edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
10. Question No. 10—Social Development and EmploymentMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 10—Social Development and Employment10. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What recent reports has she seen on fruit pickers this summer?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): Yesterday the Minister of Immigration and I travelled to Alexandra to talk with orchard owners fruit pickers and agencies specialising in recruiting seasonal workers and local Ministry of Social Development (MSD) staff. New orchard staff who had previously been receiving the jobseeker benefit some of whom had moved to take up seasonal work reported that they were enjoying their new roles and looked forward to ongoing work. Despite having the labour force required now the orchard owners and recruitment agencies still expressed concerns for the month ahead. We reiterated this Government's commitment to continue to listen to and work with the industry to successfully address workforce challenges during these unprecedented times.Marja Lubeck: What other reports has she seen on the uptake of seasonal work since the incentives were announced on 27 November?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: The Otago Daily Times reported last Friday that Summerfruit New Zealand chief executive Richard Palmer described the level of interest in fruit-picking roles as overwhelming. Alan Pollard chief executive of New Zealand Apples & Pears said on Nine to Noon the previous week that the Government has been very generous and innovative with the MSD support for job seekers to move to the regions and get into fruit picking. It's encouraging to see positive feedback like this from the industry bodies but I also acknowledge there is more to do.Marja Lubeck: What support is MSD offering to help with the overwhelming interest in fruit pickers?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: The Ministry of Social Development has appointed a regional coordinator to support the processing of applications. We are aware of the crunch points in the months ahead and will continue our concerted effort to provide the workforce needed. Mr Speaker in the spirit of this being the last day and in line with your request to keep my answers short I will end it there.SPEAKER: Well that's sort of almost misleading isn't it really?
9. Question No. 9—PoliceSIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 9—Police9. SIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga) to the Minister of Police: Does she stand by her statement we need to support our officers so we can continue to support our communities"; if so is she confident police have all the tools necessary to stop increasing gang violence?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police): Yes. That's why this Government has invested $450 million in police since we came to office. One of the things we heard most from police is that they needed more back-up on the beat. This Government has delivered by deploying 2500 new constables 1300 new full-time equivalents 700 alone focused on organised crime. We have deployed new specialist teams to disrupt gangs' drug-distribution networks which led to record meth seizures in 2019. This Government delivers for police.Simeon Brown: What specific actions is she taking to address the recent gang-related shooting at Dr Rudi's in Auckland over the weekend; and does she expect that it is only a matter of time before members of the public will be caught up in increasing gang violence?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: What I can say is that we are doing something about gun violence unlike National. We've banned military-style semi-automatic weapons magazines and parts—[Interruption] Merry Christmas. We've taken 62000 prohibited firearms out of circulation and passed the Arms Legislation Bill.Simeon Brown: Does she stand by her statement "I don't expect criminals to do anything lawful"; and if so is it her expectation that gang violence will continue to increase in light of the 34 percent increase in gang membership since the Labour Government took office?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: No one on either side of the House wants gang violence to increase.Simeon Brown: Has she responded to Auckland Mayor Phil Goff's concerns about the spate of shootings and the toxic impact of gangs in Auckland and if so what was her response?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: While I can't speak to that particular question what I can say is—SPEAKER: Order! Order! The member's finished her answer.Simeon Brown: Is it Government policy to introduce firearms prohibition orders during the 53rd Parliament; and if not why not?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: We are not considering National's firearms prohibitions orders."
6. Question No. 6—COVID-19 ResponseDr TRACEY McLELLAN (Labour—Banks Peninsula) to the Minister for COVID-19 ResponseQuestion No. 6—COVID-19 Response6. Dr TRACEY McLELLAN (Labour—Banks Peninsula) to the Minister for COVID-19 Response: What action has the Government taken to enhance contact tracing as part of the Government's elimination response to COVID-19?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response): Today the Government announced that Bluetooth will be added to the tracing technology in the NZ COVID Tracer app. That will start from tomorrow morning as part of the latest roll-out of the update to the app. When activated by its users it will allow app users to receive an alert if they've been near another app user who's activated Bluetooth and who subsequently tests positive to COVID-19. This is another tool in the toolkit that supports our internationally recognised approach to contact tracing.Dr Tracey McLellan: Does the Bluetooth update to the app change the way that users will now use New Zealand's COVID tracer app to record a diary of their movements?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: No. It's important that people continue to scan the QR codes using the COVID tracer app. Businesses and services and other public transport providers still need to keep displaying the QR posters at all alert levels. It's important to note that the Bluetooth technology does not record a person's location whereas a QR code does. So the combination of the two sets of data will significantly help the contact tracing process. Dr Tracey McLellan: Will the user's data be shared after they activate Bluetooth on their app?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: No and this has been one of the biggest areas of concern amongst people who are reluctant to take up the app—they think that their data will be somehow gathered and held by the Government. The data remains on a person's phone and it only gets shared with those managing contact tracing if the person chooses to do so. It's important that we protect their privacy and I'm very pleased to say that the overall approach and this latest update has been endorsed by the Privacy Commissioner. Dr Tracey McLellan: What other measures have supported New Zealand's contact tracing response?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: New Zealand has done exceptionally well. Obviously using the COVID tracer app has helped but it's still important to remember that our contact tracing system will continue to be and will continue to rely on a manual process. People keeping good records of their movements whether it's using QR codes Bluetooth technology or even just writing down a list of the places that they have been will absolutely have an impact on our ability to be able to contact trace quickly. I want to take a moment this being the last day of the House to thank all of those involved in this process. Some of them will be on duty over the summer holiday period helping to ensure that there are no outbreaks of COVID-19 in New Zealand. It's been a pretty tough year for all of them they've worked exceptionally hard done a very good job and I want to thank them for their efforts.
5. Question No. 5—FinanceHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 5—Finance5. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Finance: Do any of the options being considered by the Government to resolve the land dispute at Ihumātao involve the expenditure of taxpayer funds?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): No decisions on a potential solution have been taken to date. As I have said before in the House we are committed to working with all parties to reach a solution. As that process is not yet complete it would not be in the public interest for me to comment on further details at this time.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Will he rule out taxpayer funds being used to settle the dispute?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: As I said in my primary answer no decisions have been taken yet. It would not be in the public interest for me to comment on matters that involve both a complex commercial discussion and also discussions with local mana whenua.Hon Michael Woodhouse: What are the options the Government is considering that don't involve taxpayer funds?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: As I have said in this House before there are a number of parties involved here. There is Fletcher's who are the owners of the land; there are the mana whenua groups; there is the Auckland Council; and there is the Government on behalf of the people of New Zealand. To this point no decisions have finally been made and any speculation about them would not be in the public interest.Hon Michael Woodhouse: What advice has he received on the precedential effect that using taxpayer funds on Ihumātao may have on other disputes such as at Shelly Bay?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: What we have done and what I have said in the past in the House before is that any solution that we do come to about this particular dispute is one where we will ensure that we protect the very important Treaty settlement process that we have.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Does the Government still hope to have a resolution by the end of the year; and if so when will the taxpayer have details of that settlement?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I remain optimistic about progress.Hon Michael Woodhouse: OK. Has he received any advice on any increase in the land value of Ihumātao and any potential settlement costs in light of a circa 20 percent increase in property prices in New Zealand?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: As I said earlier I don't want to get into the details of matters that would not be in the public interest.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Point of order Mr Speaker. I wasn't asking for details; I was asking for whether there was any advice. I just want to clarify whether he's refusing to answer that in the public interest.SPEAKER: Well I think the Minister made it clear that answering the question was not in the public interest and he has an absolute right to do that.
4. Question No. 4—HousingSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister of HousingQuestion No. 4—Housing4. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister of Housing: What progress has been made on the Government's public housing build programme?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing): I'm proud to say that this Government has initiated the largest public housing build programme in decades. We have been getting to work to rebuild the State housing stock and are on track to deliver more than 18000 new public and transitional housing places by 2024 for Kiwis in housing need. We have already delivered over 6000 new warm dry secure homes since we came into office meaning thousands of New Zealanders and their families are able to enjoy Christmas in a new place that they can call home. I am proud to be part of a Government that has put the needs of New Zealanders first.Shanan Halbert: What is the expected economic impact of this public housing build programme?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Besides the well-known health wellbeing and economic impact of living in a warm dry and safe house the expected economic impacts of the Government's multibillion-dollar build programme are wide reaching. The build programme will support around 4000 skilled jobs in the field of construction and that includes 145 first-year apprentices directly through the Kāinga Ora apprenticeship programme. Every dollar invested in the construction industry generates around $2.80 of wider economic activity meaning investing in construction is one of our most impactful decisions the Government could make to boost our recovery from COVID-19.Shanan Halbert: What are the next steps for the Government's public housing build programme?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Of the 2506 State houses currently under construction over 1000 will be completed in the next six months. The remaining public and transitional housing places from the 18350 we have already committed to and funded are actively being planned for right now. I expect to make announcements early in the new year relating to the public housing plan for the next four years which will outline the distribution of those houses around New Zealand.
3. Question No. 3—PoliceBROOKE VAN VELDEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 3—Police3. BROOKE VAN VELDEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) to the Minister of Police: What advice if any has she requested on the decision by police not to pursue extradition proceedings against South Korean diplomat Hongkon Kim in relation to alleged sexual assault offences?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police): I've received a briefing from police regarding their decision not to pursue extradition proceedings against Hongkon Kim. Raising allegations of sexual assault is incredibly difficult and I acknowledge this will have been very difficult for the victim. I know they are deeply disappointed and my thoughts are with them. Ultimately decisions on extradition and criminal prosecutions are matters for the police. It is not for me as Minister to interfere with police prosecution decisions.Brooke van Velden: Is she concerned that the threshold for extradition is too high given that the police in this case have determined sexual assault does not reach the threshold for extradition?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: As I've already said ultimately decisions on extradition and criminal prosecutions are matters for the police. It is not for me to interfere with those. I am confident that police followed appropriate process and sought appropriate legal advice.Brooke van Velden: Is she satisfied with a regulatory regime that allows police to decide a person should be charged with an offence but not to proceed with extradition proceedings?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: As I've already said I am confident in the police's process and that they had sought proper advice. It is not appropriate for me as Minister to interfere with police decisions.Brooke van Velden: When was she first aware of the police's decision to not initiate extradition proceedings?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: I can't speak to when I was actually made aware of it but I have sought briefings from the police and I am happy to look that information up should the member put that in writing to me.Brooke van Velden: What message does she think this sends to those victims who continue to suffer psychological trauma from sexual assault who feel let down by our justice system?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: I do have to say that anyone who raises a matter of sexual assault is incredibly brave and my heart goes out to the victim and their whānau.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. GREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu) to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received about questions to him about reports he has received about the state of the New Zealand economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I have received a report this morning from the Parliamentary Library about questions to me about reports I have seen on the New Zealand economy. Such is the insatiable appetite for reports on the reports that I have received that this report states that I have answered 103 questions about the reports I have seen on the New Zealand economy in my time as finance Minister. I am told that all of the answers to these questions were excellent timely informative and mostly concise. SPEAKER: I'm sure the Parliamentary Library didn't tell you that. Greg O'Connor: What else does the report on his reports say? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well I thank the member for that excellent question. I can inform the House that of the 103 times I have answered questions about what reports I have seen on the New Zealand economy the member asking the question has already asked me this nine times. The member comes sixth in the list of people who have asked me that question but the most report-obsessed colleague I have is Deborah Russell who takes out first place having asked me about reports on the economy 26 times. Greg O'Connor: There's plenty of time. Does he expect a report on the report he has received about questions to him about reports he has received about the state of the New Zealand economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Firstly I congratulate the member on getting through that supplementary question. I expect that members of the press gallery will be falling over themselves to report on my report about the reports I have received. For now though and in response to my 104th question about reports on the New Zealand economy I would like to inform members that they can go into the summer break knowing that the economy is in good hands and recovering well.
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER: Thank you members. We've had so far this year two occasions where we've adjourned for elections. It's an unusual occurrence. There's been a lot of thanks that have been made to staff in those times and I think probably the best thing for me to do would be to endorse the thanks given by the Deputy Prime Minister and by the Leader of the Opposition and by the leader of the Green Party who were all gracious in their thanks of staff.David Seymour: So was I.SPEAKER: Well I don't think the member was gracious.David Seymour: I was.SPEAKER: Well the member might think that. Our opinions are going to differ quite often I'm sure. I want to though add to that a special thanks to the transition and induction team who I think did very well this year. I think it was a contrast to what was experienced especially by new Ministers in 2017.There has been a year of change. There's been a lot of focus on the new MPs but I do want to acknowledge the fact that there have been some long-term colleagues and some shorter-term colleagues who have been lost from the House in this time and with them some real expertise has gone. What is focused on less though is that with them a number of staff members who have given a lot of service are also not here. It may not be appropriate to single one person out but I will. I think that Beryl Bright's been round here for just about as long as I have and to lose her is a loss to the institution. I think it's good to put that on the record.Some of the change is the result of the implementation of decisions that we have made as to the structure of this place and I also want to acknowledge the fact that we are going to lose a number of people including several who I've played rugby with about 25 years ago as part of the changes to the security team that are occurring over the next month or so. I want to thank them for the service that they've given to the Parliament.I want to thank members and staff from all parties who are specified parties around the Chamber for the support that they have given to me both professionally and personally over the last few months where I have been making a very difficult decision. I do want this place to be a safe place to work and I want to thank members who have supported me in my endeavours to do that.I want to place on record my thanks again to the Clerk to the chief executive of the Parliamentary Service to Andie Lindsay who I regard as the glue that helps hold this place together. I want to thank my office—Jessie Ainsley and Roland who has already been mentioned—for the work that they do for their tolerance for my questions which are not always predictable or possibly even reasonable. I'm like many members looking forward to a rest to spend time with family and friends. I just want to give members a bit of advice: there's a very good report called the Review of Standing Orders and if we want to make this place a better place have a look at it over the holidays.Motion agreed to.The House adjourned at 3.55 p.m.
Hipkins Chris; Mallard TrevorADDRESS IN REPLYDebate resumed from 8 December.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That this debate be now adjourned. Motion agreed to.SPEAKER: This debate is adjourned and set down for resumption next sitting day.
Points of Order — Rt Hon Trevor Mallard—Media Statement
Bishop Chris; Mallard Trevor; Bridges SimonINTERVENTIONSRt Hon Trevor Mallard—Media StatementCHRIS BISHOP (National): Point of order Mr Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. I don't want to delay the House but I do want to ask you sir if you were intending to make a statement to Parliament about reports in the media that you have apologised to someone for comments made by you as Speaker last year.SPEAKER: The answer to that is no and the second part of the answer is that part of the agreement is that I make no further comment.David Seymour: Speaking to the point of order.SPEAKER: There's not a point of order here at the moment.David Seymour: Well I raise a fresh point of order.SPEAKER: As long as the member will refer to the Standing Order that he is raising it under.David Seymour: Mr Speaker you never normally make that requirement.SPEAKER: No and it's getting to the point with a number of members where they raise spurious points of order on matters which are not matters of my responsibility as the Speaker as opposed to the chair of the Parliamentary Service Commission. They are quite different roles and the member knows that.DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Well I can assure you that this is in relation to your responsibility. I think the House would like an explanation and I urge you to reconsider because there are a range of matters that people would like to understand. You hold yourself out as a Speaker who campaigns against bullying and harassment. There are serious concerns raised in the media. I think you owe it to the House—regardless of any private agreement you may have in any capacity—to give an explanation of why you chose to release this information while the country was embroiled in digesting the royal commission of inquiry of whether—SPEAKER: No no. The member will resume his seat—the member will resume his seat. There was a matter which reached finalisation. On the first sitting day which was yesterday I released the statement as agreed. I will take no further discussion. The matter was agreed on Thursday or Friday last week and I released it as soon as was practicable. There will be—Hon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga): Point of order Mr Speaker. I had understood that the code of conduct all members of Parliament signed included provision that we were no longer to do non-disclosure clauses—is that not the case?SPEAKER: No.Hon Gerry Brownlee: Point of order Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: If it's to do with the last matter I'm not going to hear any further on it.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National): Point of order Mr Speaker. Regardless of what you might want to say there is a question as to what did no" mean? Did it mean: "No it's no longer in the code of conduct." or "No I'm not obliging the code of conduct."?SPEAKER: Yes well what "no" means goes right to the core of this matter as the member is aware. I don't know if he's playing with words. I want to make absolutely clear that the detail as outlined by Mr Bridges is not in the code of conduct."
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: No petitions or select committee reports have been delivered and no bills introduced. Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK: Annual reports for 2020 for:the Government Superannuation Fund AuthorityGuardians of New Zealand SuperannuationQueen Elizabeth the Second National TrustSport New ZealandPharmacthe Ministry of Social DevelopmentPike River Recovery AgencyWaka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency andthe National Land Transport Fundstatements of performance expectations for 2020/21 for:the Government Superannuation Fund AuthorityGuardians of New Zealand SuperannuationSport New Zealand andNZ Health Partnershipsstatements of intent for the Government Superannuation Fund Authority for 2020 to 2024 and Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation for 2020 to 2025Vote Social Development non-departmental appropriations report for 2019/20; andGovernment response to the report of the Officers of Parliament Committee on the petition of Martin Thomas Harold Matthews.SPEAKER: I present the report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment entitled A review of the funding and prioritisation of environmental research in New Zealand. Those papers are published under the authority of the House.
Motions — Whakaari / White Island—Eruption Anniversary
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER: Members it approaches 2.11. I ask all members to stand for a minute's silence in commemoration.Members stood as a mark of respect.
Ngarewa-Packer DebbieDEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER (Co-Leader—Te Paati Māori): Kia ora e te Māngai. E tangi tonu ana te ngākau ki te hunga i whāriki te parekura nui ki runga o Whakaari i tēnei rangi kotahi tau ki muri. Hoatu rā koutou ki tua o te ārai ki te hunga o te Kahurangi kia okioki ai. Waiho mātou ki muri nei tangi hotuhotu ai. E rere haere ana ngā mihi ki ngā whānau e noho tonu ana ki te ao mārama e tangi tonu ana mō ō rātou whanaunga kua hinga. [The heart continues to weep for those who suffered in the disaster on Whakaari a year ago today. Farewell on your journey to beyond the veil to join those who await you where you may rest in peace. You leave us behind in deep anguish. I extend heartfelt condolences to the families who are left broken-hearted that their loved ones have been taken.]It is with sadness that I rise on behalf of Te Paati Māori to mark the one-year anniversary of the W'akaari / White Island tragedy and to send our condolences to the w'ānau. My co-leader and MP for Waiariki is today in Tauranga Moana to represent us at the official commemorations. E mihi ana i a Te Waiariki i tēnei wā.[Let me now acknowledge Waiariki.] I turn to Ngāti Awa. Ko Ngāti Awa te toki tē tangatanga i te ra tē ngohengohe i te wai.[Ngāti Awa of whom it is said you are the adze whose fastenings are neither loosened by the sun nor softened by water.]Ngāti Awa is the adze whose bindings cannot be loosened by the sun or softened by the rain. It is through their leadership that our iwi will find strength. It is through their direction we will collect. I remember when Ngāti Awa hosted us as Ngāti Ruanui and shared their kōrero about their w'aea tupuna W'akaari and their aspirations. My heart feels for our w'anaunga and I know the strength of your w'akapapa will lead all through healing.I cannot begin to understand the pain and suffering that w'ānau have endured such big loss of their loved ones today and who are recovering. I stand in acknowledgment of all brave rescuers first responders health workers volunteers and community kaitautoko. Our full whakaaro and aroha are with you now and always.Nō reira tēnā tātou katoa.Motion agreed to.
Seymour DavidDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): On behalf of ACT we would also like to join with the Government in support of its motion to acknowledge this terrible tragedy. Those lost and those that they left behind—our thoughts are with you today. Our land and our geology—one of our greatest taonga that people come from so far and wide to see—is nevertheless always fearsome and dangerous. I want to acknowledge in particular some of the brave heroics that were undertaken on that day: people who risked their own lives and often broke the rules and guidelines generally intended to keep people safe in order to actually make people safe in real terms in real time. Those heroes deserve our admiration and those institutions which so frequently enforce rules of safety on New Zealanders as they go about their daily lives should be cautious to ensure that they don't punish those who did the right thing that they don't punish those when in actual fact it was their responsibility to be upholding the safety and the rules using the powers that they have. A better way forward is to acknowledge the true heroism and to always keep the memory of those lost and those that they left behind so that we can learn and do better from this tragedy.
Sage EugenieHon EUGENIE SAGE (Green): On behalf of the Green Party I extend our aroha and thoughts to the families and friends of those who passed and to those who every day are courageously grappling with burns and other injuries. He kokonga whare e kitea he kokonga ngākau e kore e kitea.[The corners of a room may be seen not so the recesses of the heart.]Can I read the name of those we remember today: from the United States Barbara Jean Hollander Berend Lawrence Hollander Matthew Robert Hollander Pratap Paul" Singh Mayuri "Maya" Singh; from Germany Horst Westenfelder; from Australia Richard Aaron Elzer Martin Berend Hollander Julie Richards Jessica Richards Krystal Eve Browitt Paul Browitt Zoe Ella Hosking Gavin Brian Dallow Karla Michelle Mathews Jason David Giffiths Kristine Elizabeth Langford Anthony James Langford Winona Jane Langford Chris Cozad; and from Aotearoa New Zealand Tipene Maangi and Hayden Bryan Marshall-Inman. Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.[We will remember them.]"
Collins JudithHon JUDITH COLLINS (Leader of the Opposition): The National Party supports the Government in this. When 47 people took the trip to Whakaari / White Island one year ago they had no idea of what would come next when at 2.11 p.m. the volcano blew its top it covered the island with a thick cloud of ash covering people in burns and having them breathe in toxic chemicals. Twenty-two people lost their lives as a result of the events of that day. Children were told their parents weren't coming home. Brothers sisters parents and grandparents were left to grieve for loved ones taken from them too soon. Dozens of others had massive injuries; burns on up to 95 percent of their bodies. The physical and mental scars of this disaster will stay with them for the rest of their lives.Just as we saw tragedy that day we also saw incredible bravery—a boatie attempting to outrun an ash cloud sailed an inflatable straight back into it to rescue 23 people; Defence Force pilots explosive ordnance disposal teams and paramedics selflessly put themselves in harm's way to save others. To the victims their families and rescuers today we pay tribute to them. And that means we need to find out more of what's happened. We support a royal commission of inquiry into the Whakaari / White Island disaster. No one who visited the island that day knew that this was going to happen or that it was likely to. While we cannot bring back those who were lost nor can we always heal the scars of those who were injured we owe it to them all to provide answers.
Mahuta Nanaia; Mallard TrevorWEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2020The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.WHAKAARI / WHITE ISLAND ERUPTIONAnniversaryHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Foreign Affairs): Papā te whatitiri hikohiko te uira wāhi e rua ko Whakaari rū ana te whenua e. He ahi poua ki te umurangi e tū iho nei. He parekura ki te whenua e takoto nei. He tāngata ka riro e. Ka māturuturu ngā roimata ka hiamo ake te hunga mate ki te rangi. Haere ki a Ranginui haere ki a Rangiora haere ki a Rangiwhetūrau. Huri tua atu ngā mihi ki a tātou te hunga ora. Tēnā tātou katoa.[Thunder cracks and lightning flashes Whakaari has burst and the ground quakes. Fire and smoke soar towards the red sky. As catastrophe descends on the earth. People's lives are snuffed out. Tears fall as they are taken up to heaven. Fare thee well to the Great Heaven to the Living Heaven to the Heaven of Many Stars. Let me turn now to us to the living. Greetings to you all.]I move That the House remember those who passed away those who were injured their whānau and everyone affected by the Whakaari White Island eruption a year ago today.A year has passed since this dark day and we continue to share aroha with all those impacted. Just after 2 p.m. on 9 December 2019—one year ago—Whakaari / White Island erupted. In the hours and days that followed the enormity of the tragedy became apparent. Forty-seven people were on the island when it erupted 22 lives were lost and survivors were severely injured.The impacts of this eruption were felt far beyond our shores. Many of those on the islands were visitors from Australia the United States Germany the United Kingdom China and Malaysia. Today we send our aroha our love our manaakitanga our support to the survivors overseas their families and those who lost loved ones. We also remember Tipene Maangi and Hayden Marshall-Inman and stand together with all New Zealanders impacted by this terrible event.I want to acknowledge all those involved in the response and recovery efforts including first responders health professionals central and local government Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa private businesses district health boards the Defence Force and scientists. This was an extraordinarily challenging event. You worked tirelessly to provide support to those affected. Our thoughts are with you also as I ask this House to stand together with all New Zealanders impacted by this terrible event.Kotahi te roimata e heke mai nā i runga i a Whakaari i tēnei wā. E rere tonu ana ō mātou nei whakaaro. Pai mārire. [A tear is shed for Whakaari at this time. Our thoughts are still with them. Amen.]SPEAKER: The question is that the motion be agreed to.
Secondary Legislation Confirmation Bill — Second ReadingDocument for deletingA document for getting rid of other documents by having its document id replaced with that of the document to be deleted. Then the date role=removed" field takes over to ensure the document is retired.Content:some content"
Tuesday 20 September 2022 - Volume 762
Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 64; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 12ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.DEPUTY SPEAKER: The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow.The House adjourned at 10.03 p.m.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 64; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 12ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Clause 1 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Clause 2 be agreed to.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 64; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 12ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Clause 2 agreed to.Bill to be reported without amendment.House resumed.CHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): Madam Speaker the committee has considered the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill and reports it without amendment. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.
Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill — In Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 be agreed to.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 64; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 12ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Part 2 agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill be now read a second time. Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 64; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 12ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 64; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 12ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a first time.
Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the motion be agreed to.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 64; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 12ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Imprest Supply (Second for 2022/23) Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 64; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
Imprest Supply (Second for 2022/23) Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Appropriation (2022/23 Estimates) Bill be now read a third time and the Imprest Supply (Second for 2021/23) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 64; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Appropriation (2022/23 Estimates) Bill read a third time.Imprest Supply (Second for 2022/23) Bill read a second time.
Appropriation (2022/23 Estimates) Bill — Third Reading & Imprest Supply (Second for 2022/23) Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Imprest Supply (Second for 2022/23) Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 64; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Sharma.Noes 45New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a first time.
Imprest Supply (Second for 2022/23) Bill — Introduction & First Reading
12. Question No. 12—Education (School Operations)ANGELA ROBERTS (Labour) to the Associate Minister of Education (School Operations)Question No. 12—Education (School Operations)12. ANGELA ROBERTS (Labour) to the Associate Minister of Education (School Operations): How is the Government supporting students who have experienced lost learning opportunities as a result of disruptions from COVID-19?Hon JAN TINETTI (Associate Minister of Education (School Operations)): We know that young people have missed some critical and crucial time in the classroom throughout the last 2½ years and we need to address the impact of that head-on. That's why last week we announced putting $20 million towards additional teaching and tutoring services ensuring that all our tamariki receive the supports that they need.Angela Roberts: What programmes will be funded through this announcement?Hon JAN TINETTI: This will include exam preparation workshops tutorials and homework and mentoring. We know that schools are best placed to make the best decisions to target the funding where it is needed most and we are supporting them to do just that.Angela Roberts: Who will benefit from these additional services?Hon JAN TINETTI: Seventeen point four million dollars will help years 7 to 13 students to catch up on learning they may have missed due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.Erica Stanford: Why has she waited until just a few weeks before NCEA exams start to provide additional learning support to students who've experienced lost learning for the last 2½ years?Hon JAN TINETTI: We know from what schools are telling us that this is a critical time and so that's why we are responding right now with a very very good package.Angela Roberts: What other support is being made available to students?Hon JAN TINETTI: Over $2 million will support programmes designed specifically for Māori and Pacific students. We will expand existing community-led programmes across the motu that can target the specific needs of Māori and Pacific NCEA learners in their community. Altogether these community-led programmes will be able to help at least 2245 year 11 to 13 Māori and Pacific learners.Angela Roberts: How will this support Māori and Pacific students?Hon JAN TINETTI: That was the question that I've just answered but if we want to reiterate that it is continuing the progress that we've already seen with the work that we put in at the end of 2021. It has made a big difference. We know it's made a big difference to our Māori and Pacific learners and we are really looking forward to seeing further progress in that area.
9. Question No. 9—PoliceHon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 9—Police9. Hon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa) to the Minister of Police: Did he receive any recommendation from the Police regarding the asset value threshold in the proposed Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Amendment Bill; if so what was that recommendation?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Police): Yes Police recommended there be no threshold but advised that a $10000 threshold would raise the fewest operational challenges if a threshold was considered necessary for New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 compliance. The bill was drafted with a $30000 threshold which is consistent with the existing thresholds contained within the Act. We're actively seeking to hear expressions and views on this matter through the select committee process and we're approaching that with an open mind about what the threshold should be if in fact there should be one.Hon Mark Mitchell: Why does the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Amendment Bill contain a $30000 threshold as opposed to a $10000 threshold per his officials' recommendation?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Because the $30000 threshold is the current threshold for serious criminal activity in the law as standing today passed by a National Government.Hon Mark Mitchell: Did the Minister recommend to Cabinet that a $10000 threshold as advised by Police should be contained within the bill?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The views of the Police were canvassed in the paper that went to Cabinet that contained the views of the Police the views of Crown Law Office and the views of the Ministry of Justice. The Cabinet ultimately made the decision to proceed with the existing $30000 threshold as is in the current Act but we're certainly open to hearing different views about that during the select committee process.Hon Mark Mitchell: So just for clarity is the Minister telling the House that as police Minister he advocated for a $10000 threshold to be contained within the bill as recommended by the Police—because they said it would be more difficult to operationalise at a $30000 threshold—and he was not listened to?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: No. In fact I think the Police raised some compelling arguments in favour of a lower threshold. But that would require more significant changes to the existing primary legislation as passed by the previous National Government. It would involve reconsidering whether the threshold that was put in place by the previous National Government of $30000 for significant criminal offending should be changed.
8. Question No. 8—EducationCHRIS BAILLIE (ACT) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 8—Education8. CHRIS BAILLIE (ACT) to the Minister of Education: Does he agree with the New Zealand Initiative that The Ministry conducted no research on the effects of these 'Modern Learning Environments' on students' learning prior to compelling schools to adopt them. Neither did they conduct any evaluation of their effects after they were established"; if not what evidence has the ministry provided the Minister to show that modern learning environments improve literacy and numeracy skills?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): The Ministry of Education does not compel schools to adopt modern learning environments.Chris Baillie: Does the Minister agree with the previous Minister of Education Hekia Parata who said in 2014: "Every new school building must meet the Modern Learning Environment standard and every existing school must prioritise the property funding they receive from the Ministry of Education to upgrade their buildings to the Modern Learning Environment standards"; and are these open-plan classrooms still being built?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In answer to the first part of the question no. On this side of the House in this Government we believe that schools should have choice.Chris Baillie: Will the Minister commit that no future learning or teaching initiatives be undertaken by the Ministry of Education without quantitative evidence that it works and a framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation is in place; and if so why didn't that apply to innovative learning environments?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I refer the member to my previous answer. On this side of the House we believe that schools should have choice around how they structure their learning environments.Chris Baillie: Will the Minister commit to funding resources for teachers in open-plan classrooms to support students with learning disabilities such as auditory processing disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder without financial cost to the schools; and if not why not?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I thank the member for the opportunity to highlight the fact that this Government has put more additional funding into learning support in the five years that we've been in Government than the last Government supported by the ACT Party did in the nine years that they were in Government.Chris Baillie: Will the Minister ensure that the Ministry of Education either provides schools and teachers evidence that innovative learning environments improve numeracy and literacy skills for students or stop insisting that schools use their property funding to build more?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The member clearly hasn't listened to any of the answers that I've previously given. The Ministry of Education does not require schools to do that."
6. Question No. 6—EnvironmentANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 6—Environment6. ANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister for the Environment: What actions is the Government taking to enhance protection for New Zealand's most productive land?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): We need to house our people and feed them too. Our cities and towns need to grow but not at the expense of the land that's best suited to growing our food. Once land is built on it can no longer be used to grow food. This week the Government released the National Policy Statement (NPS) for Highly Productive Land which will enhance protection for our most productive land providing security for both our domestic food supply and primary exports.Angie Warren-Clark: Why is the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land necessary?Hon DAVID PARKER: Over the last 20 years about 35000 hectares of our highly productive land has been carved up for urban or rural residential development while 170000 hectares of this land has been converted to lifestyle blocks. That's why we're moving to protect our most fertile and versatile land especially in our main vegetable- and orchard-growing areas like Auckland Waikato Hawke's Bay Horowhenua and Canterbury.Angie Warren-Clark: What will the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land do?Hon DAVID PARKER: Under the NPS for Highly Productive Land councils will be required to map and manage highly productive land to ensure it's available for growing vegetables fruit and other primary production now and in the future. Land more suited for development because of its lower-quality soils will be identified so that our best soils are not lost to urban sprawl.Angie Warren-Clark: What immediate effect will the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land have?Hon DAVID PARKER: Although councils have some time to map in some detail what areas are to be protected immediate protections have been put in place for land that is zoned rural on top land-use class I II or III soils unless that land is already identified or zoned for urban development.Angie Warren-Clark: How will the NPS for Highly Productive Land work with other national policy statements?Hon DAVID PARKER: The National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land will work with the NPS on Urban Development (NPS-UD). Urban intensification under the NPS-UD will reduce the demand for outward urban growth on highly productive land. Under the two instruments we will indeed both house and feed our people.Angie Warren-Clark: What flexibility does the NPS for Highly Productive Land provide for councils?Hon DAVID PARKER: In limited circumstances councils will still be able to rezone highly productive land for urban housing if less productive land is not available and a number of other tests can be met. The NPS will introduce strong restrictions on the use of highly productive land for new rural lifestyle developments. Lifestyle blocks gobble up the most land and they will be constrained.