Muller ToddTODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty): Thank you Madam Speaker. It's great to see you here; I've been thinking about you and your community quite a bit lately. I rise to give a short contribution on the third reading of the Dog Control (Category One Offences) Amendment Bill following a superb contribution from the Hon David Bennett who yet again frames it up in a very real context for those particularly in rural New Zealand who have had frustrations around the time it has taken for particularly category one offences to get in front of the judicial system. I thought the points that he made were very well made particularly the scale in the 2015-16 year of the number of category one cases—427—and the time it takes for the judicial system to be able to deal with that. Of course as often happens despite the fact that Mr Bennett gave a very considered and forthright view he was largely attacked by the Opposition even though it's a members' day morning and we're trying to actually in the spirit of being bipartisan progress things. But the thin veneer of bipartisanship just wipes away the moment they see David Bennett—and most of us to be fair—which really speaks to the true intent that sits behind them which is very disappointing. But ultimately the people of New Zealand will hold a view on that. This is as I say a small amendment but a critical one. It again reflects in Ian McKelvie's sponsorship of this bill a man who is hugely respected in the Rangitīkei but understands when he sees an issue that can be fixed with a bit of common sense reflected in legislation that reflects that common sense—he sees the idea he prosecutes it and makes sure that we as Parliament actually spend a short amount a time reflecting on it and making the law change that it deserves. The credit of this sits with him and we of course are only too keen to be able to support such common sense. It's what you'd expect from this side of the House on issues relating to in this case making the frustrations of people with category 1 offences—being able to see that that can actually progress through the court system taking it off District Court judges who already have too much pressing on them unfortunately and giving that jurisdiction and accountability to reflect in a judicial context on these issues to justices of the peace; I think that makes a lot of sense. This is not just a rural issue although it of course has come from Ian McKelvie—a great kaumātua to quote David Bennett of rural New Zealand—but also an issue in an urban context as well. I mean certainly on this side—I'm not sure about the other side—we do a huge amount of doorknocking. It certainly seems to me when I doorknock in Papamoa that every second house has a dog and every third house has a little yappy dog. Now of course we've bought one so we've fallen into the same trap—although if you're listening Maisy Muller you're a beautiful little animal. But the point is that when you have so many people concertinaed in the little isthmus of Papamoa with a whole lot of dogs that don't seem to know when the off switch should apply you have challenges with respect to needing to—not in all cases—move through a process where you actually potentially have a category 1 offence. In this case rather than a frustrated community and a frustrated street—Greg O'Connor: There's only one that'd move in along the street with you. TODD MULLER: Oh yes Kieran McAnulty interrupts again because whenever you get a point on he wants to interrupt. Kieran McAnulty: Wrong person.TODD MULLER: It's very disturbing—an angry young man that Kieran McAnulty isn't he? I think he really deserves a nice little quiet relax by the beach and to have a little perspective and perhaps come back next year with a blue tie on who knows? My point if I had one was that I think the point here is that this is not just a piece of legislation which is going to benefit rural New Zealand it will also benefit urban New Zealand and help speed up the judicial process and give JPs the opportunity to contribute on what makes a whole lot of sense. They are very well respected; they certainly are in my community. They will be able to bring the appropriate judicial reflection on these cases and help benefit the wider country and community. Thank you Ian McKelvie for yet again pushing for common sense to be reflected in legislation.