edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Vote: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Vote: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7385. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 68 
New Zealand National 59; New Zealand First 7; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 52 
New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 14; Maori Party 3; Mana 1. 
Bill read a first time. 
The question was put that the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill be referred to the Justice and Electoral Committee.
Ross Jami-Lee: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Ross Jami-Lee: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7384. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
JAMI-LEE ROSS (National—Botany) 
: 
 On this subject I would like to start by reading out a quote in relation to this issue. It goes along like this: “Most people including myself have a deep sense that it is wrong that serious offenders can be awarded compensation for wrongful treatment without those offenders themselves being required to pay compensation to their victims for the serious wrongs inflicted upon them.” That quote is from the Hon Phil Goff from 14 December 2004. I want to ask the House and ask the Opposition what has changed in the view of the Opposition. I absolutely agree with what Phil Goff had to say back in 2004 when he first introduced the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Bill which ended up becoming the Act. The problem we have with the Opposition’s argument is that if we were to go along with what it is suggesting and simply vote this piece of legislation the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill down then on 1 July next year we would actually see that compensation scheme for victims being done away with. That would be an unacceptable position for this House to leave victims in. 
The original Act responded to the concern that offenders should not receive compensation for wrongful treatment without first repaying the debt they owed to the people whom they harmed—the victims. This bill is about continuing that scheme because it is going to expire next year if nothing is done. Opposition members are arguing that they do not support this legislation but they would see the very scheme that they themselves put in place in 2005 being done away with. That is unacceptable. 
This Government has done a lot for victims. This Government campaigned in 2008 on supporting victims. The biggest change that has been made for victims has been the $50 offender levy. We have used that new levy to expand services to and support of victims of serious crimes and their families. More than 4000 victims and their families have received extra support in the first year of that because we implemented a victims’ offender levy. This piece of legislation continues something that the Opposition started and put in place for a very good reason. It is important that it stays. The petulant attitude that says “We don’t like that the Government hasn’t worked with us. Therefore we should vote this piece of legislation down.” is wrong and should not be an argument that is supported. I commend the bill to the House.
Roy Eric: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Roy Eric: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7382. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: A split call? 
Dr Megan Woods 
: Yes it is. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: I call Dr Megan Woods.
Ngaro Alfred: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Ngaro Alfred: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7382. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
ALFRED NGARO (National) 
: 
 I rise to take a call on this Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill in its first reading. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Hon Lianne Dalziel. I do not have the history of the debate and the discussion over its previous course but I do agree with the issues around support having previously been part of support groups to help victims especially victims of crime especially our vulnerable and especially our women and our children. The list she read out is definitely a list of the areas where concern and care are needed in support of them. 
The Hon Phil Goff spoke about restorative justice and I do have some experience in that. I would agree that this is an approach to justice that focuses on the needs of the victims and also the offenders as well as the involved community and I think we do not often talk about that when we talk about restorative justice. It is not just the victim and the offender; it is the whole of the community working collectively together. It ensures that the victims take an active role but also that the offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. That is absolutely important and I think that is what is important. 
What I am looking forward to is having the debate. As again I have not been part of this history previously I would like to hear about these issues and I think there is some merit in some of the conversations we had as a select committee. I think that is important. I think the things we will be debating will be around for instance the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Act 2005 which did respond to some of the concern that offenders should not receive compensation. I was fortunate to be on the Justice and Electoral Committee when we heard submissions on the Victims of Crime Reform Bill and yes there was the Sensible Sentencing Trust—Garth McVicar and others—and what we heard really clearly there was that there is a need for balance in the system that does take into account the needs of the victim. 
So I rise in support of the discussion in the first reading and also at the select committee for this bill. Thank you.
Blue Jackie: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Blue Jackie: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7379. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Dr JACKIE BLUE (National) 
: 
 I am very pleased to speak to the first reading of the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill. This bill is to make permanent the restriction of awards of compensation and the victims’ claims process in the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Act 2005. It was a Labour bill so I actually find it quite surprising that Labour is opposing this tonight. 
The regime in the 2005 Act expired on 30 June this year which necessitated an interim bill earlier this year to extend that date to June 2013 allowing time for this bill to be passed. And I believe that the Minister of Justice wants it reported back by April next year. 
The 2005 Act outlines the rare circumstances where courts can award financial compensation to prisoners for breaches of their human rights and it is concerning that this has actually happened in New Zealand. The 2005 Act allows any money owed by prisoners such as reparation or legal aid to be deducted from any compensation. 
In addition the Act provides a simplified process for victims to make civil claims against compensation payments before the prisoners are paid out. Importantly this new bill softens the interim bill which puts that any money left over from payments to offenders be directed to victims. After consideration Cabinet felt that this was unfair—that the payment of the balance of the prisoners’ compensation to victims would be unfair—and therefore that decision was reversed. 
This bill does retain support for victims while maintaining fairness for prisoners and I commend this bill to the House.
Calder Cam: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Calder Cam: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7377. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Dr CAM CALDER (National) 
: 
 It is a pleasure to take a short call on the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill. The purpose of this bill is to make restrictions on awards of compensation and the victims’ claims process in the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Act 2005 permanent. 
We make no apologies that we are aiming as a Government to build a safer New Zealand. We have embarked upon a comprehensive programme of reform to protect communities—we all know about the police safety teams and the neighbourhood policing teams—prevent crime and put victims first. We are staying tough on criminals and keeping record numbers of police on the beat and we are focusing the justice system on the rights of victims. 
It is important to note that the new bill addresses some of the concerns raised by a couple of the previous speakers in that it replaces a previous bill introduced in 2011. The previous bill put any money left over from payments to offenders direct to funding general victims’ services rather than to the prisoner. Consideration by Cabinet led to the decision that the redirection of all the balance of prisoner compensation to the victim support fund would be unfair—Cabinet thought that would be unfair. The bill retains support for victims while at the same time maintains fairness to prisoners. 
So what are some of the fundamental things in the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Act 2005? The Act underlines the rare circumstances in which courts can award financial compensation to prisoners for breaches of their human rights. It allows certain amounts that prisoners owe such as reparations and legal aid related to their human rights - breach claim to be deducted from any compensation and it provides a simplified process for victims to make civil claims against compensation payments before anything is paid to prisoners. Victims can make civil claims seeking redress for the harm they suffered such as emotional harm or property damage or loss caused by an offender. 
The Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Act 2005 responded to the concern that offenders should not receive compensation for wrongful treatment without first repaying the debt they owe for the harm they caused their victims. It is important that victims continue to have an easy way to make a civil claim if prisoners do receive compensation payments and we believe that this new bill will ensure the system is fair balanced and will not lead to any unintended injustice. I commend the bill to the House.
Vote: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
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Vote: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7368. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill be now read a third time. 
Ayes 108 
New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32 (Ardern J Chauvel Clark Cosgrove Cunliffe Curran Dalziel Dyson Faafoi Fenton Goff Hipkins Horomia Huo Jones King A Lees-Galloway Little Mackey Mahuta Mallard Moroney O’Connor D Parker Prasad Robertson G Shearer Street Tirikatene Twyford Wall Woods); Green Party 14; ACT New Zealand 1; Mana 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 13 
New Zealand Labour 2 (Robertson R Sio); New Zealand First 7; Maori Party 3; Independent: Horan 1. 
Bill read a third time. 
Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill read a third time. 
Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill read a third time.
Tisch Lindsay: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
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Tisch Lindsay: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7366. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: I am sorry to interrupt the honourable member.
Tisch Lindsay: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
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Tisch Lindsay: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7364. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: The next call is a split call.
Blue Jackie: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
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Blue Jackie: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7360. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Dr JACKIE BLUE (National) 
: 
 I am pleased to speak on the third reading of the bills from the Alcohol Reform Bill. This legislation is in response to the Law Commission’s 2010 report. As the Minister of Justice noted in her speech it is the first time in two decades that a Parliament has acted to restrict access to alcohol. 
I also was personally disappointed that the purchase age has remained at the status quo but I agree with other speakers that we have in this legislation the tool to begin to change the alcohol culture and there will be no single magic bullet. 
I am particularly pleased with three aspects of the legislation and those include giving parents more tools to manage their children’s access to alcohol. In particular it is an offence for anyone other than a parent or guardian to provide alcohol to an under-18-year-old without a parent or guardian’s consent expressed. Also it has to be given in a responsible manner. I agree with other speakers that empowering local communities is going to have a crucial part to play in changing alcohol culture. I am also very pleased that supermarkets and grocery stores will display and advertise alcohol only in a single non-prominent area. I commend this legislation to the House.
Calder Cam: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
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Calder Cam: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7358. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Dr CAM CALDER (National) 
: 
 I am delighted to take a short call on this. The Alcohol Reform Bill is now divided into three bills: the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill; the Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill which amends the Local Government Act in relation to alcohol control by-laws and liquor bans; and the Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill which expands the definition of a “public place” to include vehicles in those areas and which also allows police to seize alcohol from a young person in a public place who is not there with a parent or guardian as well as allowing the police to issue infringement notices. 
Our alcohol reform package is designed to put in place a new regulatory system for the safe supply and sale of alcohol. It aims to help minimise the harm caused by excessive and inappropriate consumption of alcohol. In previous speeches I have talked about the importance of empowering local communities to create their own local alcohol policies—a huge plus as we have heard many speakers observe—and how these bills give parents more tools to manage their children’s access to alcohol. 
Other salient features are that it allows the Minister of Justice in consultation with the Minister of Health to ban alcohol products that are especially appealing to young people or particularly dangerous to health. It strengthens the existing offence of excessive consumption of alcohol by making it apply to any businesses selling or promoting alcohol and prohibiting a wider range of promotions such as the most iniquitous one which is advertising free alcohol. It makes it an offence to promote alcohol in a way that has a special appeal to those under the purchase age. These changes will apply to any promotion including TV advertising and billboards. 
The package sets up an experts forum to examine the merits of further restrictions on alcohol advertising and sponsorship—a very pertinent point given the Law Commission’s report. I particularly loathe the so-called ready-to-drinks or alcopops. These are alcoholic wolves masquerading as sweet syrupy sheep. We have a regulation-making power in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill allowing us to restrict ready-to-drinks at any time in the future. This sends a very strong signal to the industry that it must take action to reduce the harm. I commend the legislation to the House.
Roy Eric: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
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Roy Eric: Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7354. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there anyone opposed to that course of action? There is none. Leave is granted. 






Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Vote: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
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Vote: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7348. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Resource Management Reform Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 71 
New Zealand National 59; New Zealand First 7; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 49 
New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 14; Mana 1. 
Bill read a first time. 
Bill referred to the Local Government and Environment Committee.
Barry Maggie: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
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Barry Maggie: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7347. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
MAGGIE BARRY (National—North Shore) 
: 
 I rise to speak with pleasure on the Resource Management Reform Bill 2012. This is the second piece of such legislation that this Government has brought through. We made it an election promise in 2011 that we would do so and we are firm in our resolve. 
There has been a lot of silly talk about not much consent and this being anti-Auckland. For the benefit of those who have not read the bill and are not aware of its provisions let me say that there is a 6-month consenting for medium-sized projects of which there are about 1600 processed each year. That 6-month statutory time limit for local authorities to reach consent decisions will reduce costs reduce uncertainty and reduce delays. This is about reaching consent decisions faster not changing the final decision. Incidentally the 6-month time provides a 20-day submission period which is exactly the same as the current system. 
I would say in summary that these cost uncertainties and the delays about the current resource management system are affecting New Zealand jobs and infrastructure. I hear a lot about it on the North Shore from my constituents that this is a real barrier to them making progress in their businesses and in the work that they want to do. They encourage us to put through these reforms. It is delivering on our commitment and I commend this bill to the House. Thank you.
Roy Eric: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
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Roy Eric: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7345. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: A split call—Moana Mackey.
Kaye Nikki: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
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Kaye Nikki: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7344. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) 
: 
 I am very pleased to speak on the Resource Management Reform Bill. The first thing I want to say is that we have a very good record in terms of local government and resource management reform. We have under the first phase of resource management reform reduced late consents from 31 percent to 5 percent. A lot of our reforms focus on reducing cost to businesses households and local government. But what I am absolutely shocked about is when the Labour Party stands up in this House today and says it cares about Auckland and it cares about housing affordability—the two key provisions in this bill that will do something for the young people of Auckland in terms of housing affordability are firstly 6-month consenting for medium-sized projects which are developments in Auckland and secondly the Unitary Plan process so that we do not have 10 years of trying to actually consent some of these major developments—and the Labour Party opposes the bill. 
So my message to Aucklanders is that this bill is crucial in terms of housing affordability for Auckland. I am gobsmacked that the Labour Party is opposing this. The two key provisions around consenting for major developments but also the Auckland plan process which Len Brown asked us for—he is not a Muldoonist person as Mr Twyford has said. He asked us for this process. We are delivering this for Auckland—two key things that will help young Aucklanders get into housing—and it is being opposed by the Labour Party. 
This comes in a long line of opposition to good reform in Auckland. The Auckland local government reform was widely held up at our local government hearings recently as something that has been successful. It has seen a reduction in water costs in our city. It has seen a major reduction in regulations in our city. This is about getting Aucklanders into houses in a much more affordable way and I am gobsmacked that the Labour Party is opposing this.
Dean Jacqui: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
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Dean Jacqui: Resource Management Reform Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7342. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) 
: 
 I am pleased and will be very interested in the Local Government and Environment Committee’s discussion on section 32 of the Resource Management Reform Bill which deals with considerations inserted by clause 69. There has been identified a lack of direction in the consideration provisions of section 32. I am particularly mindful of the Otago Regional Council’s water plan which is going to have a large impact on water users throughout the Otago Regional Council’s area and the deficiencies that were identified in the section 32 report associated with that plan which had no numbers associated with it. So I am very keen to see this bill progress through the House so that we can get some more robust consideration of the economic impacts. I look forward to the select committee’s consideration. Thank you.
Vote: Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill — Second Reading 
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Vote: Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill — Second Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7330. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill be now read a second time. 
Ayes 64 
New Zealand National 59; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 56 
New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 7; Mana 1. 
Bill read a second time.
English Bill: Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill — Second Reading 
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English Bill: Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill — Second Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7330. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I move  
That the Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill be now read a second time 
.
Smith Lockwood: Urgent Debates Declined — Earthquakes Royal Commission Report—Release Child Poverty—Release of Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group Report 
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Smith Lockwood: Urgent Debates Declined — Earthquakes Royal Commission Report—Release Child Poverty—Release of Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group Report 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7329. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Honourable members I have received a letter from the Hon Lianne Dalziel seeking to address under Standing Order 386 the royal commission report into Canterbury earthquakes. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving the administrative responsibility of the Government. The test for whether a particular case of recent occurrence requires the immediate attention of the House is a high one. The royal commission’s report is extensive and working through its recommendations will take some time. Although the member’s letter refers to a decision to release a discussion document this is not authenticated. The purpose of an urgent debate is to hold the Government accountable for its actions. Despite the matter’s obvious importance I do not think I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House at this time. The application is therefore declined. 
I have also received a letter from the Hon Maryan Street seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the release of the Children’s Commissioner’s expert advisory group’s report  
Solutions to Child Poverty in New Zealand 
. This too is a particular case of recent occurrence involving the administrative responsibility of the Government. Although the Government has given its view on one of the recommendations the report contains 77 others. Working through these will take time. There must be an element of urgency for a matter to take precedence over other business. The application is therefore also declined.
Stewart Barbara: Voting — Correction—Alcohol Reform Bill 
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Stewart Barbara: Voting — Correction—Alcohol Reform Bill 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7329. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
BARBARA STEWART (Whip—NZ First) 
: 
 I seek the leave of the House to correct a vote cast by New Zealand First last week on Supplementary Order Paper 40 in the name of Iain Lees-Galloway during the Committee stage of the Alcohol Reform Bill. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is no objection. The member may proceed. 
BARBARA STEWART 
: The vote should read 7 votes in favour for Supplementary Order Paper 40.
Curran Clare: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Curran Clare: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7329. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
12. 
CLARE CURRAN (Labour—Dunedin South) 
 to the  
Prime Minister 
: Does he stand by all his statements? 
Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) 
: 
 Yes. 
Clare Curran 
: Does he stand by his statements regarding the draft Commerce Commission recommendations for wholesale broadband pricing that “in its current form it would be very problematic” because “it substantially reduces the income of that company” referring to Chorus the Crown-backed ultra-fast broadband network? 
Rt Hon JOHN KEY 
: Yes. 
Clare Curran 
: Why does he want most New Zealand households to pay around $12 a month more for their phone and internet services than they otherwise would? 
Rt Hon JOHN KEY 
: Firstly I would reject the proposition that they would be paying more. Secondly I think it is important that New Zealand has a roll-out of ultra-fast broadband. Thirdly it is quite correct that the Government has taken a very close look at that Commerce Commission ruling which is an interim ruling. 
Clare Curran 
: Does he believe that it is a fundamental principle of our telecommunications regulatory regime that the regulator is independent to carry out its role without interference or undue political influence? 
Rt Hon JOHN KEY 
: Of course. They are free to go about their work. The Government then is free to decide whether it wants to adopt that. 
Clare Curran 
: Will he rule out legislation if the Commerce Commission comes back with a final decision that his Government does not agree with? 
Rt Hon JOHN KEY 
: Definitely not.
Sage Eugenie: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Sage Eugenie: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7326. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
9. 
EUGENIE SAGE (Green) 
 to the  
Minister for the Environment 
: Does she agree with the New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society in relation to freshwater that “failure to act with decisiveness and urgency risks further environmental degradation and erosion of our international environmental reputation”; if not why not? 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister for Primary Industries) 
 on behalf of the Minister for the Environment: The Minister agrees with the need to act decisively and urgently on improving the way we manage our freshwater resource here in New Zealand and that is why this Government has made improving water quality a priority. 
Eugenie Sage 
: When will she act decisively and urgently to introduce strong national standards and rules for clean water so New Zealanders can safely swim in our rivers or is it acceptable that more than 52 percent of river sites monitored for recreational water-quality are unsafe for swimming? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: The Minister is working very hard now on a substantial package of water reform that brings together many of the good reports from the Land and Water Forum. She hopes to have that work before Parliament early next year. 
Eugenie Sage 
: When 50 percent of sites on Wairarapa rivers that are monitored for recreational water-quality are unsafe to swim at how does she propose to prevent more water pollution from intensive agriculture which is subsidised by this Government without strong national standards for clean water? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: The member will have to wait until next year to see exactly how the Minister proposes to solve the water-quality issues in this country. But I do assure the member that this Government does treat it like a priority unlike the previous Government which established a programme of water inaction over 9 years. 
Eugenie Sage 
: What message has the Minister got for New Zealanders who want to enjoy a hot summer’s day at their local river or lake but cannot go swimming because in the words of her ministry “There are many freshwater swimming spots which should be avoided.”? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: The Minister’s message to all New Zealanders is following a decade of inaction by the previous Labour Government supported by the Greens. This Government is absolutely focused on putting water quality and quantity at the top of its priority list.
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7325. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
8. 
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
 to the  
Minister of Energy and Resources 
: What recent announcement has he made about Block Offer 2012? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Energy and Resources) 
: 
 This morning I had the pleasure of awarding 10 new exploration permits in the Taranaki Pegasus and Great South Basins following the success of Block Offer 2012. Strong interest in the permitting round proves that New Zealand is a key destination for both domestic and international investment in exploration with bids from the Netherlands Austria Canada the United States Australia and Japan alongside those from New Zealand companies. Responsible use of our abundant natural resources is a key plank in the Government’s Business Growth Agenda. Realising the potential of our petroleum resources will benefit the whole country through the creation of both new jobs and income for the Government to help fund things like schools roads and hospitals. 
Colin King 
: What work will companies be undertaking as part of their exploration permit? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY 
: The purpose of exploration is to find out more about the resources that are within each of the areas and whether they are of a magnitude worth extracting. If they are then we can have a robust debate about the benefits and risks of accessing that resource. Exploration permits are awarded for 5 years. Most of the exploratory work is unobtrusive such as desktop mapping and seismic and aeromagnetic surveys. Contingent on that and what these surveys show some companies may drill exploratory wells.
Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill — Second Reading 
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Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill — Second Reading 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7330. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill 
Second Reading 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I move  
That the Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill be now read a second time 
. 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill be now read a second time. 
Ayes 64 
New Zealand National 59; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 56 
New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 7; Mana 1. 
Bill read a second time.
Urgent Debates Declined — Earthquakes Royal Commission Report—Release Child Poverty—Release of Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group Report 
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Urgent Debates Declined — Earthquakes Royal Commission Report—Release Child Poverty—Release of Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group Report 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7329. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Urgent Debates Declined 
Earthquakes Royal Commission Report—Release 
Child Poverty—Release of Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group Report 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Honourable members I have received a letter from the Hon Lianne Dalziel seeking to address under Standing Order 386 the royal commission report into Canterbury earthquakes. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving the administrative responsibility of the Government. The test for whether a particular case of recent occurrence requires the immediate attention of the House is a high one. The royal commission’s report is extensive and working through its recommendations will take some time. Although the member’s letter refers to a decision to release a discussion document this is not authenticated. The purpose of an urgent debate is to hold the Government accountable for its actions. Despite the matter’s obvious importance I do not think I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House at this time. The application is therefore declined. 
I have also received a letter from the Hon Maryan Street seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the release of the Children’s Commissioner’s expert advisory group’s report  
Solutions to Child Poverty in New Zealand 
. This too is a particular case of recent occurrence involving the administrative responsibility of the Government. Although the Government has given its view on one of the recommendations the report contains 77 others. Working through these will take time. There must be an element of urgency for a matter to take precedence over other business. The application is therefore also declined.
Voting — Correction—Alcohol Reform Bill 
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Voting — Correction—Alcohol Reform Bill 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7329. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Voting 
Correction—Alcohol Reform Bill 
BARBARA STEWART (Whip—NZ First) 
: 
 I seek the leave of the House to correct a vote cast by New Zealand First last week on Supplementary Order Paper 40 in the name of Iain Lees-Galloway during the Committee stage of the Alcohol Reform Bill. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is no objection. The member may proceed. 
BARBARA STEWART 
: The vote should read 7 votes in favour for Supplementary Order Paper 40.
Wagner Nicky: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Wagner Nicky: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7328. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
11. 
NICKY WAGNER (National—Christchurch Central) 
 to the  
Minister for Building and Construction 
: What is the Government doing in response to the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission’s full report? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON (Minister for Building and Construction) 
: 
 Yesterday we released the final part of the report—that is volumes 5 to 7—without a Government response because we wanted the families who had lost loved ones in the earthquake to have access to the information as soon as possible. The full report was comprehensive—more than 1100 pages—and contained 189 recommendations including a number that will require policy and legislative changes. As I said before in answer to the previous question we need to carefully consider the full report and expect to issue a full and comprehensive official response early to mid next year. Lessons must be learnt from the Christchurch experience and changes must be made. 
Nicky Wagner 
: What changes is the Government proposing to improve the way we deal with earthquake-prone buildings in New Zealand? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON 
: Last Friday the Government released a consultation document around earthquake-prone buildings. We are proposing to introduce a mandatory time frame and process to deal with earthquake-prone buildings. This will shorten the existing time frame from an average of 28 years to 15 which breaks down to 5 years of seismically assessing all buildings and then 10 years post-assessment of strengthening or removing those buildings. I must stress that the proposals out for consultation are simply proposals at this stage and no decisions have been made. I encourage all New Zealanders to have their say as any decisions will affect a large number of New Zealanders and communities right across the country. This process is about ensuring we strike an acceptable balance between protecting people from serious harm and managing the economic implications of strengthening or actually removing the most vulnerable buildings.
Bennett David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Bennett David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 11 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7324. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
6. 
DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) 
 to the  
Minister for Economic Development 
: How is the Government encouraging the sustainable use of natural resources to support jobs and grow the economy? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Economic Development) 
: 
 The Government has a comprehensive programme of initiatives to responsibly develop our natural resource - based industries and increase exports. These are detailed in the Government’s  
Building Natural Resources 
 Business Growth Agenda progress report released this morning. It sets out how New Zealand is building jobs and growth from sustainably using its natural resources. It contains 49 separate initiatives that the Government is working on. I have here an autographed copy of the report should the acting Opposition economic development spokesperson share his predecessor’s enthusiasm for receiving a personal copy. 
David Bennett 
: What natural resources initiatives is the Government working on? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: The Government is focused on making progress in a number of key areas. I will list just a few by way of example: investment in oil and gas exploration which received a significant boost today with Minister Heatley’s announcement of the award of the block offer 2012 exploration permits; we are making more changes to the Resource Management Act to speed up decision-making processes to give more investors more opportunities to invest; we are in the process of setting effective limits for water quality and quantity to provide more certainty to businesses; and we have given the green light to the investigation of the Wairarapa Water Use Project which has the potential to irrigate an additional 30000 to 50000 hectares of land in that region and boost the area’s GDP by around $400 million. 
David Bennett 
: What is the key goal of the Government’s Business Growth Agenda? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: The goal of the Business Growth Agenda is to support New Zealand businesses to become more competitive and provide them with more opportunities to invest and grow so we can have more and higher-paying jobs for New Zealanders. We have undertaken a comprehensive programme of around 250 initiatives across interconnected portfolios to build a more productive and competitive economy. The  
Building Natural Resources 
 report is the fifth progress report alongside others on export markets innovation skilled and safe workplaces and infrastructure. The sixth report  
Building Capital Markets 
 
will be published early next year.
Roy Eric: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
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Roy Eric: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
[Sitting date: 12 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7481. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Just before I call the next speaker I have quite a complex arrangement of split calls and in order to try to keep this as seamless as possible I will just call the member and give them their time—it will be either 5 or 10 minutes. If the whips want to liaise with me they can do that but I think that is the easiest way to go. The next call goes to Hone Harawira—5 minutes.
Tisch Lindsay: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
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Tisch Lindsay: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
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The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: I call Todd McClay—5 minutes.
Tisch Lindsay: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
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Tisch Lindsay: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
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The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: The Hon Steven Joyce—5 minutes.
Tisch Lindsay: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
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Tisch Lindsay: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
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The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: I call the Hon Peter Dunne—5 minutes.
Smith Lockwood: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
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Smith Lockwood: Adjournment — Sittings of the House 
[Sitting date: 12 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7497. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Dr Cam Calder—5 minutes.
Faafoi Kris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Faafoi Kris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 12 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7468. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
KRIS FAAFOI (Labour—Mana) 
: 
 I seek leave to table a statement from the Prime Minister from 2008 that says: “We will boost overall New Zealand police numbers so there is one officer for every 500 people”. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! Is this a speech or a press statement or a— 
KRIS FAAFOI 
: I believe that the original source document is a press statement. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: But it is from 2008? 
KRIS FAAFOI 
: Yes it is. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Macindoe Tim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Macindoe Tim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 12 December 2012. Volume:686;Page:7464. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
9. 
TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West) 
 to the  
Minister of Justice 
: What progress has been made towards achieving Better Public Services across the justice sector? 
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Justice) 
: 
 Excellent progress has been made. The crime rate is at the lowest level in 30 years the justice sector has developed a range of projects to further reduce crime and reoffending major steps have been taken to improve support for victims of crime and for the first time in two decades the Government has legislated to reduce the availability of alcohol by restricting rather than relaxing the laws on the sale and supply of alcohol. I would like to thank those members who voted for the Alcohol Reform Bill last night. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. 
Tim Macindoe 
: What further results are expected? 
Hon JUDITH COLLINS 
: In the past year alone there have been more than 21000 fewer crimes reported with 3000 fewer violent offences. That is thousands fewer victims. For the first time in decades the justice sector has an opportunity to focus on improving and streamlining its service delivery. Our accessible justice programme will modernise our courts with the greater use of technology and better customer service.