edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
12. Question No. 12—AgricultureSTEPH LEWIS (Labour—Whanganui) to the Minister of AgricultureQuestion No. 12—Agriculture12. STEPH LEWIS (Labour—Whanganui) to the Minister of Agriculture: What announcement has he made about live animal exports?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister of Agriculture): This morning I announced that the export of livestock by sea will cease following a transition period of up to two years. The export of livestock from New Zealand has been a feature of our farming systems for a long time but concerns about the risks to New Zealand's reputation from this trade have been steadily increasing which is why in 2019 we began a review of livestock exports. The tragic sinking of the Gulf Livestock 1 ship in 2020 with the loss of 40 lives and many thousands of livestock brought those dangers to a head and we introduced a temporary ban on livestock exports while the Heron review recommended improvements to our system. Although many of these have been implemented there remains an ongoing level of concern with the welfare of these animals while at sea for up to three weeks. This Government had to act and it has done.Steph Lewis: Why is the Government banning the export of livestock by sea?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: Over recent years we've seen some of the reports from these ships many of which—about 80 percent of which—are not designed for live exports where conditions on board have led to many adverse animal welfare outcomes. While I acknowledge that this trade has been able to generate additional revenue for some farmers ultimately we aren't able to guarantee the welfare of these animals once they're at sea and that is an unacceptable risk to New Zealand's reputation. New Zealand must stay ahead of the curve in a world where animal welfare is under increasing scrutiny if we truly want to be the most ethical producers of the finest food in the world.Steph Lewis: Why has the Government allowed a two-year transition period?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: The transition period of up to two years will allow affected businesses both in New Zealand and around the world the time to wind down the trade and adjust their operations. This is a complex process to unwind due to factors such as existing contracts business planning and breeding cycles so the final exact length of the transition period will be determined pending further advice that I'll receive from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). In the meantime I've also asked MPI to provide advice on possible improvements to animal welfare on the ships during the transition period.
10. Question No. 10—PoliceWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour—Northland) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 10—Police10. WILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour—Northland) to the Minister of Police: What recent reports has she seen regarding Operation Tauwhiro?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police): I've received a report from police advising that in just the first seven weeks of Operation Tauwhiro—police's major operation to disrupt and prevent organised crime—police have seized 237 firearms seized $1.8 million in cash and assets seized 4712 grams of meth and charged 202 people. I'm sure all members of this House will join me in congratulating our police on their fantastic work keeping our community safe.Willow-Jean Prime: Has the Minister seen any other reports on police disrupting the illicit drugs trade in New Zealand?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Yes. I've seen reports that police and customs have intercepted a package at the international mail centre in Auckland that was found to contain up to 1.5 kilograms of liquid cocaine. Police then executed a search warrant at the Christchurch address where cocaine and a significant amount of cash were located. I've also seen reports from Waikato where police have intercepted the transport of half a kilogram of methamphetamine and $10000 in cash by organised crime groups.Willow-Jean Prime: How has the Government supported police to disrupt and prevent organised crime?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: We've supported police investing $450 million since we came to office by putting more officers on the beat—2500 new constables 1400 new fulltime-equivalents 700 alone will be focused on organised crime. We've banned military-style semi-automatic weapons magazines and parts; taken 62000 prohibited firearms out of circulation; and passed the Arms Legislation Bill.Rawiri Waititi: What is the Minister doing to stop racial profiling of Māori in the New Zealand Police including in Operation Tauwhiro and the latest example of officers unlawfully photographing Māori?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: While it's distressing to know that there are instances where the photographing of people is not happening according to what I would expect and what police know to be within the law what I am confident about is that police are addressing areas of bias within the police looking at processes and persons of interest in that regard and they're working very hard to do this.Rawiri Waititi: Point of order Mr Speaker. The question was quite clear around racial profiling. It was not about unconscious bias. What does unconscious bias mean? Does that mean bias whilst asleep?
5. Question No. 5—Energy and ResourcesGLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesQuestion No. 5—Energy and Resources5. GLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: How will the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund support businesses to transition away from using fossil fuels?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): Last week I announced the first round of co-funding from the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund for 14 projects across our primary sectors and spread around the country which will receive a total of $23 million. Modelling shows that this first round of co-funding will enable emissions reductions of 149924 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year equivalent to taking 49000 cars off the road.Glen Bennett: What effect if any will these investments have on emissions reductions?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Fuel used in manufacturing and production generates about 8 percent of New Zealand's emissions and it's the second-largest source of energy-related emissions for transport. The fund will help deliver up to 10 percent of the gross emissions reductions required from the commission's first draft carbon budget for the period 2022 to 2025 at an abatement cost of between $20 and $30 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.Glen Bennett: What are some examples of projects that have received co-funding?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Woolworks in Timaru is the single largest wool handler in the world and by replacing its coal boiler it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around nearly 12000 tonnes each year and make the wool scouring industry in New Zealand coal free. McCain Foods in Timaru will reduce carbon emissions by nearly 34000 tonnes each year through the installation of a new biomass boiler and by utilising fryer heat recovery technology.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. BARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The BNZ/Seek Employment Report released yesterday showed a 10.6 percent jump in job ads last month which was the best since July last year. The BNZ says that this strong rebound in job advertising was also encouraging given that for the first six days of the month Auckland was still in alert level 3. The regions are also leading the charge with job advertisements up 21 percent month-on-month in both the Bay of Plenty and West Coast.Barbara Edmonds: What reports has he seen on how businesses are viewing New Zealand's economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The latest New Zealand Institute of Economic Research Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows an improvement in general business confidence. It finds that firms are continuing to plan for an increase in staff numbers and investment with a net 8 percent of firms increasing staff numbers in the March quarter and a net 18 percent planning to hire in the next quarter. Firms are also feeling more confident about investment particularly in plant and machinery. As we continue our path to recovery there is going to be continued volatility particularly as businesses work through supply chain disruptions and some labour shortages. However overall the indicators for the economy are positive particularly in a global context.Barbara Edmonds: What reports has he seen on the international context for the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: It is timely to remember that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread and take lives overseas we in New Zealand are still enjoying a relatively normal way of life. The global economy is in a fragile state; however New Zealand tends to track well in comparison. We are investing to aid the recovery while also keeping debt down. The IMF has recently updated its projections using their comparable method of international debt which forecasts Government net debt in New Zealand to peak at 28 percent of GDP in 2024. This compares to an advanced economy average of 94.8 percent of GDP or 101.5 percent in the United Kingdom 111 percent in the United States and 55 percent in Australia.
Kerekere ElizabethDr ELIZABETH KEREKERE (Green): Kia ora. Tēnā koutou katoa. Well I learn new things about this job every day. Tonight I learnt that if both our spokesperson and the back half are not here the person on duty gets to do the speech. So I apologise actually to the House that I stand to take a very short call without the experience and research that I would normally like to bring to any topic that I stand here to speak on or that my colleagues would have brought. So I will be very succinct.Number one we absolutely support our first responders for the incredibly important and life-saving work that they do. We must look after them and acknowledge the role they do. I also honestly hope that we pay them well enough for what they do.Number two as my colleague Emily Henderson who just resumed her seat said all the research shows that mandatory sentences do not form a deterrent—they do not. Simeon Brown: They were removed at select committee.Dr ELIZABETH KEREKERE: Thank you.Simeon Brown: We're talking about cumulative.Dr ELIZABETH KEREKERE: Cumulative so there you go. This is again—Simeon Brown: Oh you don't like those either?Dr ELIZABETH KEREKERE: Thank you for the clarification. Any kind—whether it's mandatory whether it's cumulative—of higher sentencing disproportionately affects Māori and often Pacific Island people as well. The Greens accept the work of the Justice Committee. I know that we work very hard on the Health Committee and we work generally in consensus so it's concerning to me then that the select committee wasn't able to bring something to this House that we could all support. But we cannot support this bill going forward. Kia ora.
Rurawhe AdrianDEPUTY SPEAKER: Tēnā rā tātou katoa. The House is resumed. Members before the dinner break we were debating the Budget Policy Statement 2021. We're on call nine which is a split call. I believe it's the Māori Party's call.
Urgent Debates — Air New Zealand—Minister of Finance's Letter of Expectation (continued)
Points of Order — Urgent Debates—Grounds for Acceptance
Bishop ChrisCHRIS BISHOP (National): Speaking to the point of order—SPEAKER: If the member thinks he can add to it yep.CHRIS BISHOP: Well I was going to make the point that my application is quite specific around the contextual circumstances to do with case B. It is not a litigation of what happened with case B. And the second point I'd make is that the Prime Minister under privilege in question time accused case B of lying. So if there is anyone litigating exactly what case B did or didn't do it is the Government itself.
Hipkins ChrisPOINTS OF ORDERUrgent Debates—Grounds for AcceptanceHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Point of order Mr Speaker. I apologise to David Seymour for slightly interrupting his kicking off this debate. My point of order is not to do with that. It is do with the ruling that you made on Mr Bishop's application.Whilst I understand you've ruled that the debate should not be held today and I understand your reasons for doing so your indication that in a different set of circumstances a debate might be held raises some concern in that Mr Bishop's application relates to a particular individual. There are issues of natural justice when Parliament is being asked to scrutinise the actions of one individual member of the public and I'd ask you to re-think whether such an application in the future would be treated consistently with the ruling that you had indicated it might do in a different set of circumstances.That individual would not be part of the debate. They would not have the ability to—the very issue of the statements they have made are ultimately going to be a large part of the subject of the debate and there are other investigations ongoing including whether or not the person concerned may be subject to other forms of sanction for those actions. Therefore that would seem to me to be quite unwise for the Parliament to effectively be acting as judge and jury regarding that particular individual.
Urgent Debates — Air New Zealand—Minister of Finance's Letter of Expectation
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATESAir New Zealand—Minister of Finance's Letter of ExpectationSPEAKER: The subject of David Seymour's letter is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. Air New Zealand is a significant company and any significant change in the Government's relationship with it is important. The matter deserves the attention of the House and there is no other opportunity to do this for about three weeks. Therefore I call on David Seymour to move that the House take note of a matter of urgent public importance.Debate interrupted.
Urgent Debates Declined — COVID-19—Evidence Given to Health Committee
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDCOVID-19—Evidence Given to Health CommitteeSPEAKER: I have received a letter from David Seymour seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the letter of expectation sent by the Minister of Finance to the chairperson of Air New Zealand. I have also received a letter from Chris Bishop seeking to debate evidence given to the Health Committee that case B in the most recent series of COVID-19 cases was not tested for COVID-19 between November 2020 and 8 April 2021. Mr Bishop's application relates to a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. The COVID-19 testing regime and border controls are important matters which deserve the attention of the House. Ordinarily I could very well accept this application; however there is a means of debating it in the House today. The debate on the Budget Policy Statement relates to the statement itself and the Finance and Expenditure Committee's report on it. While Speaker's ruling 132/4 points out that the debate is not as wide-ranging as a Budget debate I think the statement and the report canvass COVID-19-related issues sufficiently to permit the House to address the matters raised in the urgent debate application.
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: A petition has been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of James Hilford requesting that the House treat workplace bullying as a health and safety issue and create a formal jurisdiction where bullying complaints can be heard as well as training professional and independent investigators.SPEAKER: That petition stands referred to the Petitions Committee. A paper has been delivered for presentation. CLERK: Government Response to the Report of the Māori Affairs Committee Inquiry into Health Inequities for Māori. SPEAKER: That paper is published under the authority of the House. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee on the petition of Hugh Ryanreport of the Education and Workforce Committee on the petition of James Lochead-Macmillanreport of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the petition of Andrew Bodyreports of the Health Committee on: the petitions of Erica Kelly Karla Knowles and Louisa Gommansthe report of the Attorney-General under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 on the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Billthe report of the Ombudsman An investigation into the Ministry of Health's collection use and reporting of information about the deaths of people with intellectual disabilitiesthe report of the Ombudsman on the inspections of mental health facilities under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989the report of the Ombudsman on an unannounced follow-up inspection of Te Whare o Matairangi Mental Health Inpatient Unit Wellington Hospital under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 andthe report of the Ombudsman on an unannounced inspection of the mental health in-patient unit Waitakere Hospital under Crime of Torture Act 1989reports of the Justice Committee on:the District Court (Protection of Judgment Debtors with Disabilities) Amendment Bill andthe Protection for First Responders and Prison Officers Bill and petitions of Anna Coervers and the Hon Clare Curranreport of the Regulations Review Committee on the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order (No 2) 2021.SPEAKER: The bills are set down for second readings. The report of the Regulations Review Committee and the reports of the Ombudsman are set down for consideration.The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of a bill.CLERK: Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill introduction.SPEAKER: That bill is set down for first reading.
Dean JacquiWEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Tuesday 13 April 2021 - Volume 751
Obituaries — His Royal Highness Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh
Penk ChrisCHRIS PENK (National—Kaipara ki Mahurangi): Thank you Mr Speaker. It is a sad honour to have the opportunity to comment on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. As others have noted he wore a number of hats: husband father grandfather and great-grandfather. But one of the hats he wore of course—as others have again noted—was the cap of a naval officer. The defence Minister has made mention of that as did the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and others in relation to ceremonial roles that he had with our armed forces but of course in the very real sense too of having served at sea—as a veteran of World War II no less. So I wanted to comment briefly as I hope the Duke would approve on the influence of the navy on his life. In its earliest stages he was carried on board a British warship in a makeshift cot fashioned from a crate as his family fled Greece. Despite that start the armed force that he initially considered joining I understand was the air force which just goes to show that no one's perfect! But nevertheless he did join the Britannia Royal Naval College and that in turn led to another wonderful life opportunity and an important development: when he had the honour of escorting the daughters of King George VI one of whom was a young lady of 13 years of age named Elizabeth. It was reported that he had showed off a great deal on that occasion but also reported that he had evidently made quite an impression on the young Elizabeth.When World War II broke out he was technically still a foreigner and not allowed to serve in the theatres of war despite being by that time an officer in the Royal Navy. But when Greece entered the war on the Allied side he was able to serve in the Mediterranean theatre which he did with great distinction. He was credited with saving the lives of his shipmates on the occasion that German dive-bombers damaged the ship HMS Wallace—of which he was the second in command—in a night-time attack. He proposed launching a makeshift raft equipped with smoke floats which in the darkness had the desired effect of fooling the German bombers into thinking that that itself was the damaged destroyer.I should note too that while exceptional the Duke of Edinburgh was in many ways simply another person of his the Greatest Generation and it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the New Zealand Defence Force personnel of whom he was technically a comrade past and present—in particular ahead of the Anzac Day celebrations and commemorations that we will shortly participate in as a nation. Lest we forget.I conclude my remarks on the subject of the navy's influence on Prince Philip by noting that Prince Philip of course in turn did influence the navy along with other institutions of British Commonwealth and New Zealand life. He supported the armed forces diligently not least of all by supporting the woman whose name those vessels bear. God save the Queen and Prince Philip rest in peace sir.
Henare PeeniHon PEENI HENARE (Minister of Defence): The New Zealand Defence Force mourns the passing of Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. We all share in the deep sadness that his death brings to Her Majesty the Queen the royal family and all Her Majesty's people throughout the world. Prince Philip had a very strong relationship with the armed forces of New Zealand including with our veterans of past conflicts meeting them in New Zealand and many places overseas. Prince Philip attended a number of significant New Zealand military commemorations in Europe including Anzac Days and the dedication of the New Zealand Memorial in Hyde Park London in 2006. His Royal Highness himself had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy serving in the Second World War. As the Prime Minister has already mentioned he held the ranks of Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy Field Marshal of the New Zealand Army and Marshal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. New Zealand sailors soldiers and airmen and women of all ranks have been proud to engage with him over the years and the armed forces have welcomed him to the country with formal military honours on many occasions. Prince Philip dedicated his life to the service of his country and the Commonwealth and the long list of achievements in many fields and environments is a testament to his deep and unwavering commitment to the Queen and to that service. On Sunday the 16th Field Regiment Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery fired the 41-gun salute using 25-pounder guns permanently positioned at Point Jerningham. On behalf of every member of the New Zealand Defence Force I extend the deepest sympathy to the Queen the royal family and all those who mourn his passing. Kāti e te mokopuna o Kuini Wikitoria ka tiro atu ahau ki ngā kupu o te kawenata tapu o Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ko koe tēnā kua taka iho mai te mana o tō tupuna a Kuini Wikitoria ki runga i ngā pokowhiwhi i ngā tau. Ana kua waiho nā atu te mokopuna o Te Ruki Kawiti nāna i waitohu i Te Tiriti o Waitangi ki te tangi atu ki a ia. E moe e moe e moe.[To the descendant of Queen Victoria I look to the words of the sacred covenant of the Treaty of Waitangi. Over the years you have shouldered the responsibility inherited from your ancestor Queen Victoria. It is now the descendant of Te Ruki Kawiti who signed the Treaty of Waitangi who cries for you. Rest in peace.]
O'Connor SimonSIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki): Thank you Mr Speaker. It's one of those sad honours to speak—but pleased to do so—to acknowledge the life of Prince Philip. He was a prince of the United Kingdom but also a prince of New Zealand and 14 other realms. He was to me a remarkable man and many titles are shared—the Prime Minister the Leader of the Opposition and others have shared them—but I think there are none higher than that of husband father grandfather and great-grandfather. As I say a remarkable man for 99 years and 73—almost 74—years of those married as the royal consort. Remarkable—a person if you will who's been very much part of all our lives. Whether we sit on one side of the monarchical fence or the other Prince Philip has simply been. He's always there and now he is not. Her Majesty the Queen has spoken at many many thousands of events often speaking encouragement or consolation to others and so today this is our small chance as the New Zealand Parliament to give her our words to send her our thoughts prayers and condolences to her and all the family. It's always struck me: one of the quotes the words that she expressed many years ago was Grief is the price we pay for love." and over the coming days Her Majesty will be experiencing this price heavily and so again we send to her our best and warmest sympathies. I could speak for a long time but I won't but there are two elements I think for me which highlight the Duke. The first is service. It's one of the main reasons of the two I want to give for why he appeals to New Zealanders of all ages—it's of service a remarkable life of service right from his early beginnings. Duty and honour—these are timeless virtues which he extolled and none higher and perhaps most needed in our world today. He was a man who served with honour a woman—always a step behind Her Majesty always supporting her a remarkable woman; and he a remarkable husband and consort.There is of course the Duke of Edinburgh's award—again tens of thousands of Kiwi New Zealanders and I suspect many here who went through that programme. The Duke's life and the legacy of the Duke of Edinburgh's award is that young people can achieve and can achieve greatly and I think it's one of the reasons why we're seeing social media awash with young people expressing their grief and sorrow at the passing of this man.Yes there will be those that have and will throw stones at him. I would suggest it sadly shows the content of their own character but one that's at odds with the Duke. At the end of the day Prince Philip knew his faults but he wasn't one to hide them. He was very much a human being and wonderfully so and as we here today say farewell I personally cannot help but feel it's the way that he would have wanted: at his bed at home holding the hand of his wife surrounded by family foregoing the fuss—he hated a fuss—of his 100th birthday celebrations and slipping quietly into the night. And so we say as we do to sailors Here he lies where he longed to be;Home is the sailor home from the sea."
Mahuta NanaiaHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Foreign Affairs): E te kāhu korako e te whakawhitinga o te rā kua tara ā-whare te pare kawakawa. Kua ngū tō reo i te taringa areare kua ngaro koe i te tirohanga kanohi. Kua ngaro hoki te kāhui ariki o te huihuinga Piritānia otirā ngā waihotanga o tēnei ao hurihuri. E tangi mōteatea te ao katoa i tō rironga atu. Kua kōrukiruki ngā rangi auē te mamae e ngau kino nei. Te mūrau o te tini te wenerau o te mano. Te pou o te Kuini o Ingarangi. Tangata herenga waka tangata herenga tangata. E oki e moe e tau. E kore te aroha o te ngākau e mimiti.[Oh nobleman the one who causes the sun to rise. The walls of the house have been lined with mourning wreaths. Your voice is no longer heard and we can no longer look upon your face. A chiefly leader of Britain indeed of the world has been lost. The world mourns your loss. The skies have become grey oh the pain is great. The dread of the multitudes the envy of thousands. The pillar of the Queen of England. You brought all peoples together. Rest in peace. Our heartfelt sympathy will never wane.]I join briefly to offer sincere condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II the royal family the people of Great Britain members of the Commonwealth family. These are indeed challenging times as there are no orphans to grief and loss and in many ways time is a solitary companion when one seeks solace. We join in sorrow to mourn the passing of Prince Philip who has exemplified stoic commitment service and support in his role as the ultimate confidante to the Queen. There are no words that can heal the raw emotion and pain of grief and loss and so I take this moment to acknowledge the man the husband the father the grandfather the friend and the spirited and at times cantankerous individual whom we refer to simply as Prince Philip. May his memory be one of service and dedication. May he rest in peace.E pā tō hau he wini i raroHe hōmai arohaKia tangi atu au i koneiHe aroha ki te iwiKa momotu ki tawhiti ki PaerauKo wai e kite atuKei whea aku hoa i mua rāI te tōnuitangaKa haramai tēnei ka tauweheKa raungaiti au e.[Gently blows the wind from the northBringing loving memoriesWhich causes me here to weep'Tis sorrow for the tribeDeparted afar off to Paerau.Who is it can seeWhere are my friends of yesteryearWho all dwelt together?Comes now this partingAnd I am quite bereft.]Moe mai i roto i te ringa o te atua. Pai mārire.[Rest in the hands of the Lord. Peace and goodwill.]
Seymour DavidDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Thank you Mr Speaker. On behalf of ACT I would like to join with other leaders in support of our Prime Minister's motion commemorating the loss of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and commiserating with those particularly his immediate family and especially his wife Her Majesty whom he has left behind. The Duke of Edinburgh was somebody who selflessly contributed to enormous stability. Many people have said to me over many years that the royal family is one of the few constants in their lives. I know from so many people I've heard and spoken to over the last few days that that permanence and constancy was felt very keenly by them and the Duke of Edinburgh embodied it. I read over the weekend about something that I thought embodied his public service. It was a statement that many men are able to salute correctly but few men salute beautifully. It was His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh who was able and was recognised for his beautiful salute at annual occasions which I think really showed one side of him that he was committed to service he was committed to the institution of the monarchy and he was committed to the Commonwealth. But there's another side to him that I think many people enjoyed that His Royal Highness—I think it's OK to say—was a little bit of a scallywag from time to time and many people have struggled to reconcile these two sides of the Duke of Edinburgh. I actually think that there is an easy resolution to this seeming contradiction. His Royal Highness was so committed to duty that as we've heard he did tens of thousands of events and he met many people who were perhaps a little bit nervous or intimidated about meeting such a venerated figure. He used his legendary wit to pierce the earnestness that can sometimes make official occasions such heavy going. That is how he was able to spread so much joy to so many people particularly children particularly those who benefited here in New Zealand from the Duke of Edinburgh scheme as a true leader for the Commonwealth. So we leave our condolences with Her Majesty. We can only imagine what a time it must be regardless of her exalted position in the Commonwealth as a person who has lost a life companion for 70 years. And we also want to remember all of his further family his four sons and many grandchildren. Our thoughts are with them at this time. May he rest in peace.
Shaw JamesHon JAMES SHAW (Co-Leader—Green): On behalf of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand I'd like to extend our condolences to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and her family on the death of her husband His Royal Highness Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.As with any family suffering from the loss of a loved one I'm sure that they will miss him greatly. There are many New Zealanders who had a connection to the Prince—from visits here or aspects of his work—and they too are feeling his loss at this time. I'd like to echo the words of his grandson Prince William who said: I know he would want us to get on with the job.""
Rurawhe AdrianTUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSDEPUTY SPEAKER: E te Atua kaha rawa ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi mātou ki te Kuīni me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga kia mōhio ai kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei mō te oranga te maungārongo me te aroha o Aotearoa. Amene.[Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility for the welfare peace and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]
Thursday 8 April 2021 - Volume 751
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That it be an instruction to the Education and Workforce Committee that the Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 29 April 2021 and that the committee have the authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions) during an evening on a day in which there has been a sitting of the House on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House and outside the Wellington area despite Standing Orders 193 195 and 196(1)(b) and (c).Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.
Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill — Instruction to Select Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 110New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 10ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a first time.DEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is That the Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill be considered by the Education and Workforce Committee.Motion agreed to.Bill referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.
11. Question No. 11—WomenSARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Minister for WomenQuestion No. 11—Women11. SARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Minister for Women: What recent reports has she seen on New Zealand's gender equality gap?Hon JAN TINETTI (Minister for Women): I'm pleased to inform the House that New Zealand's placing on the Global Gender Gap Report has moved from sixth place in 2020 to fourth place in 2021 just behind Iceland Norway and Finland. On 30 March 2021 the World Economic Forum released its 2021 Global Gender Gap Report a report that analyses the gender equality gap for 156 countries by looking at data from four indicators: economic participation and opportunity educational attainment health and survival and political attainment. This is welcome progress and shows this Government is delivering for women.Sarah Pallett: What does the report highlight is a contributing factor or contributing factors for New Zealand moving from No. 6 to No. 4 as the most equal country?Hon JAN TINETTI: This report highlights the success of New Zealand's work on closing the gender pay gap increased women's participation in the labour market and our share of women in professional and technical roles. It also highlights New Zealand's increased representation of women in Parliament up from 40 percent to 48 percent in 2021 and increased women in ministerial positions to 40 percent. However the report does indicate that despite this progress we still have some more work to do and as the Minister for Women I am committed to continue to see this progress.Sarah Pallett: What initiatives have been progressed in the last four years that have contributed to closing the gender pay gap?Hon JAN TINETTI: Under this Government New Zealand has made significant progress on the gender pay gap and pay equity. For example with the Gender Pay Gap Action Plan we've delivered the biggest drop in the Public Service gender pay gap in 17 years. It's now at 9.6 percent the lowest ever recorded. We've passed the Equal Pay Amendment Act enshrining in law the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. This will deliver significant pay increases to female-dominated workforces and will make sure women are paid fairly. We have achieved the highest ever representation of women in several important areas in Parliament reached our target of 50 percent women in public sector boards and committees and 53 percent in public sector senior leadership roles. We've also increased paid parental leave from 22 to 26 weeks so that parents can make choices about balancing paid work and caring responsibilities introduced leave for people who have experienced miscarriage and introduced domestic violence leave.
10. Question No. 10—TransportSIMON COURT (ACT) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 10—Transport10. SIMON COURT (ACT) to the Minister of Transport: Does he stand by his statement in the light rail Cabinet paper released on 31 March that the project faces a funding shortfall requiring substantial central government support"?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Deputy Prime Minister) on behalf of the Minister of Transport: Yes in the full context of the Cabinet paper which makes it clear that funding and financing of the project will be better understood through the business case and policy work.Simon Court: Will he rule out increasing petrol excise duties and road-user charges to fund light rail as suggested in the Cabinet paper while he is transport Minister?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: On behalf of the Minister the Government has indeed ruled that out for this term of Government.Simon Court: Will he rule out reprioritising other transport projects to fund light rail as also suggested in the Cabinet paper; if so which projects could be reprioritised?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: On behalf of the Minister as the paper notes there is a considerable amount of work to be done to decide on the exact funding arrangements. It is not my intention that we take money away from existing projects but we will be working through a number of funding options."
8. Question No. 8—TourismRACHEL BROOKING (Labour) to the Minister of TourismQuestion No. 8—Tourism8. RACHEL BROOKING (Labour) to the Minister of Tourism: How is the Government supporting councils and regions most impacted by the loss of international tourists to build infrastructure for regional development?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Tourism): Business in five regions face greater economic uncertainty than others given their reliance on overseas visitors. The drop in regional tourism activity is primarily measured by monthly data for economic card transactions collated by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. The regions are Queenstown Lakes Kaikōura Westland Fiordland Mackenzie District—Aoraki / Mount Cook. For this reason I am reopening a special fund the Tourism Infrastructure Fund that last allocated support to councils pre-COVID in November 2019. Although all councils will be able to apply to the Tourism Infrastructure Fund I've instructed that applications from these regions be prioritised. Between $13 million and $18 million is available in this round.Rachel Brooking: How has the Tourism Infrastructure Fund supported small councils in the previous rounds?Hon STUART NASH: The fund is primarily designed to support small councils facing pressures on their infrastructure from an increase in tourism numbers and demand which they cannot fund from their limited ratepayer base. To date 154 projects have been funded by the Government. It has enabled councils to build and maintain important assets like public toilets and showers car parks and footpaths waste disposal and water treatment facilities freedom camping sites picnic shelters jetties and boat ramps bike stands and mountain bike hubs. The Tourism Infrastructure Fund and a dedicated freedom camping fund have allocated around $87 million to support regional tourism and visitor facilities in the past three years.Rachel Brooking: What reports has he received from councils or tourism operators in the five beautiful priority areas about the impact of the Government's support?Hon STUART NASH: I met with the Mayor of Kaikōura and councillors and tourism operators in the town last week. They told me their town has been doing it tough in the five years since the earthquake but they have big plans for making the best use of the fund and are looking at an innovative proposal to develop a network of walkways and cycleways along the coast which will be popular with domestic and international tourists alike. The Southland District Mayor Gary Tong says he's been keen to discuss ideas with Fiordland locals about the best way to support jobs and businesses there. The Mackenzie District Mayor Graham Smith says his council will be taking full advantage of the support a sentiment shared in public comments by Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult and Westland Mayor Bruce Smith. One objective that is shared across all five regions is the need to diversify their local economies to reduce their reliance on one industry: international tourism.
7. Question No. 7—ACCJAN LOGIE (Green) to the Minister for ACCQuestion No. 7—ACC7. JAN LOGIE (Green) to the Minister for ACC: Does she think it is acceptable that ACC now has a more restrictive policy on birth-related injuries when 85 percent of New Zealand women experience perineal injuries? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for ACC): I have the deepest sympathy for women who—particularly those who suffer grade 3 and 4 perineal tears. This occurs during 1 to 2 percent of births and clearly can be life changing. However the member is mistaken: ACC does not have a more restrictive policy. It is bound by its legislation which does not cover a birth injury unless it is caused by the medical treatment the mother received or a failure to provide treatment. I have asked officials for advice on whether high-end perineal tears should be covered by ACC's legislation. Jan Logie: How does the Minister explain a drop in claims for perineal injuries from around an average of 30 a month to only four claims a month from August? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: ACC has sought advice from the medical practitioners—people like obstetricians—on perineal tears and where perineal tears may be caused purely by the birth of the child versus by treatment and has more clarity from the medical experts on what the differentiation between those two scenarios would be. That is what has led to the drop in claims. Jan Logie: How does she think people with birth injuries—for example pelvic rotation—will rehabilitate if they can't afford the hundreds of dollars for say osteopathic treatment? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: There is support and healthcare available through the health system. One of the issues that has come up for me as the Minister discussing and exploring this issue has been the inconsistency of healthcare and supports available between different DHB catchment areas and I guess that level of inconsistency isn't necessarily just confined to perineal tears and the treatment of them. I will say that the work that's being done on the health and disability review system and where we are heading is an attempt to address some of those inconsistencies and we would all like to see that happen. Jan Logie: Is the Minister concerned that investigations have shown ACC is more likely to deny women's claims and if successful pay them less than men? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: With regards to perineal tears and the assessments that have been made with regards to who is eligible for ACC support the advice I've had put in front of me is that it is the medical experts that have provided the clarity and the guidance on what may be caused purely by childbirth as opposed to treatment or a lack of treatment and with regards to women or men getting differential support through ACC I don't have any of that information in front of me. Jan Logie: Will the Minister consider initiating a review of ACC to ensure gender equity of access and outcomes? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: This Government is committed to equal access to supports through ACC and if there are inequities that are occurring then yes I would expect to receive advice from ACC.
6. Question No. 6—EnvironmentRACHEL BOYACK (Labour—Nelson) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 6—Environment6. RACHEL BOYACK (Labour—Nelson) to the Minister for the Environment: Is the Government supporting waste minimisation; if so how?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): Last week I had the pleasure of opening a manufacturing plant upgrade at Golden Bay Cement in Whangārei which now uses old tyres to fuel the Golden Bay Cement kiln. Can I begin by acknowledging the efforts of the Hon Nick Smith and the Hon Eugenie Sage in advancing this project in prior Governments. It's a very important project. This plant now uses waste tyres as part of its fuel and it's going to have a big impact on one of New Zealand's biggest waste problems. The Government has funded $16 million of the $25 million project which is a Fletcher Building initiative assisted very substantially through the Waste Minimisation Fund.Rachel Boyack: How will the Golden Bay Cement project minimise waste and reduce carbon emissions?Hon DAVID PARKER: This very innovative project really is a win-win-win. It helps a significant waste problem reuses a valuable resource and reduces coal use. By using old tyres as a fuel Golden Bay Cement will reduce their coal use by about 15 percent and their ironsand use by about 15000 tonnes a year—it uses the wire in the tyres instead. Without harmful effects from air discharges it will divert from landfills or stockpiles about three million end-of-use tyres per annum making a big dent in the six million end-of-use tyres that New Zealand produces every year.Rachel Boyack: What other projects is the Government supporting through the Waste Minimisation Fund?Hon DAVID PARKER: The Waste Minimisation Fund has helped reduce waste under multiple Governments. Some of the most recent funding decisions include a $294000 project with the Nelson Environment Centre to expand their e-waste repair reuse and recycling project. There's a lot of others; I'll only name one. They're very diverse but $150000 went to RefillNZ to promote refillable and reusable behaviour to reduce the use of single-use plastic water bottles.Hon Eugenie Sage: What progress has been made on the establishment of a mandatory product stewardship scheme for tyres so that importers retailers and consumers all contribute to a circular economy approach to end-of-life tyres?Hon DAVID PARKER: Good progress is being made on that. In July 2020 the Prime Minister announced for the Government Cabinet's decision to declare six products including tyres as priority products under the Waste Minimisation Act and the Government's currently developing the regulatory proposals to support implementation of those priority product stewardship schemes including the tyre industry's proposed scheme. Public consultation is anticipated in the second half of this year.