edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
SpeechQuestion No. 7—Transport7. CHRIS BISHOP (National—Hutt South) to the Minister of Transport: How many briefings on Auckland light rail has he received that have been copied to the Minister for Infrastructure since October 2017 and has the NZ Infra proposal for Auckland light rail ever involved a 99-year contract between the Crown and NZ Infra?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport): The Minister for Infrastructure is a member of the ministerial oversight group for Auckland light rail and has received nine written briefings. I regularly brief my ministerial colleagues where possible on this project. And to the second part of the member's question the NZ Infra proposal is confidential due to the commercial process.Chris Bishop: Has the Ministry of Transport made a recommendation to him about which of the two proposals should be a preferred partner for the Crown on Auckland light rail; and if so which one is it?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The Ministry of Transport's been responsible for running the twin track process that Cabinet mandated. They have reported back and we're now in a Cabinet process to consider their recommendation.Chris Bishop: What is his definition of light rail?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Light rail is a form of rapid transit that runs on tracks. The tracks generally run in parallel to each other from one point to another and they're not heavy rail. [Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! Order! Settle down thank you.Chris Bishop: What a great start. Has he discussed with the Minister for Infrastructure why he is making negative remarks about Auckland light rail despite the Minister admitting himself he's under strict instruction not to talk about light rail?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: I haven't been making negative remarks about light rail.
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER'S STATEMENTSAbortion Legislation Bill—Tabling of AmendmentsSPEAKER: Members the Abortion Legislation Bill was set down for committee stage following its second reading last night. I want to encourage members who have amendments to the bill that they wish to move at the committee stage to circulate them as early as possible. Doing so is an indication that the amendment is a serious one and it gives other members time to read it and to consider their position. I will ask the presiding officers who chair the committee stage to consider giving preference in the allocation of calls to those members who have circulated amendments more than 24 hours before the commencement of the debate which I understand could be as early as next Tuesday.
Clark DavidHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Firstly in respect of the travel restrictions that are in place indeed people may travel to New Zealand but we are requiring people who are coming from those hot spot areas to self-isolate. That may make a travel experience in New Zealand particularly un-enjoyable for people who do not have a home to go to; they will be required to self-isolate for the period that they are in New Zealand if they are from a hot spot area. So we anticipate that it is highly likely that the main people who will want to travel to New Zealand from those areas will be New Zealand citizens travelling home.The requirement to self-isolate is one that in my experience to date New Zealanders take incredibly seriously. Of course because we have made COVID-19 a notifiable disease the medical officer of health has powers to compel people to be in isolation if that's required. Historically this power has not been used for notifiable diseases in New Zealand because people do take seriously their responsibilities in this respect.Like the member Michael Woodhouse I do want to thank and acknowledge the medical staff who are out there making sure that people have good information about what's required and who are doing the follow-ups and the contact tracing.I also want to put on record my thanks to those New Zealanders—the thousands of New Zealanders—who have already self-isolated. Taking that responsibility seriously is incredibly important for them and for their families and for wider New Zealand.
Woodhouse MichaelHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National): I thank the Minister of Health for his further update on the COVID-19 outbreak and in respect of the announcement by the Director-General of Health (DG) this morning he again reiterated his view that with continued vigilance the chance for widespread community outbreak is expected to remain low. However as the Minister has said this is a slightly different case to that which was announced yesterday in that the affected patient has been at large in the community for six days prior to becoming tested and seven days prior to being confirmed with COVID-19. That does significantly broaden the contact tracing challenge. I encourage and wish the public health officials all the best in their evidence and trust that the rigid definition of contact perhaps is reviewed and reflected on as in fact the DG said this morning it would be because it is possible that with large gatherings like airports at rush hour and like schools even periodic brief contact could indeed spread the virus.I am interested in the Minister's comments that he said the Government has acted to ensure all people—all people—who have been in Italy in the previous 14 days place themselves in self-isolation. I think the House would benefit from an explanation about how he has such a degree of confidence that that is being rigidly applied.Secondly he also followed up by saying But of course New Zealand citizens are always entitled to travel home." which implies that non - New Zealand citizens and residents who have been in northern Italy are not presently able to travel to New Zealand. That wasn't my understanding; I wonder if the Minister could provide some clarification based on his comments about whether or not a travel ban has been imposed on people who have been into that affected area and any other."
Tuesday 3 March 2020 - Volume 744
Abortion Legislation Bill — Second Reading
VoteThe question was put that the amendments recommended by the Abortion Legislation Committee by majority be agreed to.A personal vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 80AdamsGenter (P)McAnultySmith SAllanGhahramanMcKelvie Stanford (P)Andersen (P)Henare (P)Mitchell C (P)Swarbrick (P)Ardern (P)Hipkins (P)Mitchell M (P)TabuteauBallHudsonNash (P)Tinetti (P)BaylyHughes (P)O'Connor D (P)TolleyBennett DHuo (P)O'Connor GTwyford (P)BidoisJackson (P)Parker (P)van de MolenBishopJones (P)PattersonWallCarter (P)Kaye (P)Peters (P)Warren-ClarkClark (P)KurigerPrimeWebb (P)Coffey (P)Lee DRadhakrishnanWilliamsCollins (P)Lees-Galloway (P)Robertson (P)WillisCraig (P)LittleRossWoodCurran (P)LogieRussell (P)Woods (P)DavidsonLubeckSage (P)Yang (P)Davis (P)Luxton (P)Sepuloni (P)DooceyMallardSeymourEagle (P)MarcroftShawFaafoi (P)Mark (P)SimpsonTeller:FalloonMartin (P)Sio (P)DysonNoes 28BakshiHipango (P)PenkWhaitiriBarryKanongata'a-SuisuikiPugh (P)WoodhouseBridges (P)Lee MReti (P)Young (P)BrownMacindoeRurawheDean (P)Mahuta (P)Salesa (P)GarciaNgaroSmith NGoldsmithO'Connor SStrange (P)Teller:HayesParmarTirikatene (P)LoheniAmendments agreed to.A personal vote was called for on the question That the Abortion Legislation Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 81AdamsFalloonMartin (P)Stanford (P)AllanGenter (P)McAnultySwarbrick (P)Andersen (P)Ghahraman (P)McKelvieTabuteauArdern (P)Henare (P)Mitchell C (P)Tinetti (P)BallHipkins (P)Mitchell M (P)TolleyBaylyHudsonNash (P)Twyford (P)Bennett DHughes (P)Parker (P)van de MolenBennett P (P)Huo (P)PattersonWagner (P)BidoisJackson (P)Peters (P)Walker (P)BishopJones (P)PrimeWallCarter (P)Kaye (P)RadhakrishnanWarren-ClarkClark (P)King (P)Robertson (P)Webb (P)Coffey (P)KurigerRossWilliamsCollins (P)Lees-Galloway (P)Russell (P)WillisCraig (P)LittleSage (P)WoodCurran (P)LogieSepuloni (P)Woods (P)Davidson (P)LubeckSeymourYang (P)Davis (P)Luxton (P)ShawDooceyMallardSimpsonEagle (P)MarcroftSio (P)Teller:Faafoi (P)Mark (P)Smith SDysonNoes 39BakshiHipango (P)O'Connor SUpston (P)BarryKanongata'a-SuisuikiParmarWhaitiriBridges (P)Lee DPenkWoodhouseBrownLee MPugh (P)Young (P)Brownlee (P)MacindoeReti (P)Yule (P)Dean (P)Mahuta (P)RurawheDowie (P)McClay (P)Salesa (P)GarciaMuller (P)Scott (P)GoldsmithNgaroSmith NGuy (P)O'Connor D (P)Strange (P)Teller:HayesO'Connor GTirikatene (P)LoheniBill read a second time.The House adjourned at 10.14 p.m.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the debate be now adjourned.Ayes 64New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Motion agreed to.
11. Question No. 11—PoliceDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 11—Police11. DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister of Police: Does he have confidence in the ability of the Police to carry out search warrants appropriately when searching for prohibited firearms?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Police): Yes.David Seymour: How can the Minister have that confidence when four heavily armed police recently raided a family home with children in it looking for firearms their own records showed had already been handed in?Hon STUART NASH: I have confidence in the Commissioner of Police and it's always been my expectation that the police will operate within the law.David Seymour: When the Minister does learn of that failing will it dent his confidence in police to undertake other matters such as registering a million firearms when they couldn't keep track of four?Hon STUART NASH: In terms of a search warrant let me just advise the member on the process of obtaining such. In the vast majority of cases the police first have to present evidence of a requirement to a judge who will then sign off on a search warrant only if he or she believes it is justified.
10. Question No. 10—Small BusinessDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister for Small BusinessQuestion No. 10—Small Business10. Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister for Small Business: What recent announcements has he made about making it easier for small businesses to get paid on time?Hon STUART NASH (Minister for Small Business): New Zealand is fortunate to be ranked number one in the world for ease of doing business but we are not complacent. We continue to look for ways to keep up the momentum in the economy and to enhance the business climate. Research by Xero shows that at any given time more than half of small businesses are owed at least $7000 and on the average invoices are paid up to one week late. I have announced that I am prepared to legislate if payment terms and payment times for small businesses do not improve. I have asked affected groups to comment on the idea and look forward to hearing that feedback after public consultation closes next month. This Government remains focused on protecting jobs and supporting workers and businesses.Dr Deborah Russell: What are the key elements he is proposing in the consultation document?Hon STUART NASH: As a former sole trader myself I understand when businesses sole traders and chambers of commerce tell me that cash flow is king. Late payments from large organisations to small suppliers can be crippling for these businesses. The discussion document seeks the public views on legislation that would require a maximum payment term of 20 days to ensure small businesses are reimbursed for their services more quickly and the right for small businesses to charge interest on overdue invoices and debt recovery fees for late payment. I am prepared to legislate if necessary to set minimum standards for payment terms.Dr Deborah Russell: What reports has he seen in response to announcements around legislating for prompt payment times for small businesses?Hon STUART NASH: Craig Hudson from Xero: Time for [small and medium businesses] not to be [the] bank offering interest free loans! Great commitment … Stuart Nash". From Andy Hamilton The Icehouse: "This is good to potentially great for SMEs—well done … Stuart Nash … and let's hope it can change behaviour and payments to SMEs". Jeremy Lorne a builder: "Late payments are a common thing in the building industry." During the Christmas break he had a client with an emergency in their roof who called in all sorts of favours to get it fixed. Jeremy is still waiting to be paid even though he had to pay for all services and supplies to do the job in the first place."
7. Question No. 7—HealthANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 7—Health7. ANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of Health: How is New Zealand's public health service responding to the COVID-19 coronavirus?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): New Zealand has taken strong precautionary actions that prioritise the safety of the New Zealand public. We make no apology for this. Last month the Director-General of the World Health Organization asked countries to be as aggressive as possible in their containment efforts. Dr Tedros asked us not to squander the opportunity to prevent local transmission. We have responded to that call. By introducing travel restrictions early we kept COVID-19 at bay for far longer than many other countries. That has given our health service more time to plan and to understand the virus. We are well prepared.Angie Warren-Clark: What actions have our health service taken since the confirmation of the arrival of the first COVID-19 case in New Zealand on 28 February?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: On Saturday I visited Auckland Hospital and met with health professionals who are caring for this patient and testing for the virus. I'm pleased to report that under their care the patient continues to improve. Contact tracing for those who travelled in close proximity with this individual began immediately and has gone to plan. In line with the Government's decisions this week our health services have ramped up their presence at our airports. Health services have also stepped up their public information campaign underlining the requirement for self-isolation where appropriate and the importance of basic hygiene.Angie Warren-Clark: Is our response to COVID-19 consistent with the approach taken by other countries?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Internationally the situation with COVID-19 continues to develop apace. The Director-General of the World Health Organization said this morning that containment is feasible and must remain the top priority for all countries. This is exactly the approach New Zealand is taking using three main tools: border controls voluntary isolation and good public health practices including highlighting the importance of basic hygiene. At every step the Government has taken decisions in the interests of public safety and so far we have been among the best at keeping COVID-19 at bay. Just yesterday Cabinet decided to extend for another week the travel restrictions that have been in place for China since 3 February and for Iran since last Friday. These restrictions have played a role in keeping COVID-19 out of New Zealand for so long and have given us time to better understand the disease and ramp up our preparedness.
Ball DarrochDARROCH BALL (NZ First): Thank you Mr Speaker. I rise tonight not on behalf of myself to speak on this bill but on behalf of the party. I don't intend to take a long call but I think that it's important that I outline very clearly why New Zealand First will be putting its nine votes towards this bill and voting in favour of this bill at the second reading. As we promised in the first reading of this bill we will see this bill through to the committee of the whole House where we will table a Supplementary Order Paper requesting a referendum on this issue.We believe that this conscience issue affecting the fabric of human society should be decided upon by the people of New Zealand not decided upon by 120 temporarily empowered politicians. We don't believe that individuals in this House—their life experiences their beliefs or their family histories—are any more or less important than anyone outside of this House. The fact that this House has decided that this vote is a conscience vote and not a party vote is explicit acknowledgment that every single individual Kiwi in this country will have an individual perspective based on their own conscience not based on anyone's conscience in this House and especially not based on temporarily empowered politicians in this House or anything that's based on party politics. This is why New Zealand First has had this principle this founding principle on these matters of conscience votes since our inception. Not only that but that principle hasn't changed in its 27 years of existence—the principle that conscience votes of this nature that change the fabric of the society should be decided upon by New Zealanders and not solely us in this House.Not only that but we have a firm record of requesting referenda on these issues to ensure that New Zealanders' conscience is counted with equal measure and the only way that we can do that is if we put this to a referendum. As we did with the previous conscience vote in this House we will vote for this piece of legislation solely on that reason through to the next stage to the committee of the whole House where we can put a referendum clause on the Table to be debated and where we will vote on it at that stage. We did the same with the End of Life Choice Bill and we do so with this bill. We will support it through this reading through to the next stage. We will be requesting a referendum on this issue. Thank you Mr Speaker.
Woods MeganHon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): I move That the debate be now adjourned.
Ministerial Statements — COVID-19—New Zealand's First Confirmed Case
Clark DavidHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): I'll address a couple of the points raised by the member. Firstly on the economic management front since he veered into that territory I have to comment that already the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance have met with the Council of Trade Unions Business New Zealand and sector groups and I heard certainly Kirk Hope praising the Government's response on the radio this morning acknowledging the immediate—SPEAKER: Order! Order! There was a complaint earlier about people diverting away. The fact that someone else diverted away does not give the Minister permission. He's covered that point off. Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Thank you Mr Speaker. In respect of the person with COVID-19 who arrived in New Zealand I think the member opposite needs to be very careful about the assumptions that he is making. That person had mobility issues that were clearly signalled in advance and that is the reason that they were escorted. He just needs to be a little bit careful about the assumptions he's making around that. In respect of close contact and the definition the member will note that there are well-established international practices around that and despite those this Government has chosen to reach out and contact all passengers on the plane to provide reassurance and any health advice that they want. So we have gone above and beyond and actively got on with reaching out to anybody with any anxiety beyond that and I think that that was the right thing to do. In respect of testing asymptomatic people it is against health advice to be testing people who do not have symptoms who do not meet the case definition. Doctors and clinical experts are the best-placed people to make those decisions about who should be tested and I would note that in the Wellington region alone there is capacity to test 200 people per day. We're only around 200 for the last month in terms of clinical decisions and we've only yet had one that has tested positive. So I'm confident in our public health experts in the scientific advice and in the decisions being made by the doctors in this country and I suggest that the member is better to take medical and health advice on this issue to get in behind the response of those health experts.
Thursday 20 February 2020 - Volume 744
Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill — First Reading
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 of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross. Motion agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill be now read a first time. Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross. Bill read a first time. Bill referred to the Social Services and Community Committee.
12. Question No. 12—PoliceBRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 12—Police12. BRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister of Police: Will he consider supporting amendments to the Arms Legislation Bill; if not why not? Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Justice) on behalf of the Minister of Police: Yes especially the 25 or more recommendations from the Finance and Expenditure Committee who considered 3527 written submissions heard from 381 submitters in person and sat for 41 hours on the bill. Brett Hudson: Will he support the amendment I have lodged to limit the compliance and burden on shooting clubs and ranges while still providing for public safety; if not why not? Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The member is speaking in contradictions. The reason for the changes to the shooting clubs the gun clubs is to lift their safety performance and make sure that those who are using those facilities are as safe as possible. Brett Hudson: Will he support my amendment to instate prohibited firearm exemptions for sport shooters so that they can continue to compete in their sport; if not why not? Hon ANDREW LITTLE: No. There is no intention to change the policy on that particular point at the moment. But if that member has something constructive to add that's going to add to the safety regime around firearm ownership then this Government is all ears. Brett Hudson: Will he support my amendment to provide for a more common-sense prohibited firearm exemption regime for farmers to control pests on their property themselves without having to form a separate company; if not why not? Hon ANDREW LITTLE: That question presupposes that that member represents common sense and if he's the author of a proposal it's unlikely that it will be adopted by this Government. Michael Wood: Does the Minister continue to support rules around access to weapons referred to by the member in respect of pest control and access to sporting weapons as passed through in phase one of the firearms reforms in this House unanimously a few months ago? Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The member raises an important point which is that this House has already considered those issues and exemptions were given for those conducting pest control operations and those pest control operations are being conducted happily. Likewise in relation to competitive shooters exemptions were provided there. But that member asking the primary question and some supplementary questions continues to believe that there is a form of competitive shooting—a three-gun shooting contest—that is going to somehow take off worldwide. No other country wants it and it's most unlikely to be a form of international competitive shooting. Brett Hudson: Will he support the amendment lodged by me instating a prior recommendation from the Office of the Clerk to restrain regulation-making powers; if not why not? Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The member needs to keep up. The select committee recommended some changes in that respect. They were sensible changes. They reflected the purport of what the Clerk raised. There will be sensible changes that reflect those.
11. Question No. 11—AgricultureTODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty) to the Minister of AgricultureQuestion No. 11—Agriculture11. TODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty) to the Minister of Agriculture: When was he first informed of the regional outbreak of bovine TB in Hawke's Bay? Hon SHANE JONES (Minister of Forestry) on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture: I am informed that in early last October the Minister was informed of a small increase in TB cases in the Hawke's Bay. Todd Muller: If the Minister has known since last October how has this gone from a first detection in April 2019 to the largest outbreak of TB in Hawke's Bay in the last 20 years? Hon SHANE JONES: That is an exaggeration. The Minister was further advised on 28 January that this increase was considered a very small cluster of bovine TB infection. It's important that scaremongering not be allowed to plague this House as this is not considered as an outbreak. There is a small cluster of bovine infections and Operational Solutions for Primary Industries New Zealand (OSPRI) is extending their TB-free programme to manage and return Hawke's Bay to TB-free status. Lawrence Yule: Why is OSPRI waiting until 1 March to expand the livestock movement control area in Hawke's Bay to cover approximately a third of the Hawke's Bay region? Hon SHANE JONES: I am advised that Hawke's Bay is a part of the country known already to have TB and OSPRI is working with the best-available information and any suggestion that panic should set in is unworthy of contributions to this House. Lawrence Yule: Why did it take six months for OSPRI to arrange trapping and poisoning operations surrounding a property that had nine affected animals? Hon SHANE JONES: As I said this is the not the case where we should allow scaremongering to inform these issues. Possum control operations have been brought forward and planned. Whether or not there were problems with access to adjoining blocks of land is not something unusual when the Crown through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) deals with the occasional outbreak of TB. Kieran McAnulty: Is the Minister aware that despite the fact that since the early 2000s cases of TB have gone down from 1700 to 26 last year there have been numerous clusters of infections over the last decade all of which have been successfully managed? Hon SHANE JONES: There's a modest mop-up being addressed in the Hawke's Bay but to suggest that things are worsening is unfortunately a lame attempt at scaremongering and it will not succeed. Todd Muller: How can he honestly stand in this House and say that first detection last April six months of no poisoning expanding to nine farms and now on 1 March there's a no-movement zone across 500 properties in Hawke's Bay—the largest in that region for 20 years—is just minor and something we shouldn't be concerned about as a Parliament? Hon SHANE JONES: This is not a situation—although the member may resemble it—of the pea weevil. This is a problem that is being dealt with in the context of MPI's services. Local farmers have been regularly updated and it is quite unbecoming for members to try and generate political capital from scaremongering.
10. Question No. 10—Greater Christchurch RegenerationDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Greater Christchurch RegenerationQuestion No. 10—Greater Christchurch Regeneration10. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration: What action is the Government taking to speed up the return of Christchurch regeneration activities to local leadership? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration): Yesterday I introduced the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Amendment Bill to speed up progress on return to local decision-making in Christchurch. The bill will support Christchurch to thrive by removing some of the Crown's extraordinary powers that are no longer required. It will also bring forward the planned disestablishment and transition of Regenerate Christchurch. As we approach the ninth anniversary of the 22 February quakes the time is right to return responsibilities back where they belong: the local people. Dr Duncan Webb: What did last year's review of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act find? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: The annual review of the Act undertaken by Liz Sinclair in September last year found that given the considerable progress on key regeneration milestones has been made the city has reached a tipping point and it's time to amend the legislation to recognise the progress on shifting control back to local leadership in Greater Christchurch. This reflects the incredible work of stakeholders as well as local and central government officials to speed up progress and I want to thank all of those who have worked so hard to get us to where we are today. Dr Duncan Webb: What other steps has the Government taken to accelerate progress in Christchurch? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Over the last two years we've taken a number of steps to accelerate progress on the regeneration of the city. In February last year we revoked the Canterbury Earthquake (Christchurch Replacement District Plan) Order 2014 which took effect from 18 March 2019. That order was due to expire in 2021 so bringing the restoration of district planning power back to the city was a significant achievement. Last year we also made huge progress by concluding a global settlement with the council marking a major milestone and getting the city back to full local leadership. Of course we're also continuing to invest heavily in projects in Greater Christchurch with $300 million set aside in the Christchurch Regeneration Acceleration Facility for major projects. We're proud of the work we're doing and I look forward to announcing further progress in the coming months.
7. Question No. 7—TransportRAYMOND HUO (Labour) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 7—Transport7. RAYMOND HUO (Labour) to the Minister of Transport: What recent actions has he taken to encourage more and safer walking and cycling? Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport): Last week I kicked off construction of the Tamaki Drive cycleway with Mayor Phil Goff. The project includes a 2.8-metre dedicated off-road cycleway which will be separated from the existing shared pathway meaning that both pedestrians and cyclists will be safer. Upgrading one of Auckland's busiest cycle routes makes sense. There's an average of more than 1500 cycle trips on that route every day and we expect even more people to use it once the upgrade is completed. Raymond Huo: How does this cycleway help motorists on this key route? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well every winter during storms and king tides Tamaki Drive is quite often underwater and impassable. The project will raise sections of Tamaki Drive by around half a metre to reduce the impacts of flooding meaning that drivers cyclists and pedestrians will have a more reliable route. Raymond Huo: What other recent announcement has he made about walking and cycling infrastructure? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The recently announced New Zealand Upgrade Programme includes nearly 100 kilometres—100 kilometres—of shared paths across the country to give people real transport choices. The programme also fully funds SkyPath and SeaPath so that Aucklanders will finally get the ability to walk and cycle over the Harbour Bridge. Our Government is creating safer healthier and more accessible cities for people of all ages and abilities so that they can choose to bike every day. I want to acknowledge the Greens for their strong advocacy and role in this policy.
6. Question No. 6—TransportCHRIS BISHOP (National—Hutt South) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 6—Transport6. CHRIS BISHOP (National—Hutt South) to the Minister of Transport: Does he stand by all his statements on NZ Infra's unsolicited bid for Auckland light rail? Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport): Yes in the context they were made. Chris Bishop: What is unique about the NZ Infra proposal for Auckland light rail in comparison to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) proposal? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well it's different to the NZTA proposal in that first it was unsolicited. Second it's proposing that the New Zealand Superannuation Fund in partnership with its Canadian partner designs builds finances owns and operates the light rail line for a considerable period of time. Chris Bishop: Has he ever received advice from officials that the NZ Infra proposal might not have met the Government guidelines for unsolicited bids? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: To the best of my recollection no. Chris Bishop: How does NZ Infra's proposal meet the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment's procurement guidelines that such proposals are not advance proposals for a requirement that has already been identified and perhaps socialised in the market" when the Auckland light rail project has been discussed between the council and the Government seriously since 2015? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well that was one proposal and one solution that was developed by Auckland Transport and then worked on by the NZTA. The proposal by the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and its Canadian partners is quite different in many ways. The advice from Treasury and from the Ministry of Transport to Cabinet was that it was an unsolicited proposal and it should be dealt with in line with Government procurement rules. Chris Bishop: How does NZ Infra's proposal meet the procurement guidelines—for example proposals are not readily obtainable in the market place—when there are numerous potential vendors for Auckland light rail? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well I think the answer is contained within the member's question. There are numerous potential suppliers and contractors that might contribute to the design building financing and construction of the light rail line but I'm not aware of any other proposals for an entity like NZ Infra to design build finance and own and operate in perpetuity the Auckland light rail project. Chris Bishop: How does NZ Infra's proposal meet the procurement guidelines that such proposals "include sufficient detail so … the government can assess whether it is worthwhile" when his own talking point to Cabinet of December last year notes that there are significant unknowns and risks and more needs to be done to test the offering? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The answer is that obviously there was sufficient detail for it to be considered on the advice of Treasury and the Ministry of Transport as an unsolicited bid that required serious examination and more detail has been elicited through the twin-track process."
2. Question No. 2—FinanceKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Last week Xero released its Small Business Insights data for December showing the decade finished strong for New Zealand small business … With 56.42 percent of small businesses cash flow positive December recorded the third strongest month in the 2019 calendar year behind November and March. Compared to the cash flow numbers from December 2018 the data showed a solid year-on-year improvement of 1.13 percentage points." David Bell director of business growth at Xero said the data pointed "towards a sector getting smarter around how they operate their businesses and use their capital." These results are yet more real data that demonstrate the strong recent performance of New Zealand small businesses and the solid underlying fundamentals of the economy. Kiritapu Allan: What reports has he seen on the rural economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The rural economy continues to be strong. According to the latest Rural Economic Note though ASB has trimmed its milk price forecast for the 2019-20 season by 10c to $7.40 per kilo. They are clear that the disruptions from the coronavirus—COVID-19—outbreak have driven dairy auction prices slightly lower. However the price fall was in line with expectations. What this does demonstrate is that the New Zealand economy is not immune to the impacts of global economic developments such as COVID-19 but we are well positioned to manage them. Kiritapu Allan: What reports has he seen on the global economic context of the New Zealand economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: In its latest Global Macro Outlook Moody's has downgraded its expectations for global growth this year. While Moody's said it was too early to make a final assessment on the impact of COVID-19 it has downgraded the growth forecast for China Australia Japan and Korea in particular. Comparing Moody's revised forecasts with the consensus bank forecasts for New Zealand New Zealand is still expected to outperform our counterparts albeit in an environment of slower global growth. As I said yesterday the Government remains vigilant on this issue. We are currently working through scenarios with Treasury the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment and the Reserve Bank to ensure we are prepared if the virus outbreak is prolonged and the economic effects are sustained. That is not the advice we are receiving at the moment but it is best to be prepared for all possible scenarios."
Radhakrishnan PriyancaPRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour): Thank you Madam Speaker. In his contribution Mark Mitchell said that this bill shouldn't pass because it makes incremental change—some sort of a slippery slope argument but that's what we're here to do: to make change that is beneficial to New Zealanders. This bill will make it easier for people to enrol and vote. It enhances New Zealand's democracy. It's a good bill and I commend it to the House.
Andersen GinnyGINNY ANDERSEN (Labour): Thank you very much Madam Speaker. It's a pleasure to speak and the fact that 19000 people as we've heard already were denied the right to vote on election day and the National Party are strongly arguing that it should stay that way shows the deep internal contradictions and the actual underlying hypocrisy that we are faced with. There is no way you can stand up and say that this side of the House does not support democratic processes when voting against this bill does exactly that.
O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): Democracies around the world are lamenting the lack of participation lamenting the poor voter turnouts. This Electoral Amendment Bill will allow 19000 New Zealanders who weren't able to vote last year because they turned up a day later—had they turned up any stage in the two-week pre-voting period they would have been able to enrol and vote on the day. This allows them to do just that. It means that we will have 19000 more people—or would have had 19000 more people—participating in the very democratic process that we are all intent on preserving. This is good logical legislation. Those who passionately oppose it are really opposing improved democracy. I commend this to the House.
Henare PeeniHon PEENI HENARE (Minister of Civil Defence) on behalf of the Associate Minister of Housing (Public Housing): I move That the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 22 June 2020.
Allan Kiritapu; Dyson RuthKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour): Well that side of the House is a little riled up and I've got a clue that it's got something to do with the numbers that they are seeing because we know that that side's full of nothing but negativity—nothing but negativity. I think it might have something to do with the ghost economic plan that came out by their leader who's polling at abysmal rates and I'm sure they're all freaking out for their parliamentary careers—their ghost economic plan just like their ghost housing plan. Now that side of the House they pulled others down. That side of the House they sold houses off. That side of the House said that there was no housing crisis. But this side of the House is committed to delivering a fairer and more secure rental market for renters and I am extraordinarily proud to stand on this side of the House under the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern's leadership and with the vision that the Hon Kris Faafoi has for making residential tenancies safer for all New Zealanders. I'm proud to support this bill. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Ruth Dyson): Could I just remind members that these little objects in front of us actually amplify your voice.
O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): I would invite members opposite and most of them I've spoken to have been to Europe—most of them know people who live there. When they go and speak to people in Switzerland France and Germany most people over there live in their rented properties and they have incredible rights. People come back and say Wow. If only we could be like that." Could I invite those members opposite and those listening to think that this is a stepping stone to get to that very desirable situation. Currently 43 percent of children in New Zealand live in rental homes. I invite those members opposite to think what proportion of children lived in rental properties when they were children or when they were 20 years old. It was a heck of a lot less than that. We're in an evolving market and what we have to do is we can do two things. We can sit and do what we're hearing opposite—we can defend the status quo—and remain in it and nothing changes or we can prepare for the future that has already arrived and this is legislation which is allowing us to do that. For those that said over there that we're not allowed dogs that's another absolute lie—false news. We are allowed them. So can I invite the members opposite to get with the history—the future that has already arrived. Thank you Madam Speaker."
Hudson BrettBRETT HUDSON (National): Well no one's property is safe with a Labour - New Zealand First - Greens Government. Fundamentally that is what this Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill is—it's an attack on private property rights. We ought to ask ourselves why has this come about—why has this come about? Well partly because they're a bunch of socialists on that side. That much is pretty obvious. But the other reason why we have this right now is that the previous legislative change that this Government has made in this term of office has impacted rents by an average $60-a-week increase. Now they're very upset about that because they in their clouded ideological minds thought they could layer regulation on landlords and it wouldn't affect rents. They thought Ah no. It'll be fine. Landlords have got plenty of money. They make profit. They'll just swallow the extra cost." but no rents went up and went up sharply. So what have they done? What is the main measure of this bill? The main measure is to stop landlords increasing the rent because they know their legislative change drives costs up for renters and so they're going to legislate to prevent landlords from actually recovering and getting a proper return on their capital. Not only are they dealing with landlords' return on capital but they're basically saying the house you own as a landlord is no longer yours to decide what to do with it. By removing the right for a landlord to end a tenancy for any reason with 90 days' notice they in their clouded ideological minds think that the landlord's home is the renter's home. It is a home the renter gets to use for as long as the landlord wants to keep it on the market and they meet the terms of the tenancy agreement and the landlord wants to retain them. It is the landlord's house. The results of this are going to be pretty simple. We started seeing it with the previous legislative changes. More and more landlords are simply going to take their tenanted properties off the rental market. Like a lot of things this Government does it will have a perverse outcome where it actually reduces the supply of rental properties. They're so hopeless at building homes. How many is it—330 KiwiBuild homes? It was supposed to be 100000 in 10 years. We're two-and-a-bit years into it and they've done about 330 of them. They're not going to fix the supply issue because they're absolutely incapable of doing it and at the same time they're going to put measures in place that shrink the current supply of rental properties. It's a bad bill. We oppose it."
Warren-Clark AngieANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour): Thank you Madam Speaker. Taking a quick call tonight on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill I just want to congratulate Kris Faafoi for bringing this bill to the House. I think it's exceptional. Tauranga City is the fifth-least affordable city in the world—the fifth-least affordable city in the world—so this is absolutely important for our city that we have some changes. We've got over 600000 households in this country who are renting. We've got 43 percent of our children who are in rental properties. Household ownership for Māori is decreasing faster than in any other time in history—28 percent of Māori own their own homes. I am absolutely delighted to commend this bill to the House because we will be making a change for those people out there who are renting. Thank you.
Little AndrewHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Justice): I move That this debate be now adjourned.
Motions — Death of Second World War Pilot — Leave granted
Visitors — Germany — Vice President of the Bundestag
Peters WinstonMOTIONSNew Zealand Defence Force—Death of Second World War Pilot Jim RobinsonRt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister): I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate to mark the passing of Jim Robinson one of New Zealand's last Second World War Spitfire pilots. SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: I move That the House express its condolences to the extended family and friends of Jim Robinson one of New Zealand's last Spitfire pilots from the Second World War who passed away at the age of 99; note that he was the last of four New Zealand members of the RAF Squadron 81 which spent a large amount of the Second World War operating as a fighter squadron throughout Europe North Africa and India; and acknowledge the bravery of our Defence Force past and present and the sacrifice they and their families have made defending the freedoms and liberties of all New Zealand. Motion agreed to.
Lees-Galloway Iain; Brownlee GerryBUSINESS STATEMENTHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Deputy Leader of the House): Today the House will adjourn until Tuesday 3 March. The debate on the Prime Minister's statement will continue throughout that week concluding in time for the first members' day of the year to take place on Wednesday 11 March. Other legislation to be considered in the next sitting week will include the remaining stages of the Arms Legislation Bill and the second readings of the Abortion Legislation Bill and the Taxation (KiwiSaver Student Loans and Remedial Matters) Bill. Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): To the Deputy Leader of the House has there been consideration of perhaps extending the second reading of the Abortion Legislation Bill to allow more members to make a comment if they should choose to do so on what is essentially a conscience matter? Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Deputy Leader of the House): I'm not aware that there has been any conversation about that but the member is of course welcome to raise that at the Business Committee.
Mallard TrevorTHURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2020The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.VISITORSGermany—Vice President of the BundestagSPEAKER: I'm sure that members would wish to welcome Wolfgang Kubicki the Vice President of the German Bundestag who is to my left. Wolfgang Kubicki accompanied by the Deputy Speaker entered the Chamber and took a seat on the left of the Chair. [Applause]
Tuesday 18 February 2020 - Volume 744
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 of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Jami-Lee Ross' amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 324 are out of order as being outside the scope of the bill. 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 of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Part 1 agreed to.
Electoral Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 1