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O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): Before I start can I just point to the Huia Pin that I'm wearing at the moment—as many of my colleagues around the House are—to commemorate 33 police officers who have given their lives for the service of New Zealand. Today is the day they are commemorated. It is very important that we do look at our history because that speech made by the member who has just resumed his seat David Seymour could have been made here in the 1890s when New Zealand land reform was being done when New Zealand was owned by 200 families. But for a very inspired Government inspired by John McKenzie we would have been in exactly the same place as those very banana republics that he is quoting where all the wealth is in very few hands. What the role of Government is to do is to ensure that the wealth the health and the future prospects of all its citizens are considered. So when we look at this bill that's what this does—it ensures that at a time when we have had changes considerable changes we as a Government look at what needs to be done to ensure that everyone in this country gets the opportunities they need. We need to ensure that what needs to be done is done and this legislation ensures that. So I have no hesitation in commending this to the House.
Edmonds BarbaraBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana): Thank you Madam Speaker. I just want to be able to take a short call on the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Bill. The reason I want to take a short call is because we're going to spend a few weeks scrutinising this bill.Hon Simon Bridges: Well we want to know what you think though.BARBARA EDMONDS: And I thank the member over there Mr Simon Bridges for his confidence in the select committee in the Finance and Expenditure Committee as we go through this. Now I want to acknowledge the number of public officials who put this bill together. That's the Ministry of Justice the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Land Information New Zealand the Ministry for the Environment the Department of Internal Affairs. The reason why I'm acknowledging the number of officials that have put this bill together is because a little bit earlier today in the general debate—and I hope I had not heard right—I'd heard one of the members on the other side of the House refer to them as boffins. I think that was a sarcastic particular view because I see boffins as experts and these public servants have been working hours and hours to be able to support this country get through to where we are. So it'd be really nice if the Opposition on the other side of the House actually gave them some credit and were able to cooperate and help us get this bill through.I just want to look at one particular part in the bill—that's Schedule 6 Part 1 which amends the Coroners Act 2006. Now over the last year being a new electorate MP we've had to deal with the coroner's office a number of times. This particular amendment allows them to do video meetings and teleconferences. It clears it up and allows them to be able to do that. My hope is this will be able to support the coroner's office in what they need to do in order to get through the cases that they've got and so I commend this bill to the House.
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Tēnā koe Madam Speaker. As chair of the Finance and Expenditure Committee I thank the member Chris Bishop for his confidence in the committee. Should ever he want to come down he's more than welcome to help us out because it will indeed be a busy committee. Just a few short comments really: firstly one perhaps quirky one. I'm surprised to see in the Ministry of Transport amendments that they're still using faxes in that ministry for sending notices but that's one of the amendments and perhaps that will be the last piece of legislation that actually mentions the old facsimile machine and calls it a form of electronic communications. But I think Mr Bishop was right when he identified the insertion of an implied term in commercial leases as one of significance that we need to have a good look at. Look it's significant in a number of ways because it does defer to the parties in the first instance what a fair rent reduction in the circumstances will be. In fact though it's worth noting that this is very similar to the Auckland District Law Society lease—I think it's clause 27 which talks about premises being inaccessible and the parties having to agree a rent reduction. But look I want to signal now that the Finance and Expenditure Committee will be looking at this and it will certainly be looking to key stakeholders to assist with that. The other interesting feature of this piece of law is the compulsory arbitration which we don't see very often but again it's something that's very common in commercial leases. So rather than people running into court commercial lease-holders—you know the retailers the small retailers in those malls that have perhaps been doing it hard on bespoke lease documents which aren't tenant-friendly and aren't particularly even-handed. They won't be going into court on those kinds of things. They'll be asked to go straight to arbitration and those arbitrators will be experienced people in commercial property and they will be able to essentially value what the loss of occupation is worth and where that loss should fall. Finally I just would mention the Gambling Act amendments. Again like Minister Hipkins I'm a little cautious around that but I'll say I'm a holder of raffle tickets in the coastguard raffle. I have been the recipient of their services—thank you for hauling me to shore on that singular occasion. Hon Simon Bridges: What's the prize? Dr DUNCAN WEBB: I won't trouble people with the details. Talk to me later Mr Bridges. It's quite a story. But look it's not really online gambling; it's simply purchasing raffle tickets by electronic payments on a website. It's a little different from some of the other online gambling that goes on that's a bit more pernicious. They have to hold a class 3 gambling licence already. I think that's a good extension in COVID times to the fund-raising efforts of our important not-for-profits like the coastguard. So I look forward to presiding on the Finance and Expenditure Committee and having a very good look at improving this bill wherever we can. Thank you Madam Speaker.
Hipkins ChrisURGENCYHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That urgency be accorded the first reading and referral to select committee of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Bill.This is in a sense a technical use of urgency. It allows the House to consider this bill without it needing to sit on the Table for the required period of time. If we were not to use urgency to progress this bill it would not be available for us until after the current parliamentary adjournment. By using urgency to give the bill a first reading we'll be able to send it off to a select committee and during that adjournment period the committee will be able to scrutinise it and report it back to the House in a fairly short turn-around timetable after the adjournment so that it can be progressed through the House. It contains COVID-19 response measures. There is a degree of urgency to it so we want to get it through but we do want to allow for the select committee to give it a quick consideration hence the use of urgency now in order to get it to select committee as quickly as we can.
Pallett SarahSARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam): Xiexie Mr Speaker. There are many things I love about Kiwis. I love that we care and I love that we understand how important it is to work as a team to benefit all of us—SPEAKER: No. Order! Order! I warned Mr Eagle about his beak yesterday! Please put it away. Thank you.SARAH PALLETT: Thank you Mr Speaker. As I said I love how we continually punch above our weight I love how we continually achieve globally way above expectations for a country of this size and I love how much we love to win. We've done really really well so far in fighting COVID and I'll tell you why I say that.I come from a really small island 9 miles by 5 of a population of about 104000. It is a little wealthier probably overall than New Zealand. They have good healthcare and easily controlled borders but they've had 9988 cases of COVID on that small island and 78 deaths. That is equivalent if we extrapolate out the capital which I know we do love to do to 46000 cases of COVID and 3750 deaths. Do you know what? That is where we'd be if we took any notice whatsoever of National's plan—National's plan that can be summed up in a quote by Lord Farquaad: Some of you may die but [that's] a sacrifice I'm willing to make." The difference between Jersey and New Zealand can be seen in leadership political will as well as that Kiwi caring and teamwork. Do you know what? I'd love to see us lead the world with our vaccination rates because we have enough vaccine for everyone. We are doing really well thanks to our amazing vaccinators. I'd like to say here that Christchurch vaccinators will be leading the country. They've been working so hard and I'm proud of them all.But we aren't going to be out of the woods until we're all safe. What that means is following initiatives like the accessible events that we've been seeing in Ōtautahi—Christchurch—recently events that are low sensory with longer appointments and New Zealand Sign Language interpreters will be provided in other areas. The University of Canterbury: a shout-out to them; they've got an event on 5 and 6 October that will give you a free burger with your vaccine.So let's get our competitive spirit going. Let's not sit at the bottom of the world. Let's lead the world. Let's not tolerate that 90 percent; let's go higher. Let's lead the world but let's bring everybody with us. Let's make sure that we bring our youth with us. Let's bring Māori with us. Let's bring Pasifika with us. Let's bring our vulnerable communities our disabled communities with us. Let's acknowledge the really hard work of those vaccinators. Let's acknowledge every single one of those people that have come forward so far to get their vaccine. Let's move forward together and enjoy one of the best vaccination rates in the world. Thank you for your time."
Motions — Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora—70th Anniversary
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: No petitions papers or select committee reports have been presented. The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of a bill. CLERK: Digital Identity Services Trust Framework Bill introduction. SPEAKER: That bill is set down for first reading.
Whaitiri Meka; Mallard TrevorMOTIONSTe Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora—70th AnniversaryHon MEKA WHAITIRI (Minister of Customs): Point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate to recognise the 70th anniversary of Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora the Māori Women's Welfare League with a preceding mihi.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that taking place? There appears to be none.Hon MEKA WHAITIRI: Ki aku maunga whakahī aku awa whakairo whenua tēnā koutou katoa. Ka tika me mihi ki ngā māreikura o Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora kua riro atu ki te kōpū o Hine-nui-te-pō kau tonu te moe. Ki te hunga ora mā tātou ēnei mahi rangatira e kawe tonu ā haere ake nei. Ngā Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora whakanuia.[To my proud mountains to my rivers that carve out this land greetings to you all. It is appropriate for me to acknowledge the esteemed members of the Māori Women's Welfare League who have passed away. May you rest in peace. To the living it is for us to continue their work in future generations. Let us celebrate the Māori Women's Welfare League.]I move That the House note that in September 1951 the inaugural conference of Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora the Māori Women's Welfare League was held in Wellington with the late Dame Whina Cooper elected as its first president and that the House celebrate the role of Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora in the advancement enablement and empowerment of Māori women and whānau. Motion agreed to.
Dean JacquiWEDNESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Tuesday 28 September 2021 - Volume 754
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Legislation Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Legislation Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 12Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
VoteDEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is That the amendments recommended by the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee by majority be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 110New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 10ACT New Zealand 10.Amendments agreed to.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Water Services Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
Water Services Bill — Third Reading
Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Clauses 1 and 2
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Clause 1 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Clause 2 agreed to.Bill to be reported without amendment.House resumed.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Part 2 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Schedule be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Schedule agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members we now come to the final debate—that is the debate on clauses 1 and 2 title and commencement.
Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 2
Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 1
VotePart 2 Amendments to other ActsCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members we now come to Part 2. This is the debate on clauses 37 to 56 and Schedule 3 Amendments to other Acts". The question is that Part 2 stand part.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 be agreed to.Ayes 98New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33.Noes 22Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Part 2 agreed to.Schedule 1 agreed to.Schedule 2 agreed to.Schedule 3 agreed to.Clauses 1 and 2CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members we now come to the debate on clauses 1 and 2—that is "Title" and "Commencement" clauses.Clause 1 agreed to.Clause 2 agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members I will report this bill without amendment presently."
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill — In Committee—Part 1
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Part 1 be agreed to.Ayes 98New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33.Noes 22Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Part 1 agreed to.
12. Question No. 12—ImmigrationNICOLA WILLIS (National) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 12—Immigration12. NICOLA WILLIS (National) to the Minister of Immigration: Does he stand by all of his statements and actions regarding migrant health workers?Hon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Immigration): Talofa Mr Speaker. Yes. As I've said on a number of occasions the Government acknowledges that there has been an impact of the closed border on our wider immigration system and this has caused difficulties for a number of migrants both onshore and offshore. The Government has taken a pragmatic approach to manage these impacts where possible—for example critical health worker border exceptions visa extensions for workers onshore and class exceptions for family reunification for migrant health workers. We are close to giving both the migrant workers and their employers the certainty they require while our border settings remain tight. Nicola Willis: What is his response to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation who have written to him warning that nurses are leaving New Zealand because they are made to feel unwelcome" by an immigration system that keeps them in a permanent state of temporariness? Hon KRIS FAAFOI: I would say to that organisation that one of the first actions that the Government did was to make sure we did allow critical health workers into the country to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring that there was a border exception for critical health workers and as I've said in my primary answer we are very close to giving both migrants and their employers the certainty that they would need around their long-term future here in New Zealand. Nicola Willis: Has the Minister of Health met with him to seek an immigration solution for addressing New Zealand's shortage of ICU nurses given their vital role in our COVID response? Hon KRIS FAAFOI: A number of my ministerial colleagues have expressed issues and challenges that their sectors have. As I have pointed out to a number of questioners from the Opposition instead of taking a sector by sector approach the Government is looking at a comprehensive solution to the problems that some of those migrants face. Nicola Willis: How can he be confident that the critical healthcare worker border exception is addressing ICU nurse shortages when he has admitted that Immigration New Zealand is not collecting data on how many ICU nurses enter New Zealand? Hon KRIS FAAFOI: I'm confident that the border exception is meeting the needs in terms of the flow of critical health workers in. I understand that between August of last year and mid-September of this year close to 7000 critical health workers and their dependants were able to come into New Zealand to fill some of those positions. Hon Chris Hipkins: Can he confirm that one of the reasons the Government is having to rely on border exceptions for critical health workers is because in the decade before the Government took office insufficient attention had been given to health workforce planning and training enough people to fill the jobs that are available? Hon KRIS FAAFOI: I understand that that member is accurate in his description of the situation."
8. Question No. 8—HealthDr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 8—Health8. Dr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of Health: Ni hao Mr Speaker. What recent announcements has he made on the progress of the Health and Disability System Review reforms?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): Last week my colleague Peeni Henare and I announced the appointments of an outstanding group of people with extensive and wide-ranging governance and health experience to the interim boards for Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority. I was pleased to announce that Rob Campbell has been appointed as the chair of Health New Zealand and Sharon Shea and Tipa Mahuta as co-chairs of the Māori Health Authority. The board of Health New Zealand will also include the Hon Amy Adams Cassandra Crowley the Hon Vui Mark Gosche Dame Karen Poutasi Vanessa Stoddart Dr Curtis Walker and Sharon Shea. As well as the co-chairs of the Māori Health Authority the board of that organisation will also comprise Dr Sue Crengle Dr Mataroria Lyndon Lady Tureiti Moxon Fiona Pimm Awerangi Tamihere and Dr Chris Tooley.Dr Liz Craig: What do these announcements mean for the future of the health sector?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: This Government is building a truly national health system to provide consistent high-quality services right across the country. This is another step towards fixing the health system so it works for everyone. Health New Zealand will bring together the country's 20 district health boards a workforce of about 80000 people an annual operating budget of $20 billion and an asset base of about $24 billion. The Māori Health Authority will work alongside Health New Zealand with a joint role in developing system plans and commissioning for primary and community services and will commission kaupapa Māori services. The Māori Health Authority will also work alongside the Ministry of Health to develop strategies and policies that work for Māori.Dr Liz Craig: What do these appointments mean for New Zealanders?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The members of the new boards share a dedication to improve the country's health and wellbeing with a strong community focus. I'm confident our new health entities are in the best possible hands to drive this long-overdue transformation. This marks a significant milestone in progress towards a more equitable health system. The future health system that we're developing will mean that New Zealanders will be able to have equitable access to healthcare to live longer with the best possible quality of life no matter who they are or where they live.
7. Question No. 7—FinanceHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 7—Finance7. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Finance: What advice has he received if any on the economic impact on New Zealand businesses of the alert levels imposed across New Zealand since 18 August?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I've received a steady stream of advice from many sources about the economic impact on New Zealand businesses under the alert levels actually since March last year but also since 18 August. I would test the Speaker's patience if I listed each piece of that advice but to give the member a flavour of what I've been receiving: underpinning all of this has been the continued advice that New Zealand's alert level system has helped us maintain one of the strongest economies in the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with strong economic growth low unemployment and lower than expected debt. Just today Statistics New Zealand released data showing the number of jobs in the economy rose by nearly 16000 or 0.7 percent across August. The advice we get continues to back our strategy since the start of COVID-19 that the best economic response is a strong public health response.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Has he seen reports that the wage subsidy and resurgence support payments do little to help with fixed operating costs associated with running many businesses under Delta alert level 2 or 3?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I've seen a range of views expressed about the wage subsidy scheme and the resurgence support programme. What we do know is that the resurgence support programme is particularly focused on fixed costs because it does not in any way have to be linked to wage payments.Hon Michael Woodhouse: What does he say to members of the accommodation and hospitality sectors who sought meetings with him to explain their plight only to be passed on to the Minister of Tourism who told them his diary is too full?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I reject the premise of the member's question. I've met with representatives of the hospitality industry.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Does he accept that if over 35000 businesses who applied for the wage subsidy still hadn't received it 35 days after New Zealand went into lockdown there's a strong likelihood that businesses will close and thousands of New Zealanders will lose their jobs?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I think it's important to note that around 91 percent of applications for the wage subsidy scheme are paid out within the three-day target that has been set. For those businesses who have not been able to have their application processed there is now a strong programme of outward calling from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and the Inland Revenue Department. As I've said in this House before I strongly urge those who apply for these programmes to make sure that the details that they provide about their business are the same as those that are held by Inland Revenue if they're applying to MSD. We continue to work with the agencies to do as much as possible to follow up on those cases.
5. Question No. 5—ACCSARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Minister for ACCQuestion No. 5—ACC5. SARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Minister for ACC: Xiexie Mr Speaker. What recent announcement has she made about improving health and equity outcomes for women?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL (Minister for Food Safety) on behalf of the Minister for ACC: Today I announce that we're proposing to amend ACC legislation to cover more injuries experienced by women during childbirth. This change will help up to 18000 more women per year who will be able to receive cover for maternal birth injuries. This important change is the first of its kind and a first step towards improving the gender balance fairness and equity of the ACC scheme.Sarah Pallett: Why is this change important?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: Eighty-five percent of women in New Zealand experience a form of birthing injury and of these 5 percent are severe enough to require ongoing treatment and care. Many birthing injuries—for example bruising and tearing—share similar features to other physical injuries such as accidents that are covered by ACC so it's only fair that these injuries are covered too. This list of birthing injuries has been developed and tested with ACC and medical experts including specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology.Sarah Pallett: What feedback has she seen on today's announcement?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: The New Zealand College of Midwives have welcomed the change in an announcement saying We are very pleased to see that our feedback along with that from many others in the sector was taken seriously and ACC's approach to this category will be reviewed." And obstetrician and Auckland University lecturer Dr Michelle Wise said "This enables women to have a whole other source of cover for things like physiotherapy which is really important to get help to recover and [to minimise] symptoms.""
4. Question No. 4—HealthDr SHANE RETI (National) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 4—Health4. Dr SHANE RETI (National) to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his actions if any around hospital resources and waiting lists?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): Yes and in particular I stand by my action of telling the New Zealand Nurses Organisation conference earlier this month that In 2015 and 2016 no money whatsoever was spent on building new hospital wards and facilities—not a cent."Dr Shane Reti: Why as he stated in answer to written questions was a request from Auckland DHB to build negative pressure rooms earlier this year using $6 million that was underspent on a completed building project rejected by health officials?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: I'm not quite sure what the member is referring to but funding was made available to DHBs for upgrades of facilities including creating negative pressure rooms. Many of the DHBs took advantage of that; some did not. I'm not quite sure what specifically in relation to Auckland DHB he is referring to but I have inspected the additional negative pressure spaces that Auckland DHB have created.Dr Shane Reti: Did he receive a request from Auckland DHB to build extra negative pressure rooms?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: I as Minister don't receive those requests. Funding was made available and it is for the ministry in its engagement with DHBs following through on the programme agreed to at the end of last year following last year's lockdowns to make hospitals better prepared for treating COVID patients.Dr Shane Reti: What action has he taken to address the backlog of in-patient procedures caused by the lockdown and has the Government caught up with the backlog from last year's lockdown?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The Government last year approved $282.5 million over a three-year period to deal with the backlog caused by lockdowns last year. We've also approved an additional $90 million in this year's Budget to continue to assist DHBs with that work. The reality is lockdowns and COVID outbreaks cause disruption and cause disruption to DHBs and hospitals; that will have continued in the most recent lockdown and I'm confident that the ministry in its engagement with DHBs is closely monitoring what is happening and further assistance will be provided as required.Dr Shane Reti: Is he confident then that he has done enough to prepare our hospitals for coronavirus?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: I can go back to what has been done since last year's lockdowns and outbreaks. Since that time the Ministry of Health has set up a dedicated group led by Russell Simpson the CEO of Whanganui DHB on a considerable programme of preparing our hospitals for future outbreaks and a new regime as against a highly vaccinated population."
3. Question No. 3—COVID-19 ResponseDr GAURAV SHARMA (Labour—Hamilton West) to the Minister for COVID-19 ResponseQuestion No. 3—COVID-19 Response3. Dr GAURAV SHARMA (Labour—Hamilton West) to the Minister for COVID-19 Response: What recent announcements have been made on reconnecting New Zealand following COVID-19?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response): Yesterday I announced new details of the Government's self-isolation pilot part of the reconnecting New Zealanders plan that we announced back in August. We are seeking expressions of interest from up to 150 people to participate in this pilot. It's aimed at business travellers allowing them to travel overseas on a short business trip and self-isolate in approved accommodation for 14 days from their return. The pilot will explore a new pathway of entry into New Zealand and it allows the Government to test operational readiness identify areas where further work is required to scale up this approach and provide valuable insights into our options for the future. The pilot's a key step in our phased approach to reopening the border so that New Zealanders can reconnect with the world early next year.Dr Gaurav Sharma: What other recent announcements have been made regarding self-isolating pilots?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Yesterday the Government announced further details of one-way quarantine-free travel arrangements with Vanuatu Samoa and Tonga. Recognised Seasonal Employment scheme (RSE) workers from Vanuatu can begin arriving into New Zealand from 4 October and Samoan and Tongan workers can start arriving from 12 October providing much-needed certainty for our growers as they gear up for summer and autumn harvesting. People arriving under this scheme must meet strict health conditions including a requirement to be vaccinated with at least one dose pre-departure. They must complete a period of self-isolation on arrival and return negative COVID-19 tests at day zero and day five. Employers will be providing the self-isolation facilities. This commencement of quarantine-free travel for RSE workers forms another pilot scheme that will also test systems in preparation for a broader and safe reopening of our borders.Dr Gaurav Sharma: How do these announcements fit into the Government's wider plan for reconnecting with the world?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: These two pilots will be critical for reopening our borders moving to an individualised risk - based model for quarantine-free travel. This individual risk - based approach requires new systems to be set up including ongoing work on the development of a traveller health declaration system investigating new testing technology for rapid testing on arrival at airports and reliable pre-departure testing. Obviously right now getting vaccinated is the number one thing everybody can do to be protected against COVID-19 to help accelerate our economic recovery to remove the need for lockdowns and to safely allow New Zealand's borders to begin to reopen.
Dean JacquiASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): With apologies to the member this debate is interrupted and set down for resumption on the next sitting day. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow. Good evening.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 9.57 p.m.
McLellan TraceyDr TRACEY McLELLAN (Labour—Banks Peninsula): Thank you Madam Chair and dajia hao. I've stood in this House on a number of occasions and sung the praises of the electorate that I am very fortunate to represent the beautiful Banks Peninsula. Lyttleton is the centrepiece of this electorate. It's a beautiful harbour Whakaraupō and home to a thriving community. So it's a privilege to take a short call on this bill which seeks to mitigate the impact of shipping emissions on ports like Lyttleton—ports which are so important to New Zealand with almost all of our trade by weight shipped by sea.This bill is important to our trade aspirations. It's important to our economy to our climate change response and ultimately to our communities. And it's vitally important that New Zealand be meeting its international obligations to limit greenhouse gases and other pollutants emitted by ships. I have no doubt that the good people of Lyttleton will also welcome the greater environmental protections provided for by this bill. So I welcome the continued safe passage so to speak of this bill and commend the bill to the House.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Maritime Transport (MARPOL Annex VI) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
Luxton JoJO LUXTON (Labour—Rangitata): Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise to take a call in support of this amendment bill the Maritime Transport (MARPOL Annex VI) Bill. I too enjoyed Barbara Kuriger's speech where she gave a bit of a rundown of the history of the origins of this bill and what MARPOL" stood for. I'm not a member of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee but I have found the reading around it quite interesting. I didn't realise quite how much pollution ships coming into our ports put out for us and I think that the fact that this is going to make improvements for human health is vitally important. I think about the Port of Timaru where I often see young people down there with their fishing lines and it horrifies me to think that people could be breathing in these really toxic fumes from the fuels and from the emissions that these ships put out there.So I'm really pleased to see this piece of legislation before the House really pleased to see that it has all cross-party support because the health of our people is paramount. Working towards reducing our emissions and looking after our climate environment is hugely important as well. So I commend this bill to the House."
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Kia ora and thank you Madam Speaker. I'm just rising in light of the fact that the Māori Party hasn't taken the call here but I must say I particularly enjoyed Barbara Kuriger's speech when she went through the legislation right through to spelling out what MARPOL was for us—I think we can now call her Mrs MARPOL"!This is a piece of legislation which in fact went through the last Parliament under treaty examination and I was on the committee that did that. It's very straightforward but very timely because one of the difficulties was that we were essentially becoming a dumping ground for poor-quality fuel the highest sulphur cheapest and most polluting fuel and we absolutely needed to stop that and this is how we do it. We simply have legislation which prevents the import and use in our shipping fleet coastal or otherwise of this extremely low fuel which pollutes the air with sulphur and has a negative impact on human health. It's as simple as that. I commend this bill to the House."
Lorck Anna; Dean JacquiANNA LORCK (Labour—Tukituki): Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise as the member of Tukituki from a port region of Hawke's Bay. Napier Port has set an ambitious goal of reaching net emissions by 2050 considering this a top priority. It's leadership like this backed behind with the bill that we are talking on supporting today that is going to see New Zealand lead the way in joining emissions-free exporting. The Napier Port has considered a whole-of-port climate change risk assessment and also established an emissions inventory with ongoing monitoring and reporting on these. It's work in progress which is being acknowledged and including looking at decarbonising the port's entire footprint. This work in progress shows an export-leading region of Hawke's Bay leading the way. We must work towards a cleaner healthier environment; an export story that goes forward. This is why I commend this bill to the House.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Penny Simmonds—five-minute call.
McDowall JamesDr JAMES McDOWALL (ACT): Xiexie ni yizhang furen. Dajia hao. Da ga hou. Nimen hao tongshi. That's the last thing I'll say. I rise on behalf of ACT to speak on this bill at the second reading. ACT advocates for a rules-based international order and specifically a level playing field in the sector. This is quite important as this agreement—almost 100 countries have signed up to this covering 97 percent of global freight capacity.Regardless of our international obligations we're satisfied that reducing the sulphur limit to 0.5 percent is the right thing to do and practical enough given the availability of low-sulphur fuel or alternatively as has been talked about the scrubbing systems or exhaust cleaning systems. The select committee process clarified section 444A which while technical and small we were happy to see because it has implications for the ports.We do have some minor but lingering concerns based on our interactions with stakeholders. One of those concerns is around ports being required to provide reception or storage facilities for hazardous materials. And we certainly hope that the Government works closely with the ports and the sector at large to ensure that costs are manageable and infrastructure investments are achievable in the expected time frames. We don't want this to have a significant economic impact on ports especially. We understand the need for audits inspections and even the ability to detain ships that are in gross violation of the standards though we hope that detainment is something that is seldom used or needed. Given these powers of enforcement we need to ensure that the lines of communication with shipping companies are solid as well.We're happy enough with this bill. New Zealand has to play its part and we want a seat at the table when these international agreements are hashed out. So I won't use up any more time I commend this bill to the House.
Eagle PaulPAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai): Thank you Madam Speaker and it's good to be back in the House and be given the opportunity to speak. Can I acknowledge the previous speaker Barbara Kuriger. I thought for a minute she was going to break out into a rap song with a bit of m-a-r and a p-o-l but we got there and now we all know the history of this very important bill.Can I just acknowledge her final words around the support because this does fit with our Government priorities to tackle climate change. Transport emissions do make up 40 percent of our carbon dioxide emissions and this will go a long way to helping those fall and they need to fall really quickly.I just want to finish and be short in this call by saying we do need to make the changes to the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and then those rule-making and enforcement provisions will enable the Act and give that full authority required. Can I acknowledge the Transport and Infrastructure Committee that I sit on for the hard work. I commend this bill to the House. Kia ora.
O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): One would hope that one day that member David Bennett will bring the bill he's supposed to be speaking on to the House not come laden with a load of grudges which he seems incapable of getting away from when he stands on his feet.This is a relatively simple bill and funnily enough it is something that has been some time in coming before this House because what it does do is actually bring New Zealand in line with world standards around emissions. The bill will align New Zealand legislation with Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships—the MARPOL.I was fortunate enough to be the chair of the select committee which actually considered this bill the Transport and Infrastructure Committee and we had a number of submitters who were actually invariably very positive about it. There was a matter brought particularly that's been mentioned by Minister Parker around what was ballast water and what was sediment. And of course this was important to be worked out because without going into too much detail these ships will be carrying things called scrubbers which they will actually put the emissions through. As a result there will be sediment there will be materials that do need to be dealt with when they come into New Zealand ports. That was why we did require to make that change that has been previously mentioned—because each of the ports will be required to actually have the ability to deal with this material.It is a very good bill something that will bring us into line with the world and it will only go some way towards improving our connectivity with the rest of the world. I commend the bill.
Parker DavidMARITIME TRANSPORT (MARPOL ANNEX VI) AMENDMENT BILLSecond ReadingHon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment) on behalf of the Minister of Transport: I present a legislative statement on the Maritime Transport (MARPOL Annex VI) Amendment Bill. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): That legislative statement is published under the authority of the House and can be found on the parliamentary website. Hon DAVID PARKER: I move That the Maritime Transport (MARPOL Annex VI) Amendment Bill be now read a second time. Members will understand that the Minister of Transport would normally be here to deliver this address to this second reading of this bill but he's locked down in Auckland and so it falls to me in his stead to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee and to thank them for their time and contribution to the development of this bill. I understand that eight written submissions were received on the bill and oral evidence was heard from two submitters. I'd also like to thank submitters for their informative views on aspects of this bill. I understand that the select committee has no issues regarding the legislation's design to bring to the attention of the House and that they have proposed only minor and technical amendments to the bill. These changes include amending two of the definitions in the bill to better differentiate between ballast water and sediment and to replace an incorrect cross-reference. I'm pleased to note that the committee recommends that the bill be passed as amended. As Mr McKelvie just recently in a contribution on the prior bill noted shipping is of course of fundamental importance to New Zealand's trade. None the less it's also true that shipping is a major contributor of noxious emissions to the atmosphere particularly sulphur oxides nitrogen oxides and particulate matter which affect both human health and the environment. Passing this bill will enable us to reduce these emissions and implement greenhouse gas emission reduction measures by aligning our domestic legislation under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships—or MARPOL—Annex VI. Again I thank all of those who submitted on the bill and I commend this bill to the House. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is that the motion be agreed to.
O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): I was fortunate enough to be on probably one of the last delegations that left this House before COVID arrived and I was lucky enough to go to Indonesia and India. I hadn't really heard of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) before I got to Indonesia and by the time I'd left India I knew a lot about it because of course I'd experienced the excitement that the Indonesians were anticipating with RCEP and also in India the trepidation that I experienced not so much in the formal talks but in the informal talks that they were not going to be in RCEP. So that gave me an appreciation of the importance of this trade agreement and I was able to come back and then I've been following the progress of it.So it gives me great pleasure to be standing here speaking tonight and to see that this RCEP bill or the legislation bill which underwrites the RCEP agreement and to be part of speaking on behalf of that. It will be something that those that come after us—as Mr McAnulty has said it's so important that we have the whole House behind this because it is something that we will build on—and those that come in here behind us will appreciate just what has been achieved with this. So I have great pleasure in commending this to the House.
Luxton JoJO LUXTON (Labour—Rangitata): Thank you Madam Speaker. I stand following my colleague Kieran McAnulty and agree with everything that he has just said. I want to just touch on something that the Minister talked about: unpredictability global headwinds. Other members have talked about protectionism. This is something that we are seeing more and more and given the current climate with COVID-19 it just highlights how important cementing these trade agreements is. They are vital to our economy's recovery. When you think about our economy here in New Zealand we are a small trading nation and the majority of our economy is based on the fact that we can trade and export our goods that we make and manufacture here in New Zealand.I don't have much more to add. I think it's all been said by members around the House—those who have spoken in a positive light around this agreement. We know it's one of the biggest agreements in the world and so I just want to commend this to the House.
McAnulty KieranKIERAN McANULTY (Labour—Wairarapa): Thank you very much Madam Speaker. God bless Joseph Mooney. That's what I have to say because if it wasn't for him the people listening at home would think that the National Party were playing political games. But he's stood up and he's taken exactly the right tone. This is not just an achievement of this Parliament; it is an achievement of this country. This is a bill that gives effect to a significant piece of trade agreement the largest in the world and it was started with that Government and it was finished and improved by this Government. It is not a case of standing up and taking credit; it is a case of celebrating because this is good news for this country. But if you listened to the two previous speakers from that side of the House you would have seen arrogance and you would have seen snark with Todd McClay standing up and lecturing this side of the House and lecturing the current trade Minister—the one who is actually building on the work of the previous Government and forming the relationship that makes this deal worthwhile. I say put that nonsense aside and celebrate the fact that this deal is good for this country and all but one party in this Parliament is supporting it. That's what stands New Zealand out I believe. It is that when it comes to it and it really matters in particularly trade and international relations we usually put party politics aside and put the country first and aside from one party and two members from that side of the House we've done that tonight.