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Young Jonathan: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeYoung Jonathan: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10093. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]7.JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Can he confirm the Government is helping young families get ahead by expanding the eligibility for paid parental leave from tomorrow as well as increasing its length?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety): Yes I can. This Government is increasing paid parental leave to 18 weeks and making more workers eligible for the scheme. Parental leave payments are being extended to casual and seasonal employees as well as to adoptive parents. In addition parents of pre-term babies will be entitled to a longer period of payment than the standard 18 weeks. The changes aim to make it easier for parents to stay connected to the workforce better support Kiwi families and help get children the best possible start in life.Jonathan Young: What else is the Government doing to assist families from tomorrow?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: In addition to expanding eligibility for paid parental leave for families from tomorrow the Government is outlawing zero-hour contracts strengthening sanctions for breaches of employment law and increasing the minimum wage to $15.25 per hour—well ahead of the rate of inflation. All of these changes are designed to give workers a fair go while ensuring employers still have access to the skills and labour they need to increase productivity and grow the economy.
Ngaro Alfred: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNgaro Alfred: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10091. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]5.ALFRED NGARO (National) to the Minister for Social Development: What changes are being made on 1 April that will help support sole parents into work?Hon JO GOODHEW (Associate Minister for Social Development) on behalf of theMinister for Social Development: Tomorrow the $790 million child hardship package comes into effect which will support more parents into work. Childcare assistance will increase from $4 to $5 an hour. Working for Families tax credits will increase by $24.50 for some very low-income working families and by up to $12.50 for low-income working families benefiting 380000 children. To balance this increased support sole parents with part-time work obligations will be required to look for 20 hours of work a week once their youngest child turns 3 instead of 5.Alfred Ngaro: How is the Government supporting sole parents while they look for work?Hon JO GOODHEW: Tomorrow benefit rates for around 100000 families with children will rise by $25 a week after tax—the first real increase in 43 years. Additionally a funding boost in Budget 2015 means that an additional 40000 places in work-focused case management are available and all those on sole parent support can access intensive support into work. As we know that work is the best route out of poverty it is important that we focus on getting parents off the benefit and into work. This extra support will help sole parents to do just that.
Turei Metiria: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTurei Metiria: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10088. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]2.METIRIA TUREI (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that “We have anti-nuclear legislation and New Zealanders wear it as a badge of honour”?Hon BILL ENGLISH (Acting Prime Minister): Yes.Metiria Turei: Why then has his Government repeatedly refused to vote for an international convention that would outlaw the use of nuclear weapons under any circumstance?Hon BILL ENGLISH: Because New Zealand just does not consider that that is going to be an effective way of achieving what everyone wants to achieve.Metiria Turei: Given the Prime Minister’s previous comments that there is no point in trying to outlaw nuclear weapons if the US does not want to is he not essentially saying that there is no point having an independent New Zealand foreign policy unless the US agrees with it?Hon BILL ENGLISH: No.Metiria Turei: Will the Prime Minister at the summit promote New Zealand’s values and condemn the US’s refusal to support nuclear non-proliferation at this week’s Nuclear Security Summit; if he will not do that why not?Hon BILL ENGLISH: The member is free to see what comments the Prime Minister has already made at the summit and they will continue to represent New Zealand’s policy.Metiria Turei: Will the Prime Minister refuse entry to American warships if the Americans will not say whether or not they have nuclear weapons on those ships?Hon BILL ENGLISH: The member can be reassured that the Prime Minister will act in accordance with New Zealand’s antinuclear legislation.Metiria Turei: Will the Prime Minister stand up for New Zealand’s antinuclear stance and support the United Nations resolutions on nuclear deterrence and disarmament based on New Zealand’s nuclear-free policy and not just on how the US votes?Hon BILL ENGLISH: Of course the Prime Minister will stand up for New Zealand’s nuclear policy.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10087. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): The Government is always open to the Opposition forfeiting that day to progress its own business but that is the intention.
Hipkins Chris: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHipkins Chris: Business Statement[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10087. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour): I wonder whether the Leader of the House can confirm that members’ day will still be happening on Wednesday.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10087. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):When the House resumes on Tuesday 5 April the Government will look to make progress on the Environment Canterbury (Transitional Governance Arrangements) Bill the Māori Language Bill the Electronic Monitoring of Offenders Legislation Bill and a number of other bills on the Order Paper.
Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) BillText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVoting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10137. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]VotingParty Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) BillDARROCH BALL (NZ First): I seek leave to change New Zealand First’s vote on the Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Is the member now proposing that he vote for the bill? The member voted against the bill.Darroch Ball: I am seeking leave for the party vote to be recorded.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): You did not call for a party vote though?Darroch Ball: Yes I am seeking leave.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): I seek leave for the records to be amended to show that—[Interruption] Take it again? Right we will do it again. Going back—and this time we will get the correct bit of paper—does the member want both votes or just the second one? [Interruption] I seek leave to go back and once again attempt to sort this out. Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none.The question was put that the amendments recommended by the Finance and Expenditure Committee by majority be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That question be agreed to.Ayes 108New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 12New Zealand First 12.Question agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 108New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 12New Zealand First 12.Bill read a second time.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 109 Noes 12.KRIS FAAFOI (Labour—Mana): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Is this a point of order in relation to the declaring of this ballot?KRIS FAAFOI: Yes. I seek leave to change our vote to 31. I am told that we are voting only 31 at the moment.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): I think we will grant leave. I will put it back. It does show the problem with members who do not call a party vote at the right time when members are leaving. [Interruption] Both votes 31 not just the second one—right. The result of the vote on the amendment is now Ayes 108 and Noes 12. The result of the vote on the second reading is now Ayes 108 and Noes 12.
Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBusiness Statement[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10087. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Thursday 31 March 2016Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.Business StatementHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):When the House resumes on Tuesday 5 April the Government will look to make progress on the Environment Canterbury (Transitional Governance Arrangements) Bill the Māori Language Bill the Electronic Monitoring of Offenders Legislation Bill and a number of other bills on the Order Paper.CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour): I wonder whether the Leader of the House can confirm that members’ day will still be happening on Wednesday.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): The Government is always open to the Opposition forfeiting that day to progress its own business but that is the intention.
Vote: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10075. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 13New Zealand First 12; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 108New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; Māori Party 2; United Future 1.Amendments not agreed to.
Vote: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10075. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 13New Zealand First 12; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 108New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; Māori Party 2; United Future 1.Amendments not agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 156 in the name of David Seymour to clauses 6 7 and 23 and to insert new clauses 36A and 36B be agreed to.
Vote: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10047. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 58New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Noes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Amendment not agreed to.Part 2 agreed to.Schedules 1 2 3 3A and 4 agreed to.Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.Bill to be reported without amendment presently.
Vote: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10046. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment to the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 58New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Noes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Amendment to the amendment not agreed to.The question was put that the following amendment in the name of Ria Bond to clause 28 be agreed to:Replace entire clause 28: “Government agencies may use NZBN”New clause 28:“Government agencies must use NZBN”A government agency must use the NZBN of an entity (including using it in addition to or substitution for any other identifier the government agency may use for that entity) if that use is in accordance with the purposes of this Act.
Ngaro Alfred: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNgaro Alfred: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10080. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]ALFRED NGARO (National): I rise to take a call. It will be a short call—almost as short as my current haircut at the moment. It is really just to commend the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill in its third reading to the House. Just on two points—first of all just in regard to the charter where it clearly says as set out in clause 8(1) “to serve the public interest.” I think that is actually important. That sense of paramountcy and mandate is important to us as are the other aspects that are there too.The second point I want to make is that many people may not know that Radio New Zealand provides a very important role under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act of 2002 where it becomes what they call a lifeline utility. So in times of crisis and disaster it plays quite a significant role. So along with all the other aspects of what it does in regard to broadcasting—through technology and the diversity on a range of programmes—it also provides what I think is a very critical role as well.In saying that I do not want to be long or prolong this because I think that in agreeance with Mrs Martin—and not because of her urging—the fact is that the bill has had its readings has had its submissions long processes of consultation and it is time that it now actually comes into force and into law. So I do commend this bill to the House.
Williams Poto: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWilliams Poto: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10080. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]POTO WILLIAMS (Labour—Christchurch East): I too am not going to take up too much of the House’s time because I too share Miss Martin’s concern that we get this passed tonight. I do love RNZ. I love Radio New Zealand. It is my channel of choice and lots of programmes within it. I am really glad that this legislation will actually give effect to the Radio New Zealand charter which will continue to reinforce not only those great programmes but also the principles by which they are developed and broadcast. I just want to go through some of them if you will permit.It is actually broadcasting that is in the public interest—that is broad-ranged high-quality independent broadcasting. It ensures that we have a good cultural balance that the programmes are intellectual and stimulating and that they may have a scientific nature or a spiritual nature. These principles promote informed debate which is really important particularly when there are issues of national significance to debate and they stimulate critical thought. They are a support for us in the development of our language and culture particularly Māori language and culture and there are programmes that I listen to such as Te Manu Kōrihi for example. They promote Pacific culture and language as well. Tagata o te Moana for example is a programme that I listen to a lot. The music and arts—Music 101—and there are lots of special interest programmes. Simon Morton is a particular favourite of mine; I like the series that he did when he had the beehives at home and also the chickens—I really enjoyed that particular series.Part of the charter is also about providing New Zealanders and the listeners of RNZ with a sense of citizenship and a sense of national identity. And we could not have done with that more over the last few months when we have been having this debate around what the symbol of our nationhoodis—whether it is one flag or another—and really whether that is where our discussion about nationhood should start or whether it should be around discussions into constitutional reform.But overall I think the overriding principle for me is about accountability: about the accountability of us as members of Parliament in the House the accountability and scrutiny of the legislation that we write and produce and the accountability of Government and the executive in its handling of matters of national importance. So although I am not going to take too much more time I just want to say that I recognise that Radio New Zealand—RNZ—has a standard of excellence. This charter and this bill will put that into effect and reinforce it and I commend it to the House.
O'Connor Simon: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeO'Connor Simon: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10079. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]SIMON O’CONNOR (National—Tāmaki): I just want to be very clear to the member who has just spoken Tracey Martin that I will be taking a short call not because of her encouragement but I do not think that my talking for 10 minutes is going to do anything for the public broadcasting service in New Zealand. This is a good bill; it is well-structured. I think though that there are some points obviously—Radio New Zealand when it came before the Commerce Committee made it very clear that it was able to work within the financial frameworks that it has agreed to and it continues to do some absolutely amazing work.Really all this talk about not liking public broadcasting is really quite odd if not anathema because this bill is about entrenching and making very clear the public purpose of Radio New Zealand. So I do commend the bill to the House and I look forward to its progress into law.
Hudson Brett: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHudson Brett: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10076. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]BRETT HUDSON (National): Welcome to this thrilling episode two in the short serial that is my contribution on the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill. When I last spoke on this bill I was noting that the intention here is around a continuation of a reliable independent public radio capability.The statistics from Radio New Zealand’s own survey work shows that 92 percent of its listeners agree that Radio New Zealand contributes to the development of an informed society. So it has very loyal listeners who think very highly of it. I think even more significant though is that 87 percent of all New Zealanders agree that it is important for New Zealand to have a public service radio broadcaster. So the work we are looking to put in place through this amendment is something that will be welcomed by New Zealanders and will not only continue Radio New Zealand but also help to strengthen and expand its capability to help prepare it for the future as it continues to embrace digital channels as well its traditional radio.I would just like to cover a little bit around that digital channel because it is quite phenomenal really the achievements that Radio New Zealand has made in what is still relatively a short period of time. In its last review as it appeared before the Commerce Committee it advised us that it now has received 36 million page views on radionz.co.nz and thewireless.co.nz which sounds by any measure a fairly phenomenal sort of growth and level of activity for New Zealand. But then we look into beyond just page views and into the number of unique users that access either of those sites. For radionz.co.nz that is 748000-odd unique users—that is 75 percent higher than to June 2015. The Wireless gets 50000 unique users per month.What this is really saying to us is that Radio New Zealand’s foray into the digital channel to help to expand and strengthen its market reach is working phenomenally well for them and that the digital channels are complementing their traditional ad-free public broadcast service. That is precisely what the chair and the chief executive officer had to say to us at the recent financial review.Some members opposite have made the point that funding has not been increased for Radio New Zealand for some time and they have played this up as some sort of almost Armageddon-level of freeze. However the chair was very clear not only in this most recent financial review but also in fact in the previous year’s financial review that Radio New Zealand is confident—confident—that it will meet its objectives and its targets under its current level of funding. So quite frankly it is to be congratulated on the work that it does.This charter that we will put in place through this amendment is going to strengthen Radio New Zealand’s capability to deliver its public broadcasting service as well as expand further on its digital channels and I commend this bill to the House.
Tisch Lindsay: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10075. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): The amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 160 in the name of Ron Mark to insert new clause 41C is out of order as it has an omnibus nature and is outside the scope of the bill.Part 1 as amended agreed to.Part 2 agreed to.Schedule agreed to.Clause 1 agreed to.Clause 2 agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment presently.House resumed.The Chairperson reported the New Zealand Business Number Bill without amendment and the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill with amendment.Report adopted.
Williams Poto: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWilliams Poto: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10074. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]POTO WILLIAMS (Labour—Christchurch East): I just want to sum up I guess and give some context in my final contribution to the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill. I want to speak primarily to Mr Seymour’s Supplementary Order Paper 152 and thank Mr Seymour for the work that he did to answer the questions that I had earlier on in this contribution.There has been a lot of well-reasoned logical debate on this piece of legislation this evening. Much of it is very sound and comes from a good scientific basis and I would not argue with the logic of it. However we are dealing with a situation that comes not from a place of logic but from complete illogic and emotion and if you were to be unfortunate enough to be one of the families who experienced not only the earthquakes themselves but also the loss of a loved one the loss of a business or a loved cherished facility often logic does not sway the argument. I would say that in this case there are many of us in this Committee who bring a level of emotion to this discussion and it would not be right or proper to finish this particular discussion without including some reference to those people who lost their lives primarily in the February earthquakes.This is not an exact science. There have been many arguments about excluding particular low-risk areas from this piece of legislation. Christchurch is one of those moderately risky areas—it is not a high-risk area. So if we were to look at the logic of that argument it is completely illogical because Christchurch would not fit within the bounds of the argument. The most risky area in New Zealand for earthquakes is the southern end of the Southern Alps—not Christchurch and not Napier. However those two areas are the areas where we have had loss of life and loss of buildings. I am not going to continue much longer but I will just say that in our review of this particular debate do not forget the people who lost their lives.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 130 in the name of the Hon Dr Nick Smith to Part 1 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 152 in the name of David Seymour to clause 23 be agreed to.
Collins Judith: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCollins Judith: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10070. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections): I have been listening to this and it has been really interesting tonight. Just a couple of things. There have been some I thought genuine questions from some members of the Opposition who obviously were not on the Local Government and Environment Committee because otherwise they would have raised the issues in the select committee and they would have got the answers from the officials or if they were on the select committee they were clearly not taking much notice. The officials have said to me tonight and have assured me in relation to tunnels—which is apparently an issue of great importance to people and I think that is an absolutely genuine issue—that the New Zealand Transport Agency has more rigorous standards which it complies with in relation to tunnels than are actually covered in this bill. I am sort of surprised that the members who did ask the questions did not ask those of the officials on the select committee although perhaps some of them were not on there.Kris Faafoi: I wasn’t on it.Hon JUDITH COLLINS: You were not on there like I said. The other question was about railway bridges. Apparently KiwiRail under its legislation has more onerous requirements on it than are in this bill. So I think that that is actually a really good answer I thought from officials and I am happy to share that with the Committee because I do not want anyone staying up all night worrying about that.
Borrows Chester: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10062. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Chester Borrows): David Seymour—final call.
Mallard Trevor: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10053. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Paul Foster-Bell—in calling the member I want to thank him for his politeness in allowing a more coherent debate.
Mallard Trevor: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10050. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Leave is sought for all parts the two clauses—for all provisions to be debated as one question but clearly there will be separate votes because there are separate amendments later. Is there any objection to that? So the question now is that Parts 1 and 2 the schedule clauses 1 and 2 Mr Seymour’s amendments and Mr Mark’s amendment—notwithstanding the fact that it is going to be ruled out—stand part. Those who are of that opinion—David Seymour: Aye.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Do you want to debate them?David Seymour: Yes yes.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Well take a call.
Ross Jami-Lee: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoss Jami-Lee: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10050. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JAMI-LEE ROSS (Junior Whip—National): I seek leave for the Committee to consider all questions and debate on this bill as one question.
Mallard Trevor: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10047. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Members we now come to the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill. The question is that Part 1 stand part. Just to make it clear this is clauses 3 to 41B and the schedule David Seymour’s two amendments and there is debate on Ron Mark’s amendment but at the appropriate time it will be ruled out of order because it is of an omnibus nature and outside the scope of the bill.
Mallard Trevor: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10045. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Jacinda Ardern. Let us just check—
Tisch Lindsay: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10029. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Macindoe Tim: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMacindoe Tim: New Zealand Business Number Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10029. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]TIM MACINDOE (Senior Whip—National): With the agreement of the Opposition whips I move that the parts of the New Zealand Business Number Bill be considered as one debate with the questions to be voted upon separately at its conclusion.The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): You have to seek leave not move a motion.TIM MACINDOE: I beg your pardon. I seek leave for that course of action.
Nash Stuart: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNash Stuart: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10014. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.STUART NASH (Labour—Napier) to the Minister of Police: Does she believe the Police have sufficient funding to meet their operational objectives?Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police): Yes.Stuart Nash: Why has she closed 30 police stations over the past 4 years and does this not show that she is more concerned with saving money than with catching criminals?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: I may be many things but I do not have the ability to close police stations all by myself.Stuart Nash: Why has she overseen the cut of over 500 general duties constables since 2009 and does this not just show she is more concerned about saving money than solving crime?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: The member may well be aware—and I know he is—that the general duties constables have actually been redeployed into other areas more specific to what the needs are such as neighbourhood policing teams which are very front line—they are just not called “general”.Stuart Nash: Does she agree with the police’s own assessment that her cost-cutting drive has “resulted in instances of highly trained well-paid police constabulary employees taking up middle and back-office roles” and does this not mean good cops are now just filling out forms rather than catching criminals?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: No.Stuart Nash: Is it not the case that all these cuts and closures are just a way of making police claw back the $300 million in operational cost pressures that her Government has made them observe?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: I do not know where that member has been for the last 7 years but I can tell him that there has been a $200 million increase in the police budget since 2009. Police numbers have increased by 600 since this Government came to office which shows what a sorry state of affairs it was when we took over.Stuart Nash: I would like to table the briefing to the incoming Minister which shows that the police have had to claw back $300 million in cost pressures—Mr SPEAKER: Order! I just need to check. I would have thought that briefing to the incoming Minister was available on the internet to all members. I am sure it is.
Young Jonathan: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeYoung Jonathan: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10013. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]10.JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Transport: Is the Government’s investment in transport infrastructure supporting the economy and creating jobs; if so how?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Transport): Yes it certainly is. The Government is investing billions of dollars in upgrading New Zealand’s transport infrastructure. That is because quality transport infrastructure gives businesses the confidence to invest another dollar employ another person and grow the economy. We have committed almost $11 billion to deliver seven roads of national significance that will move people and freight more quickly and safely. The projects are also a rich source of jobs with Treasury estimating they will involve around 35000 construction jobs in regions all over New Zealand. The Government is also investing strongly in accelerating a number of important regional State highway projects across the country which Treasury estimates will create another 2100 construction jobs.Jonathan Young: What recent reports has he seen showing how the Government’s roads of national significance programme supports regional economic growth?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: I have seen a recent report from the Horowhenua District Council that says that the Wellington Northern Corridor road of national significance will bring a fresh injection of economic potential and job growth to the Horowhenua district. The council says economic development in the region will receive a free hit from the project with nearly 1000 additional jobs over the next 20 years. The new road will support economic growth in the region and open up new business opportunities by attracting new investment into the region and is further evidence of the Government’s commitment to build lead infrastructure to support the regions and grow our national economy.
Hague Kevin: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHague Kevin: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10012. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.KEVIN HAGUE (Green) to the Associate Minister of Health: What steps will he be taking to ensure New Zealand drug laws are still fit for purpose given the recent findings by Johns Hopkins University and British medical journal The Lancet that the punitive approach to drug offending has done more harm than good?Hon PETER DUNNE (Associate Minister of Health): In August last year as the member I think will be aware I published a new National Drug Policy. This contains 28 wide-ranging actions over the period from 2015 to 2020 that take a compassionate proportionate and innovative approach to addressing drug harm. I believe that this policy like the attitudes being expressed in a number of countries around the world reflect the view that the harm from illicit drug use is best addressed primarily through a health lens. This does not mean there is not still a role for law enforcement but it should not be the primary approach and the Government’s actions contained in the National Drug Policy reflect that position.Kevin Hague: Does the Minister agree that the primary goal of the drug policy should be the reduction of health-related harm and that the regulatory response to particular drugs should be proportional to their risk of such harm?Hon PETER DUNNE: Yes I do. In fact when I spoke to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna last year I stated that in the New Zealand national statement the central pillars of a drug policy should be about proportion innovation and compassion. I believe we are generally achieving those goals in New Zealand but obviously there is more to do and I look forward to reviewing the National Drug Policy at its mid-point sometime next year.Kevin Hague: What prospects for change does the Minister envisage at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly special session in New York on the world’s drug problem?Hon PETER DUNNE: Having attended the United Nations convention meetings for a number of years now it has been noticeable that there has been a perceptible shift in international attitudes from what one could describe 5 or 6 years ago as essentially a legalistic punitive approach to a much greater emphasis on public health issues being a driving force today. I also want to make one other point which New Zealand has raised strongly over the years and that is the use of the death penalty particularly for drug offences. I hope that one of the outcomes of the New York meeting will be a very strong call for its abolition.Kevin Hague: Is the Minister open to a cross-party working party of MPs from across the House to form to discuss moving drug law reform forward?Hon PETER DUNNE: Yes I am. I am certainly open to working with colleagues who have a range of views on the subject and I particularly want to thank the member for the interest that he has shown and the approach that he has taken over a considerable period of time. I appreciate that.
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10011. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I am afraid that is not right and if the member looks at Speaker’s ruling 169/2 the question can actually be transferred at any time right up to being asked. What I think has happened and I will check it out subsequently is that the mistake has been made in the presentation of that Order Paper. I was advised when I met with the Clerk at 11.30 that the question had been transferred and that the transfer had been accepted by New Zealand First. So the way forward is that I am going to ask the member to ask the question as I understand it to the Minister of Immigration. I will for the sake of Mr Hipkins check later as to how this mistake may have happened.
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10010. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: My understanding is that will be incorrect. It was originally set down at 10.30 and then transferred by the Government to the Minister of Immigration and for the person to proceed I am asking the member now to ask it in that fashion.CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I think it is important we get to the bottom of the matter. I am not familiar with the background but if the member lodged this question to the Prime Minister and the Government then subsequently decided to transfer it it needs to be reflected on the Order Paper that it has been transferred and the member needs to be informed. He cannot be expected to ask a question to some other Minister if he has not been informed of the transfer. The Order Paper that we have all been given the yellow sheet says that it is to the Prime Minister and therefore it should be put to the Prime Minister.
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10010. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: My understanding was it was transferred and legitimately so to the Minister of Immigration. If the member would ask the question to the Minister of Immigration and then we will proceed.RON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The question for oral answer listed here says “Ron Mark to the Prime Minister”.
Mark Ron: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMark Ron: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10010. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]RON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First): It is listed. It was actually lodged to the Minister of Immigration but it is listed to the Prime Minister for some reason. It is listed to the Prime Minister—
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10010. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I am sorry. I did not hear. I suspect it was not—I am going to ask the member to read the question again please.
Woodhouse Michael: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWoodhouse Michael: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10010. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Minister of Immigration): The question is to the Minister of Immigration.
Mark Ron: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMark Ron: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10010. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]RON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First): My question is to the Prime Minister and asks: does he stand by his statement “We welcome migrants who can make a contribution to New Zealand.”?
Yang Jian: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeYang Jian: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10009. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.Dr JIAN YANG (National) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What reports has he received on reactions to the upcoming health and safety legislation changes?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety): The new health and safety law coming into force next Monday emphasises that everyone in the workplace is responsible for health and safety because all workers deserve to go home safely every day. Unfortunately I have received reports that kids should be banned from climbing trees at school because of this new law. This is patently ludicrous and incorrect. All playground and outdoor education activities possible today will still be possible next week—nothing changes. It is disappointing to see that that sort of fearmongering is being generated about the changes.Dr Jian Yang: Should sports clubs and volunteer organisations be worried about the upcoming changes?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: In a word no. Another myth being perpetuated is that sports clubs voluntary associations and the like will be wrapped in red tape resulting in people withdrawing from volunteering or from holding sports events. Again this is nonsense. The Act adopts exactly the same legal framework that exists in the current law. The Government was clear that the current framework for voluntary associations and sports clubs was managing risk adequately and transferred it into the new regime. Business should be alert to the new law when it comes into effect but there is no need for the overreaction on things like tree climbing.
Tisch Lindsay: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 29 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10001. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I am sorry to interrupt the honourable member. The time has come for me to leave the Chair.Debate interrupted.
Hudson Brett: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHudson Brett: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 29 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10001. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]BRETT HUDSON (National): It is a pleasure to rise in this the third reading of the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill in what I fear will be a short episode 1 in the short-run serial that will make up this call in no doubt two parts. So fundamentally we arrive at this part. This bill will receive its third reading in short order and it is part of National’s commitment to improve and deliver better public services. Within those public services—and the Government reported on these just very recently showing extremely good improvement across a range of services aimed at delivering better outcomes for Kiwis and better outcomes it might be added for the same or even less Government expense. Now within that suite of better public services it also includes the continuation of a reliable independent public radio capability.Interestingly when I looked at the statistics provided by Radio New Zealand in its recent annual review for the previous financial year it noted that the survey work it had undertaken shows that 92 percent of its listeners agree that Radio New Zealand contributes—
Tisch Lindsay: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 29 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9999. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Members when we were last debating the third reading of the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill Kris Faafoi was speaking and has 5 minutes remaining if he wishes.