edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Ross Jami-Lee: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoss Jami-Lee: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 18 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2341. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]1.JAMI-LEE ROSS (National—Botany) to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on progress the Government has made in supporting higher wages for New Zealand families?Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance): I have seen several reports confirming that the growing economy is continuing to support more jobs and higher incomes. Statistics New Zealand figures show that in 2014 80000 new jobs were created across the country. Average wages rose 2.5 percent last year so average wages have increased by more than 20 percent since late 2008 to $56000 compared with the rate of inflation over the same period of around 11 percent. Also the labour market participation rate is at a record 69.7 percent.Jami-Lee Ross: What is the expected trend for wages and unemployment over the next few years?Hon BILL ENGLISH: Any expected trend in an economy is subject to the risks that economic forecasts will not turn out exactly as predicted but the current forecast shows that unemployment is expected to fall from its current level to 4.7 percent over the next 2 years. By mid-2019 153000 more people are expected to be in work and over roughly that time through to the latter half of 2018 the average wage is expected to increase from $56000 currently to $62200. Of course one of the risks to that forecast is lower inflation than has been expected because if inflation is lower then generally you would expect that the dollar value of expected wage increases is a bit lower than the forecast.Jami-Lee Ross: What are some of the factors driving recent job and wage growth in the New Zealand labour market?Hon BILL ENGLISH: The main factor is business and consumer confidence. Current signs are encouraging. Business investment increased from $30.5 billion in 2010 to $38 billion in this last year. The ANZ Business Outlook survey shows business confidence is currently buoyant with a net 34 percent of firms optimistic about the general economy. On average forecasts show the economy growing by just under 3 percent a year over the next 5 years following annual growth of between 2 and 3 percent over the past 3 years. So that is a picture of moderate and sustained growth leading to moderate and sustained increases in incomes.Jami-Lee Ross: What steps has the Government taken to help take-home wages for New Zealand families increase faster than the cost of living?Hon BILL ENGLISH: The most important steps the Government takes are those steps that support the confidence of businesses to invest and put more capital into their business and to therefore in the long run be able to pay higher wages. The Government does not influence that directly. However we can contribute by for instance showing fiscal restraint and persisting with economic reform. This enables interest rates to stay lower for longer but enables businesses to improve their competitiveness and therefore their ability to pay higher wages.
Carter David: Visitors — European Parliament—Delegation for Relations with Australia and New ZealandText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Visitors — European Parliament—Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand[Sitting date: 18 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2341. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members I am sure that members would wish to welcome a parliamentary delegation representing the delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand from the European Parliament led by Mr Michael Theurer MEP of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe who are present in the gallery.
Visitors — European Parliament—Delegation for Relations with Australia and New ZealandText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVisitors — European Parliament—Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand[Sitting date: 18 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2341. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Wednesday 18 March 2015Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VisitorsEuropean Parliament—Delegation for Relations with Australia and New ZealandMr SPEAKER: Honourable members I am sure that members would wish to welcome a parliamentary delegation representing the delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand from the European Parliament led by Mr Michael Theurer MEP of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe who are present in the gallery.
Vote: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2243. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 76New Zealand National 59; Green Party 13; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 43New Zealand Labour 32; New Zealand First 11.Bill read a first time.Bill referred to the Justice and Electoral Committee.
Mallard Trevor: Construction Contracts Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Construction Contracts Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2247. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Before I call Brett Hudson I am going to indicate to the member that I did reflect on his comments and he is accurate. I was too loose on the Minister. He had a very broad call. But I think it has happened now on both sides and we will speak to Part 1 of the bill which is very narrow and goes down just to clause 8.
Goldsmith Paul: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeGoldsmith Paul: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2243. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs) on behalf of theDeputy Prime Minister: I move That New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill be reported back to the House by 29 July 2015.Motion agreed to.
Tisch Lindsay: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2238. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): The next call will be a split call.
Tisch Lindsay: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2234. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): The next call is a split call. James Shaw—5 minutes.
Borrows Chester: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2225. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I would like to point out to the House before I call on the next speaker that the debate is relatively narrow. It is around process around timing and the previous speakers have covered that quite well. It is not an argument about what other things taxpayers’ funds could be expended on. It is not a wide-ranging debate. It is narrow and as we have heard from previous speakers there is plenty to talk about around the process the timing and the other provisions within the bill.
Reti Shane: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeReti Shane: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2210. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.Dr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister for Economic Development: What reports has he received on GDP growth in New Zealand’s regions?Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Economic Development): Yesterday regional GDP figures for the year ended March 2014 were released by Statistics New Zealand. They show growth across all New Zealand regions with a national increase of 6.7 percent. This nominal GDP data combined with the household labour force survey data last month showing employment growth of 80000 jobs in the last year paints a strong picture of a broad-based economic recovery. It also highlights the results of the Government’s continuing focus on economic policies that encourage business investment in regions right across New Zealand.Dr Shane Reti: How is the Northland economy performing compared with the rest of the economy?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Northland’s economy grew at 7.8 percent in the year to March 2014 which is well above the national average. This—[Interruption] I know that the Opposition wants to talk that down but it is the region’s highest annual growth rate since 2007 and places Northland as one of the top three regions for growth in the North Island in that year. This strong performance is expected to continue with the recent ANZ Regional Trends report highlighting that Northland had recorded the strongest annual rate of economic growth in the country in December: up 5.1 percent. Northland is a region that has struggled historically but these figures highlight that under this Government Northland’s fortunes are turning round.Dr Shane Reti: What other reports has he received on growth in Northland?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: The regional GDP figures continue a strong run of economic indicators for Northland with figures out this week also showing that the region’s tourism sector is having a good run.Sue Moroney: People who live there are wrong! They don’t know what’s going on!Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Shh! Too noisy. Northland’s guest nights grew 5.3 percent. [Interruption] For the member Northland’s guest nights grew 5.3 percent in the year to January and the annual growth in guest nights is now running at 8.1 percent against the New Zealand - wide growth rate of 5.6 percent. When you add that to the—Dr Megan Woods: That’s the March figures. What about before that?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Shh! When you add that to the 7500 extra new jobs created in Northland in the last year it is clear that the region has turned the corner and is beginning to grow well. To put that employment growth into perspective the entire country grew 80000 jobs last year. So Northland generated on its own nearly 10 percent of the country’s job growth.
Bennett David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBennett David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2208. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Transport: What progress has the Government made on completing the Waikato Expressway Road of National Significance?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Transport): Earlier this week I was delighted to announce that over $1 billion worth of funding has been approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency for work to complete the remaining three sections of the Waikato Expressway. The funding means that planning and work on the final three sections of this motorway can get under way which when completed will see the expressway extend 102 kilometres from Cambridge to the base of the Bombay Hills. The new funding will also bring the Government’s total investment in the expressway to around $2 billion. Just like for other regions such as Northland there is no question that the Government is fully committed to supporting the Waikato and ensuring that it realises its economic growth potential.David Bennett: What benefits will the Waikato Expressway deliver?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: Many benefits. At least 1000 jobs will be created once the final three stages of the expressway get under way. The expressway is a vital piece of infrastructure which once completed will become the key strategic route for the Waikato region. It will connect the agricultural tourism and business centres in the wider Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas with Auckland. This improved connection will increase capacity while reducing travel times reducing fuel and vehicle operating costs and reducing the number and severity of accidents in the region.Tim Macindoe: What reports has the Minister seen on the announcement this week that work on the final three sections of the Waikato Expressway is set to get under way?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: I have seen a report from the chair of the Waikato Regional Transport Committee who says: “This is fantastic news and the work will give a further shot in the arm to the regional economy road safety and quicker journeys for both business and the public.” I have also seen a quote from the Mayor of Hamilton Julie Hardaker saying: “This project is a major contributor to economic prosperity not only for our region but for New Zealand. Easy safer and quicker travel times between Auckland and Hamilton will provide another boost to Hamilton’s liveability and economy. We have already experienced the benefits of this roading project with the sections completed to date.” It is clear from these comments that the Government is really delivering for the people of Waikato. Indeed we are doing so throughout the regions of New Zealand.
Fox Marama: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFox Marama: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2207. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]5.MARAMA FOX (Co-Leader—Māori Party) to the Minister of Police: What advice if any has he received about Iriheke Pere given that it is over 18 months since he was shot in the back while he was handcuffed and not resisting arrest?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Associate Minister of Justice) on behalf of theMinister of Justice: I appreciate the member’s interest in the matter. Of course it is the subject of an Independent Police Conduct Authority inquiry. The authority is independent in its day-to-day operations and it does not report to the Minister of Justice on individual complaints so I have not received any advice on the matter.Marama Fox: Although we acknowledge that the Independent Police Conduct Authority is an independent authority we would like to know whether the Minister has any indication of when Iriheke Pere and his whānau expect to receive a report explaining why he was shot.Hon SIMON BRIDGES: As the member acknowledges the Independent Police Conduct Authority is independent in its operations and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on a specific case. The member will if she has a strong interest in it—and I am sure she does—need to take this particular matter up with the authority.Marama Fox: What assurances can the Minister give that the delay in the timing of the report will not impact on Iriheke Pere’s potential claim for personal injury given that the statute of limitations for personal injuries ends in August 2015?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: As I say the Independent Police Conduct Authority is independent. I think that given the tenor of the member’s question it is a matter on which Iriheke Pere would be wise to take legal advice.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2201. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): It is most definitely the Government’s intention to progress that legislation. It is not the Government’s intention for it to impede members’ day.
Hipkins Chris: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHipkins Chris: Business Statement[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2201. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour): I wonder whether the Leader of the House could advise us whether the Government has any intentions to progress matters regarding members’ remuneration during next week and whether in fact he envisages that replacing the members’ day that would normally be scheduled for Wednesday.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2201. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):When the House resumes on Tuesday 17 March the Government will look to progress a number of bills on the Order Paper including the Human Rights Amendment Bill the Construction Contracts Amendment Bill and the Statutes Amendment Bill (No 4).
Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBusiness Statement[Sitting date: 12 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2201. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Thursday 12 March 2015Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.Business StatementHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):When the House resumes on Tuesday 17 March the Government will look to progress a number of bills on the Order Paper including the Human Rights Amendment Bill the Construction Contracts Amendment Bill and the Statutes Amendment Bill (No 4).CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour): I wonder whether the Leader of the House could advise us whether the Government has any intentions to progress matters regarding members’ remuneration during next week and whether in fact he envisages that replacing the members’ day that would normally be scheduled for Wednesday.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): It is most definitely the Government’s intention to progress that legislation. It is not the Government’s intention for it to impede members’ day.
Vote: Debate on Budget Policy StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Debate on Budget Policy Statement[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2157. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the House take note of the report of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the Budget Policy Statement 2015.Ayes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 57New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.Motion agreed to.
Delahunty Catherine: Human Rights Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDelahunty Catherine: Human Rights Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2199. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CATHERINE DELAHUNTY (Green): Kia ora Mr Assistant Speaker. Tēnā koutou e te Whare ko tēnei pō. Before I start my speech I just want to pass an acknowledgment for a great activist Margaret Long who passed away yesterday. She gave her life to women’s fight for equal pay a campaign that we have by no means achieved. But Margaret’s life and the life of her husband Dan Long was a tremendous life and a tremendous contribution to this country. Kia ora Margaret and to all your whānau. Our thoughts are with you.Oh dear oh dear oh dear! Some of the things Government members have said tonight are just bizarre.Debate interrupted.
Borrows Chester: Statutes Amendment Bill (No 4) — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Statutes Amendment Bill (No 4) — Second Reading[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2182. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: This is a 5-minute call from the Labour Party.
Borrows Chester: Statutes Amendment Bill (No 4) — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Statutes Amendment Bill (No 4) — Second Reading[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2181. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sorry to interrupt. The member’s time has expired. This is 5-minute call from the Green Party.
Borrows Chester: Statutes Amendment Bill (No 4) — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Statutes Amendment Bill (No 4) — Second Reading[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2176. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I call David Clendon.Hon Ruth Dyson: This will be better.
Tisch Lindsay: Taxation (Annual Rates for 2015-16 Research and Development and Remedial Matters) Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Taxation (Annual Rates for 2015-16 Research and Development and Remedial Matters) Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2165. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I am calling Dr David Clark—5 minutes.
Tisch Lindsay: Personal Explanations — Question No. 2 to Minister—Child Poverty StatisticsText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Personal Explanations — Question No. 2 to Minister—Child Poverty Statistics[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2164. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Order! You cannot comment on that because it is a debating point.
Turei Metiria: Personal Explanations — Question No. 2 to Minister—Child Poverty StatisticsText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTurei Metiria: Personal Explanations — Question No. 2 to Minister—Child Poverty Statistics[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2164. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]METIRIA TUREI (Co-Leader—Green): I seek leave to make a personal statement.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): In regard to?METIRIA TUREI: It is in regard to inadvertently misleading the House this afternoon.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): A Minister normally asks for leave to do that. I will check with the Clerk; one moment please. Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection.METIRIA TUREI: I sought leave to make a personal explanation under Standing Order 358. I am concerned that I may have inadvertently misled the House this afternoon during question time when I accidentally implied that 90 percent of all children in all schools go without lunch. That of course is not true. I agree that we must not make untrue statements in this House. What I intended to say and failed to say at the time was that KidsCan said that 23 percent on average and up to 90 percent of the children in the schools it works with as an organisation need lunch every day. I think that that is an important fact to put before—
Tisch Lindsay: Taxation (Annual Rates for 2015-16 Research and Development and Remedial Matters) Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Taxation (Annual Rates for 2015-16 Research and Development and Remedial Matters) Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2163. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): The next call is a split call. Jan Logie 5 minutes.
Mallard Trevor: Debate on Budget Policy StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Debate on Budget Policy Statement[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2150. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): I understand it is the intention of the Hon Judith Collins to share her time with Mr Seymour. Therefore there will be a 5-minute speech.
Mallard Trevor: Debate on Budget Policy StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Debate on Budget Policy Statement[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2148. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Jan Logie—it is a 5-minute call.
Mallard Trevor: Debate on Budget Policy StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Debate on Budget Policy Statement[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2142. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): No your time has expired.
Sage Eugenie: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSage Eugenie: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2130. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.EUGENIE SAGE (Green) to the Minister of Conservation: Does she stand by all her statements?Hon MAGGIE BARRY (Minister of Conservation): Yes I do.Eugenie Sage: When the Minister said yesterday that she was concerned that Auckland Council had allowed the felling of centuries-old kauri is she also concerned that her Government plans to strengthen landholder rights change the Resource Management Act and further weaken environmental criteria in that Act?Hon MAGGIE BARRY: That is not what I said and Resource Management Act issues are not my ministerial responsibility.Eugenie Sage: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The functions of the Department of Conservation under section 6 of the Conservation Act include “to advocate the conservation of natural and historic resources generally:”. That is part of the Minister’s responsibility.Mr SPEAKER: The member asked two questions. That is the difficulty. If she had asked one I might have been able to help. But she asked two questions about comments the Minister said yesterday and the Minister said: “I didn’t make those comments.” The question was therefore addressed.Eugenie Sage: Does the Minister believe that it is acceptable under the Resource Management Act for private landholders to be able to cut down centuries-old kauri trees when less than 1 percent of the original extent of kauri forest remains in New Zealand?Hon MAGGIE BARRY: I do not support the felling of mature kauri trees. That is not something that as the Minister of Conservation I would ever support.Eugenie Sage: Is the Minister comfortable that in the case of the Titirangi kauri forest the Resource Management Act has totally failed to ensure the protection of New Zealand’s most treasured species and habitat on private land and the Act is likely to be even weaker in future when the Government amends it to strengthen private property rights and strip out environmental criteria?Hon MAGGIE BARRY: The Resource Management Act is not under my ministerial responsibility. However I would say this: the changes the reforms that we brought in around the Resource Management Act in 2009 have not weakened in any way or changed the protection of these trees. The laws that we have put in place are left to the councils and their communities to decide what it is that they want to do with trees. The Auckland Council in this case has the responsibility for this particular tree. I would urge it to re-examine what it is doing and my colleague the Hon Dr Nick Smith has spoken with the Mayor of Auckland who has undertaken to look at the options. He expressed surprise which I share that the Auckland Council chose to use its discretion not to notify around that particular tree. I would hope that that can be changed. The council is meeting tomorrow to have further discussions as I understand it.
Hudson Brett: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHudson Brett: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2129. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.BRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister for Small Business: What reports has he received on small businesses hiring more employees in the coming year?Hon CRAIG FOSS (Minister for Small Business): I have seen a number of reports on small businesses hiring more employees in the coming year. Earlier this month the MYOB Business Monitor came out and outlined that small to medium sized enterprises are still hiring and paying staff more: “In a sign of continued confidence over a fifth … of SME operators will look to increase the amount they pay their staff in the next year while 7 per cent will take on more full time employees and 11 per cent will increase their part-time roster.” These sentiments were also highlighted in the most recent ANZ Business Outlook which stated that a net 23 percent expected to hire more. On top of the 80000 new jobs created in the past year small businesses continue to benefit from a strong economy creating more jobs for New Zealanders.Brett Hudson: What factors have contributed to small businesses looking to employ more Kiwi workers?Hon CRAIG FOSS: The ANZ Business Outlook states that profit expectations have firmed: “More money in the till is positive for expanding employment and investment.” The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion in January stated that “The economic recovery is flowing through to increased hiring (which surged in the last quarter to the fastest pace since December 2003)”. In addition to the voluntary 90-day employment trial period introduced by this Government that reduces the risk for businesses of hiring an employee and has been invaluable for small businesses.Brett Hudson: What reports has he seen that give differing views on this Government’s changes to allow small businesses to operate in a more flexible labour market?Mr SPEAKER: In answering the question the Minister can answer with regard to ministerial responsibility. It is not an opportunity when answering a question like that to respond to any other political party’s policies.Hon CRAIG FOSS: This National Government introduced the 90-day trial period which has been of great benefit to small and medium sized businesses—and in fact large businesses—across New Zealand. I have seen reports that state that we do not need the 90-day law and I have seen reports that say that there has been a myth put about for a long time that Labour does not support trial periods or probationary periods. Small and medium sized enterprises across New Zealand need to know where the Leader of the Opposition—Mr SPEAKER: Order!Hon CRAIG FOSS: —stands on this matter. I welcome Andrew Little’s U-turn on the 90-day trial but he cannot have it both ways.Mr SPEAKER: Order! That answer has gone far enough.
Foster-Bell Paul: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFoster-Bell Paul: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2127. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.PAUL FOSTER-BELL (National) to the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage: What is the Government doing to commemorate the centenary of the First World War?Hon MAGGIE BARRY (Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage): The Government has committed more than $10 million to the official elements of the WW100 programme. These include three official legacy projects: the Ngā Tapuwae heritage trails here in New Zealand and in Europe the Great War exhibition in Wellington and the Cenotaph database project which will hold the records of all New Zealanders who served in our forces. In addition a further $120 million has been provided for the National War Memorial project which includes major roadworks the Arras Tunnel and $23.8 million for Pukeahu National War Memorial Park which opens next week.Paul Foster-Bell: What are some significant First World War centenary projects to which the Government has committed?Hon MAGGIE BARRY: The soon-to-be-opened Pukeahu National War Memorial Park will be the national place for New Zealanders to commemorate and reflect on our country’s experience of war and how that has shaped our national identity. New Zealanders in communities all over New Zealand have organised more than 750 initiatives which are listed on the WW100 official website. The park which is opening next week will have garden memorials from countries around the world including Australia Belgium France the United States and the United Kingdom with more to come. The Government has also helped fund the national Great War exhibition which will be at the war memorial and it has been very generously supported by the creative genius of Sir Peter Jackson. As well as that there is an exhibition at Te Papa that will impress all New Zealanders—Lest We Forget.
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2113. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! My office did receive complaints yesterday about the level of interaction the level of noise between the two sides of the House. I do not want a repeat of that today.
McKelvie Ian: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMcKelvie Ian: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2113. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]IAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei): Thank you Mr Speaker. My—[Interruption]
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2113. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Question No. 1 Ian McKelvie.
Carter David: Points of Order — SuperGold Health Check Bill—Leave to Table LetterText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Points of Order — SuperGold Health Check Bill—Leave to Table Letter[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2113. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought to table this particular letter to the Rt Hon Winston Peters. Is there any objection to it being tabled?There is.
Bindra Mahesh: Points of Order — SuperGold Health Check Bill—Leave to Table LetterText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBindra Mahesh: Points of Order — SuperGold Health Check Bill—Leave to Table Letter[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2113. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MAHESH BINDRA (NZ First): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave to ask the House to table a letter from 176 members of the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust to the Rt Hon Winston Peters in support of the SuperGold Health Check Bill.
Personal Explanations — Question No. 2 to Minister—Child Poverty StatisticsText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePersonal Explanations — Question No. 2 to Minister—Child Poverty Statistics[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2164. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Personal ExplanationsQuestion No. 2 to Minister—Child Poverty StatisticsMETIRIA TUREI (Co-Leader—Green): I seek leave to make a personal statement.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): In regard to?METIRIA TUREI: It is in regard to inadvertently misleading the House this afternoon.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): A Minister normally asks for leave to do that. I will check with the Clerk; one moment please. Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection.METIRIA TUREI: I sought leave to make a personal explanation under Standing Order 358. I am concerned that I may have inadvertently misled the House this afternoon during question time when I accidentally implied that 90 percent of all children in all schools go without lunch. That of course is not true. I agree that we must not make untrue statements in this House. What I intended to say and failed to say at the time was that KidsCan said that 23 percent on average and up to 90 percent of the children in the schools it works with as an organisation need lunch every day. I think that that is an important fact to put before—The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Order! You cannot comment on that because it is a debating point.
Points of Order — SuperGold Health Check Bill—Leave to Table LetterText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePoints of Order — SuperGold Health Check Bill—Leave to Table Letter[Sitting date: 11 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2113. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Wednesday 11 March 2015Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.Points of OrderSuperGold Health Check Bill—Leave to Table LetterMAHESH BINDRA (NZ First): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave to ask the House to table a letter from 176 members of the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust to the Rt Hon Winston Peters in support of the SuperGold Health Check Bill.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought to table this particular letter to the Rt Hon Winston Peters. Is there any objection to it being tabled?There is.
Tisch Lindsay: Radiation Safety Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Radiation Safety Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2099. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I call Todd McClay—Todd Barclay. My apologies.
Borrows Chester: Radiation Safety Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Radiation Safety Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2094. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: A 5-minute call from the Labour Party.
Borrows Chester: Radiation Safety Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Radiation Safety Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2093. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: This is a 5-minute call for the Green Party.
Woodhouse Michael: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWoodhouse Michael: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2077. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Minister of Immigration)on behalf of theMinister for Building and Housing: I move that the committee report to the House—The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): No no. There is wording for this so I will ask the whip to give you the wording. We must have this right.
Tisch Lindsay: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2077. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): We are waiting for a Minister. The Minister needs to move the report-back date.
Tisch Lindsay: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2071. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I call Poto Williams—5 minutes.
Tisch Lindsay: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2070. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): The next call is a split call. It is James Shaw—5 minutes.
Mallard Trevor: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2062. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Before I call Paul Foster-Bell and without breaching the convention referring to the absence of members I will say that I do know that the previous speaker Mr Sio was not here for part of the time in the last session when the Speaker was very clear on a ruling he gave as to the reading of speeches. I did not interrupt the member for that reason but I do want to just give a general warning again for those members who did not hear the Speaker.
Borrows Chester: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2048. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: A 5-minute call—Jenny Salesa.
Borrows Chester: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2046. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: David Clendon—a 5-minute call.
Bindra Mahesh: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBindra Mahesh: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2044. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MAHESH BINDRA (NZ First): It is a pleasure to rise on behalf of New Zealand First and speak to the Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill. I continue on from where I left off last time. This bill seeks to amend the previous legislation put in place where bailees and parolees including those offenders who are based in the community were at times liable to abstain from using drugs and alcohol. However there was no mechanism in place to make sure that they complied with those orders with the result that the legislation itself was rendered slightly powerless. But we support this bill because it seeks to strengthen the previous legislation which is the Sentencing Act the Parole Act and amendments to the Parole Act.This bill ensures that those offenders who have been ordered to stay away from drugs and alcohol actually do so and there are repercussions if they do not. This bill will make sure that offenders not only those inside the wire who are being randomly drug tested but also those in the community will be liable for random testing with regard to their use of drugs and alcohol. That will make our communities safer and that is the reason we support this bill. Also there will be parity between the offenders who are actually inside the prison with those who are entrusted to behave better outside the wire—those in the community.These are the reasons that we in New Zealand First believe this bill should be supported.
Carter David: Urgent Debates Declined — GCSB—Surveillance of New Zealanders OverseasText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Urgent Debates Declined — GCSB—Surveillance of New Zealanders Overseas[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2044. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from Dr Russel Norman seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 recent revelations that the Government Communications Security Bureau has allegedly undertaken spying against New Zealanders in the Pacific.In ruling on an application for an urgent debate the Speaker has to determine whether there is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The particular case may arise sometime after the event occurred if members could not reasonably have found out about it at the time. If something occurs in secret it becomes an event for the purpose of the Standing Orders only when it becomes publicly known. However the making of allegations is not a particular case for which there is ministerial responsibility. An urgent debate cannot be granted on the basis of newspaper allegations or speculation. There must be distinct governmental responsibility for the particular case that is being sought to debate.On this basis although I accept that the case has only now come to the member’s attention it does not meet the test for me to set aside the business of the House. The application is therefore declined.
Lee Melissa: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLee Melissa: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2041. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]10.MELISSA LEE (National) to the Minister for Small Business: What reports has he received on confidence from small businesses in the New Zealand economy?Hon CRAIG FOSS (Minister for Small Business): I have received a report that shows New Zealand business confidence—of course including small businesses—in the New Zealand economy continues to improve. According to the most recent ANZ Business Outlook “Business sentiment has started the year with an extremely positive tone. … A net 34 percent of firms are optimistic about the general economy.” up from 30.4 percent in the previous survey. The Government’s policies such as prudent Government spending lowering personal and company tax rates and focusing on sustainable jobs are enabling business confidence to rise. Confident businesses are the engine room creating GDP growth of 3.2 percent and 80000 new jobs last year.Melissa Lee: What other areas highlighted in this report show small-business confidence is growing?Hon CRAIG FOSS: The report highlights that the New Zealand economy is progressing very well. The economy is into its fifth year of economic expansion. According to the report businesses remain very optimistic about their prospects. The ANZ Business Outlook states “Profit expectations [have] firmed … More money in the till is positive for expanding employment and investment.” Growing confidence from small businesses in the economy shows why this Government is better for business.Melissa Lee: What reports has he seen that impact negatively on business confidence and their profits?Hon CRAIG FOSS: I have seen a report on a proposal that would cost New Zealand businesses around $500 million per annum beginning in early 2015. This additional $500 million cost on to New Zealand businesses would occur if the minimum wage was increased to $16.25 by early 2015 as proposed by the Labour Party. Adding $500 million additional costs on to New Zealand businesses would be extremely negative for business confidence profits growth jobs and New Zealand.