edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Boscawen John: Financial Markets (Regulators and KiwiSaver) Bill Securities Trustees and Statutory Supervisors Bill — Second Readings 
Boscawen John: Financial Markets (Regulators and KiwiSaver) Bill Securities Trustees and Statutory Supervisors Bill — Second Readings 
[Volume:671;Page:17654] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
: 
 I intend to take only a very brief call to say two things. First of all the ACT Party will be supporting the Financial Markets (Regulators and KiwiSaver) Bill and the Securities Trustees and Statutory Supervisors Bill. As Mr Chauvel said this legislation has support across the House so the ACT Party will be voting for it. 
The second point I would like to make is to respond to the comments Mr Chauvel made. He referred to the fact that I had been a member of the Commerce Committee prior to being appointed Minister of Consumer Affairs and I would like to say to Mr Chauvel and others that as Minister of Consumer Affairs I have recently announced a major review of consumer law. Once my officials have that under their belt I will carry on and review the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. I can assure Mr Chauvel that the intention is to commence the review he referred to. The focus has been on the review of consumer law over the last 9 months and that review will bring a lot of benefits to the House. I look forward to explaining to members of Parliament what those benefits are. 
I say to Mr Chauvel that I am very conscious of the damage that some loan sharks do in the community and I can assure him personally that that is the second thing I will be focusing on after the consumer law reform.
Vote: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
Vote: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:671;Page:17651] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill be now read a third time. 
Ayes 63 
New Zealand National 58; Maori Party 4; United Future 1. 
Noes 56 
New Zealand Labour 39; Green Party 9; ACT New Zealand 5; Progressive 1; Independents: Carter C Harawira. 
Bill read a third time. 
Waiata
Carter John: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
Carter John: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:671;Page:17651] 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Minister of Civil Defence) 
: 
 I seek leave of the House to allow the member to recast his vote. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for the member to cast his vote. Is there any objection? There is no objection. I will ask Hone Harawira to cast his vote.
Tisch Lindsay: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
Tisch Lindsay: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:671;Page:17651] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: This matter led to the recall of the Speaker during the Committee stage of the bill. He ruled very clearly that unless the interpretation was clear that a vote had been cast it would not be counted. I have ruled accordingly. 
Hon Members 
: Point of order Mr Speaker. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: That is the end of the matter.
Harawira Hone: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
Harawira Hone: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:671;Page:17651] 
HONE HARAWIRA (Independent—Te Tai Tokerau) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Can you explain why you gave the Maori Party the opportunity to vote differently but not me? 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: According to the interpretation the member did not cast a vote. No vote was cast but a view was expressed.
Barker Rick: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
Barker Rick: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:671;Page:17628] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker) 
: If the member of the public does not stop talking I will ask for him to be removed. Permission has been given for a waiata at the end which is perfectly acceptable. This is a debating chamber for members.
Smith Lockwood: Urgent Debates Declined — Family Start—Future Funding 
Smith Lockwood: Urgent Debates Declined — Family Start—Future Funding 
[Volume:671;Page:17626] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have received a letter from the Hon Sir Roger Douglas seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 future funding to the Ministry of Social Development Family Start programme. This is a particular case of recent occurrence that involves ministerial responsibility. However not every ministerial announcement will give sufficient grounds for an urgent debate. The big hurdle to get over in applications for urgent debates is whether the matter has reached the stage where the business of the House ought to be set aside. A new programme standards and guidelines are to be introduced over 2 years. In these circumstances I do not believe that setting aside the House’s business for an urgent debate today can be justified. The application is therefore declined.
Chadwick Steve: Points of Order — Absence of Members—Effect on Voting 
Chadwick Steve: Points of Order — Absence of Members—Effect on Voting 
[Volume:671;Page:17626] 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Junior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. We have reached an interesting position here. I seek your assurance given that so many members are absent from the House today that the whips will be truly reflecting numbers when they vote on two significant bills later this afternoon. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member knows that it is the responsibility of all parties to make sure the numbers they are voting in the House are correct.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17625] 
96. 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
 to the  
Member in charge of the  
Depleted Uranium (Prohibition) Bill 
: What is the current status of the Depleted Uranium (Prohibition) Bill? 
PHIL TWYFORD (Member in charge of the Depleted Uranium (Prohibition) Bill) 
:  
I am currently lobbying members of the House for support for this bill and I hope to get it beyond the first reading. The bill has been introduced to the House but it is currently languishing on the Order Paper awaiting the progress of a rather foolish bill put forward by that member’s party.
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17625] 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Labour—New Lynn) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I am not questioning your ruling that that is absolutely within your discretion. Noting that you have been willing to extend the opportunity to members of the Labour Opposition to ask supplementary questions on questions to committee chairs would it be your intention Mr Speaker to offer a rationale in such cases as you exercise your unfettered discretion in favour of ruling out such supplementary questions and would it be your expectation that such a rationale would prevent an interpretation that you might be acting perhaps more in the interests of one party than another—which of course would never be your intention in this House?
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17624] 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Labour—New Lynn) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. There may be confusion on my part but my recollection is that you ruled out of order an attempt by the honourable member Mr Boscawen to ask a supplementary question. Members on this side of the House were unclear as to the rationale for ruling supplementary questions out of order given that it is the normal practice provided that a supplementary question is within the scope of a question to for example the chairperson—
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17624] 
90. 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
 to the  
Member in charge of the  
Smoke-free Environments (Removing Tobacco Displays) Amendment Bill 
: What is the current status of the Smoke-free Environments (Removing Tobacco Displays) Amendment Bill? 
IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Member in charge of the Smoke-free Environments (Removing Tobacco Displays) Amendment Bill) 
: 
 The bill is set down for first reading.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17624] 
89. 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
 to the  
Member in charge of the  
Smoke-free Environments (Removing Tobacco Displays) Amendment Bill 
: What is the purpose of the Smoke-free Environments (Removing Tobacco Displays) Amendment Bill? 
IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Member in charge of the Smoke-free Environments (Removing Tobacco Displays) Amendment Bill) 
: 
 The purpose of the bill is to amend the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 to ban the display of tobacco products and smoking accessories at the point of sale.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17623] 
75. 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
 to the  
Member in charge of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill 
: Does she intend to propose any changes to the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill as reported back from select committee; if so what? 
Hon HEATHER ROY (Member in charge of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill) 
: 
 No.
Carter John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Carter John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17622] 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Minister of Civil Defence) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I can assure the House that none of these people who are absent are overseas.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17622] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Whip—ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. You have to help me. Speaker’s ruling 150/2 states that it is acceptable for the question to be put down to the deputy chairperson if the chairperson is overseas. Clearly it is relevant where the chairperson is. If the chairperson is overseas I am entitled according to Speaker’s ruling— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am on my feet. If the member were serious about his questions being asked he would have ascertained whether a chair was overseas. That is not very difficult; he could have done it quite easily himself. If it helps solve the problem for the honourable member though I can check with the Government whip. Is Katrina Shanks overseas?
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17622] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Whip—ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Reflecting then on Speaker’s ruling 150/2 can we have an assurance that Katrina Shanks is not overseas. According to Speaker’s ruling 150/2 if she is overseas we would be entitled to have those questions answered by the deputy chair. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Members are not entitled to ask questions about why members are absent from the Chamber. That is not consistent with the Standing Orders.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17622] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Whip—ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am dealing with questions Nos 61 to 64 to member. Does the point of order relate to those questions? 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN 
: It does to the extent that you have just made a snide remark about the questions we have raised. I think the questions should be dealt with with some decorum. I do not think the remarks you made were reasonable. [ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: A point of order is being heard. If I did not show suitable decorum I apologise to the member. 
Questions postponed.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17621] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Whip—ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Can I have an assurance that Mr Foss is not overseas. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am satisfied that the member is absent from the House. I do not believe he is overseas. That is the end of the matter.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17621] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Whip—ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I would like to refer you to Speaker’s ruling 150/2. You have just ruled in respect of the questions to the chair of the Commerce Committee that the questions could not be put to the deputy chair and I accepted that ruling. However the issue of the deputy chair of the Finance and Expenditure Committee arises. Speakers’ ruling 150/2 states that a question can be put to the deputy chairperson if the chairperson is overseas. In the case of the Commerce Committee I know that Sam Lotu-Iiga is not overseas because I saw the Government whip escorting him from the House a short time ago. However I do not know that the chair— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am on my feet and the member will resume his seat. The Speakers’ ruling the member is referring to actually refers to the chair being overseas. The member has got it somewhat wrong.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17621] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Whip—ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. As the chair of the Commerce Committee is not available I wonder whether those questions could be answered by the acting chair. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: No I have ruled that the Standing Orders require that questions are addressed to the chair and if the chair is not present the questions are postponed.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17620] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member’s point of order is indeed reasonable. The House may or may not be aware that members of the ACT Party today lodged some 700 questions to members. Standing Order 370 sets no limit for questions to members. However members in lodging so many questions run the risk of limits being placed on the number of such questions and in so doing adversely affecting other members with genuine issues they want to pursue. 
The questions have been scrutinised by the Clerk’s Office. Questions to a chairperson must relate to a matter before the committee and a process or procedure for which the chairperson has responsibility. The responsibilities of chairpersons relate to limited areas of process and procedure. They are limited. First in the absence of a committee making a decision about its next meeting the chairperson may set the date for that meeting but the chairperson does not control the agenda. This is a matter for members of the committee. I refer to Standing Order 186(2). Second the chairperson may on behalf of the committee request any person to attend and give evidence and request papers and records be produced. I refer to Standing Order 291. Third the chairperson may direct the examination of witnesses and question witnesses. I refer to Standing Order 220. Fourth the chairperson with the agreement of the committee may make a public statement to inform the public of the nature of a committee’s consideration of a matter. I refer to Standing Order 238(1). Finally the chairperson signs the committee reports and presents them. I refer to Standing Order 243. 
These are the extent of the chairperson’s powers and set the limits for questions to chairpersons. Questions that ask about committee decisions are not in order. Questions asking what the committee is currently considering for example or when it will consider a matter are not in order. The chairperson is no more responsible for such a decision than any other member of the committee is. Furthermore such decisions are more than likely to be confidential to the committee. Similarly the chairperson is no more responsible for progress on an item of business than any other member of the committee is. 
The fact that such questions may have been allowed in the past does not make them in order now. The Speaker must rule whenever a question arises on the interpretation or application of the Standing Orders. The Speaker is guided by established Speakers’ rulings. There is nothing in the rulings though that convinced me that the questions I ruled out today were in order. Given the number of questions to members lodged I believe my actions were appropriate.
Shanks Katrina: Financial Markets (Regulators and KiwiSaver) Bill Securities Trustees and Statutory Supervisors Bill — Second Readings 
Shanks Katrina: Financial Markets (Regulators and KiwiSaver) Bill Securities Trustees and Statutory Supervisors Bill — Second Readings 
[Volume:671;Page:17651] 
KATRINA SHANKS (National) 
: 
 It is my pleasure to take a call on the Financial Markets (Regulators and KiwiSaver) Bill and the Securities Trustees and Statutory Supervisors Bill. I am continuing my speech from Tuesday night when I was unfortunately the last speaker before the bell so I am the first one up this afternoon. 
I have to say it has been an honour to be in the House today to witness the passing of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill. We have seen history happen today. 
Just to recap on what we are doing with this legislation it is about focusing on improving the integrity of our financial systems. The Government’s overriding focus in the commerce portfolio is to restore the confidence of mum and dad investors in our capital markets especially after the global financial crisis and the collapse of finance companies. 
This Government is focused on boosting growth and creating jobs. In fact these bills are just two in a series of bills that will try to boost confidence in our markets. We are serious about growing this economy. The issue is about getting some capital into New Zealand and allowing businesses to grow. It is much better to get New Zealanders to invest in New Zealand than invest overseas. It has been a slow gradual process because there is a lot of change. Change has come over the time of both Governments I have to say. Lianne Dalziel who now chairs the Commerce Committee was previously the Minister of Commerce. She started the process of reform. Under the current Minister of Commerce Simon Power that reform is continuing. This Government is now leaps and bounds ahead in getting that investor confidence back. 
I am taking just a short call to finish off my speech from Tuesday night. Thank you.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17620] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Whip—ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The reason my point of order is relevant is that as you are aware early this morning my office submitted questions for oral answer and some of those questions were declined. The questions we submitted that were declined were based on questions that had been previously submitted by Gareth Hughes on 27 April 2010 and by Hon Clayton Cosgrove on 17 February 2010 which had been accepted. I am asking for a ruling from you Mr Speaker. If it was good enough to accept the questions from Gareth Hughes and Hon Clayton Cosgrove why was it not good enough to accept the questions submitted by my office which were based on the precedent established by those two questions? Why were those questions declined?
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17620] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Whip—ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I would like to draw to your attention a question to the chair of the Local Government and Environment Committee from Gareth Hughes on 27 April 2010 and a question to the chair of the Law and Order— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I fail to see what that has got to do with order in the House right now. I simply said the House is coming to questions to members and the member is talking about questions from a previous time. I fail to see how that has anything to do with order right now. It may become relevant but I do not see it being relevant right now.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17625] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The Speaker is unlikely to give rulings that constrain where the Speaker has discretion. I am sure the Speaker will always have discretion in these matters. But the member will recollect that a number of his colleagues have asked supplementary questions that I have simply ruled out because with questions to members supplementary questions are quite difficult to bring within the Standing Orders. I try to allow them where it seems sensible to allow them. Today on these particular questions to members it has not seemed appropriate to me to allow supplementary questions so far. That does not means to say none will be allowed though.
Woodhouse Michael: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Woodhouse Michael: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17618] 
11. 
MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) 
 to the  
Acting Minister of Energy and Resources 
: What reports has she received on levels of renewable electricity generation? 
Hon HEKIA PARATA (Acting Minister of Energy and Resources) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Speaker. The  
New Zealand Energy Quarterly 
 released by the Ministry of Economic Development last week showed that the annual renewable electricity generation for 2010 was 74 percent of all electricity generated—the highest level since 1998. 
Michael Woodhouse 
: What benefits will the levels of renewable electricity generation have for the environment? 
Hon HEKIA PARATA 
: There are a number of benefits from raised levels of renewable electricity generation including a reduction in reliance on thermal electricity generation sources and a reduction in electricity generation emissions. 
Charles Chauvel 
: Does the Minister stand by her answers to written questions No. 1187 and No. 1095 this year which show that fully four-fifths of all renewable energy consented to by November 2010 was consented to under the last Labour Government? 
Hon HEKIA PARATA 
: Yes. 
Te Ururoa Flavell 
: Kia ora tatou. What assurances can the Minister give to Te Uri o Hau that their wahi tapu will be protected from any consequences of the tidal power generation project in Kaipara Harbour? 
Hon HEKIA PARATA 
: I am advised that the Environment Court considered these matters thoroughly during a robust 4-year consent process and the matters are addressed by the conditions of the resource consents awarded to Crest Energy. 
Charles Chauvel 
: Did her answer to the primary question take into account the 100-megawatt gas-fired plant that is about to be developed in Taranaki whose owners have openly agreed that it would never have occurred if her Government had not repealed Labour’s renewable preference legislation in December 2008? 
Hon HEKIA PARATA 
: No.
Goodhew Jo: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Goodhew Jo: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17617] 
9. 
JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: What were the results of the Accelerating Learning in Mathematics Pilot Study? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) 
: 
 I am pleased to say that the pilot programme to accelerate maths learning has seen significant improvements for struggling students in a short space of time. Overall students achieved 80 percent of 1 year’s learning in maths after just 10 weeks of intensive teaching with some children making over 1 year’s improvement in 10 weeks. National standards are helping to identify the students who need extra help and programmes such as this will then be used to support and improve their learning as part of this Government’s ongoing commitment to literacy and numeracy. 
Jo Goodhew 
: What are the next steps for the pilot? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: We will use the findings from this study as we roll the programme out to a larger number of schools to see whether it will be as successful on a larger scale. That is why we will be extending the programme into 180 schools this year. It will be continually improved of course as the project continues. In this next phase there will be a particular focus on supporting Maori students because the previous pilot showed that they had not learnt at the same rate as some of the other students.
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Twyford Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17616] 
8. 
PHIL TWYFORD (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Local Government 
: When he said “Auckland’s fragmented governance has meant a lack [of] leadership and vision but soon its leaders will be able to think regionally plan strategically and act decisively” did he mean only if they agree with the Government’s plan for Auckland? 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Associate Minister of Local Government) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister of Local Government 
: No. 
Phil Twyford 
: Does he agree with the Prime Minister that “Aucklanders who go to London in my experience get on the Tube. That’s because it’s there it’s efficient and it’s cost effective.”; if so why is the Government not supporting the Auckland Council’s plan for a central city rail link? 
Hon JOHN CARTER 
: The Government is aware of the fact that a number of options are on the table. They have been put forward by the mayor and the Auckland Council. We are looking forward to working constructively with the Auckland Council. 
Phil Twyford 
: In that case why did he sign out as Minister of Local Government a Cabinet paper that pours cold water on the Auckland Council’s plans for a world-class transport system when the Government passed legislation last year that requires the Mayor of Auckland to develop a vision for Auckland? 
Hon JOHN CARTER 
: I say again that the Government is aware of the vision the Mayor of Auckland and the Auckland Council have and it is looking forward to working constructively with them. 
Phil Twyford 
: Why when he has said countless times that his reforms will allow Auckland to speak with one voice does he refuse to listen to what Auckland is saying with the new council saying that the “Holiday Highway” is not a priority but the central city rail link is? 
Hon JOHN CARTER 
: That is just one of the options that are on the table. We are looking forward to working constructively with the Auckland Council. 
Phil Twyford 
: Does he disagree with Rod Oram that the Government’s view “is that we should just ooze out over the landscape in very low density ways and therefore the only answer’s roads” simply to please his property developer and road building mates or is there another reason? 
Hon JOHN CARTER 
: I actually have not read the comments from Mr Oram but I suspect that like a lot of options that may not be one that we pursue.
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17613] 
5. 
KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Civil Defence 
: Did he meet with business leaders in Christchurch yesterday to discuss the civil defence state of national emergency operations; if so what was the outcome of that meeting? 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Minister of Civil Defence) 
: 
 Yes the national controller Steve Brazier and I met with representatives from the Central City Business Association the New Zealand Retailers Association the Canterbury Development Corporation the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and the Canterbury Business Recovery Group. The meeting was to address issues that business owners have raised with the national controller about access to businesses in the cordoned red zone and planning for business continuity in the wake of the 22 February earthquake. I am pleased to report that it was a very positive meeting and civil defence is working to meet business owners’ pressing needs to access their vital records property and stock. Helping to restore business activity in Christchurch is a key focus. 
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi 
: How will the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management progress the outcome of the meeting? 
Hon JOHN CARTER 
: The national controller is carrying out a stocktake of buildings within the cordoned red zone to give clarity to business owners about the current state of their business premises and to reassess the situation after last weekend’s 5.1 magnitude aftershock. Where possible work will be undertaken to secure businesses and property or stock that owners cannot yet access—for example doors may be shut and locked. A team is now set up to do that. The ministry is working with business leaders to find out which businesses are in the affected buildings. After combining that information with a building stocktake they will be able to map out how and when businesses can retrieve what they need to get their businesses back up and running. This work will remain subject to the maintenance of people’s safety. The ministry fully appreciates the concern of business owners who want to retrieve the information property or stock that will enable them to continue their business operations. The national controller and his team are working with business leaders on this and are making good progress. They are talking to them every day and have been in contact with them since the day after the 22 February earthquake.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17622] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Whip—ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The members who have been called have been on notice for the last couple of hours that these questions have been lodged. I do not think it is acceptable that members who are select committee chairs choose to absent themselves from the House this afternoon because questions are set down for them to answer. I ask you to rule that the— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The Speaker is not responsible for members. They could be attending to important parliamentary business and I am sure it is just as important as the 700 questions lodged.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17623] 
74. 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
 to the  
Member in charge of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill 
: What is the current status of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill? 
Hon HEATHER ROY (Member in charge of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill) 
: 
 The bill is currently at the Committee of the whole House stage.
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17613] 
KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) 
: 
 My question is to the Minister of Civil Defence—[ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I apologise to the member. I say to members on the National benches on this occasion that I have called one of their colleagues.
Macindoe Tim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Macindoe Tim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17611] 
3. 
TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What changes is the Government making to Family Start to ensure a greater focus on protecting children from abuse and neglect? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 I announced today changes to the governance design and delivery of Family Start. We know early intervention works. We know home visiting works. It is the right approach. But the research shows that Family Start’s focus has drifted over time and that effectiveness varies from provider to provider. We can do better. 
Tim Macindoe 
: Why is the Government making these changes to Family Start? 
DAVID BENNETT 
: Family Start currently delivers services to 6000 families at a cost to taxpayers of $30 million which is the largest Government spend on any early-intervention programme. We can do better by these children and their families. They need us and I am fully committed to ensuring that we will do better by them.
Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17609] 
1. 
JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: What reports has he received on the economy? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 Today the latest release of GDP data shows that the economy grew by 0.2 percent in the December quarter and by 1.5 percent in the last calendar year. This largely confirms what other indicators are telling us: that the economy was growing very moderately through the second half of last year as New Zealanders increased their savings and paid down debt. However it was the highest annual growth in the last 2 years and the economy has expanded in six of the past seven quarters. 
Jacqui Dean 
: How does this compare with growth in the recent past and expected future growth? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: In the 2008 calendar year the economy contracted by 0.2 percent and in 2009 it contracted by 2.1 percent. However most commentators and forecasters agree that growth is likely to accelerate over the next couple of years driven by a combination of lower interest rates than expected strong commodity prices continued Asian growth for our export markets quake rebuilding and the Rugby World Cup. They are forecasting growth reaching 4 percent or 5 percent over 2012 and 2013. 
Jacqui Dean 
: What implications does today’s data have for interest rates and inflation? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: It certainly does not signal any particular change. Both interest rates and inflation are likely to stay low for some time reflecting the fact that the economy has been pretty flat and there is plenty of spare capacity.
Harawira Hone: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
Harawira Hone: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:671;Page:17651] 
HONE HARAWIRA (Independent—Te Tai Tokerau) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. A vote was cast.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17624] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am seeking advice on that issue. [ 
Interruption 
] The Speaker is considering a point of order. The Standing Order referred to is No. 372 which refers to the lodging of oral questions. It has always been interpreted as referring to questions to Ministers but with the situation that has arisen today with 700 questions to members being lodged clearly I think the Standing Orders Committee which is currently sitting will be able to consider that issue. The member may in fact wish to write to the Standing Orders Committee and ask it to look specifically at that issue. It would be a way to have it looked at quite carefully.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17625] 
95. 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
 to the  
Member in charge of the  
Depleted Uranium (Prohibition) Bill 
: What is the purpose of the Depleted Uranium (Prohibition) Bill? 
PHIL TWYFORD (Member in charge of the Depleted Uranium (Prohibition) Bill) 
:  
The purpose of the Depleted Uranium (Prohibition) Bill is to ban the possession use sale manufacture testing and transit of uranium in all conventional munitions and armour within New Zealand and by agents of the New Zealand Government. 
Hon John Boscawen 
: Is the member satisfied that the current bill accurately reflects the stated purpose; if so why? 
PHIL TWYFORD 
: Yes.
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Boscawen John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17623] 
73. 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
 to the  
Member in charge of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill 
: What is the purpose of the Education (Freedom of Association Amendment Bill? 
Hon HEATHER ROY (Member in charge of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill) 
: 
 The purpose of the bill is to uphold students’ rights to freedom of association by removing any requirement for students to join students associations. 
Hon John Boscawen 
: Supplementary question Mr Speaker— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I do not intend to allow a supplementary question on that. The question was answered very clearly.
Mapp Wayne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Mapp Wayne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17624] 
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP (Minister of Defence) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. One of the points you made was that there was no limit on the number of questions that could be raised by members and I wondered about the interpretation of that particular issue. Under the heading “Questions to Ministers and Members” in the  
Standing Orders of the House of Representatives 
 there are a number of Standing Orders—369 370 and going through to 379. I just wondered about Standing Order 372 which does relate to oral questions and whether the limitation to 12 questions applies to questions to members as well as to questions to Ministers.
Carter John: Business Statement 
Carter John: Business Statement 
[Volume:671;Page:17609] 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Minister of Civil Defence) 
 on behalf of the  
Acting Leader of the House 
: The Government intends to make progress on its legislation.
Chadwick Steve: Business Statement 
Chadwick Steve: Business Statement 
[Volume:671;Page:17609] 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Junior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I ask the member whether the Government intends to pass any legislation under urgency in the next 2 sitting weeks.
Sittings of the House 
Sittings of the House 
[Volume:671;Page:17657] 
Sittings of the House 
JO GOODHEW (Junior Whip—National) 
: 
 Given the progress that the House has made at this end of the week I seek leave for the House to now rise. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy) 
: Leave is sought for an early rising. Is there anyone opposed to that course of action? There appears not to be. Leave is granted.
Carter John: Business Statement 
Carter John: Business Statement 
[Volume:671;Page:17609] 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Minister of Civil Defence) 
 on behalf of the  
Acting Leader of the House 
: Next week the House will be adjourned for 1 week. When the House resumes on Tuesday 5 April it is the Government’s intention to make further progress on the Financial Markets (Regulators and KiwiSaver) Bill the Securities Trustees and Statutory Supervisors Bill and the Legal Services Bill.
Urgent Debates Declined — Family Start—Future Funding 
Urgent Debates Declined — Family Start—Future Funding 
[Volume:671;Page:17626] 
Urgent Debates Declined 
Family Start—Future Funding 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have received a letter from the Hon Sir Roger Douglas seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 future funding to the Ministry of Social Development Family Start programme. This is a particular case of recent occurrence that involves ministerial responsibility. However not every ministerial announcement will give sufficient grounds for an urgent debate. The big hurdle to get over in applications for urgent debates is whether the matter has reached the stage where the business of the House ought to be set aside. A new programme standards and guidelines are to be introduced over 2 years. In these circumstances I do not believe that setting aside the House’s business for an urgent debate today can be justified. The application is therefore declined.
Points of Order — Absence of Members—Effect on Voting 
Points of Order — Absence of Members—Effect on Voting 
[Volume:671;Page:17626] 
Points of Order 
Absence of Members—Effect on Voting 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Junior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. We have reached an interesting position here. I seek your assurance given that so many members are absent from the House today that the whips will be truly reflecting numbers when they vote on two significant bills later this afternoon. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member knows that it is the responsibility of all parties to make sure the numbers they are voting in the House are correct.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:671;Page:17624] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I hear the member. The Standing Orders provide very clearly that supplementary questions are awarded at the sole discretion of the Speaker. These questions are very clear questions and when the answers are very clear no further supplementary question seems to be relevant as far as the Speaker is concerned. That is why I have not allowed supplementary questions today. That does not mean that I would not necessarily allow a supplementary question to a question to a member. But that is totally at the discretion of the Speaker.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:671;Page:17609] 
Thursday 24 March 2011 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Business Statement 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Minister of Civil Defence) 
 on behalf of the  
Acting Leader of the House 
: Next week the House will be adjourned for 1 week. When the House resumes on Tuesday 5 April it is the Government’s intention to make further progress on the Financial Markets (Regulators and KiwiSaver) Bill the Securities Trustees and Statutory Supervisors Bill and the Legal Services Bill. 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Junior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I ask the member whether the Government intends to pass any legislation under urgency in the next 2 sitting weeks. 
Hon JOHN CARTER (Minister of Civil Defence) 
 on behalf of the  
Acting Leader of the House 
: The Government intends to make progress on its legislation.
te Heuheu Georgina: Auditor Regulation and External Reporting Bill — In Committee 
te Heuheu Georgina: Auditor Regulation and External Reporting Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:672;Page:18311] 
Hon GEORGINA TE HEUHEU (Minister for Courts) 
: 
 Part 4 of the Auditor Regulation and External Reporting Bill amends the Financial Reporting Act 1993. The bill provides that the issue of financial statements must be audited by a licensed auditor or a registered audit firm. 
Part 4 also regenerates the Accounting Standards Review Board as the new External Reporting Board. The External Reporting Board consisting of between four and nine members is responsible for preparing and issuing financial reporting standards; preparing and issuing auditing and assurance standards including professional and ethical standards; developing and implementing a strategy for tiers of financial reporting from different classes of reporting entities; and giving directions or guidance on accounting policies that have authoritative support. As is already the case under the principal Act financial reporting standards issued by the board are given the force of law. The board must not issue a standard unless it has taken steps to consult persons who would be affected by the issue of the standard. 
Part 4 also provides for levying licensed auditors and accounting and auditing service providers in order to partially fund the work of the board. The Commerce Committee recommended that the levy-setting powers be widened to levy registered audit firms and every person registered or incorporated under a range of statutes including the Building Societies Act 1965 the Companies Act 1993 and the Limited Partnerships Act 2008. Part 4 also provides that the chairperson of the Accounting Standards Review Board continues in office as the chairperson of the External Reporting Board. Thank you.
Robertson H V Ross: Auditor Regulation and External Reporting Bill — In Committee 
Robertson H V Ross: Auditor Regulation and External Reporting Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:672;Page:18311] 
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) 
: The debate on this part includes schedule 2.
te Heuheu Georgina: Auditor Regulation and External Reporting Bill — In Committee 
te Heuheu Georgina: Auditor Regulation and External Reporting Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:672;Page:18306] 
Hon GEORGINA TE HEUHEU (Minister for Courts) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Chair. Tena koutou. I have just a few comments on Part 3 of the Auditor Regulation and External Reporting Bill “Amendments to other enactments regulations transitional provisions and other miscellaneous matters”. Part 3 of the bill provides for amendments to other enactments and for various regulation-making powers. The transitional provisions allow New Zealand and overseas auditors who have acted as an auditor in respect of an issuer audit at any time in the 2 years prior to be treated as holding a licence subject to meeting transitional requirements prescribed by the Financial Markets Authority. 
Part 3 also includes various miscellaneous provisions that first exempt the Auditor-General from the requirement to hold a licence; second provide the Financial Markets Authority with the power to amend or evoke orders directions or notices under the bill; and third provide for an offence of making false declarations for the purpose of obtaining any licence registration or accreditation under the bill. 
Supplementary Order Paper 239 makes a number of consequential changes to the Financial Markets Authority Act to permit the Financial Markets Authority to exercise its general information-gathering powers and information-sharing powers when carrying out its auditor regulation functions and to exercise the same statutory management - related powers that the Registrar of Companies has under the Corporations (Investigation and Management) Act but only in relation to an accredited body. Thank you.