edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Tolley AnneHon ANNE TOLLEY (National—East Coast): Thank you for the opportunity—the rare opportunity—to speak in the House and I speak in support of the appointment of John Ryan as our new Controller and Auditor-General.Can I start by paying tribute to the current deputy Greg Schollum who has acted in capacity with both jobs for probably almost 12 months. He has delivered to this Parliament and to New Zealand outstanding service and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.I was very pleased that the role certainly attracted a very high calibre of applicants with a wide variety of interests experience and expertise. That says a lot for New Zealand and the high regard that this Parliament and this role has in our democracy. It was interesting that of all the candidates that were interviewed there were some common themes: first of all the critical importance of this role to our democracy and again to echo the Leader of the House the high regard that New Zealand is held in for its integrity and for its lack of corruption. There were a number of points made around the changing technology and expectations of skills needed in the role of the Audit Office. They all talked about taking a much more proactive way of identifying risks before they happen and working with some of those public sectors to avoid the risks rather than just being reactive and reporting on what had gone wrong. So they were common themes across all of the applicants that were interviewed which I found quite interesting.But Mr Ryan has an outstanding record of work across a wide range of the public sector. He has worked in corrections; he's worked in health arts culture and heritage justice and more recently the Ministry for Primary Industries. The vision of an auditor is often a person who is very dry perhaps unexciting focused on figures and some would say a little boring perhaps. So it's quite cool I think to think that we have a man proposed for this role who has a different side to him and has been involved in the arts and particularly jazz and ballet.I am confident that this recommendation to the Governor-General will provide New Zealand with an excellent Controller and Auditor-General to lead an outstanding team in our audit office to maintain the essentials of our democracy: integrity transparency and public entities that we as parliamentarians and the whole of New Zealand can have confidence in that will operate effectively efficiently and appropriately using public funds wisely and free from corruption. I have no hesitation in recommending this man to the Governor-General.
Hipkins ChrisAPPOINTMENTSController and Auditor-GeneralHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That pursuant to section 7(2) and clause 1 of Schedule 3 of the Public Audit Act 2001 the House recommend to the Governor-General that John Michael Ryan of Raumati be appointed as Controller and Auditor-General for a term not exceeding seven years commencing on 2 July 2018.The Controller and Auditor-General is an Officer of Parliament appointed by this House so stands apart from the machinery of local and central government. The role is central to the maintenance of New Zealand's reputation as a world leader in terms of integrity and transparency of our political and public life. I'm happy to endorse the appointment of John Ryan as the new holder of that office.The selection process has been managed by the Officers of Parliament Committee. Mr Ryan was selected from an exceptionally talented field. He is currently the deputy director-general of the Ministry for Primary Industries. Previously he's held senior positions in both public and private sectors including deputy chief executive of the Ministry of Justice and chief executive of the Building Industry Authority. He has a background in accounting and assurance working in financial auditing litigation support acquisitions and divestments in New Zealand and overseas.The Auditor-General's role is to improve the performance of and public trust in the public sector. John Ryan brings to the role of Controller and Auditor-General the experience and qualities necessary to achieve this. His nomination has been supported by all the parties represented in this House and I ask the House to support this motion recommending his appointment to the Governor-General.
Urgent Debate — Government Announcement—Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Permits
Visitors — Autonomous Region of Bougainville Cook Islands Fiji Kiribati Nauru Niue Tuvalu Tonga and Vanuatu
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATESOffshore Oil and Gas Exploration Permits—AnnouncementsSPEAKER: I have received a letter from the Hon Paula Bennett seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the Government's announcement that no further offshore oil and gas exploration permits will be granted. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The test for whether a particular case requires the immediate attention of the House is a high one. It requires the matter to be of such urgency that it justifies the House spending a substantial amount of time debating it. This issue—[Interruption] I'm not sure which member it was there who interjected but it's not too late for me to change the final paragraph in this. The issue is an important one for New Zealand. While its effects are not likely to have an impact immediately it does warrant the urgent attention of the House. There is no other foreseeable opportunity to debate it. Therefore I call on the Hon Paula Bennett—[Interruption] Who said that? Stand withdraw and apologise.Hon Grant Robertson: I withdraw and apologise.SPEAKER: I call on the Hon Paula Bennett to move that the House take note of a matter of urgent public importance.
Hipkins Chris; Brownlee GerryBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Today the House will adjourn until Tuesday 1 May. On that day the annual review debate will be concluded and the House will consider other legislation including the first readings of the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill and the Accident Compensation Bill and the second reading of the Brokering (Weapons and Related Items) Controls Bill. Wednesday 2 May will be a members' day. Nicola Willis will make her maiden statement after question time on that day. On Thursday 3 May the Ngāti Tamaoho Claims Settlement Bill will receive its second reading.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): Can the Leader of the House tell us whether or not the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill will go to a select committee for the usual amount of time so that those affected can make appropriate submissions?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Yes that is my expectation.
Mallard TrevorTHURSDAY 12 APRIL 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VISITORSAutonomous Region of Bougainville the Cook Islands Fiji Kiribati Nauru Niue Tuvalu Tonga and Vanuatu—LegislaturesSPEAKER: I'm sure that members would wish to welcome members from the legislatures of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville the Cook Islands Fiji Kiribati Nauru Niue Tuvalu Tonga and Vanuatu who are present in the gallery.
Wednesday 11 April 2018 - Volume 728
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Bill read a first time.Bill referred to the Governance and Administration Committee.
Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Bill — First Reading
1. Radio New Zealand—Annual Review 2016/17MELISSA LEE (National) to the Chairperson of the Economic Development Science and Innovation CommitteeQUESTIONS TO MEMBERSRadio New Zealand—Annual Review 2016/171. MELISSA LEE (National) to the Chairperson of the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee: Has the Economic Development Science and Innovation Select Committee had any further discussions about the briefing from Radio New Zealand Ltd about the 2016/17 annual review?JONATHAN YOUNG (Chairperson of the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee): Yes the item of business was on the agenda in today's extraordinary meeting held by the committee.Melissa Lee: What was the primary purpose of this morning's meeting?SPEAKER: Order! The member's not responsible for that. It's not a matter of responsibility for the chair of the committee.Hon Gerry Brownlee: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Who sets the agenda for the meetings? Do members of Parliament now not do that and it's entirely up to the clerks to decide what we talk about?SPEAKER: The calling of the meeting is the responsibility of the chair. The requesting of a person or a paper is the responsibility of the chair. The examination of a witness is the responsibility of the chair. What actually happens within a meeting before it's reported back when it is not public—for him to report that would be a breach of privilege and I'm not going to let him do it.Hon Gerry Brownlee: The question was: what was the purpose? How can that be something that should be withheld from the public?SPEAKER: We have had a system for much longer than either of us has been here of the consideration parts—and this was not a public hearing of the committee—that business which occurs in that phase not being available for the public until the committee reports. I'm not going to help the member design a system which allows or encourages—because the member of course would himself be responsible—the member to breach the confidentiality of the committee.
12. Building and Construction Industry—Fire Safety in New BuildingsANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister for Building and ConstructionBuilding and Construction Industry—Fire Safety in New Buildings12. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister for Building and Construction: Can she confirm that there are no buildings under construction in New Zealand that have or are proposing to install aluminium composite panel cladding?Hon JENNY SALESA (Minister for Building and Construction): Day-to-day decisions on whether proposed building work complies with the building code are made by building consent authorities and held by territorial local authorities. I'm advised that the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) does not hold this information.Andrew Bayly: Isn't fire safety in multi-storey buildings an important safety issue following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in London last year; and if so why has she not suspended the use of aluminium composite panels?Hon JENNY SALESA: Fire safety is indeed very important to this Government but can I just say to the member that the circumstances around the Grenfell fire tragedy are very different to the New Zealand regulatory environment. So unlike the UK a building similar to Grenfell Tower constructed in New Zealand would have smoke detection it would have a building-wide fire alarm it would have an automatic sprinkler system and an all-out evacuation plan. Grenfell Tower did not have all of these features.Andrew Bayly: Why has she ignored the recommendations she received as Minister four months ago from expert fire engineer Dr Tony Enright to suspend the use and installation of aluminium composite panels on multi-storey buildings?Hon JENNY SALESA: MBIE advice is that the report the member is referring to did not have sufficient supporting material to justify further action. Officials have sought an independent peer review which is expected in the next few weeks.Andrew Bayly: Why is she still refusing to even publish Dr Enright's four-month-old report so apartment and commercial property owners can read for themselves about the use of aluminium composite panels on their buildings?Hon JENNY SALESA: The report that the member is referring to is currently being peer reviewed. But can I also state that we are very confident that the appropriate fair and robust process is currently being followed. Suspending code mark certificates without adequate evidence would have a considerable consequence and so MBIE is going through the right process. We're making sure that this report the member's referring to is peer reviewed.
11. Health Services—Building Improvements and Funding GapRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga) to the Minister of HealthHealth Services—Building Improvements and Funding Gap11. RINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga) to the Minister of Health: What major capital projects are being progressed in health?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): We have inherited a long list of building problems that require attention. Among the immediate priorities is work on Middlemore's Scott building and the rebuild of the Dunedin Hospital where because of asbestos staff are having to recover patient records in hazmat suits. The upcoming Budget will include a significant injection of capital funding to tackle the most urgent issues and start addressing the under-investment of the last nine years.Rino Tirikatene: Why is there such a backlog of building issues in health?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I think it's clear to New Zealanders that the public health service has been neglected over the last nine years in pursuit of surpluses and tax cuts—SPEAKER: Order! The member will resume his seat. To give that sort of answer he's got to hang it on something he has responsibility for.Rino Tirikatene: What planning is under way to avoid the mould rot and sewage issues experienced at Middlemore Hospital?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: There are clear processes in place for district health boards to put forward capital projects for funding. However I am concerned that there is no comprehensive assessment of the state of our health assets and I have work under way to address this. We need a proper national asset management plan so we can make sure New Zealanders get treated in quality facilities and we don't have to see routinely asbestos hazards signs up in our public hospitals. I have with me a photo of some recent visitors to Dunedin Hospital making their way past asbestos hazard signs including the current and former Opposition health spokespersons.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is the Minister prepared to release the advice on a $14 billion funding gap that he has mentioned today and that the Minister of Finance mentioned today and in his post-Cabinet press conference?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: [Holds up photograph] I will consider that.SPEAKER: Order! Yes and the member had finished using the visual aid and should not have used it again. For that reason if Mr Woodhouse wants to have another question he may.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Apart from Middlemore Hospital's leaky buildings issue and the Dunedin Hospital situation can the Minister name any other asset issues that were not previously made public by his or the previous Government?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I have encountered many many issues in my time as Minister. Just to name one in Nelson/Marlborough their buildings clearly need replacing with the fullness of time. There are plenty of buildings around the country and we need to understand better and have a baseline so that we can have a comprehensive assessment. That's why I've asked for a national asset management plan because there is no comprehensive assessment of which buildings are at what standard and that is an absolute shame and a sign of the neglect of the last nine years.
8. Early Childhood Education—FundingJO LUXTON (Labour) to the Minister of EducationEarly Childhood Education—Funding8. JO LUXTON (Labour) to the Minister of Education: How have the funding challenges for the early childhood education sector that he acknowledged to the House yesterday impacted upon ECE services?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): Thank you. Early childhood education (ECE) is a sector under strain. Education Review Office reports have highlighted significant issues including the number of reviews that have uncovered significant concerns to warrant another review within a year doubling within two years and the percentage of reviews resulting in gold-star standard being achieved dropping from 14 percent to 11 percent. The early childhood sector has done an amazing job of trying to maintain quality given a near decade of funding freezes but it's clear that quality will be seriously compromised if that freeze continues. Jo Luxton: What reliable information does the Government hold on the impact that lower funding for ECE has had on fees paid by New Zealand parents for their kids' ECE?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: It would be fair to say that data held by the Ministry of Education is limited. A survey from 2013 which was released in 2015 shows that fees for parents have increased most significantly in the kindergarten sector. The survey was repeated in 2015 but was never analysed and never published and mysteriously the survey was not subsequently repeated.Jo Luxton: What advice has he seen about the funding pressures in early childhood education?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I've seen advice from kindergarten head teacher Virginia Oakley who said that Some services have got rid of qualified teachers replaced them with unqualified staff that are cheaper to pay for and we've had to cut maintenance for our buildings …". I've also seen advice from Peter Reynolds the chief executive of the Early Childhood Council who said that "The average childcare service is losing around about $105000 since 2011 by our calculation … it's not a rosy picture for childcare centres.""
7. Irrigation—Crown Irrigation Investments LtdHon NATHAN GUY (National—Ōtaki) to the Minister of AgricultureIrrigation—Crown Irrigation Investments Ltd7. Hon NATHAN GUY (National—Ōtaki) to the Minister of Agriculture: Does he stand by all his statements and actions?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister of Agriculture): Thank you Mr Speaker. Yes.Hon Nathan Guy: How does the Minister justify winding down support for some irrigation projects without even meeting or consulting Crown Irrigation officials ever since becoming Minister?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: Officials from my office have been in regular contact with Crown Irrigation Ltd. They never sought to have a meeting with myself as Minister and I have been in a number of meetings where I have met and spoken informally with officials from Crown—Hon Nathan Guy: Oh!Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: —Irrigation Investment Ltd.Hon Nathan Guy: Does the Minister consider Hunter Downs being offered an investment term sheet to be a legal or moral obligation for the Crown to continue to back this scheme?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: A judgment call was made on where—Hon Nathan Guy: Ah!Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: —there were obligations from the Crown—Hon Nathan Guy: Yep.Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: —to irrigation schemes that were—SPEAKER: Order! I'm just going to ask Mr Guy—there's a very serious matter and I want to hear it without his constant loud interjections through his open mike.Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: Thank you Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: Starting again.Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: Judgments were made on which irrigation schemes had progressed far enough to warrant ongoing Government support. In announcing our policy we had always said we would honour existing agreements. These irrigation schemes were at different levels of commitment. The judgment was that term sheets signed by the two schemes plus the scheme that was under construction were worthy of ongoing Government support. Hunter Downs was not at that stage. I believe that the scheme will proceed regardless of Government's decision in this area.
5. Irrigation—Crown Irrigation Investments Ltd and Provincial Growth FundMARK PATTERSON (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentIrrigation—Crown Irrigation Investments Ltd and Provincial Growth Fund5. MARK PATTERSON (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: What assurances can he give the provinces in the wake of the announcement to the wind-down of public funding through Crown Irrigation Investments Ltd for large-scale irrigation?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Regional Economic Development): The provinces deserve assurances and I as their first citizen wish them to be heartened by the fact that we understand how important water is. As we move through the transition economy we don't want economies that are not futureproofed but at the same time we don't want to acquiesce with the historical pattern of water degradation.Mark Patterson: What role will the provincial growth fund play in terms of water and the growth of our provinces?Hon SHANE JONES: All allocations via the provincial growth fund meet a very sturdy test. Anything below $20 million requires the sign-off of the Minister of Finance the Minister of Transport the Minister for the Environment and my good self. To that end environmentally robust sustainable water storage initiatives and water management—the road to the provincial growth fund for such matters is not unlike a primrose path.Mark Patterson: Is the irrigation announcement an example of the Government turning its back on the regions?Hon SHANE JONES: I stand as the champion of the provinces to strongly refute—refute—that allegation. We are committed not only to growing jobs in the provinces enabling the transition to take place that moves us away from historic disrupted industries but on a regular basis with suitable partnerships either by dint of grant equity or other arrangements continue to spread the fiscal elixir. Thank you very much.Hon Paul Goldsmith: When he told a Rotorua audience last week do not delay in applying to the fund because Politicians live in time cycles and there are 29-odd months to the next election." did he accept that some people would see that as confirmation that this is a political fund?Hon SHANE JONES: I think most people would see that as the reflection of someone who believes in democracy and someone who is telling the civic leaders of the Bay of Plenty "Do not wait aimlessly in line as you suffered under the last regime."—lots of rhetoric no mahi.Hon Nathan Guy: Has the Minister seen Mark Patterson's comments in the local Southland paper in his recent column where he said that irrigation equals more cows and more pollution; and how would the Minister respond to those comments from one of his caucus members?Hon SHANE JONES: As a lad who was born on a farm as someone who grew up milking cows the inevitability of more water in an indiscriminate fashion down in the South Island has led to not only more cows but a gross degradation of water in some areas which is why the Hurunui irrigation scheme was hopelessly divided between people who wanted it and people who did not want it."
4. Transport Infrastructure—Local and Regional Roading and Prime Minister's Answers to Oral QuestionsJAMI-LEE ROSS (National—Botany) to the Minister of TransportTransport Infrastructure—Local and Regional Roading and Prime Minister's Answers to Oral Questions4. JAMI-LEE ROSS (National—Botany) to the Minister of Transport: How much is funding increasing by in dollar terms for the Local Road Improvements and Regional Improvements activity classes for the first three years of the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport): Local road improvements increase to $1.03 billion over three years from Government policy statement (GPS) 2015's funding of $720 million. That is an increase of $310 million over the next three years or 43 percent. Regional improvements increase under the draft GPS to $530 million over three years from GPS 2015's funding of $270 million. That is an increase of $260 million over the next three years or nearly double.Jami-Lee Ross: Was the Prime Minister accurate when she said in question time yesterday that over the three-year period quote regional and local road improvements increase by $1.2 billion."?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Yes.Jami-Lee Ross: How can he say that local and regional improvements have increased by $1.2 billion when he just told us that those categories increased by $310 million and $260 million which combined does not come to $1.2 billion?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The Prime Minister was including local roading improvements as well and local road maintenance.Jami-Lee Ross: I'll ask again. How can he say that the Prime Minister is accurate with her $1.2 billion figure when the figures he just gave us add up to $570 million?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The figures include local road maintenance local road improvements and regional improvements.Jami-Lee Ross: Will he be advising the Prime Minister that her answer in the House yesterday was inaccurate and she should perhaps consider correcting it?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: I will not be."
2. Budget Policy Statement—Capital Allowances and Health FundingKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceBudget Policy Statement—Capital Allowances and Health Funding2. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What does the Government's Budget Policy Statement (BPS) say about capital allowances and how does it compare with previous periods?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Capital allowances represent the amount a Government is setting aside for future targeted investments and capital infrastructure that the Government is responsible for like hospitals and classrooms. The Budget Policy Statement shows a forecast capital allowance of $3.4 billion in Budget 2018 another $3.4 billion in Budget 2019 and $3.1 billion in Budget 2020 over the three years totalling $9.9 billion of new capital investments to be made by this Government. The previous forecast for capital allowances over these three years was contained in Budget 2017 showing a forecast of $2 billion for Budget 2018 and then $2.5 billion for each of 2019 and 2020 totalling $7 billion.Kiritapu Allan: Why do the Government's capital allowances need to be larger than in previous periods?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Capital pressures have built up consistently over the past years. I have been advised that one of the key drivers of these capital pressures was the policy settings of the previous Government notably operating expenditure constraints. What that means in practice is that the underfunding of operating costs has meant that money that would have been allocated to capital expenditure has had to be used for the day-to-day running of our public services. This is particularly evident in the health sector where work by the Ministry of Health reveals that District Health Boards would require $14 billion of capital expenditure spread over the next 10 years with nearly $10 billion of that being new capital from the Crown.Kiritapu Allan: What commitment will the Government make to increase investment in health?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government is committed to making necessary and important investments in our public services. We have a plan that includes increased funding for health starting in Budget 2018 and continuing over a sustained period of time. This isn't just about big numbers on a spreadsheet; it's about New Zealanders who should be able to access our public healthcare system without fear of being treated in hospitals with sewerage leaking in the walls or water pipes bursting and flooding wards. It will take more than one Budget to make up for nine years of neglect but one of our top priorities as a Government is a health system that delivers to New Zealanders the levels of care they expect and deserve.
Smith NickHon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. National will be supporting this bill to select committee but I have to say that I am underwhelmed by the minor nature of this bill. Any member of this House that seriously believes these couple of minor tinkers are going to make any substantive difference to the participation of electors in local body elections is on the wrong planet. It really does speak volumes that the Government is only six months into office and the biggest local government change we've got is minor tinkering as is proposed in this bill. You could hardly justify the expense of Parliament's time for how minor these provisions are. Now listening to the waffle of the Minister let me provide clarity for the House about what the bill does. The Local Electoral Act already allows for trials of online voting. The only change we're making is that they can conduct it in a ward rather than district-wide. The only other change of any substance that's being made is that the Electoral Commission is going to be able to provide councils and researchers with age-related group data around participation in votes. I hate to use the phrase but big deal!" Really? Is that the substance of what the Government's going to do to improve that important local government sector that uses up more than six billion bucks of public money for each year? "Is this it?" I say to members opposite. Now we are quite open-minded about online voting. We should be open about the fact that actually in countries like Norway where it has been trialled they subsequently have not continued with it. It has not given the expectations of increased levels of participation and there have been real issues with the integrity of their voting system. Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 10 p.m."
Kanongata'a-Suisuiki AnahilaANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour): It's an absolute privilege to be the last speaker on this Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Bill and I will take a very short speech. I just want to acknowledge the leadership of Nanaia Mahuta. This bill reminds me of a whakataukī that says Ka pū te ruha ka hao te rangatahi"—as an old net withers another is remade. Or you could say "When an elder is no longer fit to lead a healthier leader will take its place." and that's what this bill is about.I want to just remind the House because I've got not very long to go: the purpose of this amendment is about amended section 3(d) inserted by clause 4—there are other purposes but section 3(d) "provides for local authorities to play a broad role in promoting the social economic environmental and cultural well-being of … communities taking a sustainable development approach." I want to end on well-being. Well-being is about being comfortable being healthy and happy and all the people across the House they spoke today—tonight their speech was about taxpayers about ratepayers. I put it to the members across the House: everybody that lives in a community contributes to paying tax contributes to paying rates. It is about everybody and therefore I support this bill and I commend it to the House. Malo."
Falloon AndrewANDREW FALLOON (National—Rangitata): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker for the opportunity to speak tonight on the Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Bill. I wanted to start by responding to some of the comments that have been made across the House tonight. The first one was Miss Chlöe Swarbrick from the Green Party. She mentioned during her address that she urged the Opposition MPs to listen to ratepayers—to listen to ratepayers. Well actually Miss Swarbrick that's exactly what we did when National were in Government. I think Nicky Wagner when she was Minister and certainly during her time before that as the local MP in Christchurch Central listened to ratepayers at length and that's why we eventually passed the law in the way that we did in the last term.I want to I guess caution some MPs across the other side—perhaps like I am new MPs—about listening to councils and thinking that is a proxy for talking to ratepayers. It's not. Of course councils are going to have a view about what they want to spend money on but actually it's ratepayers who have to pay for it not the councils.I also wanted to touch on some comments made by Mr Paul Eagle. Now as Paul mentioned he was recently a Wellington City councillor and in fact wanted to bring this bill up as a member's bill. I congratulate him for wanting to do that. But it does intrigue me because I just wonder to myself: you know did he get a phone call perhaps from Minister Nanaia Mahuta saying that she was going to be picking up the bill perhaps right before he had that phone call with his local panel beater? The reason it does intrigue me though is in terms of the substance of the bill. The legislation at the moment says to meet current … future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure local public services and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses." That is the legislation at the moment.So my question for members opposite is: what in there do they disagree with? What in there do they disagree with? Actually there's a whole range of things that councils can do within that current framework. I look at my local area of Ashburton where we've had the council fund things like a brand new art gallery a brand new museum they built a lake and more recently they've put in a new swimming and sporting centre—those are all things that have been done without this legislation being in place.So I ask members opposite: what problem is it they're trying to fix? It brings me to the last sentence of that passage which is "in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses." I think that is the thing that members opposite object to. They hate the idea of Government and local government being accountable for every dollar they spend. That's the reason we oppose it and that's the reason I'll vote against it tonight."
Yang JianDr JIAN YANG (National): I rise to speak on the Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Bill. We will oppose the bill simply because the bill may well result in large less efficient local governments.The bill would enable local governments to promote four well-beings: social economic environmental and cultural. It means that local governments would have broader and less well-defined responsibilities. That also means more staff and may well mean higher rates. So this is why we believe that this bill has fundamental problems.The money raised from taxpayers should be spent on well-defined projects. But these four well-beings can be loosely defined and hence can be used as excuses for local governments or local councils to spend money on ill-defined projects. That can be a waste of money.Local governments need physical discipline and this was a key focus of the previous National Government's local government reforms. The reason why we believe local governments need to have physical discipline is because some local governments some councils are running high debts. They are not using their money efficiently and responsibly—as I said a couple of weeks ago at Auckland Council because over the last four years the council's spending on wages increased by $800 million and each year the council now spends close to $900 million on salaries on wages.Maureen Pugh: How much?Dr JIAN YANG: Almost $900 million. So that's how much taxpayers' money is being used to pay a big local government. They employ about 12000 staff—12000 staff—and among them about 200 earn over $200000 a year and over 2000 people earn over $100000 a year. So this is a huge huge salary and a huge local government. In comparison Brisbane City Council—similar size population—has only 8000 staff and only about 150 staff earning money over A$100000. So this is a sharp difference.Now local councils need to deliver high-quality services. How to do that? We need to make sure they have well-defined responsibilities and the core roles—the core roles—should be to provide local infrastructure to provide local public services and also they should focus on local regulatory functions. They should focus on all these areas at the least cost to households and businesses.New Zealanders know how to use money and therefore we should not randomly increase rates at local councils' wish. We must make sure local councils really focus on their real job. Thank you.
Privacy Bill — First Reading
Annual Review Debate (continued)
Allan KiritapuKIRITAPU ALLAN (Assistant Whip—Labour): I move That the committee report progress.House resumed.Progress reported.Report adopted.
Patterson Mark; Williams PotoMARK PATTERSON (NZ First): Madam Chair thank you. It's a great pleasure to get up here and speak on the review of the Primary Production Committee. Despite the dire outlook that was portrayed by David Bennett the previous speaker—it seems to belie the latest Rabobank survey that showed farming confidence had increased 15 percent from the last survey surging under this new Government. Of course I note that the one issue that wasn't raised in that previous contribution was the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak. Of course it's a very serious situation for all those farmers involved and our hearts go out to them. I listened to an extraordinary speech in the House a week or two back when the previous Minister Nathan Guy got up and in an address in the House attempted to eviscerate the current Minister in complete denial of the fact that this outbreak happened under his watch. CHAIRPERSON (Poto Williams): I'm very sorry to interrupt the member. According to a determination by the Business Committee I will now report progress and we can sit again presently. House resumed.Progress reported.Report adopted.
Rurawhe AdrianANNUAL REVIEW DEBATEIn CommitteeDebate resumed from 10 April on the Appropriation (2016/17 Confirmation and Validation) Bill.Justice Sector (continued)CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members the House in committee for further consideration of the Appropriation (2016/17 Confirmation and Validation) Bill. I remind members that this is the debate on the annual reviews of departments Officers of Parliament Crown entities public organisations and State enterprises as reported on by select committees. The time remaining in this debate is three hours and 56 minutes. When we were last considering this bill we were debating the question that the reports of the committees relevant to the justice sector be noted. The Hon Ruth Dyson moved that progress be reported and the call is now available to her or any other member.
Points of Order — Notice of Motion for Appointment of Controller and Auditor-General
Hipkins Chris; Mallard TrevorBUSINESS OF THE HOUSEHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): In accordance with a decision of the Business Committee and following further conversation with the shadow Leader of the House I seek leave for the notice of motion for the appointment of the Controller and Auditor-General to be set down as Government order of the day No. 1 tomorrow. SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none. It will be so set down.
Points of Order — Government Notice of Motion No. 1—Appointment of Controller and Auditor-General
Visitors — Wales
Hipkins Chris; Mallard TrevorBUSINESS OF THE HOUSEHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): In accordance with the decision made by the Business Committee yesterday I seek leave for the notice of motion for the appointment of the Controller and Auditor-General to be set down as Government order of the day No. 1 tomorrow. SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none. It will be. We come now to oral—Hon Gerry Brownlee: You missed it. There was objection to that.SPEAKER: Oh there was objection? Sorry I thought it was the unanimous decision of the Business Committee including the member's colleagues yesterday. Hon Gerry Brownlee: No. SPEAKER: It wasn't? Well—[Interruption] Order! Any member has the right to object notwithstanding it being the unanimous decision of the Business Committee yesterday. [Interruption] Order!
Mallard TrevorWEDNESDAY 11 APRIL 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VISITORSWales—National Assembly for Wales Cabinet Secretary for Energy Planning and Rural Affairs and DelegationSPEAKER: I'm sure that members would wish to welcome Ms Lesley Griffiths Cabinet Secretary for Energy Planning and Rural Affairs and her delegation from the National Assembly for Wales who are present in the gallery.
Tuesday 10 April 2018 - Volume 728
12. Health Services—District Health Board Deficit LevelsDr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of HealthHealth Services—District Health Board Deficit Levels12. Dr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of Health: What advice has he received about DHB deficit levels?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): The majority of district health boards (DHBs) are struggling to live within their current level of funding. I'm advised that DHB financial results for the year to the end of February showed a combined deficit of $189 million. I'm further advised the Ministry of Health is forecasting a total DHB deficit of $209 million or more by the end of the financial year.Dr Liz Craig: Why have DHB deficits grown to their current levels?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: To put it bluntly the health service has been underfunded as everyone can see from the state of Middlemore Hospital. As Minister of Health DHB chairs know my expectation that DHBs be careful stewards of health funding but this is not as was claimed on Morning Report yesterday just an accounting issue you deal with. That was what the—SPEAKER: Order! Order!Dr Liz Craig: So what will the Government do to address DHB deficits?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: As the Prime Minister indicated yesterday the focus of Budget 2018 will outline the first steps in rebuilding quality public services that keep our nation strong. I expect DHBs will see the benefit of this focus in the upcoming Budget. However after nine years of underfunding and neglect it will not be possible—SPEAKER: Order! Order!Hon Michael Woodhouse: I seek leave to table a document compiled by the Parliamentary Library entitled Combined DHB Deficits 2000 to 2017.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that? There is objection. It will not be tabled.
11. Digital Services—Chief Technology OfficerBRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister for Government Digital ServicesDigital Services—Chief Technology Officer11. BRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister for Government Digital Services: Does she agree with the comment made by ICT veteran and expert in the industry Ian Apperley who said when you read the Government's chief technology officer job description it occurs to me that making the role effective is provably impossible. It is largely waffly which means the Government may not know what it wants"; if not why not?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education) on behalf of the Minister for Government Digital Services: No because the Government has clearly articulated what it expects from the chief technology officer.Brett Hudson: Does she agree with the comments of Mr Apperley who said "Creating an environment where the industry can flourish is simple: normalise the procurement processes speed up the legislative process open overseas markets stop thinking you know best stop thinking you're the leader and start thinking about how to create an environment in which the technology business can flourish—and we don't need a $500000 person to tell us that."?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: No. The Government does believe that there is a role for leadership in this space and that is why we're employing a chief technology officer. Brett Hudson: If she doesn't agree with the comments of Mr Apperley a 25-year veteran of the industry can she confirm that she is now holding meetings both formal and informal that could be construed as the Minister headhunting for this position?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In respect to the first part of the question I can say that there are a number of people who would disagree including Rod Drury who's made comments in favour of it; Don Christie who's made comments in favour of it; the McGuiness Institute; Chris Kiehl; Craig Walker; and many others who are in favour of the Government's decision to employ a chief technology officer. I also note that a previous Minister proposed a chief technology officer role: that was one Simon Bridges.Brett Hudson: Has she held any meetings formal or informal breakfast or otherwise with Carol Hirschfeld regarding the position?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Clearly no."
10. Early Childhood Education—FundingJAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of EducationEarly Childhood Education—Funding10. JAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What funding challenges does the early child education sector face?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): The early childhood education (ECE) sector is facing a number of challenges one of which has been caused by the lack of any universal funding increase to early childhood education to meet inflation for over a decade. Minuscule adjustments were made to the non-salary component over that time. However 70 to 80 percent of teacher-led early childhood centres' costs are salaries for which there has been no increase in funding over the past decade. This means that for centres with mainly qualified teachers their funding rate has declined by 12 percent in real terms since 2009 and the decline is 14 percent for kindergartens. Jan Tinetti: What implications does ECE funding not keeping pace with inflation mean for the affordability of early childhood education? Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Statistics New Zealand's Consumers Price Index shows that between June 2009 and June 2017 early childhood education fees increased by 30 percent whilst over that time New Zealanders' earnings only increased by 21 percent. I have asked the Ministry of Education to do more work on the data that we record about early childhood education affordability and fees. Jan Tinetti: What difference will New Zealanders notice in this Government's approach to the early childhood sector?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: This Government is absolutely resolved that we must focus on quality as well as participation when it comes to early childhood education. We recognise that the near funding freeze that early childhood services have been under for the last decade is unsustainable. However we also have to balance that against a number of other cost pressures in the education system that have been caused by underfunding over the last decade.