edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
5. Question No. 5—TransportSIMON COURT (ACT) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 5—Transport5. SIMON COURT (ACT) to the Minister of Transport: What is his justification for continuing to spend money on the NZTA Journey Planner when there already exists a free navigation service with live traffic data called Google Maps?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): We know that Kiwis want to plan their journeys with certainty and good information. Journey Planner is a Waka Kotahi in-house service that was started under the previous National-ACT Government in 2016. Built off the back of a similar platform used in post-earthquake Christchurch the service provides road users with real-time information services to navigate the fast-changing traffic environment. Journey Planner includes a number of additional features such as live camera feeds EV charging options en route holiday traffic congestion predictions and real-time roadwork updates. The member will be pleased to know that I've signed up to receive alerts from Parliament through to the airport tonight and I'm happy to pass on that information to him so that he can also enjoy a smooth journey home. No guarantee about the planes tonight.Simon Court: How much if anything is New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) paying Google to use the Google Maps software on its Journey Planner website?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I'm happy to seek further information about that for the member if he's interested but I am also advised that in fact Waka Kotahi through this particular app provides useful information back to Google Maps because of the functionality that's included in this app that is not actually within the baseline of Google Maps.Simon Court: In relation to a key feature of NZTA's Journey Planner website—being the ability to sign up for live traffic updates by email—does the Minister endorse checking one's emails while driving; if so is this the Road to Zero unread emails"?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: No I think that the member might want to be aware of the fact that this is a journey planner and that New Zealanders will often use it to plan their journeys before they undertake them; secondly that sometimes people do have people in their cars called passengers. Thirdly I would point out that in 2021 there were over 1 million page views per month of New Zealanders who found this to be a very useful service. That's why Waka Kotahi continues to support it and I assume that's why the previous National-ACT Government established the service.Simon Court: Does he feel that spending $2.2 million and counting on a New Zealand Government journey planner—a website which competes against better private sector solutions—plus a further half a million bucks a year in marketing is a responsible use of taxpayer money; if so why?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I would assume that the member coming from the party of the market would acknowledge the fact that there are over 1 million page views per month of the site indicating that it's extremely useful for Kiwi drivers and meeting a need that's not otherwise met in the market."
4. Question No. 4—Māori DevelopmentSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for Māori DevelopmentQuestion No. 4—Māori Development4. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for Māori Development: What investment is the Government making through Budget 2022 to strengthen Whānau Resilience?Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister for Māori Development): We're investing $28 million in two key cohorts who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19—women/wāhine and rangatahi Māori young people—through the Whānau Resilience fund. The pūtea will support development leadership and culturally focused programmes to lift the skills of rangatahi and wāhine ensuring they have access to the resources they need to fulfil their aspirations and to act as agents of change for their whānau and wider community. This will be achieved through investment in three Te Puni Kōkiri programmes that we know are working for rangatahi being Pae Aronui Taiohi Ararau and Manawa Ora Rangatahi as well as a new initiative focusing on strengthening women leadership.Shanan Halbert: How will the Whānau Resilience initiative contribute to the recovery from COVID-19?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: The best way to have stability in post-pandemic Aotearoa is by investing in women and young people. Wāhine and rangatahi Māori have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic both economically and in their health and wellbeing. Research has demonstrated that local and whānau/family leadership is critical to the recovery and resilience of communities. Te Puni Kōkiri will work directly with communities to develop programmes for women and rangatahi based on local knowledge and intelligence leading to outcomes and insights on whānau resilience.Shanan Halbert: How will the Whānau Resilience initiative support wāhine leadership?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: The strengthening wāhine leadership initiative will support projects that promote women in Māori leadership and resilience according to their own tikanga and mātauranga. Community providers in priority areas will work with wāhine participants to build their cultural capability leadership and influencing skills which is really crucial. Robust demographic data and insights on and from women involved with the programme will be collected with the aim of improving policy and delivery for wāhine Māori across Government.Shanan Halbert: How do you know the Whānau Resilience initiative will benefit rangatahi Māori?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: The resources—the pūtea—will enable further support for three existing rangatahi programmes: Pae Aronui Taiohi Ararau and Manawa Ora Rangatahi which have proven successful in improving young people's skills employability wellbeing and resilience. For example over the three years that the Pae Aronui programme has been running more than 700 young people have been engaged who otherwise would have classified as not connected to education training or employment. Year 2 saw a 94 percent success rate of young people taking part and achieving education employment and training. This funding will enable this programme to continue for another two years and in new areas across the country.
2. Question No. 2—ImmigrationRICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 2—Immigration2. RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green) to the Minister of Immigration: Does he stand by his statement that this Government supports inclusive policies for migrants with disabilities"; if so what are some of these immigration policies?Hon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Immigration): Kia ora Mr Speaker. Yes this Government supports inclusive policies for migrants with disabilities. The kinds of polices I'd like to point out are: since reopening the refugee quota in February of last year we have brought to New Zealand 19 urgent referrals from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees where a person or their family member has a disability. Up to 75 places of the 1500 places in the refugee quota programme can be used for refugees with medical conditions and disabilities. The immigration system needs to ensure it manages the demands it puts on our health system and this is why we have had a threshold for some time. Partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens residents and refugees will ordinarily be granted a waiver. The Government is currently reviewing whether the threshold is appropriate.Ricardo Menéndez March: Does he think migrants should be able to access the full functions of the Human Rights Commission and be covered by the Human Rights Act of 1993? Hon KRIS FAAFOI: Well yes. We obviously want to make sure that we are keeping to our commitments that we've made to those which is why one of the issues we are looking at is whether or not the threshold is appropriate and also in terms of making sure that we balance our immigration settings with the demands on the health system.Ricardo Menéndez March: Does he agree with the Labour Party members of the Education and Workforce Committee who said that we need to review the acceptable standards of health so that it is strengths based; if so will he broaden the scope of the review of the acceptable standards of health policy to look beyond the cost threshold?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: Yes that's why we're doing it.Ricardo Menéndez March: Does he believe that it is inclusive for the visa application of disabled children born in New Zealand to migrant parents to be rejected in the first instance such as the case of a two-year-old with Down's syndrome?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: There are always going to be difficult cases but there's always a balance to be had with those cases and the demand on our health system. As I say we are currently looking at the acceptable standard of health thresholds and whether they are appropriate."
Rurawhe AdrianPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSDEPUTY SPEAKER: No petitions have been presented. A paper has been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Government Response to Report of the Education Workforce Committee on its Inquiry into School Attendance.DEPUTY SPEAKER: That paper is published under the authority of the House.Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Reports of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on:the Report of the Controller and Auditor-General the problems progress and potential of performance reportingReserve Bank of New Zealand Monetary Policy Statement May 2022 andSupplementary Estimates of Appropriations for the year ended 30 June 2022.DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of bills.CLERK: Electoral (Right to Switch Rolls Freely) Amendment Bill introduction.Customs and Excise (Child Sex Offender Register Information Sharing) Amendment Bill introduction.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Those bills are set down for first reading.
Hipkins Chris; Bishop Chris; Seymour David; Shaw JamesBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Today the House adjourns until Tuesday 21 June. In that week the Medicines Amendment Bill (No 2) will pass through remaining stages as agreed by the Business Committee. Other legislation to be considered will include the remaining stages of the Appropriation (2021/22 Supplementary Estimates) Bill; the committee stages of the Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill and the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill; and the further stages of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Bill.CHRIS BISHOP (National): Thank you Mr Speaker. Welcome back to the Leader of the House. Can I ask him whether or not the Government has given any consideration to taking urgency for the Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Bill when it returns from the Justice Committee?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Any decisions around parliamentary process around urgency are ones that I'll certainly keep the member posted on. Decisions have not yet been finalised.DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Point or order.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Is it a point or order?DAVID SEYMOUR: No. I just wonder is the Government likely to introduce legislation to a member civil asset forfeiture regime as alluded to by the Prime Minister on Tuesday?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): That would be a matter for the relevant Ministers rather than for me as Leader of the House. I deal with the legislation once it makes it on to the Order Paper.Hon JAMES SHAW (Co-Leader—Green): I'd also like to welcome the member back and also ask if he's been briefed on progress on the Organic Products Bill since he's been away?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): No in the few hours that I've been back in the country it has not yet made it to the top of my priority list.
Prayer/Karakia
Rurawhe AdrianTHURSDAY 9 JUNE 2022The Deputy Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSDEPUTY SPEAKER: E te Atua kaha rawa ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi ki te Kuīni me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga kia mōhio ai kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei mō te oranga te maungārongo me te aroha o Aotearoa. Āmene.[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 and humility for the welfare peace and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]
Wednesday 8 June 2022 - Volume 760
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Exemption for Race Meetings) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Exemption for Race Meetings) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 76New Zealand Labour 34 (Allan Boyack Brooking Chen Coffey Eagle Halbert Jackson Leary Lewis Lorck Lubeck Luxton Mahuta Mallard McAnulty McLellan Nash Ngobi D O'Connor G O'Connor Omer Parker Rurawhe Salesa Sio Strange Tinetti Tirikatene Utikere Warren-Clark Whaitiri White Wood); New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 42New Zealand Labour 30 (Andersen Ardern Belich Bennett Clark Craig Davis Edmonds Faafoi Henare Henderson Hipkins Kanongata'a-Suisuiki Leavasa Little Pallett Prime Radhakrishnan Roberts Robertson Russell Sepuloni Sosene Twyford Verrall Webb A Williams P Williams Walters Woods); Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Abstentions 1New Zealand Labour 1 (Sharma). Motion agreed to.Bill read a first time.
Financial Professional Services Trading Advice Transparency Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Financial Professional Services Trading Advice Transparency Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 54New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 65New Zealand Labour 65.Motion not agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Te Ture Whenua Māori Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 42New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion not agreed to.
Te Ture Whenua Māori Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 42New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill — Second Reading
12. Question No. 12—PoliceHon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 12—Police12. Hon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa) to the Minister of Police: Does she stand by her statement There is no doubt that our communities are feeling some incredible distress with the recent activities"; if so does she believe gang tensions have increased under her watch?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police): Yes. As I outlined in the House yesterday police currently have a major operation under way in response to the recent escalation in tensions between two gangs. The operation is supported by the deployment of the Armed Offenders Squad who are actively conducting search warrants and making arrests. As of this morning there have been 23 search warrants carried out 24 arrests made 11 firearms seized along with 300 rounds of ammunition.Hon Mark Mitchell: Why hasn't Operation Cobalt the dedicated gang response unit been established and set up?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: As I've said before we are in transition between Tauwhiro and Cobalt and can I just say to the member that Tauwhiro itself was a successful operation in that it conducted 743 warrantless searches seized 1724 firearms 54 kilograms of methamphetamine and made 1388 arrests.Hon Mark Mitchell: So can the Minister confirm to the House that at a time when we've seen 23 drive-by shootings the country has never seen the level of lawlessness and gang tension currently in the community that there is no dedicated gang response—Operation Tauwhiro has been stood down and Operation Cobalt has not been stood up?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: I absolutely refute that. Every single front-line officer is working really hard to ensure their communities are safe. We have the gang harm reduction unit we are transitioning between Tauwhiro and Cobalt and we have invested $94 million to deal with gangs. Every day that member stands in this House and disrespects the work of the police. I feel for them. I feel for our front-line officers who cannot be supported by the Opposition. I would look to that Opposition to support the police better to ensure that they continue with our process to ensure that we have one officer for every 480 Kiwis and that they support the work that we do in ensuring that we've got sufficient cops on the beat.Hon Mark Mitchell: Does the Minister understand that I'm holding her to account and not the front line?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Does that member understand that the Minister is responsible for funding and resourcing the police? The Commissioner of Police is responsible for the deployment and the Minister does not tell the commissioner what to do."
11. Question No. 11—PoliceNICOLE McKEE (ACT) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 11—Police11. NICOLE McKEE (ACT) to the Minister of Police: When did she first learn about the theft of licensed firearms owners' details from a disused Auckland City police station and what explanation have Police given her if any?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police): I was first informed of the incident on 26 May. Police advised me they were in the process of notifying the Privacy Commissioner and have launched a criminal investigation into the matter. They have made arrests and laid a number of charges in relation to the incident. It's disappointing that this breach has occurred and I have relayed my concern to Police as to how they securely store information in locations they no longer regularly use. The investigation is ongoing and I expect as a result the Police will put measures in place to ensure this does not happen again.Nicole McKee: So what steps if any did the Minister take after being informed of the theft on 26 May of licensed firearm owners' sensitive information?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: I'm relying on Police to continue to conduct their investigation but I did express concern to Police that this matter had occurred in a building that was no longer used by the Police.Nicole McKee: How many licensed firearm owners had their information stolen?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: The Police are conducting an investigation and during the course of that investigation those details may be known.Nicole McKee: How can licensed firearm owners have any faith in this Government and the Police to develop and administer a nationwide whole-of-system firearms register when this is the second breach of information in the last three years?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Budget 2022 included $208 million to deliver the firearms register which will bring our firearms licensing system into the 21st century. This will help ensure situations like this never happen again. As part of the firearms regime modernisation process significant developments are being made to ensure security and privacy of personal data and information and this work has already begun with new police online application forms—licensed application forms. All new police cyber-systems are processed through the certification and accreditation framework which is directed from Government via the GCSB and protective security requirements. The design and build of new systems is carefully revised to meet or exceed the Government's security controls which are detailed in the New Zealand Information Security Manual.
10. Question No. 10—ConservationRACHEL BROOKING (Labour) to the Minister of ConservationQuestion No. 10—Conservation10. RACHEL BROOKING (Labour) to the Minister of Conservation: What support will Budget 2022 provide to help protect nature and tackle biodiversity loss?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister of Conservation): Budget 2022 sees an additional $400 million invested into conservation which will provide a significant boost to the implementation of the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy and protect our threatened species. As stated in our Government's emissions reduction plan our native ecosystems also support our climate efforts by removing and storing carbon and increasing our resilience to climate change impacts. Since coming to office in 2017 we've invested more than $1.2 billion into conservation demonstrating this Government's commitment to protecting nature now and for future generations.Rachel Brooking: How will this investment help protect biodiversity on land?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: Biodiversity and protecting indigenous biodiversity in particular is at the heart of Budget 2022 for conservation. I'm incredibly proud of the fact that $30 million has been allocated for a new national programme for deer management and goat control delivered in partnership with the hunting sector to help maintain forest integrity while maintaining hunting opportunities. The Predator Free 2050 goal also received a $64 million boost with more support for inspiring community efforts across the country; innovative tools and techniques and further predator eradication on offshore islands; and a further $27 million an increase will provide for the Department of Conservation's National Predator Control Programme increasing coverage from 450000 hectares now to 600000 per year.Rachel Brooking: How will this investment help protect biodiversity in the marine environment?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: Mr Speaker and colleagues in the House today is World Oceans Day. We know that the marine environment is facing a range of challenges. Budget 2022 provides $7 million to allow the Department of Conservation to improve their understanding of how toxoplasmosis gets into the Māui dolphin habitat and enable further action to protect the antipodean albatross the Whenua Hou diving petrel and the black petrel. The sum of $14 million has also been allocated to support implementation of marine protection and localised management actions—for example the work under way in the Hauaki Gulf and the South East of the South Island.
8. Question No. 8—WomenSARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Minister for WomenQuestion No. 8—Women8. SARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Minister for Women: What advice has she received on the positive impacts that Budget 2022 will have for New Zealand women?Hon JAN TINETTI (Minister for Women): Analysis from the Ministry for Women found that overall at least $2.34 billion of Budget 2022 is anticipated to have an impact on women and girls. The initiatives that will have the strongest impact for women include the cost of living package as we know that women are overrepresented in low-income work and part-time work; the Child Support Pass-on Initiative to enable support payments to be passed on to sole parent beneficiaries rather than being retained by the Crown—approximately 82 percent of sole parents are women; over $40 million for support workers' pay equity settlement and over $34 million for pay parity for early childhood education teachers—both workforces are predominantly women; and importantly funding to support the Accident Compensation (Maternal Birth Injury and Other Matters) Amendment Bill—targeted support for those who have suffered traumatic births.Sarah Pallett: What funding was secured for Vote Women in Budget 2022?Hon JAN TINETTI: In this Budget Vote Women received $7.15 million over six years to continue to support the Mana Wāhine Kaupapa inquiry and $8.2 million over four years to resource the implementation of the Women's Employment Action Plan which has a particular focus on women who experience disadvantages in the labour market. This lift in baseline for the ministry demonstrates both the Government's commitment to gender equality and also the increasing demand for gender-based analysis across Government NGOs and the private sector.Sarah Pallett: What other work is the Government progressing for New Zealand women?Hon JAN TINETTI: As the Minister for Women I can say with confidence that across the Government's work plan we are delivering for women through progress in areas such as settling historic pay equity claims—and just yesterday I was delighted to sign alongside my colleague Minister Little the historic DHB administration and clerical settlement; reducing the gender pay gap—for example in the Public Service we've reduced it by 30 percent; increasing financial and childcare support for sole mothers; and targeting investments in employment education and training for women.
6. Question No. 6—ForestryLEMAUGA LYDIA SOSENE (Labour) to the Minister of ForestryQuestion No. 6—Forestry6. LEMAUGA LYDIA SOSENE (Labour) to the Minister of Forestry: What support is the Government providing through Budget 2022 to help develop the forestry and wood processing sector?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Forestry): Budget 2022 demonstrated the Government's commitment to the primary sector and reaffirms that we see it as the bedrock of our future economic security. For the forestry and wood processing sector alongside investments made from the Climate Emergency Response Fund the Government has also made significant investments of $27 million towards the Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan and $29 million to expand the forestry-based planning and advisory service. Both investments are to enable a pathway for New Zealand from a commodity resource producer to a sector generating high-value jobs delivering development for our regions.Lemauga Lydia Sosene: How will the forestry-based industry transformation plan support New Zealand's move to a high-wage low-emissions economy?Hon STUART NASH: The forestry and wood processing sector in New Zealand is New Zealand's third-biggest primary sector export earner contributing between $6 billion and $7 billion per annum over recent years. With increasing global demand for low-emissions materials and fuels New Zealand's large forestry estate is a vital strategic asset. It will continue to drive development in both established and new areas—for example long-lived wood products such as engineered wood products are a viable substitute for emissions-intense materials such as concrete and steel and the residues from timber processing and harvesting skid sites can be used to generate solid heat energy and produce biofuels displacing carbon-intensive fossil fuels like coal. Sector transformation will also support New Zealand's reputation as a producer of premium environmentally friendly goods helping to offset and reduce emissions in other sectors. This is vital as trading partners and consumers increasingly seek environmentally friendly and sustainable products.Lemauga Lydia Sosene: Why is an expanded forestry-based planning and advisory service needed?Hon STUART NASH: The expansion is a key part of the New Zealand Forest Service making a shift to a more customer-focused approach by providing greater access to independent advice on all aspects of forestry planning. This includes improving forestry and land management practices to ensure the right tree at the right place at the right time and to adapt to climate change. The expanded services will build greater understanding of the wood supply chain the forest industry and provide essential coordination and support for the sector's long-term investment decisions. In particular it will support the Government's climate change goals including native afforestation and woody biomass forest crops and enable greater reach to a broader group of sector stakeholders.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. BARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The Crown accounts released this morning reflect the strong position the economy is in to manage the impacts of the challenging global economic environment. For the 10 months to the end of April the operating balance before gains and losses deficit was $9.4 billion $3.2 billion below that forecast in Budget 2022 in May. This result shows the strong position New Zealand finds itself in despite a highly uncertain global environment dominated by high levels of inflation which are caused by the ongoing pandemic and supply-chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine. Our strong economic management has meant that we have navigated COVID to be in a better position than many other countries to deal with the challenges that lie ahead. Our recovery is gaining momentum and the easing of restrictions and opening up to skilled workers and tourists will help businesses and the economy rebuild.Barbara Edmonds: What did the report say about net debt?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Using the new debt indicator which brings New Zealand closer in line with other countries net debt is at 18 percent of GDP compared with a forecast of 16.7 percent of GDP. This reflects the inclusion of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund assets which are impacted by the volatility of global markets. The level of debt is substantially below the countries with which we compare ourselves. Our debt is set to peak at about half of Australia's around a third of that in the UK and around a fifth of that in the US measured consistently as a percentage of GDP. The year 2022 will continue to be a challenging year for many New Zealanders facing the impact of global inflation and the ongoing impact of the pandemic; however our economic and fiscal position is strong. We are one of a handful of countries with a triple A credit rating from the leading ratings agencies and our strong economic management has also been recognised by the OECD and the International Monetary Fund.Barbara Edmonds: What other reports has he seen on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The employment market is continuing to support the economy with job ads rising in May. The SEEK New Zealand employment report increased 2.5 percent in May compared with the previous month to a record high and is up 40.4 percent for the year. BNZ's economists said the heightened job ads portray exceptionally strong demand for staff at present. They say that the demand for workers was reasonably widespread across regions and industries and is consistent with the official measure of New Zealand unemployment remaining exceptionally low after the record low rate of 3.2 percent reported for the March quarter in 2022.
Dean JacquiASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is That the—[Interruption] Order! Order! We're voting. The question is That the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Exemption for Race Meetings) Amendment Bill be considered by the Governance and Administration Committee.Motion agreed to.Bill referred to the Governance and Administration Committee.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members the House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow. Thank you.The House adjourned at 9.57 p.m.
McKelvie IanIAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei): I just want to remind the last speaker Kieran McAnulty in case he's got me into trouble or my brother-in-law into trouble that my brother-in-law's president of one of his racing clubs. And my cousin is president of another one. So I've got a bone to pick with them!I really just want to reply to some of the points raised by some of the Labour members and I respect their point of view. I think though that a select committee process will certainly answer some of their questions because I think some of the questions they raise really don't apply to what we're trying to achieve here. And I think our main object here is actually to benefit the racing industry not to benefit the liquor industry or anything else.And I think one of the great shames or great tragedies of this Parliament in our country—and I guess every other place that makes laws in a democratic manner—is that it only takes 1 percent of the people to affect 99 percent of the rest of us. And that's the problem we have with a lot of laws—particularly relating to alcohol gambling and things like that. Most people participate in those things in a perfectly normal rational manner and cause no problem whatsoever. One or 2 percent of us do cause trouble from time to time and I think that's the challenge for it.Andrew Bayly: Speak for yourself.IAN McKELVIE: You're speaking from experience Bayly; I'm not! I won't say any more because I appreciate the point that we want to get through this tonight but I do think that a select committee process will answer some of the questions raised by some of the members opposite who I think did make some very good points but none the less I think the objective of this is to benefit the racing industry and to encourage more people to participate in the racing industry at whatever level we're at. So I hope this bill gets through its next little phase and I hope that it gets to the select committee and I hope then we can have some rational discussion on it and put some order around what otherwise probably is a bill that needs tidying up a little bit. That's my lot.
Bishop Chris; Dean JacquiCHRIS BISHOP (National): I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I seek leave for the House to vote immediately following the conclusion of Mr McKelvie's speech notwithstanding that we'll likely be five minutes to 10.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Is there any objection? There is none.
Cameron MarkMARK CAMERON (ACT): Thank you Madam Speaker. Well what a cracking good piece of legislation I wager anyone here in this House. I will certainly be supporting this bill. I think it's a lovely and concise little piece of legislation. I can imagine the detractors have come up with all manner of adages and catchphrases to name this piece of legislation like Punters at the Pub Bill" "Booze and the Bookies Bill" or "A Tipple at the Track Bill" but the reality is it's a good bit of legislation.Now I live in a small community not far from what was the Dargaville racetrack. We used to have a lot of attendance there. A lot of punters would come out and as the member Mr McKelvie who put this piece of legislation forth tonight alluded it was a real family event. A wicker basket a bottle of wine a couple of children if you were fortunate enough to have them with you on the day or not depending on how the day went and a basket full of food—what a wonderful day it was and it literally supported the local economy. Sadly the Dargaville racetrack is no longer there it's moved across the isle and has gone across to Ruakākā.This piece of legislation is a good little piece of legislation. It's concise it's not overly onerous and I sort of find it quite disappointing that some in the Labour caucus seem to think that there has to be more parenting of everyday life in New Zealand. New Zealand has got a fair degree of common sense. I don't really see this as being overly onerous—I mean the assertion seemed to be a comparison between running on race day with a bottle of wine and a whole lot of teenagers at a nightclub and the comparison was almost just one and the same. It's really shameful that they can't see the good in this piece of legislation. I like the fact it gives certainty for those that are bringing alcohol on race day to their local track. I don't see why I need to go on any more than to share with Mr McKelvie that this is a good piece of legislation and I will certainly be supporting it."
Menéndez March RicardoRICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green): Kia ora Madam Speaker. I rise on behalf of the Green Party to speak on the first reading of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Exemption for Race Meetings) Amendment Bill. I want to commend the member Ian McKelvie for having this bill drawn. How great is it that we've got an opportunity to debate harm minimisation regarding alcohol? I wish we could be having these sorts of debates around the best fit for purpose legal framework on other substances such as cannabis.It's great to have the opportunity to speak on the merits of these proposed amendments. In the case of this bill what it is trying to achieve is an exemption to the place of resort" offence for racing clubs on the days of race meetings if the BYO consumption of alcohol takes place at a time when the club holds either an on-licence or an on-site special licence that applies to the race meeting. What this bill would do is basically mean that racing clubs could advertise and promote large-scale BYO for the racing events so long as they offered alcohol under licence somewhere in the venue.As a former manager on duty at a hospitality venue where alcohol was sold I got to see first-hand the importance of having really strong regulatory frameworks and actually the supervision that comes alongside even in small community spaces to ensure that our communities are being kept safe. Alcohol is a substance that while it plays a role in our communities when it comes to social gatherings has harms associated with it. What this bill inevitably will be doing is continuing coupling the cultural connection between alcohol and sport and I think when so many grassroots communities are trying to encourage us to move away from that this bill goes in the opposite direction.I also want to note that it's been noted in Radio New Zealand that actually we do have quite a few bills relating to alcohol in the biscuit tin and only one of them—actually from my colleague Chlöe Swarbrick—is around harm minimisation. I do think it's interesting that this bill tries to portray in the explanatory note that the interventions by police have been broad and really concerning when most of them seem to be emerging from the 2016 and 2017 period and there is limited evidence that the police is acting in a really unscrupulous matter when it comes to preventing licences having BYO spaces.The Green Party continues calling for a harm minimisation approach to substances to encourage this Parliament to take the same approach actually with other substances not just alcohol and we won't be supporting this bill through the passage."
Menéndez March RicardoRICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green): Kia ora Mr Speaker. A privilege to speak on behalf of the Green Party on the Financial Professional Services Trading Advice Transparency Bill.I want to congratulate the member Barbara Kuriger for having this bill drawn and having the opportunity to discuss this. I heard the member's initial speech about the concerns that she was raising and sort of the purpose as to why she should put this bill forward. To us it was a common sense change in terms of looking to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure financial advice and to just give impartial advice.We do think that there is merit in exploring in a select committee stage whether the current framework is working. I think as the member to my left indicated that we have yet to see much evidence of whether the current framework is or isn't working. I think the select committee stage could potentially be an opportunity to unpack that more thoroughly and potentially seek to make improvements via this bill or identify where there may be gaps. So that could be a good opportunity for Parliament to review whether the Insolvency Practitioners Regulation Act 2019 is fit for purpose.I think as my Labour colleague to my left identified that again at first value trying to basically amend the Companies Act to stop financial advisers that recommend receivership liquidation or other forms of third party administration for a company from being appointed to subsequent roles created as a result of that advice is something that in theory would seek to address potential issues of corruption and just malpractice. So while we do have a code that is supposed to regulate that conduct I think the member is expressing those concerns. I've tried to do a search online about whether other entities or bodies have raised concerns around this. And I did see Russell McVeagh I think had a blog post around this raising the potential for exploring this but also noting some of the concerns from Labour. And so for us I think we do see merit in this bill having further discussion at the select committee stage and broadly are supportive of the intent of this bill. So we will be supporting this bill. Kia ora.
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: No bills have been introduced. A petition has been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Millie Grant requesting that the House pass legislation which places a purchase limit on pharmaceuticals such as paracetamol.SPEAKER: That petition stands referred to the Petitions Committee. A paper has been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Climate Change Commission Advice on Agricultural Assistance and associated technical appendices.SPEAKER: That paper is published under the authority of the House. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Reports of the Petitions Committee on the:petition of Brian Mullanepetition of Catherine Overendpetition of Robert Forsyth andpetition of Sophie Handford.
Motions — New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Disarmament and Arms Control Act 1987—35th Anniversary
Mahuta NanaiaMOTIONSNew Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Disarmament and Arms Control Act 1987—35th AnniversaryHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Foreign Affairs): I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate to recognise the 35th anniversary of the passage of the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Disarmament and Arms Control Act 1987.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There appears to be none.Hon NANAIA MAHUTA: I move That this House recognise the 35th anniversary of the commencement of the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Disarmament and Arms Control Act on 8 June 1987 and note that for more than a generation this legislation has shaped Aotearoa New Zealand's independent foreign policy and that it remains a touchstone for our relationships with the Pacific and with the rest of the world.Kia tau te āio ki te rangi kia tau te mārire ki Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa. Kia tau te rangimārie ki ngā tāngata katoa. Ka tihei te ora o te moana ka tihei te mauri o te tangata nō reira tihei mauri ora.[Let there be calm in the heavens and peace over the Pacific. Let there be harmony between all people. Behold the life of the ocean behold the essence of humankind and therefore behold the sneeze of life.]Motion agreed to.
McKelvie IanWEDNESDAY 8 JUNE 2022The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSIAN McKELVIE (Assistant Speaker): 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.
Wednesday 18 May 2022 - Volume 759
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Education and Training (Freedom of Expression) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 42New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion not agreed to.
Education and Training (Freedom of Expression) Amendment Bill — First Reading
Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) (Definition of Significant Criminal Activity) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) (Definition of Significant Criminal Activity) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 42New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion not agreed to.
Local Government (Pecuniary Interests Register) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Local Government (Pecuniary Interests Register) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 109New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 32; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 10ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
11. Question No. 11—YouthARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister for YouthQuestion No. 11—Youth11. ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister for Youth: What recent announcements has she made about supporting youth in New Zealand?Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Minister for Youth): On Friday I announced $15 million over four years as part of Budget 2022 to support young people through increased access to youth development services as part of this Government's commitment to make New Zealand the best place in the world to be a young person. This investment is expected to increase our reach up to an additional 7160 young people annually and increase stability and certainty for youth development providers.Arena Williams: Why is this significant?Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN: This funding represents a 40 percent boost to support services funded by the Ministry of Youth Development (MYD) and it is the most significant funding increase MYD-funded services have seen in 20 years outside of COVID-19 response - specific funding. Youth development services play an important role in terms of supporting young people to develop work-ready skills and resilience strengthen their connections with their communities and they help many to find a sense of purpose.Arena Williams: What feedback has she received from young people about youth development services?Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN: I've met many young people from some very difficult family situations who've said that they found their first role model in their youth worker. Many have told me that they've finally found a family. Many have talked about developing a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem and also strengthened connections with their marae or communities. Many have built support networks that have supported them through some really challenging times. I'm proud to be part of a Government that is investing in our young people and their future.