edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
6. Question No. 6—EnvironmentKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 6—Environment6. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister for the Environment: What actions is the Government taking to protect streams and wetlands?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): Last week the Government announced our action plan for healthy waterways. It focused on three things: firstly stopping the degradation of our rivers; secondly delivering a noticeable improvement in water quality in five years; and thirdly restoring our waterways to a healthy state within a generation. We're currently consulting with the public on our proposed changes. Meetings are well attended partly because consultation on other national policy statements (NPS)—like the protection of elite soils and urban development and hazardous substances—is taking place at the same meetings as was requested by the sectors. Kiritapu Allan: He aha te whakahoki kōrero o te tono a Te Karauna?[What has been the early feedback on the Government's proposals?]Hon DAVID PARKER: There have been considerably positive comments on the Government's plan to clean up our waterways. Across agriculture and environment sectors there is a consensus that more needs to be done and most New Zealanders are pleased this Government is doing it. After some of the incendiary comments early after the release of the document some attendees are concerned that the consultation—on for example nitrate limits—be open and genuine and I can confirm that it is.Kiritapu Allan: Ko ngā taumata whakaritea mō ngā pūkawa ota heke iho kua kotahi nei mō te motu whenua nei?[Are the proposed levels of nitrate reduction fixed and uniform across the country?]Hon DAVID PARKER: No not necessarily. As our discussion document clearly states we're consulting on whether the nutrient table should vary by water body—for example should there be a different nitrate level for lowland streams in Canterbury compared with higher-country rivers and lakes?Kiritapu Allan: Ka whakahokia ngā tono a Te Karauna ki te whakatiaki ki te tikitū wai māori [Do the essential freshwater proposals return New Zealand to pristine or pure waterways] and what is the time frame to achieve nitrate pollution limits?Hon DAVID PARKER: No these standards don't mean waterways should be pristine in the way they were before we had cities and farms. We do though want rivers to be swimmable and to sustain a healthy ecosystem. In terms of time frames in contrast to the mistaken views of some whatever the new nitrogen targets are in the NPS they're not to be met by 2025; in fact that is the date by which plans to start moving towards the target must be in place. It is up to regional councils to set the pace of change to achieve that over a generation—that is over some decades after 2025.
4. Question No. 4—EducationMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 4—Education4. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What actions is the Government taking to reduce costs for families in the public education system?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): The Government is implementing a school donation scheme for deciles 1 to 7 schools. This means that as of 1 January next year up to 1700 schools will receive funding of $150 per student so that they can stop directly asking parents for money or charge for anything associated with the delivery of the Curriculum. We know how difficult it is for parents to afford the donations that schools request and the pressure that it places on parents who aren't able to afford them. The Government is taking the pressure off families and putting the free" back into our public education system.Marja Lubeck: What advice is available to parents so that they know what can and cannot be charged to them in public schooling?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Last week we released guidance for families on the Ministry of Education's website to help them understand what they can be asked to pay for in schools. An example of this would be an optional after-school swimming activity or school uniforms. Also importantly the guidance also provides clarity to families as to what is a voluntary donation and frequently used examples of these. We've also published requirements for boards of trustees of the deciles 1 to 7 schools who are eligible for the scheme about what they can and cannot seek in the way of donations if they decide to opt into the scheme.Marja Lubeck: What action is the Government taking to ensure that schools do not continue to ask parents for donations if they accept funding as part of the school donations scheme? Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The legislation that's currently going through the House means that eligible schools that have accepted the funding from the Government but then continue to unlawfully seek voluntary donations from parents can have that money recovered from them. It's important that we protect the integrity of the scheme and make sure that the funding is doing exactly what it is meant to achieve. Marja Lubeck: What other funding has the Government delivered to remove costs from public schooling? Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: As part of this year's Budget the Government scrapped fees for NCEA. More than 168000 secondary school students will no longer have to pay fees in order to have their qualifications awarded. On top of this 150000 current and former students with unpaid NCEA fees will now be formally awarded their NCEA credits or qualifications. We're removing financial barriers to our public education system to make sure that all young people have the same chance to succeed."
3. Question No. 3—WomenHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Minister for WomenQuestion No. 3—Women3. Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Minister for Women: Does she believe all women in New Zealand should feel safe from sexual and physical violence in the workplace?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER (Minister for Women): Yes absolutely.Hon Paula Bennett: Does she agree that people in positions of power who encourage women in the workplace to stay silent and not go to the police when they allege they have been victims of sexual assault do more harm to the victims?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: Yes.Hon Paula Bennett: Is it the responsibility of line managers and senior staff who get told of instances of sexual harassment to report that to her central registry that now collects data on sexual harassment in the workplace?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I do think that it is important that if it is the wishes of the complainants in the case then that should be reported to the relevant manager yes.Hon Paula Bennett: Does she believe men in a position of power conducting a witch-hunt to find out who it was that might for instance have spoken to the media make women feel safe from sexual and physical violence in the workplace?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: What I can say is bullying sexual harassment and sexual assault are all very serious problems right across society. No institution is immune from them; the Francis review has shown that in Parliament and we all have a responsibility to make sure that women are safe and that there are victim-centred inquiries into these matters.Hon Paula Bennett: What does she consider a victim-centred response to be?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I think that there are best practice examples but ultimately the wishes of the complainants must be taken into account in the way in which the process is undertaken.Hon Paula Bennett: Has she had any concerns about sexual assault allegations by people employed in Parliament of late?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I always have concerns about any reported cases of sexual assault or sexual harassment in Parliament. I have had no specific knowledge or personal knowledge of any of those complaints.
2. Question No. 2—Regional Economic DevelopmentCLAYTON MITCHELL (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentQuestion No. 2—Regional Economic Development2. CLAYTON MITCHELL (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: What recent progress has been made on Provincial Growth Fund projects?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Regional Economic Development): Last week I engaged in some fiscal DIY. On behalf of the Crown I had the pleasure to go to one of the busiest wharves in Tai Tokerau in Aotearoa—Kororāreka the Russell wharf—where after I had applied a paintbrush there was a positive fiscal glow to that part of New Zealand. Clayton Mitchell: What other projects are nearing completion in the Bay of Islands? Hon SHANE JONES: The economic heart of the Northland area is beating rapidly in anticipation of more good news both this year and next year which will not come in the form of a white elephant. The Russell wharf funding announced along with Ōpua and Paihia shows that we believe in our communities who want to create new opportunities for economic growth and community participation and ensure that the infrastructure is futureproofed via the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) not for the big end of town but for the garden-variety Kiwis who coincidentally and happily live in the North. Clayton Mitchell: What progress has been seen on PGF projects in Taranaki?Hon SHANE JONES: To dispel rather cruel rumours that there is a very strong northern focus to the fiscal glow recently I was in Taranaki upon the maunga—although in Taranaki it is called the mōunga; although that word in my tribe means a large piece of firewood. I am pleased to say that the feasibility study was very positive and a sum of $13.3 million has been allocated to upgrade the infrastructure involve the local iwi and ensure that Taranaki Mounga represents a new set of opportunities for jobs for tourism growth and for export earnings as foreigners come to New Zealand and spend money and enjoy an area that is feeling the positive attention of this Government—i.e. the Taranaki region.
Kāinga Ora—Homes and Communities Bill — Second Reading
Stanford EricaERICA STANFORD (National—East Coast Bays): [Clears throat] Excuse me; I haven't spoken for a while. Thank you Madam Speaker. I'm pleased to take a relatively short call on the Kāinga Ora—Homes and Communities Bill. The previous speaker Marama Davidson was a really good example of why MPs need a decent sleep and not to finish at 1 o'clock in the morning. The first point she made was that all we need to do on this side of the House is admit there's been a crisis and that'll fix everything—because that's what this Government tends to think is that as long as we admit there's a crisis that's doing something about it. Well where did that get us admitting that there was a crisis with this Government? It got us KiwiBuild: the biggest failure of public policy in the history of New Zealand most likely. That's what happens when we get words like crisis" out of this Government. Admitting that there is a problem isn't a fix of a problem and we get ridiculous ploys like KiwiBuild. Now we get this bill which is just as two previous speakers have said—and I'll say it again because it gets a good rise out of the other side of the House—rearranging the deck chairs because all we have is a bill that is very very light on detail and some of the submitters that we had in committee made that point. So all we can do is really speak quite broadly rather than in great detail because there is really a lack of detail. The bill seeks to establish Kāinga Ora as a Crown public-housing landlord to lead and coordinate housing and urban—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Ruth Dyson): I'm very sorry to interrupt the member but this debate is interrupted and is set down for resumption next sitting day. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 17 September 2019. Have a good four days away. Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 6 p.m."
SpeechSARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill): Thank you very much Madam Speaker and I rise to take a short call—Kiritapu Allan: Oh Sarah will be in favour of this bill.SARAH DOWIE: —on this bill in opposition. I take a short call because I am mindful that the whip is dutifully whipping and also because this bill simply doesn't warrant filibustering or any great discussion the reason being because it is a shell of a bill and it is a waste of time.But the one thing that I will say—the one positive thing that I will say—is that it is a pleasure to follow after Mr Duncan Webb who has recently acquired the chairmanship of the Environment Committee and he has been a very good chair of course. But I will pull him up on a couple of things in his contribution. The first thing he said was that the submitters were not polished. Well I disagree. I think that the submitters were very very passionate about providing houses for those in need and providing affordable housing. But the one thing that I noticed about the submitters was that their submissions actually went wider than the brief of the bill because they were so passionate.And therein lies the problem because this bill is merely shifting the deckchairs on the Titanic. It is simply about merging Housing New Zealand HLC and the failed KiwiBuild—the gift that kept on giving to us of course—into one without a proper structure around it without delving into the nitty-gritty about how this Government is going to provide affordable houses for those in need. I mean this is a product of this Government: very good at the high level very good at the expectations very good at manoeuvring around targets and then dropping them altogether. It's all very well to talk about Government policy statements but there was never any effort—and there still is no effort in this—to drill down to the nitty-gritty about how the provision of houses is going to work. Now there is mention of a sister bill a follow-up bill as to how that will be brought about but again we have seen one effort in KiwiBuild fail—the goal was 10000 houses within 10 years; admitted by the Government that that was overly ambitious—and we come back to the problem which is the Resource Management Act. There is a failure by that Government to admit that it needs some real work. Again we've got a working group that's going to look at it but no real clear detail about how that Government will fix it.There are housing issues across this country now and it is because councils have failed to look strategically at land to rezone and then provide incentives for developers—developers who know how to provide housing properly and at low cost—to go in and build houses and provide more choice for people on the ground. And of course more houses means the prices are forced down and it is more of a competitive market.I am getting the nod from Mr Whip" and I have been told to finish up and sit down. But all I can say is that this bill is woeful. It is woeful. We need action and we're not getting it and hence I oppose this bill."
Simpson ScottHon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel): Thank you Madam Speaker. I'm pleased to be following that member because I do know Paul Eagle is a man that comes to this Parliament with a sense of passion and vigour—but to hear him speak on this bill in such a disengaged flat uninteresting way is actually very sad for a man who had such potential when he came into this Parliament just two years ago. He was originally going to be a strong voice but we heard nothing really but an apologetic voice—for a lack of vision and a lack of action on an important area. This bill is essentially one that does very little apart from establish a framework for an Urban Development Authority but it does so in a way that brings together three Crown entities—one of them a busted flush—the KiwiBuild unit and then the HLC and of course Housing New Zealand's entity and operations as well. We're opposing the bill on this side of the House not because we're averse to setting up an Urban Development Authority but because actually setting one up without addressing the fundamental problems that exist surrounding the Resource Management Act mean that there's little point in doing so until that process has been completed. Now two years into this administration—as they get to the point where they're entering into their last year of office—nothing has happened in that area apart from talk. There actually needs to be a fundamental overhaul of the Resource Management Act and the planning rules that have developed around it that are the roadblocks that preclude the kind of development that is required to achieve the objectives that this bill seeks to achieve. That simply hasn't happened so far. So just merging three entities together doesn't achieve anything of itself; it doesn't achieve the lofty goals that the Minister spoke so flatly about. In fact the Minister came to the Chamber and really didn't show much passion or interest in the bill either. Brett Hudson: Crushed.Hon SCOTT SIMPSON: Crushed defeated humiliated I guess. But it's a reflection of this Government—just hoping for better outcomes. Actually just hoping for better outcomes is futile in itself but just hoping for better outcomes has actually become a metaphor for this Government in office. The bill simply ignores the fact that the vast majority of homes built in New Zealand are built by the private sector. So we oppose this bill simply because it doesn't really achieve anything other than a hope.
Te Pire kia Unuhia te Hara kai Runga i a Rua Kēnana / Rua Kēnana Pardon Bill — First Reading
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER: Can I on behalf of the members of Parliament thank our visitors for concluding a part of the day which started very well and has ended up being exceptionally special and for sharing with us something which is clearly so important to our country. Thank you.And I just want to say that on occasion the Parliament peaks and then it sometimes changes a little and on that note I call on Government Order of the Day No. 2!
Muller ToddTODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty): Tēnā koe e Te Mana Whakawā. I am the last speaker on the National Party side this afternoon as we reflect on the Rua Kēnana Pardon Bill. As I was listening and have been listening over the last half an hour I have become increasingly daunted. How can I put words into this Chamber that can amplify the power of those who have spoken before me and acknowledge and assuage the pain that has so obviously been expressed here by my parliamentary colleagues? It is very humbling to be asked to say a few words.I have to acknowledge firstly a good friend Te Ururoa Flavell who I've known for a number of years. He has committed so much of his political and professional life to advancing this and it was so appropriate that he did represent the Crown in September 2017.We have heard very eloquent speeches this afternoon about what this bill is seeking to do in pardoning Rua Kēnana. I am struck when I listen to the conversation when the purpose of our speeches is to acknowledge this bill and its purpose to give effect to the pardon to Rua Kēnana for the conviction he sustained for moral resistance to arrest. The restoration of the character mana and reputation of Rua Kēnana his uri and Ngā Toenga o Ngā Tamariki o Iharaira Faith".The last part of that is the bit that I have struggled with because as I listen to the speeches and reflect on the story and the history it strikes me that the descendants' mana has been immeasurably enhanced over the years by your courage and your persistence and your willingness to welcome the Crown back to facilitate this pardon. Yes this pardon is enhancing the mana of Rua Kēnana and descendants but in my view your collective actions over many years have enhanced it even more than the power of this and I want to acknowledge that. I find it extraordinary—absolutely extraordinary.I then look at these signatures and cannot imagine what that must have been like that day when you on behalf of your people are putting your name to the Crown's apology and pardon—an extraordinary moment for all of you. Again when I look at this I am overwhelmed at your grace in allowing and facilitating that conversation in such a remarkable way as you did.I guess my only last comment speaking as directly to you as I can is that I wonder what Rua Kēnana would reflect on today: what his advice and deep spiritual reflection and perspective would be—for you for us for Aotearoa and what he would say lies in front of us. I am sure that you know that more than I could ever put words to. All I ask is: continue to lead and demonstrate for us what that means and we all collectively will benefit. Nō reira tēnā koutou tēnā koutou tēnā koutou katoa."
Warren-Clark AngieANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour): Tēnā koe e Te Māngai o Te Whare. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. Today I stand to take a call on this very special bill Te Pire kia Unuhia te Hara kai Runga i a Rua Kēnana the Rua Kēnana Pardon Bill. This House and our guests in the gallery may wonder why I a very obviously Pākehā woman who is pretty bad at Te Reo Māori is standing to take a call. Well I'm standing today because my daughter is a daughter of Tūhoe and Mihiroa Te Kaawa was her great-great-grandmother and Rua Kēnana was her great-great-grandfather.So I'm standing today because I know for once what it is like to stand with the Crown but also to stand with my people at a time of healing and at a time where we have to recognise the history. I have been greatly honoured by our grandmother Rāwina Te Rupe Rāwina Rua who talked to me at times. I was little bit afraid of her because she was tūturu Māori and she would scare me at times but she would talk to me about Maungapōhatu and her time there when she lived there and I'm greatly honoured to carry that. May she rest in peace. I feel so deeply honoured to be here today and I feel so deeply honoured to be able to say that this is important to my whānau as well as to the Crown.I have here the agreement to provide a statutory pardon for Rua Kēnana. I read it and I looked for the names that I knew and I want to read some of that again today because even though we have heard from other people for me it's important to put into Hansard the effects of the agreement on 9 September between the Crown and Ngā Toenga o Ngā Tamariki a Iharaira me Ngā Uri o Maungapōhatu Charitable Trust providing a statutory pardon for Rua Kēnana.The preamble states that the Waitangi Tribunal concluded in its Te Urewera inquiry that the police used excessive force against the Maungapōhatu community" and "the arrest of Rua Kēnana was unlawful [as it was] a Sunday"—and I note today it is also the 12th. "The [community of Maungapōhatu] went into decline after these events and … never recovered. Ngā Toenga … the Maungapōhatu Community and the descendants of Rua Kēnana have carried the deep hurt shame and stigma of this invasion and its resulting economic [and] social [and] spiritual impacts" for more than 100 years. We know that the deaths the violence the theft and the rape occurred at the time that Rua was arrested and we know that Rua Kēnana was held in Mount Eden and the trial was long and that the community of Maungapōhatu fell into disarray.The bill summarises the circumstances of that invasion to Maungapōhatu. The bill provides an apology to the uri. The bill provides a pardon from the Crown to Rua Kēnana for the conviction he sustained for the moral resistance to arrest. The pardon contains a declaration to restore the character mana and reputation of Rua Kēnana his uri and followers of the faith.It is the beginning not the end of the process and I look forward to our final reading. I look forward to the day that we all stand together at Maungapōhatu as one. Kia ora."
Points of Order — Te Reo Māori—English Translation
Brownlee GerryPOINTS OF ORDERTe Reo Māori—English TranslationHon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Earlier this afternoon in the questioning of the Prime Minister you gave the House your interpretation of an interpreted Hansard from the Hon Kelvin Davis yesterday. While I would accept that the word kōhimuhimu" might have different meanings in context it can't have a different meaning in text. It's very clear from both the transcription of Mr Kelvin Davis' speech and then the transcript of the translation that there are two statements that are relevant. You said there was one and that it related entirely to our party but the factual script in Te Reo and the translation are similar and make it clear that he did mean that the Hon Paula Bennett was criticising the actions the work and other things that they have done all based on rumour. And I think that's unreasonable—SPEAKER: The member will resume his seat. I have since reviewed further down the transcript and I accept that I was wrong in my comments to the House as to the transcription. I had looked at the earlier comments which were related directly to Paula Bennett and not to the later parts and I apologise to the House for that. I have since reviewed it and I was going to make the point now but the member beat me to it."
Hipkins Chris; Brownlee GerryBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Next week the House will consider the third reading of the Appropriation (2019/20 Estimates) Bill. An imprest supply bill will be taken along with the third reading. Other legislation to be included next week will include the first reading of the Public Finance (Wellbeing) Amendment Bill the committee stage of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission/Te Waihanga Bill and the Kāinga Ora—Homes and Communities Bill and the third reading of the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill. On Thursday 19 September the Ngāti Hinerangi Claims Settlement Bill will have its first reading.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): Noticing that the select committees have no legislation coming back into the House during the September sitting is the Leader of the House confident there will be enough first readings to keep the House busy during those weeks?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Not only are there a number of first readings coming there are also a number of committee stages currently listed on the Order Paper although given that a bill passed through the House the other night through its committee stage with only two speeches from the Opposition—on a bill that they oppose—I wouldn't be surprised if we make reasonably rapid progress.
Obituaries — Rt Hon 'Akilisi Pōhiva
Seymour DavidDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): On behalf of the ACT Party I'd like to join with other leaders in acknowledging the sad passing of 'Akilisi Pōhiva. I think any brave pioneer of parliamentary democracy such as him is well deserving of the recognition of this House particularly when he did that pioneering in a Pacific country that is a close important friend and neighbour of New Zealand. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and with the people of Tonga. Thank you Mr Speaker. Motion agreed to.
Davidson MaramaMARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green): He mihi aroha tēnei ki a ia Te Pirimia o Tonga 'Akilisi Pōhiva me tana whānau tana wahine a Neomai Pōhiva me āna tamariki katoa. Nō reira kei te mihi kei te mihi kei te mihi. Haere atu rā ki ngā whetū ki ngā tūpuna. He tangata kaha tēnei ki te tū ki te tautoko mō te manapori mō te Paremata mō ngā tāngata. He tangata kaha tēnei i haere ia ki te whare herehere mō te mahi tutū ana te puehu nō reira he tangata māhaki ia mō āna hapori he tangata tū kaha ki te whawhai mō ngā whenua mō ngā moutere o te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa o ana moutere o Tonga. Nō reira e mihi ana te whānau o ngā Kākāriki ki a rātou ki a tātou aku hoa kaimahi nō Tonga ki ngā hapori o Tonga kei kōnei ki Aotearoa. Tēnei tangata māhaki tangata kaha; tēnei tangata e tū ana ki te taha o ngā mokopuna ngā reanga kei te haere mai ki te tiaki i te whenua i te moana hoki mā rātou ngā reanga. Nō reira he mihi pono he mihi; nōku te honore ki te mihi aroha ki a ia ki a rātou hoki. Kia ora.[I pass on my condolences to the Prime Minister of Tonga 'Akilisi Pōhiva and his family his wife Neomai Pōhiva and all of his children. So my condolences. Go to the stars go to the ancestors.He is man who stood up for democracy for Parliament for people.He was a strong man he went to jail because of his protest alas he was a man who cared deeply for his community he stood strong in the fight for land for the islands of the Pacific and for his islands of Tonga. Therefore the Green family acknowledge them and my work colleagues from Tonga as well as the community of Tonga right here in New Zealand.This caring man strong man; this man who stood alongside grandchildren the generation that has come to protect the land protect the seas by them the generations. Finally my sincere condolences; it is an honour of mine to pass my condolences to him and to all. Thank you.]
SpeechHon SHANE JONES (NZ First): E kara. E te rangatira e Pōhiva ka riro koe ki tawhiti nui ki tawhiti roa ki tawhiti pāmamao ki tua o te ārai. Haere atu. Moe atu. Ka whakarērea mai e koe he tauira hei whai mā te marea i roto i ngā moemoeā. I pau i a koe tō kaha katoa ki te whakatutuki kia mana ai te marea ki waenga tonu i ngā motu me te rangatiratanga kei tō motu a Tonga. Nā reira e kara e moe moe oti atu e.[Sir. The leader Pōhiva you have been taken afar to beyond the veil. Go peacefully. Rest in peace. You have left behind an example to the many in your tireless pursuit of democracy for your general public and independence for your island of Tonga. Therefore my friend rest easy rest in peace.]I rise very briefly on behalf of New Zealand First to acknowledge the passing of the Rt Hon 'Akilisi Pōhiva someone I worked with someone my leader knew very well. Let us not forget although this man was of ill health in more recent years for Tongan reform for democracy no light burned brighter than this man. Not only did he face charges of treason not only was he harassed for his beliefs; in the end he rose to be the Prime Minister and brought a level of equity to the political culture of Tonga. He was very proud. He advocated for the Pacific and the Polynesian community more broadly in a range of both Pacific and international fora. Today New Zealand has lost a great friend.
Speaker's Statements — New Zealand Land Wars—Unveiling of Commemorative Plaque
SpeechHon ALFRED NGARO (National): I too on behalf of the National Party want to speak to this notice of motion and give our condolences to not only the Pōhiva family but also the Kingdom of Tonga. 'Akilisi Pōhiva was a man that was born on 17 April 1941 and lived his life until today in which he passed away. He was a Tongan pro-democracy activist and politician and had quite a significant and substantial life in leading the democratic rule of Government in Tonga itself. He was the leader of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands and served as Prime Minister of Tonga from 2014 to his death in 2019 of today. He was only the fourth commoner to serve as a Prime Minister after a number of other distinguished members of Parliament and Prime Ministers as well.Pōhiva was not only the longest-serving people's representative of Tonga in the Tongan Parliament having first served since elected in 1987 he also too had quite a substantial political career and it was marked by constant battles with the Tongan democracy and monarchy and transparency issues. In 1996 he was imprisoned for contempt of Parliament on the order of Legislative Assembly for reporting on parliamentary proceedings.Mr Speaker and to the House he was an advocate he was an activist but more importantly he was a person and a man who was standing for the rights and the democracy of a nation. So we want to honour and acknowledge him in this House. I finish by reciting a Tongan proverb that states this: Mapaki e faa ka 'oku kei 'alaha. The pandanus nut breaks from the tree yet its aroma lingers." It reflects the legacy that he leaves behind not only for his family not only for the Kingdom of Tonga but the whole of the Pacific region and we acknowledge his passing today."
Davis KelvinOBITUARIESRt Hon 'Akilisi PōhivaHon KELVIN DAVIS (Deputy Leader—Labour): I seek leave to move a motion without notice on the passing of the Rt Hon 'Akilisi Pōhiva the Prime Minister of Tonga.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none.Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I move That this House express its sadness at the passing of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga Rt Hon 'Akilisi Pōhiva who passed away earlier today Thursday 12 September 2019 and place on record its gratitude for the contribution that he has made to the Kingdom of Tonga and to furthering the interests of the Pacific region.Further we convey deep sympathy to the Rt Hon 'Akilisi Pōhiva's family and to the people of the Kingdom of Tonga. The Rt Hon 'Akilisi Pōhiva passed away this morning in Auckland aged 78 after having been medevaced to New Zealand yesterday. We extend our condolences to his family and to the people of Tonga. Prime Minister Pōhiva was an elder statesman of the Pacific and a great friend to New Zealand. I've just been told that he was the longest serving member of Parliament in Tonga some 32 years.He'll be remembered for his lifelong commitment to championing democracy. He was always committed to broadening democracy and contributed much of his life to this cause and for that reason was a standout figure in the Pacific. He was also a powerful advocate for Pacific regionalism demonstrated at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tuvalu where he advocated for climate change action and regional solidarity. Our thoughts are with the people of Tonga and the extended Pōhiva family.
Mallard TrevorTHURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.SPEAKER'S STATEMENTSNew Zealand Land Wars—Unveiling of Commemorative PlaqueSPEAKER: Members earlier this morning we have unveiled a plaque commemorating the New Zealand Wars of the 19th century. This plaque joins others on the walls of this House acknowledging and honouring New Zealanders who have lost their lives in conflicts. I would now like members to join me in a moment's silence as we remember those who lost their lives in the New Zealand Wars.Members stood as a mark of respect.
Wednesday 11 September 2019 - Volume 740
End of Life Choice Bill — In Committee—Part 3
VoteA personal vote was called for on the question That Part 3 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 68Adams (P)Ghahraman (P)Marcroft (P)ShawAllan (P)Henare (P)Mark (P)Simpson (P)Andersen (P)Hipkins (P)Martin (P)Smith S (P)Ardern (P)Hudson (P)McAnultyStanford (P)Ball (P)Hughes (P)Mitchell C SwarbrickBennett P (P)Huo (P)Mitchell M (P)Tabuteau (P)BishopJackson (P)Nash (P)TinettiCoffeyJones (P)O'Connor GWallCollins (P)Kaye (P)Parker (P)Warren-Clark (P)CraigKing (P)Patterson (P)Webb (P)CurranKuriger (P)Peters (P)Willis (P)Davidson (P)Lees-Galloway (P)Prime (P)Woods (P)DavisLittle (P)Radhakrishnan (P)Yang (P)Doocey (P)Logie (P)Robertson (P)DysonLubeck (P)Ross (P)Eagle (P)Luxton (P)Sage (P)Faafoi (P)Mahuta (P)Sepuloni (P)Teller:Genter (P)Mallard (P)SeymourFalloonNoes 50Bakshi (P)Guy (P)O'Connor STolley (P)Bayly (P)Hayes (P)Parmar (P)Twyford (P)Bennett D (P)HipangoPenk (P)van de MolenBidois (P)Kanongata'a-SuisuikiPugh (P)Wagner (P)Bridges (P)Lee DReti (P)Walker (P)Brown (P)Lee MRurawhe (P)WhaitiriBrownlee (P)LoheniRussellWilliamsCarter (P)MacindoeSalesa (P)WoodClark (P)McClay (P)Scott (P)Woodhouse (P)Dean (P)McKelvie (P)Sio (P)Yule (P)Dowie (P)Muller (P)Smith N (P)Garcia (P)Ngaro (P)Strange (P)Teller:Goldsmith (P)O'Connor D (P)Tirikatene (P)BarryPart 3 as amended agreed to.House resumed.The Chairperson reported progress on the End of Life Choice Bill.Report adopted.The House adjourned at 12.56 a.m. (Thursday)
VoteThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 215 in the name of Simon O'Connor be agreed to.A personal vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 43Bakshi (P)Hayes (P)Parmar (P)Wagner (P)Bayly (P)HipangoPenk (P)Walker (P)Bennett D (P)Kanongata'a-Suisuiki Pugh (P)WhaitiriBridges (P)Lee MReti (P)WilliamsBrown (P)Loheni Rurawhe (P)Woodhouse (P)Brownlee (P)Macindoe (P)Salesa (P)Yule (P)Carter (P)McClay (P)Scott (P)Clark (P)McKelvie (P)Smith N (P)Dean (P)Muller (P)Strange (P)Dowie (P)Ngaro Tirikatene (P)Garcia (P)O'Connor D (P)Tolley (P)Teller:Guy (P)O'Connor STwyford (P)BarryNoes 75Adams (P)Goldsmith (P)Mark (P)Sio (P)Allan (P)Henare (P)Martin (P)Smith S (P)Andersen (P)Hipkins (P)McAnultyStanford (P)Ardern (P)Hudson (P)Mitchell C SwarbrickBall (P)Hughes (P)Mitchell M (P)Tabuteau (P)Bennett P (P)Huo (P)Nash (P)TinettiBidois (P)Jackson (P)O'Connor Gvan de MolenBishop (P)Jones (P)Parker (P)WallCoffey Kaye (P)Patterson (P)Warren-Clark (P)Collins (P)King (P)Peters (P)Webb (P)CraigKuriger (P)Prime (P)Willis (P)CurranLee DRadhakrishnan (P)WoodDavidson (P)Lees-Galloway (P)Robertson (P)Woods (P)DavisLittle (P)Ross (P)Yang (P)Doocey (P)Logie (P)RussellDyson Lubeck (P)Sage (P)Eagle (P)Luxton (P)Sepuloni (P)Faafoi (P)Mahuta (P)SeymourGenter (P)Mallard (P)ShawTeller:Ghahraman (P)Marcroft (P)Simpson (P)FalloonAmendment not agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 65New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Noes 55New Zealand National 55.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 327 in the name of Chris Penk to the proposed amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 259 in the name of David Seymour be agreed to.A personal vote was called for on the question That the amendment to the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 49Bakshi (P)Guy (P)O'Connor SUpston (P)Bayly (P)Hayes (P)Parmar (P)Wagner (P)Bennett D (P)HipangoPenkWalker (P)Bidois (P)Kanongata'a-SuisuikiPughWhaitiri (P)Bridges (P)Lee DReti (P)Williams (P)Brown (P)Lee MRurawhe (P)Wood (P)Brownlee (P)LoheniSalesa (P)Woodhouse (P)Carter (P)MacindoeScott (P)Young (P)ClarkMcClay (P)Smith N (P)Yule (P)Dean (P)McKelvie (P)Strange (P)Dowie (P)Muller (P)Tirikatene (P)GarciaNgaroTolley (P)Teller:Goldsmith (P)O'Connor D (P)Twyford (P)BarryNoes 71Allan (P)Henare (P)Martin (P)Sio (P)Andersen (P)Hipkins (P)McAnultySmith S (P)Ardern (P)Hudson (P)Mitchell C (P)Stanford (P)Ball (P)Hughes (P)Mitchell M (P)Swarbrick (P)Bennett P (P)Huo (P)NashTabuteau (P)Bishop (P)Jackson (P)O'Connor GTinettiCoffey (P)Jones (P)Parker (P)van de MolenCollins (P)Kaye (P)PattersonWallCraig (P)King (P)Peters (P)Warren-Clark (P)Curran (P)Kuriger (P)Prime (P)Webb (P)DavidsonLees-Galloway (P)Radhakrishnan (P)Willis (P)Davis (P)LittleRobertson (P)Woods (P)Doocey (P)Logie (P)Ross (P)Yang (P)DysonLubeck (P)RussellEagle (P)Luxton (P)SageFaafoi (P)Mahuta (P)Sepuloni (P)FalloonMallard (P)SeymourGenter (P)Marcroft (P)Shaw (P)Teller:Ghahraman (P)Mark (P)Simpson (P)AdamsAmendment to the amendments not agreed to.
End of Life Choice Bill — In Committee—Part 2
12. Question No. 12—ImmigrationSTUART SMITH (National—Kaikōura) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 12—Immigration12. STUART SMITH (National—Kaikōura) to the Minister of Immigration: Does he stand by all his statements policies and actions?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister of Immigration): Yes. In particular I stand by increasing the refugee quota to 1500 and increasing the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme cap to 12850 which is an increase of 2350 people in this term of Government and I'm particularly proud that since I became Minister this Government has made a priority of tackling migrant exploitation.Stuart Smith: Does he stand by his statement that the criteria for priority allocation of visas for those seeking employment in Government departments was not being used and if so is he not aware that Immigration New Zealand are using that criteria as a reason for priority allocation?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I have been advised that I was correct—that that criteria is no longer being used.Stuart Smith: Does he believe seeking employment in a Government department is an acceptable reason to queue-jump the visa application process?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: The member needs to listen more closely. The last time he asked me that question I said no.Stuart Smith: How is it fair or transparent that small businesses and individuals throughout regional New Zealand are experiencing unreasonable wait times for visa processing when those seeking employment in Government departments are able to skip ahead of other applications?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I do wish the member would listen to my answers.Stuart Smith: When he said When they asked for that information they were given it." in regard to the unpublished list of internally set criteria for priority allocation of visa applications does he think it is reasonable for people applying for visas to ask for information that they are not aware exists?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Well I think it is reasonable for them to ask and I'm aware that that practice has been in place since about 2003. David Seymour: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I notice you've just awarded two additional supplementary questions to the National Party and I wonder if you have considered that you might more effectively punish the Government by awarding them to ACT. SPEAKER: I'm prepared to consider that but I'm not going to do it."
9. Question No. 9—Energy and ResourcesJONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesQuestion No. 9—Energy and Resources9. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does she stand by her statement we are currently seeing higher wholesale rates … there is no reason to think that this will necessarily flow through to retail rates" and has she received any advice on domestic power price increases since then?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): In answer to the first part of the member's question: yes in the context the statement was made. In answer to the second part of the member's question: no because I have not received advice since 31 July 2019 that there has been an increase in average residential power prices. I am aware however of the release of the New Zealand Energy Quarterly tomorrow that will have further information.Jonathan Young: So what will the Government do to ensure domestic power prices will not rise for New Zealand families?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: As the member is well aware—because we've had many a long conversation in this very House about it—this is a Government that has been taking an electricity price review. This is a comprehensive piece of work that we will be releasing shortly.Jonathan Young: Does the Minister agree with the Electricity Authority who commenting on natural gas shortages say that this "points to one thing which is higher … prices. We don't see anything that's pointing to lower prices."?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: What we do know is that there has been a recent softening in the prices. What we also know is that very clear signals about the need to invest in more generation are being received by the market. This year alone we have seen $650 million of committed investment into renewable energy. What we also know is that long term that means lower prices for New Zealanders because these have the lowest levelised costs of electricity.Jonathan Young: Why is she still committed to a 100 percent renewable electricity goal when the interim climate change committee said it will lift power prices by $300 a year for New Zealand's most vulnerable families?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: As we discussed at the time we remain committed to this goal because it is 16 years in the future. In that period of time there will be two check-ins on the Climate Commission's carbon budgets over that time. The suggestion that the interim Climate Commission made was actually that we will have greater levels of renewable energy generation in place by that date. We're not willing to commit to that until we see how things pan out. That member should think back 16 years ago and ask himself whether he could have predicted the future we're in now—nobody can. We are taking a very prudent approach to this that puts New Zealanders and the affordability of their power front and centre."
7. Question No. 7—HousingANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of HousingQuestion No. 7—Housing7. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of Housing: Does the Government have a plan to develop a rent-to-own scheme as stated in the Speech from the Throne and does she stand by her statement The scheme will mean that over time the family can buy further chunks of the mortgage until they own the home outright"?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing): Yes. As stated last week we are currently developing a $400 million progressive homeownership scheme. Rent to buy a subset of progressive homeownership may well be part of that. In answer to the second part of the question yes.Andrew Bayly: What does she actually mean when she stated—and I quote—"The scheme will mean that over time the family can buy further chunks of the mortgage until they own the home outright."? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Of course as I also said last week we will be taking the final design of the mix between the various products that sit under the broad umbrella of progressive homeownership to Cabinet later this year. But what it means is for example if you were looking to do it through a rent-to-buy scheme such as Habitat for Humanity currently are doing at the moment the rent that someone pays over a period of time—nine years is the typical period that Habitat works on—at the end of that time that would be cashed out as equity in the home. If we for example were to go for more like a shared equity scheme such as the Housing Foundation does a third party would take an equity share in the house from the outset and that would be progressively paid back over time—a recycle rate of 4.7 years such as the Housing Foundation works on at which point typically a commercial mortgage can be taken out. SPEAKER: Does the member have a supplementary? Andrew Bayly: Yes Mr Speaker. SPEAKER: Well get to it please.Andrew Bayly: Why after the policy was announced two years ago in the Speech from the Throne is the Minister still not able to say today the specific details of the policy?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Of course we have three-year parliamentary cycles and everything that was said in the Speech from the Throne was what we were going to do over a term in Government. I am incredibly proud that we as a Government are committed to expanding homeownership opportunities for New Zealand and in our first term in Government will have a $400 million scheme for progressive homeownership up and running. I do remind that member that his Government's flagship idea around this was $26 million back in 2013. It was clearly not something his party is committed to. Andrew Bayly: OK so will the Minister confirm that the scheme will be in place by election year next year—2020—to enable the 2500 to 4000 people she claims will be helped into homeownership through a shared equity scheme or rent-to-buy scheme?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: The announcement I made is that the intention is to take a Cabinet paper at the end of this year to have a scheme up and running next year with the 2500 to 4000 people being helped into homeownership over a four-year period."