edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
3. Question No. 3—Regional DevelopmentTERISA NGOBI (Labour—Ōtaki) to the Minister for Regional DevelopmentQuestion No. 3—Regional Development3. TERISA NGOBI (Labour—Ōtaki) to the Minister for Regional Development: What announcements has she made about investment into our regional economies?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister for Regional Development): On 25 May I announced a further round of investment from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund with $24 million allocated to 10 diverse projects up and down the country. Our regions are the backbone of our economy and these projects build on the Government's investment to boost regional economic resilience and set up our communities so that they continue to thrive in the future. As at 25 May around $3.2 billion has been paid out from Kānoa-managed funds to support our region's economies and 1148 projects have been completed.Terisa Ngobi: What projects from the Waikato received funding from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund as part of this announcement?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: A $1.1 million loan for Clean Technology for Fertiliser to support the construction of a new geothermal energy uplink which will provide process heat in the manufacturing of slow release fertiliser membranes; a $4 million loan to He Ahi Limited Partnership for the development and construction of an industrial park with geothermal process heat options; and a $3 million grant to the South Waikato District Council for development of the Maraetai Road Intermodal Business Park. Terisa Ngobi: What projects from the East Coast and Hawke's Bay received funding from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund as part of this announcement?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: Fantastic region. With respect to the East Coast: on the East Coast a $4 million loan to Judds Composting for construction of a facility to allow an existing composting operation to take in other waste streams from in and near Gisborne. In the Hawke's Bay a $2 million to bbi Wood Products to expand a Building Futures programme for disadvantaged youth as well as training and employment initiatives; and a $3.5 million loan to Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development Limited for developing the initial phase of a 60-hectare orchard near Wairoa for horticulture. Terisa Ngobi: What other projects received funding from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund as part of this announcement? Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: And the member that just questioned me—a fantastic electorate of Ōtaki: a $2 million loan to 26 Seasons Limited for the Foxton Scale Up Project to support growth of indoor hydroponics-based horticulture business; in Nelson a $2.5 million loan to SnapIT to support manufacturing and development of its live camera artificial intelligence hardware and satellite communication system technology—perhaps the Leader of the Opposition might be able to make some use of that—and in Timaru a $500000 grant to the Fraser Park Redevelopment Trust for the transmission of the Fraser Park facility into a multi-event arena.
1. Question No. 1—HealthDr ANAE NERU LEAVASA (Labour—Takanini) to the Minister of HealthORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Health1. Dr ANAE NERU LEAVASA (Labour—Takanini) to the Minister of Health: What recent announcement has she made about curbing youth vaping?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL (Minister of Health): Yesterday I was pleased to announce alongside the Prime Minister a suite of measures to reduce the number of young people taking up vaping. By next year all vaping devices sold in New Zealand will need to have removable or replaceable batteries. This could limit the sale of cheap disposable vapes that are popular among young people. We also want vapes as far from the minds and reach of children and young people as possible so any locations within 300 metres of schools and marae will be off limits for new specialist vape shops. All vapes need child safety mechanisms and potentially enticing names—which accompany far too many products—will be prohibited. These new regulations build on protections that the Labour Government introduced in 2020 including banning sales to under-18s and prohibiting vape advertising and sponsorship.Dr Anae Neru Leavasa: Why is the Government making these changes?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: Youth vaping is becoming increasingly prevalent with many choosing to vape despite having never smoked. Alongside our efforts to reduce tobacco smoking we want to ensure vaping products are safe regulated and primarily being used for smoking cessation purposes as intended. We've heard from parents and other family members and from teachers and principals all of whom are concerned at the prospect that a lifelong bad habit is becoming established for many at a young age. We're creating a future where tobacco products are no longer addictive appealing or as readily available; the same needs to apply to vaping.Dr Anae Neru Leavasa: How will these changes improve the health of young New Zealanders?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: Vaping has played an important role in the record reduction of New Zealanders smoking over the last few years. But it is not entirely without harms and too many young people are vaping. Alongside these changes a health promotion campaign is already under way to encourage young people to live vape-free lives. Through a co-design process with rangatahi Te Whatu Ora developed Protect Your Breath which launched on social media last year. We're taking an evidence-based approach working to protect youth from the appeal and attractiveness of vaping.Dr Anae Neru Leavasa: What feedback has been received about these proposals?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: There has been significant positive feedback following the announcement. Jacqui Brown principal of New Plymouth Girls' High School said [Changes] to disposable vapes is probably the strongest step because I think that helps young people from starting to vape." Hāpai Te Hauora commended the announcement saying "[It] is a praiseworthy commitment to safeguarding the hauora of communities rangatahi and tamariki.""
Dean JacquiASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members I have determined that the subject of this vote will be treated as a conscience issue. In this case I know there are members who want a personal vote and I am prepared to accept one. This is the process that we're going to follow: I'm going to put the question I'm going to announce the result. At that stage any member can ask for a personal vote.
Smith DamienDAMIEN SMITH (ACT): Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise on behalf of the ACT Party as the spokesman for sport and racing. I see this is a momentous day for Mr McKelvie—I hope—and the small racing clubs in New Zealand. He's like a thoroughbred jockey: he's dropped the reins and he's coasting home and hopefully tonight we will get there.Hon Michael Woodhouse: He doesn't look that confident; he's still got the bit between his teeth!DAMIEN SMITH: Yes. I've heard the comments from the previous speaker Glen Bennett. This bill is really quite simple. It does try to manage and put a sensible framework around the consumption of what really is taking a chilly bin to the races for small racing clubs who have less than three meetings a year. They just don't have the big facilities that the big racecourses do; you have to drive up there and open your boot up and be social. I think this exemption will encourage more families to attend smaller race meetings across the country and give our rural communities a shot in the arm to carry out the traditions of what has gone before for them their parents and their grandparents.I think it's a very sensible bill and the committee's put it together in great shape. The facilities of New Zealand racecourses do vary greatly and it's important that we recognise that this is an essential part of looking at the fabric of rural New Zealand and supporting it.The restrictions that have been ordered around the small racing clubs in the Racing Industry Act have now been defined and we can move forward. We'd like to really empathise with the previous speaker's comments about alcohol management but we'd like to also make sure that a fun and atmospheric place for small racing still exists in New Zealand. We will be voting in favour of the bill and in favour of the committee's work.
Goldsmith PaulEMPLOYMENT RELATIONS (EXTENDED TIME FOR PERSONAL GRIEVANCE FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT) AMENDMENT BILLThird ReadingDebate resumed from 10 May.Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National): Thank you Madam Speaker. It's my privilege to speak on the third reading of this the Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Bill.National is supporting this bill. What it does is it seeks to extend the time for an employee to raise a personal grievance alleging sexual harassment from the current 90 days' time limit to a year. People who don't follow this particular area of law might be puzzled by this but in essence if a relationship at work breaks down and an employee seeks a personal grievance against their employer which is an appropriate sort of process there is a time limit around that which is 90 days—so three months. That's in place so that employers and particularly small-business owners don't have the potential for some kind of claim against them hanging over their heads for years to sort of reappear say five years later—that they're unhappy with the way that they were dealt with. So that sort of statute of limitations as it were of 90 days is in effect.But the point has been made and I think quite well and quite strongly by the member responsible for this bill Dr Deborah Russell that allegations involving sexual harassment are a unique category in the sense that it is a very difficult thing to deal with and often takes a long time for people to sort of think over it to process it and then to be in the position to raise it as an issue. That's why the case has been made for giving more time for that process to evolve and indeed giving people a year.I think everybody in this House is conscious of the terrible impact that sexual harassment can have in the workplace. Many in fact will have experienced some example of that. Nobody should have to go to work and face any kind of sexual harassment. So the law is clear in this area but this is an area that we can come together as a House as a Parliament to pass legislation that will I think help—let's not hope many cases because this is not something we want to see in our workplaces anywhere but it may well indeed help many cases where people have faced sexual harassment in the workplace and had to deal with it.Now there was lots of debate about elements of it. There was a desire to extend it further beyond sexual harassment to a much wider broader category of bullying and to change that threshold. That wasn't appropriate within the scope of this legislation. There were some who wanted it to be more than one year but five years or to have no limit and we were still conscious of the need for some sense of certainty particularly for the small-business owners who have to try and get on with their business. So I think where we've landed is sensible and it will make a small difference. On that basis I commend this bill to the House and congratulate the member for bringing it and for its passage in this Parliament. Thank you.
New Plymouth District Council (Perpetual Investment Fund) Bill — In Committee
Kuriger Barbara; Bennett GlenBARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki-King Country): Thank you Mr Chair and thank you to the member Mr Glen Bennett for that initial statement.I just wanted to underpin a couple of things and perhaps ask Mr Bennett if he's pleased we—in the past New Plymouth District Council have actually had the fund running at a loss due to some investments which didn't turn out the way that they were wished for. The bill now creates responsibilities that ensure the council must ensure that investment decisions are made only by persons designated or appointed by the council to make decisions on the investment of the perpetual investment fund. Does Mr Bennett see that as an improvement?Also just the second question for the member: while there's new apparent plans for amalgamation the New Plymouth District Council have expressed a desire to ring-fence this fund for their own ratepayers as the capital came from selling their assets. National has spoken in favour of ratepayer assets staying in the ratepayers' hands. We just would be interested in a comment from Mr Bennett on those two things thanks.GLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth): Thank you Mr Chair. You are right there Barbara Kuriger in terms of the challenges. It's almost 20 years since the fund was established. Early on there were a few hiccups and a few investments that may not have been as helpful as they could have been—looking at farm investments as well.We look to move forward. I could have brought some graphs and charts and props today but I chose not to. But the good news is that in recent years we've managed to pull things back. For the council themselves they've been able to get things into a place. They have the Perpetual Investment Fund Guardians Limited who are a council-controlled organisation who sit at arm's length.Currently—obviously in terms of that situation—the mayor and councillors have no involvement. They've actually gone a steady-as-she-goes approach now in terms of making sure that it's not the big flashy Tasmanian farms that we invest in but it's actually looking at the bigger picture and the long term. So I feel confident that we have got the balance about right.Secondly the comment was around the size of the district. It's very clear in this piece of legislation that this investment will be what the actual current District of New Plymouth is today. There is no talk of amalgamation there is no talk of changing council boundaries—but if there were then this fund will specifically be for the people who live within the current district of New Plymouth and in years to come.I'll just note that South Taranaki District Council back in 1999 I believe did a similar piece of legislation and it has the same effect that whatever happens which hasn't—and it's not been since 1989 that there's been any change around boundaries—but that would retain for South Taranaki as well.So I think us in Taranaki have some good investment plans and options to ensure the wellbeing and the future of our region.
O'Connor Greg; Utikere Tangi; Bennett GlenNEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT COUNCIL (PERPETUAL INVESTMENT FUND) BILLIn CommitteeParts 1 and 2 and clauses 1 and 2CHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): Members the House is in committee on the New Plymouth District Council (Perpetual Investment Fund) Bill. We come first to the—TANGI UTIKERE (Chief Whip—Labour): Point of order. I seek leave for all provisions to be taken as one question.CHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is none. The question is that Parts 1 and 2 and clauses 1 and 2 stand part.GLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth): Kia ora Mr Chair and thank you for this opportunity to address the House this afternoon. It's been a new experience for me in terms of shepherding through this piece of legislation the New Plymouth District Council (Perpetual Investment Fund) Bill but I am grateful for the support not only of members across the aisle in this House but also too the New Plymouth District Council—to our mayor Neil Holdom; to councillors who have pursued this piece of legislation; but then to their officials and the work that's been done not only in-house at council but throughout the community. They had this open for submissions for a number of time.I just want to I guess clearly remind people the purpose of what this is about today and why we need it in New Plymouth. This very much is around ensuring the Perpetual Investment Fund the PIF continues as a long-term financial investment for the benefit—and it goes across the board for us in New Plymouth: it's the social it's the economic it's the environmental and it's the cultural wellbeing—not only for today and for the residents and ratepayers of New Plymouth District today but it's also holding it in perpetuity for the future so for those who are to come.In terms of what this is about it is ensuring that it lasts that it's not used for vanity projects or for short-term gain. It's around how do we make sure that the investment we have grows and continues to serve generations to come. Just a note that at the end of April the fund was worth $349.7 million and we look forward to seeing that continue to grow and to be drawn down upon each year to support the initiatives of the community of the environment of the cultural fabric of the New Plymouth District.
Peke-Mason Soraya; Rurawhe AdrianSORAYA PEKE-MASON (Labour): Again there is so much to celebrate on this timely traditional no-frills Budget 2023. We are laying a foundation for the future for future growth and improved productivity by investing in skills science and technology and infrastructure. We are doing the small things well at this point in time. There is so much in this Budget that will make a real difference in the lives of all New Zealanders. Last night I spoke on the third reading of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Bill. There is a saving of $20 per week. This may as I always say seem a pittance to some but actually it's gold to others. But when we join this up—yes when we join this up with the Budget—along with winter energy payments helping with health costs cheaper childcare fees free transport costs and infrastructure in whānau whare and whakapapa the savings are our way of helping keep the cost of living down. That is the priority—keeping the cost of living down at the same time investing in skills science and technology and infrastructure.I am grateful and reiterate the investment in whānau whare and whakapapa as I mentioned earlier on—by Māori for Māori. Let me reassure everyone: what is good for Māori is good for everyone. It is good for this nation Aotearoa such as the extra funding to build and repair more homes; a boost to Te Matatini; more funding for Whānau Ora; increased funding for hauora providers iwi-Māori partnership boards rongoā practitioners and more prevention funding; more support in Māori education—for that speaker that's left the room if I may say—for kura kaiako and ākonga across the country; more funding for Māori media; and funding made available for Te Ao Mārama programmes in the courts.I just want to touch also on the delivery of 3000 additional public homes—yes this is a big issue. There are many issues for this country and this is a significant one. An extra 3000 public homes will be built by June 25—that's on top of the over 14000 that have already been funded to June 24. There is support also for Māori housing—322 more homes for Māori and 400 relocatable cabins to assist people and whānau that are displaced by extreme weather events across the North Island through by Māori for Māori programmes. Also too this Budget is boosting two homelessness action plan initiatives including delivery of an extra 80 places for rangatahi.We care about people. We have a plan and we have a Budget that is future focused. Kia ora.SPEAKER: This is supposed to be a Te Paati Māori call. Would some honourable member like to take it?
Doocey MattMATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri): Thank you very much Mr Speaker. Well at the start of question time the Clerk of the House gets up and reads the petitions that have been presented for the day. There was a petition today read out in the name of Theresa Zame to amend the Therapeutic Products Bill to allow importation of medication. Theresa Zame was actually sitting in the gallery today watching her petition being presented. Theresa calls herself vulnerable" "just a mum from Gizzy". I describe her as someone who is incredibly courageous brave and strong. It would be very easy when you get a diagnosis of stage four lung cancer when you only have nine months to live—it would be understandable if you would contemplate giving up the fight. In fact Theresa Zame has done the opposite: she's galvanised many voices in New Zealand she put together a petition and in only two weeks she got 6500 signatures. It was a real honour to be the member of Parliament to receive that petition today.Theresa's story is: she has a script from her oncologist because she doesn't qualify for any publicly funded medication in New Zealand. She imports via compassionate access schemes a medication called Tagrix which comes through the mail. Tagrix costs Theresa $1000 a month. In her words her cancer has shrunk and she is feeling a lot better. She's actually quite hopeful. After her diagnosis of June 2022 when she got given nine months she feels stronger for taking that drug.But unfortunately what Theresa and many other New Zealanders have learnt under Labour's Therapeutic Products Bill is that the ability to import prescription medications will be stopped. Not only will it be stopped but it will be illegal. Theresa and many other New Zealanders will be criminalised. As Malcolm Mulholland said on the forecourt of Parliament today as he speaks on behalf of Patient Voice Aotearoa if the Therapeutic Products Bill is not amended people will die. This will cost people's lives.What was really encouraging is seeing the parties out on Parliament's forecourt—the ACT Party Te Paati Māori the Green Party and the National Party—standing up in opposition to this bill. What was really disappointing and a real blow to people like Theresa is that the Labour Party did not turn up. No one went out and met that petition today—not one of the dozens of MPs they have. They didn't think those people deserved the respect of a democratic process where any Kiwi can turn up on the forecourt and give Parliament a petition. These are the real stories of legislation like this and of the impact it will have on everyday Kiwis.You'd ask yourself the question in respect of Theresa's story—stage four lung cancer; nine months to live; she's got a prescription from her oncologist in New Zealand to import Tagrix a prescription drug from Bangladesh at a thousand dollars; she wouldn't be able to afford the tens of thousands of dollars for privately buying a similar medication in New Zealand; it's a lifesaver for Theresa Zame; the ability to import prescription drugs is a lifesaver for many Kiwis at their time of vulnerability—why will Labour not listen? Why did they not go out today?"
Rurawhe AdrianPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Jody Hopkinson for Humans of Family Court Aotearoa requesting that the House act so warrants can't be issued to social workers and police to take children and that people cannot use allegations of parental alienation to avoid accountability for abuse.petition of Kevin Scott requesting that the House amend legislation to require holders of on-licences and club licences to provide a range of zero-alcohol beers wines and spirits in addition to existing requirements to supply a reasonable range of zero-alcohol and low-alcohol productspetition of Theresa Zame requesting that the House amend the Therapeutic Products Bill regarding patients importing prescription meds clinical trials through the SCOTT Committee and the definition of advertisement" so it does not risk criminalising patients advocates & media.SPEAKER: Those petitions are referred to the Petitions Committee. No papers have been delivered for presentation. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Education and Workforce Committee on the briefing on the 2021/22 annual reviews interim reportreport of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill.SPEAKER: The bill is set down for second reading and the briefing is set down for consideration. The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of a bill.CLERK: Emergency Management Bill introduction.SPEAKER: That bill is set down for first reading."
Rurawhe AdrianSPEAKER'S RULINGSOral Questions—Members Quoting Partial StatementsSPEAKER: Members following a point of order from the Leader of the House I've decided to make the following ruling. It is both the longstanding practice of this House and exceedingly common for members to use excerpts in questions—Speakers' ruling 177/7. Standing Order 390 explicitly states that questions must be concise which means quotations of any great length will be ruled out of order. Members asking questions may choose which part of a Minister's statement to quote as long as they do so accurately can authenticate it and do not misrepresent the statement—for example by failing to include the word not" or similar. If words are missed from the middle of a quote an ellipsis must be used—Speaker's ruling 178/3—and the missing words cannot fundamentally change the meaning of the quote; if they do the question will not be allowed. In return a Minister can choose how much context they wish to include in their answer. All members will be familiar with the phrase "I stand by my full statement in the context in which it was made". The answer is so familiar as to be routine in this House and only underlines the accepted practice of quoting partial statements."
Visitors — Australia—House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development Infrastructure and Transport
Rurawhe AdrianVISITORSAustralia—House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development Infrastructure and TransportSPEAKER: I am sure that members would wish to welcome members of the Australian House of Representatives' Standing Committee on Regional Development Infrastructure and Transport Luke Gosling and the Hon Scott Buchholz who are present in the gallery.
Dean JacquiWEDNESDAY 7 JUNE 2023The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSHon JACQUI DEAN (Assistant Speaker): Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the King 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.
Wednesday 31 May 2023 - Volume 768
Health and Safety at Work (Health and Safety Representatives and Committees) Amendment Bill — In Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Parts 1 and 2 and clauses 1 and 2 be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 62; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 9; Te Paati Māori 2; Kerekere; Whaitiri.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 73 Noes 43.Parts 1 and 2 and clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.Bill to be reported without amendment.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the amendment in the name of the Leader of the Opposition be agreed to.Ayes 42New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 72New Zealand Labour 62; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 9; Kerekere.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Appropriation (2023/24 Estimates) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 72New Zealand Labour 62; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 9; Kerekere.Noes 45New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2; Whaitiri.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
12. Question No. 12—StatisticsSIMON WATTS (National—North Shore) to the Minister of StatisticsQuestion No. 12—Statistics12. SIMON WATTS (National—North Shore) to the Minister of Statistics: Does she stand by her statement to media when asked if she would stake her job on a 90 percent census collection rate Absolutely" and does she stand by all her statements and actions relating to the 2023 Census?Hon Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Minister of Statistics): Talofa lava Mr Speaker. Absolutely I stand by my confidence in Tatauranga Aotearoa Stats NZ to deliver a census that gives us a robust dataset giving Government agencies city and district councils iwi and community groups and business good information to plan for the future. In answer to the second part of the question I stand by my actions and statements in the context in which they were made.Simon Watts: Can she confirm that despite spending over twice as much as the 2018 Census the current Māori response rate is just 4 percent higher than the 2018 Census and well below the 90 percent target?Hon Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL: There were some considerable issues with the 2018 Census which resulted in an overall response rate of unfortunately around about 81 percent overall. Significant effort has been made in this census to ensure that we get a good overall response rate. We're now sitting close to 88 89 percent overall and we're confident that we'll get there. In terms of the Māori response rate the response rate in 2018—the raw individual partial response rate—actually sat at about 67 percent. We are now tracking along at about 72 percent from Māori. We would of course like that to be higher so I encourage any iwi leaders any people who are prominent in the Māori communities any sports players who can to encourage people in the Māori communities to complete their census.Simon Watts: Can she confirm media reports that the number of people undertaking personal grievances relating to the 2023 Census has doubled since it was last reported and what is the number of personal grievances received to date?Hon Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL: I do understand that there are some personal grievances being taken by some census workers against the person or agency which employed them. That is an ongoing process and it is an operational matter for Stats NZ.Simon Watts: Point of order Mr Speaker. You may be expecting what I am going to ask but my question was pretty clear in regards to the number of personal grievances received to date and that wasn't answered.SPEAKER: It was definitely addressed though.Simon Watts: Has she spoken to the Minister of Justice about reports that they will be using that same recruitment contractor for the general election as was used for the 2023 Census given that contractor now has multiple personal grievance cases taken against them and if so why not?Hon Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL: I have not spoken to the Minister of Justice about that."
8. Question No. 8—PoliceHon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 8—Police8. Hon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa) to the Minister of Police: Does she stand by her statement It is my view that New Zealanders feel safer"; if so why? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN (Minister of Police): As per my response to written question No. 11101 and oral questions on 9 May 11 May 17 May and yesterday on 30 May I again stand by my full statement that "In my view New Zealanders feel safer with a Government on track to deliver 1800 additional police officers." Hon Mark Mitchell: Have ram raids increased or decreased since she became police Minister? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN: Ram raids peaked last year in August with 116. Since that time we have seen peaks and troughs. I acknowledge there is a problem and I will continue to work to make sure we see those numbers come down. Hon Michael Woodhouse: Point of order Mr Speaker. The question was direct and time-bound and it was not addressed in the period since the Minister became the Minister. SPEAKER: That may or may not be correct; I wouldn't have a clue. I didn't hear it. The House is clearly telling me that it did not want to hear the answer. Settle down and we might get to hearing some questions. Hon Michael Woodhouse: Speaking to that point of order—SPEAKER: Another point of order? Hon Michael Woodhouse: Yes. I think you're absolutely right Mr Speaker but I would add that disorder arrives when Ministers do not address questions which are clear and obvious. SPEAKER: Not in this instance. I was listening very carefully and it started before the Minister opened her mouth. Hon Mark Mitchell: Have ram raids increased or decreased since she became police Minister? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN: We have seen in August 2022 a peak of 116; as of April there were 68. There's been a decrease of 41 percent since peak levels in 2022. We are now averaging approximately 55 a month. Hon Mark Mitchell: Point of order Mr Speaker. That time—in silence—it was a very tight clear direct question. The Minister did not address the question at all. SPEAKER: I disagree with you. You can use your supplementaries to find out more information. Hon Mark Mitchell: Was the Minister the Minister of Police in August of last year? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN: I couldn't hear the question sorry. Hon Mark Mitchell: Was the Minister the Minister of Police in August of last year? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN: No. Hon Mark Mitchell: Supplementary. [Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Well that just cost the—you can have an extra question for that. Hon Mark Mitchell: Thank you Mr Speaker. So can the Minister please answer the question for the period that she has been Minister: have ram raids increased or decreased since she's been Minister? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN: As I've said clearly there has been a peak at 116. Those levels fluctuate on any given month. If that member wants to get into the details per month we've seen an increase of 10 from last month to this month."
7. Question No. 7—Trade and Export GrowthIBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Minister for Trade and Export GrowthQuestion No. 7—Trade and Export Growth7. IBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Minister for Trade and Export Growth: How will the New Zealand – United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement benefit New Zealand?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister for Trade and Export Growth): It's a great day for exporters for importers and for the wider New Zealand economy. The United Kingdom - New Zealand free-trade agreement (FTA) has now officially entered into force. From today New Zealand's exporters will reap the rewards of this Government's gold standard agreement. The UK FTA delivers unprecedented access to the fifth-largest economy in the world and a consumer market worth $3 trillion. As of today 99.5 percent of current exports will now enter the UK duty-free thanks to a combination of tariff eliminations and duty-free quotas. That saves Kiwi businesses $37 million from day one. I want to thank officials and the two Prime Ministers—Ardern and Hipkins—who have both pushed hard to get this FTA completed so quickly.Ibrahim Omer: What does that mean for everyday New Zealanders?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: We know that one-in-four New Zealanders' jobs depend on trade and that employment grows up to 12 percent faster when businesses start exporting. In a cost of living crisis the UK FTA cuts cost for exporters boosts opportunities for small business and creates and protects Kiwi jobs. The Labour Government knows that trade is key to our growing economy and the UK FTA will boost our GDP by up to a billion dollars.Ibrahim Omer: How does the UK FTA support our primary sector?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: More good news. The primary sector is hugely important to our economic security. Last year we saw primary export earnings reach a record—a record—$53 billion. The UK FTA unlocks unprecedented access to the UK market for our farmers and growers the kind of access that we haven't seen since the 1970s. For example our wine industry New Zealand's biggest export to the UK has had at least $25 million in tariffs disappear overnight; honey producers will no longer face a 16 percent duty; and our dairy and red meat sectors will transition to duty-free quota access for the first time in 50 years.Ibrahim Omer: How does the UK FTA support the Government's trade recovery strategy?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: It just keeps getting better I tell you! The Labour Government is committed to opening as many doors as possible for Kiwi exporters. Since 2017 we have signed seven new—seven new—or upgraded free-trade agreements: the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership thank you Mr Parker; the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership; the EU FTA; the UK FTA; the Australia and New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement upgrade; China upgrade; and Singapore. What we have secured for New Zealanders is historic and I want to once again thank all the officials and politicians involved in that.
5. Question No. 5—Māori EducationPAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai) to the Associate Minister of Education (Māori Education)Question No. 5—Māori Education5. PAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai) to the Associate Minister of Education (Māori Education): Talofa. How is Budget 2023 supporting Māori education?Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Associate Minister of Education (Māori Education)): Talofa lava Mr Speaker. The balanced approach taken in Budget 2023 has enabled the Government to continue our substantial support for Māori education with a further $225 million investment to support ākonga and kura across the country. This funding will improve and modernise kura infrastructure across Aotearoa fund learning support co-ordination for schools and kura providing kaupapa Māori and Māori-medium education and support the roll-out of our local histories curriculum to make sure ākonga learn more about their home and its people and much more.Paul Eagle: What is the significance of the investment in kura infrastructure?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Well Budget 2023 sees the biggest ever investment in kaupapa Māori and Māori-medium infrastructure with nearly $135 million targeted at building more classrooms and modernising existing ones acquiring new land for more kura and setting aside specific funding for the maintenance and remediation of kōhanga reo and puna reo across Aotearoa. This record investment builds on our consecutive investments in kura property across our previous two Budgets.Paul Eagle: How will ākonga Māori benefit from the new funding for learning support?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Ākonga Māori and kaupapa Māori and Māori-medium education have been under-served by the education system in terms of their access to learning support. This $40 million initiative provides support for learners with the highest needs. It will impact about 25000 ākonga Māori across 325 kura providing kaupapa Māori and Māori-medium education—that's levels 1 and 2—and their whānau. It offers resourcing for the design and delivery of solutions to strengthen the capacity and capability of these schools and kura to identify plan and coordinate responses to the learning strengths and support needs of ākonga Māori in partnership with whānau.Paul Eagle: How else will ākonga Māori be supported through the Budget 2023 Māori education package?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Well there are a number of ways but I'll just touch on two. First of all nurturing mātauranga Māori through the continued support of Te Matatini and national primary and secondary school kapa haka competition but also nearly $18 million providing 6500 ākonga Māori to enter the Pūhoro STEMM Academy. This will enable them the opportunity to study and have employment opportunities in science engineering technology the arts and mathematics.
3. Question No. 3—EnvironmentTEANAU TUIONO (Green) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 3—Environment3. TEANAU TUIONO (Green) to the Minister for the Environment: Talofa lava. Does he have confidence that the approach to regulating wastewater discharges to the coastal marine and estuarine environment is fit for purpose taking into account environmental and Te Tiriti o Waitangi?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): There are longstanding problems with sewage discharges into the coastal marine and estuarine environments. Storm overflow events have become more common. Sewage discharges have continued because of under-investment in sewage treatment infrastructure. Improvements cannot be achieved via the planning system alone which is why the Government is addressing these issues through the affordable water reforms. It is appalling that many of New Zealand's beaches and estuaries are regularly polluted by sewage. We're meant to be a First World country.Teanau Tuiono: Does he consider it consistent with the aims of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement for waste water to be discharged from sewage plants into Hokianga Harbour and if not why not?Hon DAVID PARKER: No. It's transparently obvious that we shouldn't be pouring sewage into our estuaries.Hon Marama Davidson: Talofa lava. What assurances can he give to the people of places like Kohukohu Rāwene Ōpōnoni Ōmāpere Waimā Whirinaki and Motukaraka that changes to the planning framework and water services will stop community waste-water plants discharging sewage into Hokianga Harbour?Hon DAVID PARKER: There is I've seen from the media a live application to the Far North District Council in respect of some of those issues and I expect those decisions will be taken by the council responsibly. I do note that the shorter medium and longer term solutions to these lack of infrastructure problems lie in the affordable water reforms rather than the resource management reforms.Teanau Tuiono: What if any funding is the Ministry for the Environment providing to help Far North District Council shift to discharging waste water on to land rather than into the Hokianga Harbour?Hon DAVID PARKER: None because that's not the role of the Ministry for the Environment. Affordable waters will address those issues.Hon Marama Davidson: Does he consider it fair that tangata whenua have to respond to every application made to destroy or degrade their local environment so that taonga can be protected?Hon DAVID PARKER: I think it's one of the strengths of the New Zealand system that people who are dissatisfied with applications to pollute have a right of participation. That includes tangata whenua as well as other New Zealanders.
1. Question No. 1—HealthDr TRACEY McLELLAN (Labour—Banks Peninsula) to the Minister of HealthORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Health1. Dr TRACEY McLELLAN (Labour—Banks Peninsula) to the Minister of Health: Talofa lava Mr Speaker. How has Budget 2023 reduced the cost of healthcare for New Zealand households?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL (Minister of Health): I was proud to announce that this Government is reducing the cost of healthcare to New Zealand households by removing the $5 copayment for prescription medicines in July this year. Removing the $5 charge will make it easier and cheaper for New Zealanders to access the medicines they need having a meaningful impact on many households particularly those who have multiple prescriptions to fill on a regular basis.Dr Tracey McLellan: Can the Minister tell us more—why has the Government removed the $5 prescription fee from medicines?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: The $5 charge is a barrier to some New Zealanders getting the medicines they need. As a doctor there were times when my patients couldn't get the medicines they needed to stay well. This is particularly the case for low-income households Māori Pasifika people and disabled New Zealanders at a time when people are facing increasing pressures on household budgets.Dr Tracey McLellan: How will this support the health and wellbeing of those New Zealanders?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: By removing the $5 co-payment on prescription medicines we are investing in simple treatments that prevent chronic conditions becoming emergencies that need hospital treatment. We're making it easier to get blood pressure treatment so fewer people have strokes. People will have more access to diabetes treatments that prevent kidney failure and blindness. We're also making it easier to get cholesterol treatment to prevent heart attacks. This will help seniors on fixed incomes young people needing contraception and people with chronic conditions.Dr Tracey McLellan: What feedback have you received about this policy?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: Pharmacists and health advocates across the country have welcomed this policy. Unichem Central Pharmacy Rotorua owner David Honore said It was a huge help. The co-payment has been a barrier for many of our patients." Bindi Norwell of ProCare said "Today's announcement will save the Government money and shift the dial significantly from an equity perspective." And Pharmacy Guild chief executive Andrew Gaudin who has advocated for this policy for many years said it would make a huge difference to patients who have previously had to make difficult choices when they are sick."
O'Connor Greg; Dean JacquiHouse resumed.REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSECHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): Madam Speaker the committee has considered the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Bill and reports it without amendment. The committee has also considered the Health and Safety at Work (Health and Safety Representatives and Committees) Amendment Bill and reports it without amendment. The committee has also considered the Charities Amendment Bill and reports progress. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members the House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow.The House adjourned at 9.57 p.m.
Charities Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 1 (continued)
Upston Louise; O'Connor GregHon LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō): Thank you Mr Chair. I want to follow on from my colleague Jan Logie in terms of exploring in more practical terms this definition of officer". I want to use a practical example from the submission of Philanthropy New Zealand who have over 200 members representing the donors to many of the 28000 registered charities that this bill is purporting to support. In their submission they ponder the question of definition of "officer" and whether or not in the new definition even a donor can be captured by this definition. There is confusion around whether it's someone in senior management like a chief executive other staff or volunteers. So I would ask the Minister to very clearly and succinctly put on record for the committee today: who is captured by the definition of an "officer" and who is not?CHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): The time has come for me to report progress. I would anticipate some time for that answer.Progress to be reported."
Radhakrishnan PriyancaHon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector): I'll just clarify some of the points made by members in their contributions this evening starting with Jan Logie's comments. Just to reiterate—I've made this point a couple of times already in regard to questions or comments around the definition of officer"—the point of this is in response to the Social Services and Community Committee's recommendation that the definition of "officer" be amended so that it's clearer and that it's more precise and actually clarifies who's captured by the definition. I do believe that the amendment achieves that aim. As I've said previously tonight the aim here is to capture those who exert significant influence over either the financial decision-making or the operational and strategic decision-making of an entity of a charity.To the point around language that the member raised: I am advised that the Parliamentary Counsel Office has advised us that the two words that she mentioned—"achieve" and "furthering" a charitable purpose—actually have the same effect when it comes to the legislation. So that has actually been checked and squared off in that sense.To the point around the crossover or the potential crossover into employment law if the definition of "officer" captures for example a chief executive which it well may if the chief executive does exert significant influence over either the financial or strategic/operational decision-making of the charity—and that is the point because in some cases there will be individuals who are either in management or governance roles but who do exert significant influence. The whole point of the amendment is to ensure that they are accountable if they do so.With regard to crossing into employment law it does not is the short answer because basically the implications that arise from the officer's duty will be confined to this particular legislation the Charities Act. Most charities will have a different legal structure whether that's as a company or a trust or something else entirely and there will be different pieces of legislation that deal with issues therein.Finally to the amendment tabled by Simon O'Connor being able to—Simon O'Connor: Great amendment.Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN: Sorry?Joseph Mooney: Great amendment.Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN: —by Simon O'Connor—I feel your support for the charitable sector and of course it is one that I share and would want them to be able to carry on with their duties. However unfortunately my understanding is that the issues you raise are actually dealt through the Gambling Act and therefore out of scope with this particular piece of legislation."