of the House 
[Volume:628;Page:229] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That the sitting days for the remainder of 2005 and for 2006 up to Thursday 14 December be as follows: 
2005 
November 17 22 23 and 24; 
December 6 7 8 13 14 and 15; 
2006 
February 14 15 16 21 22 23 and 28; 
March 1 2 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 and 30; 
April 4 5 and 6; 
May 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 and 25; 
June 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 and 29; 
July 18 19 20 25 26 and 27; 
August 1 2 3 22 23 24 29 30 and 31; 
September 5 6 7 12 13 and 14; 
October 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 and 26; 
November 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 and 23; 
December 5 6 7 12 13 and 14.
Cullen Michael: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and  Validation) Bill — First Reading 
Cullen Michael: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and  Validation) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:628;Page:229] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill be referred to the Regulations Review Committee 
referred to Regulations Review Committee 
 for consideration and that it be an instruction to the committee to present a final report on the bill by 5 December 2005. 
Motion agreed to.
Cullen Michael: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and  Validation) Bill — First Reading 
Cullen Michael: Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and  Validation) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:628;Page:226] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Deputy Prime Minister) 
: 
 I move  
That the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill be now read a first time. 
 At the conclusion of the first reading debate I will move that the bill be referred to the Regulations Review Committee with an instruction that the bill be reported back finally by 5 December 2005. 
This is a routine annual bill that is required to confirm and validate items of subordinate legislation that in accordance with the provisions in the Acts under which the various instruments are made lapse at stated times unless earlier confirmed or validated by Parliament. This year the bill provides for Parliament to confirm or validate one set of regulations and 18 Orders in Council made under 11 Acts. To avoid the subordinate legislation lapsing the bill must be passed by the end of this calendar year. The 5 December report-back date will allow time for the select committee to receive explanations on the contents of the bill from the departments that administer the various orders and regulations. 
Two of the 18 orders apply movements in the consumer price index to the rates of social security benefits New Zealand superannuation and war pensions. Five orders are made under the Customs and Excise Act 1996. Two of those apply to annual excise adjustment rates one continues to prevent the importation of trout and trout products and another continues import prohibitions on goods such as certain types of asbestos and specified offensive weapons. The fifth continues the export prohibition on goods such as defined pounamu but discontinues the export prohibition on certain sheep breeds and their reproductive material—[ 
Interruption 
] I was not looking at Mr Clarkson at that point. 
Four of the orders are made under the Tariff Act 1988. They insert new items into the tariff extend the tariff concession and implement various tariff reductions and removals. Three of the orders deal with commodity levies. The first replaces a similar order relating to eggs and the second relates to grape wine and the component of grape wine products. Those two orders were voted on by the respective industry participants themselves. The third is a technical amendment relating to green-lipped mussels and to the repeal of parts of the Meat Act 1981. Two of the orders apply biosecurity levies to contribute to the cost of post-border surveillance for gypsy moth and implement a national pest management strategy for varroa mite. One order increases certain rates of road-user charges under the Road User Charges Act 1977. Another order amends a principal order to require international operators to pay the departing international passenger levy which was previously paid by aerodrome operators. 
Finally one set of regulations alters various animal product verification charges and levies to reflect similar changes to amounts payable under the parallel regime in the Meat Act 1981. I commend the bill to the House.
Cullen Michael: Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill — First Reading Instruction to Finance and Expenditure Committee 
Cullen Michael: Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill — First Reading Instruction to Finance and Expenditure Committee 
[Volume:628;Page:226] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I seek leave for the Finance and Expenditure Committee in its consideration of the Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill to have the authority to consider and if it thinks fit adopt the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 1. Those relate to the wine equalisation tax rebate. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ann Hartley) 
: Is there any objection to that course of action? There is not. That is agreed to.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill — First Reading Instruction to Finance and Expenditure Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill — First Reading Instruction to Finance and Expenditure Committee 
[Volume:628;Page:226] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the motion be agreed to. 
Ayes 70 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 50 
New Zealand National 48; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Motion agreed to.
Cullen Michael: Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill — First Reading Instruction to Finance and Expenditure Committee 
Cullen Michael: Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill — First Reading Instruction to Finance and Expenditure Committee 
[Volume:628;Page:226] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I move  
That the Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill be referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee 
referred to Finance and Expenditure Committee 
for its consideration and that it be an instruction to the committee to present a final report on the bill by 5 December.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill — First Reading Instruction to Finance and Expenditure Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill — First Reading Instruction to Finance and Expenditure Committee 
[Volume:628;Page:225] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Taxation (Annual Rates and Urgent Measures) Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 70 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 50 
New Zealand National 48; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Bill read a first time.