edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
O'Connor Simon: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — Second Reading 
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O'Connor Simon: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — Second Reading 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2239. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
SIMON O’CONNOR (National—Tamaki) 
: 
 I acknowledge the natural display of art there. I think as a New Zealander as someone who enjoys art I want to celebrate all forms of art. It does not matter where it comes from within our community; it is about supporting all parts of art. I want to take just a short call on this in support of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill. Really this comes back to simple principles. We can put all sorts of suffixes like “-centricity” and so forth at the end of our comments but this is a bill of a simple principle which is streamlining and making more effective the systems we have in place within New Zealand to support our arts and culture. It is moving from a board of about 28 people down to 13 to make the decisions on behalf of 4 million Kiwis who enjoy a range of arts. The board as it is to be devised is representative of that and of those New Zealand people in its forms across all the various cultures and peoples and interests. 
I want to turn my attention to two of the objections we have heard a little bit here today and certainly the last time the House sat. The first one is about this whole need to keep the arts area divided. Well I always thought about art as actually bringing things together. If you think of the analogy you know we bring the canvas and the paint together. We bring the various people together in a symphony to bring about that orchestral work if you like. It is about bringing things together. And so I do not really understand the logic artistic or otherwise of wanting to continue this separation within our artistic community. The second one and it was not raised immediately today but it needs to be engaged with— 
Chris Hipkins 
: Is  
South Park 
 art? 
SIMON O’CONNOR 
: Well my peaches indeed it is you see with great words like that. The second one is that there were lots of objections that artists were afraid to speak out. I find this a bit odd. It may be within Labour and the left that artists are afraid to speak out because they will be punished but that is not the National way. See in National we understand that actually artists do speak. That is what their art is about. It is about speaking to the public. And from my time working with people in the artist community I have found that they are not afraid to say what they think to give their opinion and to paint that boldly. 
I acknowledge those who have spoken beforehand. I acknowledge the art that is  
South Park 
; in some speeches it can be used there. And I acknowledge the importance of this bill. Thank you very much.
Roy Eric: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Covered Bonds) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Roy Eric: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Covered Bonds) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2273. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: This is a split call.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2226. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to have question No. 5 reinstated to the member. Is there any objection to that course of action? There is objection.
Mathers Mojo: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Mathers Mojo: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2236. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
12. 
MOJO MATHERS (Green) 
 to the  
Minister of Health 
: Did he seek any advice on the effect raising prescription charges would have on New Zealanders with disabilities; if not why not? 
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) 
: 
 No specific advice was sought on the impact on people with disabilities because in terms of prescriptions people with disabilities will continue to have appropriate access to the pharmaceutical subsidy card and the disability allowance. 
Mojo Mathers 
: How do you consider the financial effect of raising prescription charges for those people with disabilities who are exempted from the minimum wage given that many of these people work for less than $3 an hour? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: Those people will be able to enjoy the support of the pharmaceutical subsidy card when they get to 20 items and if they have pharmaceutical costs that are more significant than what would be expected they are able to access the disability allowance. 
Mojo Mathers 
: Have you sought any advice on whether this policy of raising prescription charges will put vulnerable people off from seeking medical assistance; if not why not? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: I think vulnerable people such as those with disabilities should not be put off seeking to get medical assistance and they should be aware that the moderate increase in prescription charges means that no one need pay more than $40 a year in additional charges. That money is being made available to support other services in the health sector such as the $133 million extra for disability support services that I announced last Tuesday. 
Mojo Mathers 
: Will he reconsider this policy if it is shown to be a barrier to vulnerable people such as people with disabilities gaining access to medical care? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: I do not believe that this policy will be a barrier to people seeking care. What we know is that if they need additional support people can be in contact with Work and Income. This Government is making support for disabled people a priority. Even in the most difficult of times and a zero Budget this Government has made $133 million of additional support services available to disabled New Zealanders and that is a tremendous commitment.
Simpson Scott: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Simpson Scott: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2232. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
9. 
SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: What initiatives has she announced in Budget 2012 to raise student achievement? 
Hon HEKIA PARATA (Minister of Education) 
: 
 I am extremely pleased that this Government will be investing an extra $511.9 million—[ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I apologise to the Minister. Every member has a right to ask a question and to hear the answer. It is unfair for the Labour members to make it impossible to hear the answer when it was another member who asked the question. I do want to hear. The interjections must be more reasonable. 
Hon HEKIA PARATA 
: I am extremely pleased that this Government will be investing an extra $511.9 million of new money into quality front-line education services giving the profession the support it deserves. This increase takes the Government’s total investment in early childhood education and schooling to $9.6 billion for 2012-13. This is the fourth Budget in a row that invests in our education plan and in our education profession. I also announced that we will be having a strong focus on quality teaching and quality professional leadership. This will include a number of initiatives including better career progression pathways introducing a new pre-principalship qualification and a shift to a postgraduate qualification for new teachers. 
Scott Simpson 
: What specific initiatives will she have to raise the quality of teaching? 
Hon HEKIA PARATA 
: We are embarking on a 2-year work programme to retain and grow as well as attract the best talent into the profession. To do that we will invest an additional $60 million over 4 years to boost new teacher recruitment and training ensure that student teachers are equipped with the best teaching practices for 21st century learning and give stronger mentoring and coaching for those teachers working towards full registration. We will be reviewing the Teachers Council to secure a stronger professional body and we will continue to invest heavily in professional learning and development for teachers with funding of $304 million over 4 years.  
Scott Simpson 
: How will she recognise better teaching?  
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! Before the Minister answers can I just ask the Minister please supplementary questions are not invitations to make speeches.  
Hon HEKIA PARATA 
: We need to find ways to recognise and reward outstanding teachers as well as work with those who have potential. We also need to identify those who are not keeping up or who are just going through the motions. To raise teaching quality we have to identify who is delivering successful practice and make that common practice. We will collaborate with the sector to develop a robust appraisal system.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2225. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: And that is—[ 
Interruption 
] Order! That is why I say if the member had stopped his question at that point I think he would have had a greater case but he did not. He went on to ask about Treasury advice. That is the responsibility of the Minister of Finance.
Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2236. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
11. 
KATRINA SHANKS (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development 
: How are youth services around New Zealand celebrating this year’s Youth Week? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development) 
: 
 This week is Youth Week a week of fun and informative community-based youth activities. There are 245 events planned thanks to the efforts of many youth organisations non-governmental agencies local councils schools and youth organisation Ara Taiohi. 
Katrina Shanks 
: How does the week promote and encourage young New Zealanders? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: Youth Week is an international event designed to celebrate our young people. “Love the skin you’re in” is the theme of this year’s Youth Week which is a serious message about being true to yourself and being comfortable with who you are.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2225. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! That is not a point of order at all. [ 
Interruption 
] Order! No listen. This has gone on—[ 
Interruption 
] Order! That is not a point of order at all. As the member knows because he has been a member of several Governments he knows that—[ 
Interruption 
] Order! He knows that Governments transfer questions and he is well aware of that. There is nothing unusual about that and members know how to construct questions to make sure they are not transferred.
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2225. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The real question for perhaps your office and even yourself with respect might have answered is why the Prime Minister would transfer that question. It asks him—
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2225. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I simply repeat what I have said. The remedy is in members’ hands: do not put too much into questions. This question did not need that second part because the problem with the second part if that stayed with the Prime Minister is that he could simply say: “Treasury advice is not my responsibility.” And one presumes the focus of the question is actually on the second part. One presumes that is the more important part of the question because whether or not one stands by a previous statement is hardly a hugely difficult question. It is probably one of the weakest questions a person could be asked because it is just asking an opinion whereas the substance of the question is about Treasury advice. So the remedy is in members’ hands: construct questions carefully if they do not want them transferred but do not go into another Minister’s patch—[ 
Interruption 
] Order! Thank you.
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2225. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. This raises a matter that I have discussed on a number of occasions with the Clerk’s Office and that is the changing of the sense of the question in the transfer. If when it is transferred—and I accept that it is the right of the Prime Minister to transfer it—it should have actually in the end said: “if so has the Prime Minister seen the Treasury advice …” because that was the essence of the question. It is reflected in the first part but it is not reflected in the second part and it should have been.
Roy Eric: Crown Entities Reform Bill — Second Reading 
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Roy Eric: Crown Entities Reform Bill — Second Reading 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2255. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: The next call is a split call.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2226. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I hear the member’s point and it is an interesting point that the member raises—that in the transferral of a question to maintain the sense is an important issue. I note the point he makes.
Smith Lockwood: Tabling of Documents — Employment Relations Paid Parental Leave—Mother’s Day Card  
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Smith Lockwood: Tabling of Documents — Employment Relations Paid Parental Leave—Mother’s Day Card  
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2237. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2226. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 I seek leave from the House to ask question No. 5.
Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2226. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 I seek leave to transfer the question back to the Prime Minister.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2226. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for the question to be transferred back to the Prime Minister. Is there any objection to that course of action? There is objection.  
Dr Russel Norman 
: Chicken! Chicken! 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! The House will come to order immediately. The member has just lost question No. 5. Question No. 6 the Hon David Parker.
Hague Kevin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Hague Kevin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2225. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
KEVIN HAGUE (Green) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The question does go on to a second leg but the second leg is whether he has seen the advice and if the Prime Minister has not seen the advice he can simply say no to that part. It does not require the specialist knowledge of the Minister of Finance to be able to respond to that second part of the question whereas it does require the specialist knowledge of the Prime Minister to be able to respond to the first part.
Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2225. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I just cannot see how the Minister of Finance as well briefed as I am sure he is can tell me what is in the mind of the Prime Minister when that is specifically what the question is about. Nobody else has personal knowledge in the way that the Prime Minister does of the Prime Minister’s mind.
Moroney Sue: Tabling of Documents — Employment Relations Paid Parental Leave—Mother’s Day Card  
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Moroney Sue: Tabling of Documents — Employment Relations Paid Parental Leave—Mother’s Day Card  
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2237. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
SUE MORONEY (Labour) 
: 
 I seek leave to table a document. It is a Mother’s Day card to the Minister of Women’s Affairs Jo Goodhew asking her to support mothers by— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! The source of this card? 
SUE MORONEY 
: It is signed by about 20 women who are mothers of babies. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The House may want to know where they are from. 
SUE MORONEY 
: It is from mothers of children who want 26 weeks’ paid parental leave.
Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2224. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. This is a point of order about a transfer of a question and I know that this is a difficult issue but I would ask you just to indulge me. This is about Speaker’s ruling 151/6 where Speaker Hunt made a ruling that you should not be transferring a question where only one Minister could be expected to have personal knowledge of the subject. Your own ruling at 152/1 is of a similar kind of nature. And this question was specifically when it was lodged about whether the Prime Minister stands by his statement that he is “much more of a mind”—blah-blah-blah. So the issue—[ 
Interruption 
] Well that is right. The subject matter is the mind of the Prime Minister. The subject matter in this instance is what is in the mind of the Prime Minister. That is specifically what the question is about. There is no other Minister who could be expected to have personal knowledge of the Prime Minister’s mind. 
 Only the Prime Minister can be expected to have personal knowledge of his own mind and that is exactly what is in the nature of the question. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! Can I remind members please that points of order are meant to be heard in silence. The member at least referred to some relevant Speakers’ rulings in making his point of order. In the case of the question to the Prime Minister had the member simply asked whether the Prime Minister stood by his statement with regard to asset sales etc. and stopped the question there might have been some merit in the member’s point. But then he went on to ask another question: “if so has he seen Treasury’s advice that asset sales …” and then he is getting into the responsibility of the Minister of Finance. The Government is perfectly at liberty where there are split responsibilities for a question being asked to transfer a question. There is no way one can argue that this question could solely be answered by the Prime Minister. The Minister of Finance would have more information in respect of Treasury’s advice. Had the member wanted to pin it on the Prime Minister he had to be careful how he constructed the question. We are seeing too much at the moment of too much being put into one question which allows a question to be transferred. It gives Ministers scope in answering in a way members do not particularly want to hear and I think this is a classic example. If the member wants the Prime Minister to answer a question you have got to be very careful how that question is constructed.
Goldsmith Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Goldsmith Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2218. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
2. 
PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: How will the Budget this week contribute to the Government’s long-term programme to build a more competitive economy? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 The Budget will be a continuation of the balanced and responsible approach that this Government has taken to deal with global economic pressures as well as lift New Zealand’s growth prospects and confirm a track to surplus that will support the Government’s priorities of building a productive and competitive economy with more jobs and higher incomes delivering better public services and rebuilding Christchurch. 
Paul Goldsmith 
: How will the Budget provide for new initiatives given there will be little or no new money across most areas of Government spending? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: The Government has been focusing on getting results rather than getting new money. There are a significant number of new initiatives in the Budget and they are funded by taking funds from those programmes and initiatives that do not get results.  
Paul Goldsmith 
: How will the most recent economic developments in Europe impact on the Budget? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: In the past few weeks we have seen increased uncertainty. We have been saying for some time that we would expect Europe would continue to have its ups and downs and that is because the fundamental underlying problems in Europe continue to get worse rather than better and that is its problem of very much excessive debt. The forecasts used by Treasury already factor in a good deal of the kind of weakness that is being discussed in Europe now. 
Hon David Parker 
: Is the Minister aware that in the past 11 quarters to which he has often referred New Zealand has had the worst average growth of any non-European OECD country? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: No I was not aware of that given that European countries make up a significant proportion of the OECD. New Zealand’s growth performance has been moderate over the last 2 or 3 years. It has been much better than most much better than many and over the next 2 or 3 years it will be better than most developed countries. 
Paul Goldsmith 
: How will the Budget help New Zealand through— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I want to hear. 
Paul Goldsmith 
: —these uncertain times on global markets? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Did the Minister hear the question? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: Yes I did. Most New Zealanders actually have a pretty practical attitude about how to deal with these uncertain times. They are saving more they are being careful about their spending they are borrowing a good deal less in some cases than they were before and in fact the Government is taking its lead from New Zealand households. We need to do the same thing which is to spend very carefully borrow less get our debt down and be choosy about where we invest our capital.
Ardern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Ardern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2229. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
7. 
SHANE ARDERN (National—Taranaki - King Country) 
 to the  
Minister for Primary Industries 
: What further decisions has the Government made in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into Foreign Charter Fishing Vessels? 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister for Primary Industries) 
: 
 Today the Minister of Labour and I have announced that the Government will require the reflagging of foreign-owned fishing vessels operating in New Zealand waters. The Government’s decision sends a very clear message that New Zealand is serious about the fair treatment of fishing crews the safety of vessels and New Zealand’s international reputation for ethical and sustainable fishing practices. 
Shane Ardern 
: Why has the Government decided to require all foreign charter fishing vessels to be reflagged? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: The Government believes that reflagging best meets our objectives for foreign charter vessels. Reflagging will place foreign charter vessels under the responsibility and control of New Zealand. It will hold domestic operators accountable for the employment of crew ensuring that New Zealand’s criminal law applies in full and will resolve possible trade issues and reputational concerns. 
Shane Ardern 
: What legislation changes will be required to reflag foreign charter fishing vessels? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: To reflag all vessels to New Zealand will require legislative changes to the Fisheries Act and I plan to introduce those changes into the House before the end of the year. There will be a 4-year transition period from today. This will enable the fishing industry to have time to adjust to the new regime and the Government will work closely with the industry to help facilitate this. In particular work will need to be done on recognising the foreign crews’ qualifications.
Smith Lockwood: Obituaries — Trevor James Young QSO 
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Smith Lockwood: Obituaries — Trevor James Young QSO 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2217. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Honourable members I regret to inform the House of the death on 13 May 2012 of Trevor James Young QSO who represented the Hutt electorate from 1968 to 1978 and the electorate of Eastern Hutt from 1978 to 1990. I desire on behalf of this House to express our sense of the loss we have sustained and our sympathy with the relatives of the late former member. I now ask members to stand with me and observe a period of silence as a mark of respect for his memory. 
Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.
Obituaries — Trevor James Young QSO 
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Obituaries — Trevor James Young QSO 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2217. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Tuesday 22 May 2012 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Obituaries 
Trevor James Young QSO 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Honourable members I regret to inform the House of the death on 13 May 2012 of Trevor James Young QSO who represented the Hutt electorate from 1968 to 1978 and the electorate of Eastern Hutt from 1978 to 1990. I desire on behalf of this House to express our sense of the loss we have sustained and our sympathy with the relatives of the late former member. I now ask members to stand with me and observe a period of silence as a mark of respect for his memory. 
Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.
Tabling of Documents — Employment Relations Paid Parental Leave—Mother’s Day Card  
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Tabling of Documents — Employment Relations Paid Parental Leave—Mother’s Day Card  
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2237. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Tabling of Documents 
Employment Relations Paid Parental Leave—Mother’s Day Card  
SUE MORONEY (Labour) 
: 
 I seek leave to table a document. It is a Mother’s Day card to the Minister of Women’s Affairs Jo Goodhew asking her to support mothers by— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! The source of this card? 
SUE MORONEY 
: It is signed by about 20 women who are mothers of babies. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The House may want to know where they are from. 
SUE MORONEY 
: It is from mothers of children who want 26 weeks’ paid parental leave. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Sittings of the House 
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Sittings of the House 
[Sitting date: 22 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2302. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Sittings of the House 
LOUISE UPSTON (Junior Whip—National) 
: 
 We have made very good progress today and I seek leave to rise 10 minutes early. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Draft transcript - Thursday 28 June 2012 
Published as advance copy. 
Draft transcript - Thursday 28 June 2012
Draft transcript - Tuesday 26 June 2012 
Published as advance copy. 
Draft transcript - Tuesday 26 June 2012
Draft transcript - Thursday 21 June 2012 
Published as advance copy. 
Draft transcript - Thursday 21 June 2012
Draft transcript - Wednesday 20 June 2012 
Published as advance copy. 
Draft transcript - Wednesday 20 June 2012
Draft transcript - Tuesday 19 June 2012 
Published as advance copy. 
Draft transcript - Tuesday 19 June 2012
Lee Melissa: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — Second Reading 
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Lee Melissa: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — Second Reading 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2210. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
MELISSA LEE (National) 
: 
 It is a great pleasure to rise to take a short call on the second reading of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill. Like some of the earlier speakers I was not part of the Government Administration Committee which considered this bill but it was really interesting sitting here listening to the Labour Party pontificating about the arts world.  
You see I do understand how important the arts are to the Labour Party. Of course former Prime Minister Helen Clark was in fact the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage because she believed that the arts were so important. Her greatest gift to New Zealand and the arts was “paintergate” when she signed her own name to a piece of art that she did not even draw.  
Streamlining the Arts Council into one board which is streamlined and needs fewer resources makes sense and it frees up staff to focus on what is important which is the artists the arts organisations and arts development. That is what matters and this to me is a great bill and I commend it to the House.
Vote: Bail Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Vote: Bail Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2199. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Bail Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 105 
New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 34; New Zealand First 8; Maori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 15 
Green Party 14; Mana 1. 
Bill read a first time. 
Bill referred to the Law and Order Committee.
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — Second Reading 
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Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — Second Reading 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2203. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) 
: 
 The Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill like other bills presented by the National Government seeks to streamline the current structure of this organisation. The bill seeks to have a single board whose responsibility will be to determine the strategic direction priorities and policy framework of the entire organisation and of course towards funding allocation decisions.  
I think it is common sense to replace multiple boards that create confusion with one single entity as this is likely to require fewer resources along with saving money on fees and the salaries of multiple board members. The best part is that it streamlines the decision-making process so that our artistic and creative organisations progress and along with them our economy progresses.  
The bill seeks to provide clarity to the staff that their role is not to solve bureaucratic hurdles but to work for the arts sector and its promotion. Mahatma Gandhi said: “The future depends on what we do in the present.” In the context of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill this quote stands out as the bill shows that the Government is serious about preserving the arts and culture of our country so that not just present-day New Zealanders but our generations to come can also learn about our culture and heritage.  
Contemporary New Zealand is a melting pot of cultures with strong links to the Pacific Islands along with our own Maori heritage. In order to make sure that this melting pot is truly represented the new board will consist of Maori and Pacific Island people who will be appointed after consultation with the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage the Minister of Maori Affairs and the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs thereby highlighting the Government’s attempt to create an inclusive board.  
Furthermore as I said earlier as well the new Arts Council will determine its own strategic direction without any interference from the Government. One should not forget that there are significant economic benefits of an Arts Council that functions independently and chalks out its own strategic direction. Be it the kinds of films we make the kinds of paintings our artists draw the kind of photography our artists undertake or Fashion Week held in Wellington Auckland or any other city they all serve as a means of selling our soft power to the world. Soft power is not like military power because it does not force anyone; rather it is the power of one’s culture art and heritage that attracts others to our country.  
I once again reiterate that the people of New Zealand will benefit greatly from this bill. I acknowledge the passion the Hon Chris Finlayson has for our art and culture which has led to the formation of this bill. I fully support this bill.
Robertson H V Ross: Appointments — Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 
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Robertson H V Ross: Appointments — Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2179. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: I recognise the honourable member Eugenie Sage. Just remember that it is a narrow debate. It is about why the commissioner is appointed—support it or not.
Robertson H V Ross: Appointments — Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 
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Robertson H V Ross: Appointments — Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2178. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Just before I call the next member I wish to advise the House that the Green Party has split its call between the honourable members Gareth Hughes and Eugenie Sage and can do so under Standing Order 118(2).
Tisch Lindsay: Bail Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Tisch Lindsay: Bail Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2195. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: I understand the next call is a split call. I will ring the bell with a minute to go.
Hughes Gareth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Hughes Gareth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2173. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
11. 
GARETH HUGHES (Green) 
 to the  
Minister of Conservation 
: What are the benefits of the marine reserve proposed for Akaroa Harbour? 
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) 
 on behalf of the Minister of Conservation: I can inform the member that the benefits of a marine reserve include protection to sea life as they are no-take areas. This means that nobody including iwi and local fishermen is able to collect fish or seafood from a marine reserve. In terms of the specific benefits of a reserve in Akaroa Harbour the member’s question is one that the court has determined will need close consideration before a final decision is made on the proposal and I think it would therefore not be in the public interest for me to comment further on that specific proposal at this time. 
Gareth Hughes 
: Given that the Director-General of Conservation has argued for the Akaroa Harbour marine reserve and that it would be expected to increase visitor numbers and would likely contribute to the local economy would the reserve not be good for the environment and the economy? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: As with all such marine reserves there are arguments both for and against. There have been considerable arguments over a number of reserves such that this Government certainly in its period of time has managed to see nine new reserves established in 3 years. 
Gareth Hughes 
: Is it correct that New Zealand has only 0.3 percent of our waters in marine reserve failing our 10 percent by 2010 target? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: It would be correct to say that it is around 0.3 percent if you took into account our 200-kilometre economic zone. But if you take into account the 12 nautical mile territorial sea which I understand is the more internationally used measure our marine reserves are at 12 percent marine protected areas. I think that is a very positive position to be in. 
Gareth Hughes 
: Does the Minister still stand by her statement in 2010 that Akaroa Harbour is in a degraded ecological state which makes it highly desirable for a conservation zone to be established in the harbour and will she now approve the marine reserve application? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: As acting Minister I am not able to confirm what the Minister said as quoted by that member. What I am able to say is that certainly as a Minister in the National Government this Minister has been part of the team that has overseen the creation of nine new reserves in 3 years which seems to be a pretty good record against 17 reserves in 9 years under the Labour-Green Governments.
Lee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Lee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2171. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
9. 
MELISSA LEE (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Housing 
: What recent announcements has he made about funding from the Social Housing Unit? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Housing) 
: 
 Today I had the great pleasure of announcing along with Minister Turia the first tranche of projects to receive funding from the Social Housing Fund which is administered by the Social Housing Unit. Eleven organisations have received funding totalling $7.2 million for projects valued at $15.7 million. They will provide 56 new homes with 160 bedrooms for people in need from single elderly people to people with physical disabilities or mental illness and families in need of a helping hand in locations from Northland to Christchurch. 
Melissa Lee 
: What kinds of projects have benefited from this funding? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY 
: All 11 organisations have been successful because their projects have demonstrated they would meet a very real need in their communities. For example the VisionWest Community Trust received $1.2 million to build 6 three- or four-bedroom houses for affordable rentals the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust received $1 million for a similar project the Kahungunu Executive in the Hawke’s Bay received $1 million to retrofit 10 three- or four-bedroom homes and the Bays Community Housing Trust received $500000 for five-bedroom homes on the North Shore. It is a very successful programme. We trust the community housing sector.
Hutchison Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Hutchison Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2168. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
6. 
Dr PAUL HUTCHISON (National—Hunua) 
 to the  
Minister of Health 
: What improvements have been made to the way that district health boards provide elective services for their patients and what have been the results of these? 
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) 
: 
 Doctors and nurses are taking a much greater role in running the public health service and they are delivering an extra 27000 elective surgeries a year. The Government is announcing today that we are backing their leadership with an extra $7 million investment into clinician-led productivity improvements. This will support 21 projects in 11 district health boards to improve the amount and timeliness of elective surgery. For example by using lean thinking clinicians have found that they can use small changes to make a big difference. They have found for example that keeping equipment in set places in operating theatres means less surgery time is wasted trying to find it. 
Dr Paul Hutchison 
: How have elective productivity programmes improved services at the Bay of Plenty District Health Board? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: Good local members. Tauranga Hospital has reduced the number of same-day cancellations of surgery by 70 percent. Instead of a receptionist ringing patients to remind them of their surgery a senior nurse is now calling patients to do a pre-assessment. If a person is too unwell for surgery such as having the flu they are rebooked and another patient is scheduled at short notice. This means operating theatres are not left standing empty because patients cannot turn up. This sort of lean thinking and positive action by our clinicians is making better use of doctors’ and nurses’ time and is delivering better services for patients.
Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2166. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
4. 
KATRINA SHANKS (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development 
: How will the Budget 2012 welfare reforms support teen parents to provide better outcomes for themselves and their children? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development) 
: 
 Budget 2012 will ensure that all teen parents—those on benefits and significantly those who are not—will have childcare costs paid while they are studying. We know that the cost of childcare is a barrier for this group in particular. That is why we have allocated $80 million over 4 years to provide this support.  
Katrina Shanks 
: How does this work build on the Government’s record of supporting teen parents?  
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: This Government has had the single biggest focus of any Government on supporting teen parents. In Budget 2010 we saw the single biggest spend on services for teen parents of nearly $15 million. Our supported housing initiative—24/7 supervised care—over the last year has seen support for 71 teen parents and those who are most vulnerable. Nineteen teenage parent intensive case workers have in the last year been actively working with over 200 teen parents. And we have also increased the number of teen parent units; there are six more under this Government.  
Katrina Shanks 
: Can the Minister provide an update on the youth services tender process? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: Yes I can. From those very groups that the Opposition thinks are not up to it we have had a response from 185 providers corresponding to 255 applications from around the country. They have put their hand up to actually work with and support these young people. What we are really getting cognisant of though is making sure that we have some providers that will look after just a few so that we are getting into smaller areas as well as those bigger cities. So it is not just going to be all big providers; we will also see a number of smaller ones that can provide for a small number of teens as well.
Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 10 May 2012. Volume:679;Page:2166. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
KATRINA SHANKS (National) 
: 
 To the Minister how will the Budget—[ 
Interruption 
]  
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I want to hear Katrina Shanks.