edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
English Bill: Motions — Nepal—EarthquakeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeEnglish Bill: Motions — Nepal—Earthquake[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon BILL ENGLISH (Acting Prime Minister):I seek leave to move a motion without notice in relation to the earthquake in Nepal.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Hon BILL ENGLISH: I move That this House express its support and condolences to the people and Government of Nepal following the devastating earthquake which struck there on 25 April 2015. On Anzac Day a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the South Asia region centred north-west of Kathmandu. The full extent of the tragedy is now becoming clear with more than 4000 people killed and over 7000 injured in Nepal India China Pakistan and Bangladesh. The scale of the destruction in Nepal is devastating and the images we are seeing from out of the affected areas are upsetting. The damage to infrastructure and the economy has been immense. We know from recent experience the suffering that an earthquake of this magnitude can bring and how difficult the response and the recovery can be. We also know how important it is to work with authorities to coordinate a response to ensure that it is beneficial. We also learnt from the Christchurch earthquakes that no country has to face this alone. The international community stands ready to help.In New Zealand’s case there is immense goodwill between New Zealand and Nepal based on our links through Sir Edmund Hillary and the ongoing work of the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. In recognition of this special relationship and in response to the scale of the tragedy we have announced an initial contribution of $1 million to the immediate relief effort and we will continue to assess how we can further assist both in the short term and in the coming years because as we know from our own experience recovery takes a long time. This funding will be delivered to agencies that are active on the ground and that have the capability to provide immediate assistance. We have also deployed three consular staff to Kathmandu to support our honorary consul and to provide assistance to New Zealanders in response to the earthquake. We have confirmed the well-being of 236 New Zealanders in Nepal. Given the scale of this disaster and the fact that communications remain intermittent it may take time to account for all the New Zealanders in the affected areas.Again on behalf of this House and all New Zealanders I extend our condolences to the Prime Minister of Nepal Sushil Koirala and the Nepalese people during this difficult time. We also offer our condolences to all of those in Bangladesh China India and Pakistan who have been affected by this tragedy.
Carter David: Obituaries — Dorothy Catherine Jelicich QSO Hon Ronald Leslie Bailey QSOText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Obituaries — Dorothy Catherine Jelicich QSO Hon Ronald Leslie Bailey QSO[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members I regret to inform the House of the death on 10 April 2015 of Dorothy Catherine Jelicich QSO recipient of the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal who represented the Hamilton West electorate from 1972 to 1975. Mrs Jelicich had made many notable achievements amongst them she was the first woman in New Zealand’s parliamentary history to open the Address in Reply debate.I also regret to inform the House of the death on 16 April 2015 of the Hon Ronald Leslie Bailey QSO who represented the Heretaunga electorate from 1960 to 1981. Mr Bailey was the Minister of Railways and the Minister of Electricity from 1974 to 1975 and Chairman of Committees from 1973 to 1974.I desire on behalf of this House to express our sense of the loss we have sustained and our sympathy with the relatives of the late former members. I now ask members to stand with me and observe a period of silence as a mark of respect for their memory.Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.
Carter David: List Member VacancyText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: List Member Vacancy[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I have received from the Electoral Commission a return declaring Ria Iris Daphne Bond to be elected a member of Parliament to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Rt Hon Winston Peters from his list seat. I understand that Ria Bond is present and wishes to take the oath. Would she please come forward to the chair on my right.
Points of Order — Rt Hon Mike Moore—RecoveryText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePoints of Order — Rt Hon Mike Moore—Recovery[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2906. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Points of OrderRt Hon Mike Moore—RecoveryHon ANNETTE KING (Deputy Leader—Labour):I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I believe the House would want to join with the Labour Party in wishing Mike Moore former Prime Minister and our ambassador to the United States a speedy recovery following the stroke he suffered several days ago. We need him back at work. There is still much work to be done Mike.Hon Simon Bridges: Speaking to the point of order Mr Speaker.Mr SPEAKER: It is unusual to do it this way but I call the Hon Simon Bridges.Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Energy and Resources):I just want to join with the member opposite and also for this side of the House in wishing Mr Moore a swift and fulsome recovery.Mr SPEAKER: I thank the House.
Carter David: Resignations — Rt Hon Winston Peters New Zealand FirstText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Resignations — Rt Hon Winston Peters New Zealand First[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members I wish to advise the House that I have received a letter fromthe Rt Hon Winston Petersresigning his list seat in the House with effect at midnight on 23 April 2015.
Carter David: By-Election — NorthlandText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: By-Election — Northland[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members I have received from the Electoral Commission a writ dated 14 April 2015 declaring the Rt Hon Winston Peters to be elected to represent the electorate of Northland.
Obituaries — Dorothy Catherine Jelicich QSO Hon Ronald Leslie Bailey QSOText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeObituaries — Dorothy Catherine Jelicich QSO Hon Ronald Leslie Bailey QSO[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]ObituariesDorothy Catherine Jelicich QSOHon Ronald Leslie Bailey QSOMr SPEAKER: Honourable members I regret to inform the House of the death on 10 April 2015 of Dorothy Catherine Jelicich QSO recipient of the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal who represented the Hamilton West electorate from 1972 to 1975. Mrs Jelicich had made many notable achievements amongst them she was the first woman in New Zealand’s parliamentary history to open the Address in Reply debate.I also regret to inform the House of the death on 16 April 2015 of the Hon Ronald Leslie Bailey QSO who represented the Heretaunga electorate from 1960 to 1981. Mr Bailey was the Minister of Railways and the Minister of Electricity from 1974 to 1975 and Chairman of Committees from 1973 to 1974.I desire on behalf of this House to express our sense of the loss we have sustained and our sympathy with the relatives of the late former members. I now ask members to stand with me and observe a period of silence as a mark of respect for their memory.Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.
Members SwornText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMembers Sworn[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Members SwornMr Speaker administered the Oath of Allegiance to Ria Bond who then took her seat in the House.
List Member VacancyText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeList Member Vacancy[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]List Member VacancyMr SPEAKER: I have received from the Electoral Commission a return declaring Ria Iris Daphne Bond to be elected a member of Parliament to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Rt Hon Winston Peters from his list seat. I understand that Ria Bond is present and wishes to take the oath. Would she please come forward to the chair on my right.
Resignations — Rt Hon Winston Peters New Zealand FirstText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeResignations — Rt Hon Winston Peters New Zealand First[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]ResignationsRt Hon Winston Peters New Zealand FirstMr SPEAKER: Honourable members I wish to advise the House that I have received a letter fromthe Rt Hon Winston Petersresigning his list seat in the House with effect at midnight on 23 April 2015.
By-Election — NorthlandText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBy-Election — Northland[Sitting date: 28 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2901. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Tuesday 28 April 2015Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.By-ElectionNorthlandMr SPEAKER: Honourable members I have received from the Electoral Commission a writ dated 14 April 2015 declaring the Rt Hon Winston Peters to be elected to represent the electorate of Northland.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — Third Reading[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2891. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) be now read a third time.Ayes 95New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 25Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.Bill read a third time.
Tisch Lindsay: Third Readings —Text is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Third Readings —[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2899. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Members in accordance with leave given yesterday the House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 28 April 2015. Enjoy the adjournment break. Good afternoon.
Carter David: Points of Order — Report—Referral to Select CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Points of Order — Report—Referral to Select Committee[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2885. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that particular report to be referred to the select committee. Is there any objection? There is.
Ardern Jacinda: Points of Order — Report—Referral to Select CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeArdern Jacinda: Points of Order — Report—Referral to Select Committee[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2885. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JACINDA ARDERN (Labour):I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave for the report Fault lines: Human Rights in New Zealand by Margaret Wilson to be referred to the Justice and Electoral Committee for consideration and report back to Parliament.
Kuriger Barbara: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeKuriger Barbara: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2882. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]10.BARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki—King Country)to the Minister for Small Business: How are small businesses benefiting from the Better for Business - Result 9 Programme?Hon CRAIG FOSS (Minister for Small Business):This week the Government introduced the New Zealand Business Number Bill a key part of the Better for Business - Result 9 programme. This bill enables certain entities including small and medium sized enterprises to obtain or be allocated a New Zealand Business Number and to be registered on the New Zealand Business Number register. The New Zealand Business Number means that small and medium businesses will be able to update their details in one place in order to automatically update that same information across other Government agencies. New Zealand small businesses are spending less time on administration and more time on what they do best: business.Barbara Kuriger: How else are small and medium businesses benefiting from the Better for Business - Result 9 programme?Hon CRAIG FOSS: Through the website business.govt.nz small and medium businesses are able to access the Government-related advice and support they need to set up operate and grow. The business.govt.nz site also offers tools such as the Compliance Matters tool. The Compliance Matters tool makes managing Government compliance easy with seven Government agencies now contributing to that tool which can save valuable time for small and medium businesses. Tools such as these mean that small and medium businesses can focus more on their business and less on compliance.Barbara Kuriger: What other tools are available through business.govt.nz to support small and medium businesses?Hon CRAIG FOSS: Through business.govt.nz small and medium businesses can learn about starting a business and managing and growing a business; calculate the cost for hiring new employees; and use the one-check search for a company name domain and trademark—all in one place. Small and medium businesses are benefiting—[Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order!Hon CRAIG FOSS: Would you like me to start again Mr Speaker?Mr SPEAKER: No I certainly would not like you to start again. I would be very grateful if you would finish the answer quickly.Hon CRAIG FOSS: Small and medium businesses are benefiting from these initiatives. They make it easier to interact with the Government agencies and are being supported through the various tools available through business.govt.nz.
Mitchell Mark: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMitchell Mark: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2879. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney)to the Minister of Trade: What recent steps has the Government taken to promote and support New Zealand exporters?Hon TIM GROSER (Minister of Trade):Well a large number of measures but most recently this week Minister Goldsmith and I announced that the Government is ready to implement the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act to protect and promote the premium value of New Zealand’s wines on the international stage. For members who may not be familiar with the concept this geographical indication is a label one can attach to a product in this case our wonderful wines to indicate the qualities and reputation of the region concerned.Mark Mitchell: Why is it important that the Government implement this Act?Hon TIM GROSER: The industry’s position on this has evolved but I think it is a reflection of the enormous maturity of our wine industry that it is now ready to stand up and protect its intellectual property. It will be very important to the future growth of this outstanding industry which has grown at an annual average rate of nearly 25 percent in every year over the last 20 years to now have the intellectual property that it needs around its excellent product.Mark Mitchell: What else has the Government done to improve access into markets for the New Zealand wine industry?Hon TIM GROSER: Well now that New Zealand wine is already our sixth-largest export item—up from I think 18th or 19th only 10 years ago—a great deal. In the last two agreements that this Government has overseen we eliminated the tariff of 15 percent on wine in the Korea free-trade agreement assuming that this House will pass the implementing legislation and we eliminated tariffs on wine ranging up to 20 percent on the arrangement we have with Taiwan which has led to a spectacular 60 percent increase in New Zealand wine exports to Taiwan since that came into effect on 1 December last year.
Doocey Matt: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDoocey Matt: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2875. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]5.MATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri)to the Minister for Social Development: What announcements has she made to improve statutory child protection in New Zealand?Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Social Development):Yesterday I set up an independent panel to lead a complete overhaul of Child Youth and Family. The panel led by Paula Rebstock will look at all aspects of Child Youth and Family operations and will oversee the development and implementation of a new operating model to modernise Child Youth and Family. We must do better to protect vulnerable children in need of statutory care and this review will ensure that Child Youth and Family is in the best possible position to improve results in the decades ahead.Matt Doocey: Why has she established an independent panel to lead the development of a new operating model for Child Youth and Family?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: A number of reports in recent years have highlighted issues with Child Youth and Family and it is clear that significant change is required. An expert panel will inject fresh thinking and external expertise into the development of a wide-ranging business case. We need to make sure that Child Youth and Family is focusing on its core business and is putting children and young people in care at the centre of everything it does. The panel will deliver a high level business case to me by 30 July this year and a detailed business case by the end of this year.Darroch Ball: If the Minister believes so strongly that improving our child protection systems needs to be prioritised then why on earth did she and so many of her colleagues refuse leave for the member for Northland the Rt Hon Winston Peters to introduce the Criminal Procedure (Removing Paedophile Name Suppression) Amendment Bill yesterday?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I believe that looking after our vulnerable children is a really serious issue and I believe that that piece of legislation was a knee-jerk reaction.Jacinda Ardern: Has she asked the expert panel to look at why the police’s recorded offences against children is 56 percent higher than when her Government came in—notifications have increased dramatically—and yet Child Youth and Family is still investigating only roughly the same number of cases that it was 5 years ago?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: If the member goes to the Ministry of Social Development website she will see the terms of reference for the expert panel which are broad ranging. So meeting with the panel today I have told them to look at all the structure of Child Youth and Family and the operation of Child Youth and Family so that we can all be sure that we have a model that is looking after those most vulnerable children in our communities.
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2871. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am not prepared to put that leave. It is quite clearly established in the Speakers’ rulings that the Government has every right to decide who is in its opinion the most appropriate Minister to answer the question. It has transferred it and that must be accepted.
Genter Julie Anne: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeGenter Julie Anne: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2871. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JULIE ANNE GENTER (Green):I seek leave of the House to have my question transferred back to the Minister of Transport as my question pertains to a critical component of our transport infrastructure.
Carter David: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of OrderText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of Order[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2870. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I am only too happy to explain it to the member. The consistency is that I have an opportunity to study every primary question before it is ultimately accepted. When it comes to supplementary questions I do not have any pre-warning about where a supplementary question may go. Over time we have seen all members of this House allow more political debate to creep into their supplementary questions which leaves me as I have explained to the member on other occasions two choices: to simply rule the question out of order which I think I did on two occasions yesterday or Tuesday or to accept that the question contains some politics or irony in it and give the Minister then answering that question more licence in his or her answer.
Peters Winston: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of OrderText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePeters Winston: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of Order[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2870. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First):I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.Mr SPEAKER: Order! Is this a fresh point of order?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: It is a fresh point of order.Mr SPEAKER: Good. I look forward to it.Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: If that is your ruling then how come yesterday members were able to raise that in their supplementary questions and were not ruled out by you but a day later—today—they are? What is the consistency there?
Mark Ron: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of OrderText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMark Ron: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of Order[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]RON MARK (NZ First):Speaking to the point of order Mr Speaker—Mr SPEAKER: I will allow Ron Mark if he has further to add.RON MARK: This question was accepted by the Table Office as valid. The reference to April Fool’s Day might well be—Mr SPEAKER: Order! Is the member adding anything further to the point of order?RON MARK: Well the point is that at every point of Standing Order 377 this question was within the parameters of the Standing Orders and should not have been ruled out. I think that if it is going to be we deserve a ruling from the Chair so that going forth we can be better guided.Mr SPEAKER: And I am only too happy to help the member. Although I accept the point made by Mr Mark that the question was initially accepted by the Table Office I am the ultimate adjudicator as to whether a question meets the Standing Orders. On this occasion I referred to Standing Order 380(1)(b) and considered that it did have an ironic expression. I further considered Standing Order 380(1)(c) and thought that such a discreditable reference brought this House into disrepute. On that basis I ruled the question out of order. I gave the member a chance to change it and refer to the date being 1 April. The member then accepted my judgment and the question was submitted and accepted on that basis.
Brownlee Gerry: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of OrderText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of Order[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):That is an interesting request that has been made by the New Zealand First member. Other days that are referred to are days that are less than ironic expressions. You could hardly suggest that Father’s Day or Mother’s Day is an ironic expression or that Easter Sunday is an ironic expression but April Fool’s Day is most definitely an ironic expression and that is clearly dealt with in the Standing Orders.
Mark Ron: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of OrderText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMark Ron: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of Order[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]RON MARK (NZ First):I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Today you ruled out of order the original text of my colleague Mahesh Bindra’s question to the Minister of Corrections which referred to yesterday as April Fool’s Day. The question’s original wording was accepted by the Table Office as valid. I refer you to Speaker’s ruling 160/6 and Standing Order 377. Going through both those references the question as originally put and accepted by the Table Office as valid meets all points. Can I ask you as the Speaker to give the House a ruling on this matter because your determination now effectively rules out primary questions that reference unofficial dates such as Mother’s Day St Patrick’s Day and Father’s Day.
Carter David: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of OrderText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of Order[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought to move that particular motion without debate. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Fox Marama: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of OrderText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFox Marama: Points of Order — Australia—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice Question No. 12 to Minister—References Ruled Out of Order[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MARAMA FOX (Co-Leader—Māori Party):I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move without notice and without debate a motion in my name regarding the forced closure of aboriginal communities in Australia.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):Well the relative inexperience of the shadow Leader of the House is showing through in that statement. He will know that this is a very busy Government; they are big pieces of legislation that are before the House at the present time. And if I might quote a former Leader of the House when a similar question was posed to him in about 2004 his reply then was: “Stand by; more is on its way.”
Hipkins Chris: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHipkins Chris: Business Statement[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour):Can I start by wishing all members of the House a very happy Easter break. I notice that there are currently only 21 Government orders of the day available on the Order Paper and in fact there are 22 members’ orders of the day available on the Order Paper. I wonder whether the Leader of the House has given any consideration to increasing the allocation of time to members’ orders of the day given that the Government seems to be having difficulty filling its half of the Order Paper.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):Next week the House begins a 3-week adjournment. When the House resumes on 28 April it is the Government’s intention to begin the debate on the Appropriation (2013/14 Confirmation and Validation) Bill as well as a number of other second and third readings on the Order Paper.
Points of Order — Report—Referral to Select CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePoints of Order — Report—Referral to Select Committee[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2885. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Points of OrderReport—Referral to Select CommitteeJACINDA ARDERN (Labour):I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave for the report Fault lines: Human Rights in New Zealand by Margaret Wilson to be referred to the Justice and Electoral Committee for consideration and report back to Parliament.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that particular report to be referred to the select committee. Is there any objection? There is.
Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBusiness Statement[Sitting date: 02 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Thursday 2 April 2015Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.Business StatementHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):Next week the House begins a 3-week adjournment. When the House resumes on 28 April it is the Government’s intention to begin the debate on the Appropriation (2013/14 Confirmation and Validation) Bill as well as a number of other second and third readings on the Order Paper.CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour):Can I start by wishing all members of the House a very happy Easter break. I notice that there are currently only 21 Government orders of the day available on the Order Paper and in fact there are 22 members’ orders of the day available on the Order Paper. I wonder whether the Leader of the House has given any consideration to increasing the allocation of time to members’ orders of the day given that the Government seems to be having difficulty filling its half of the Order Paper.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):Well the relative inexperience of the shadow Leader of the House is showing through in that statement. He will know that this is a very busy Government; they are big pieces of legislation that are before the House at the present time. And if I might quote a former Leader of the House when a similar question was posed to him in about 2004 his reply then was: “Stand by; more is on its way.”
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2643. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat clauses 1 to 3 be agreed to.Ayes 95New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 25Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.Clauses 1 to 3 agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment presently.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2643. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat the new schedule as amended be agreed to.Ayes 95New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 25Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.New schedule as amended agreed to.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2643. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 95New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 25Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.Amendment agreed to.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2643. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat Part 2 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 95New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 25Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.Part 2 as amended agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 64 in the name of the Hon Anne Tolley to the new schedule be agreed to.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2642. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat the amendments to Part 2 be agreed to.Ayes 106New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; New Zealand First 11; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 14Green Party 14.Amendments agreed to.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2642. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat Part 1 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 95New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 25Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.Part 1 as amended agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 56 in the name of the Hon Anne Tolley to Part 2 be agreed to.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2642. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 95New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 25Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.Amendments agreed to.
Mallard Trevor: Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2646. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): I regret to inform the member that the time has come for me to report progress.Debate interrupted.Progress to be reported presently.House resumed.The Chairperson reported the Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill with amendment the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) with amendment and progress on the Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2).Report adopted.
Foster-Bell Paul: Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFoster-Bell Paul: Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2643. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]PAUL FOSTER-BELL (National):I seek leave for debate in the Committee stage of the Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) to be taken as one question with each part to be voted upon separately.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Leave has been sought. Is there any objection to that occurring? There is no objection.
Parmar Parmjeet: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeParmar Parmjeet: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2640. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Dr PARMJEET PARMAR (National):Thank you Mr Chair for the opportunity to take a call on the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) in its Committee stage. Previous contributions discussed wider issues around the adequacy of the accommodation assistance available to students through different student support systems. There was a view expressed that the student accommodation rate does not meet students’ needs and there was a suggestion that the select committee should look at why students are accessing the accommodation supplement. But this bill is not about the assistance level provided to students. This bill is not about deciding whether student assistance is generous or not. This bill is to close loopholes in the existing Act.This bill is short but very important. It is a very simple one. It has just two parts. Clause 4 in Part 1 of the bill amends the principal Act and clarifies the eligibility criteria. It clarifies that students who choose not to apply for a student allowance under the Student Allowances Regulations 1998 are excluded from receiving the accommodation supplement. Clause 4 also clarifies that the income test will include a spouse’s or partner’s income as well as parental income.As the Minister in charge of the bill the Hon Anne Tolley explained assistance for students is designed to be through a shared approach towards their tertiary education—the Government and the student—because the Government and the student benefit from that tertiary education. Again I say that this bill is not about the level of assistance provided. It is about closing the loopholes that exist in the existing legislation and students should receive the assistance that is designed for them. But the current wording in the Social Security Act is not clear enough and it leaves open the loophole that allows people to claim the accommodation supplement if they give up the student allowance. The accommodation supplement is intended to assist low and middle income families who have accommodation costs and do not receive a student allowance or loan.Part 1 also intends to ensure that the direct deduction of weekly compensation payment applies whether these payments come from ACC or an accredited employer. Clauses 5 7 and 8 provide for consistent treatment for weekly compensation payments whether made by or on behalf of ACC or on behalf of an accredited employer. I also want to clarify what I heard before about the burden of this on employers. The fact is that this legislation will not impose any additional costs on businesses. So I support the bill as it is. Thank you.
Doocey Matt: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDoocey Matt: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2635. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri):It is an honour to rise and take a brief call on the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3). I would very much like to take the time to focus on the nub of the debate around the student allowance versus the accommodation supplement. But first I would like to take a step back and say that I am proud to live in a country that has a Social Security Act and it is right that we are putting the right provisions around beneficiaries and students—obviously they need very different support and we can expand on that further.Clause 4 relates to the accommodation supplement. It amends the principal Act by clarifying that students are ineligible for the supplement if they may receive grants under the Student Allowances Regulations 1998. My fellow Canterbury MP across the Chamber Poto Williams described this bill as a 4-year-old child after taking 4 years to come into the House. But considering that a child develops 95 percent of their brain in the first 4 years of development you could say that this bill is at a very good developmental stage.What I would like to focus on are the issues concerning students. Being a student is very much another interesting developmental stage. As we know students take risks and push boundaries and I think that is probably what this is all about. It is about students gaming the system. Obviously there are some students out there who are quite bright and quite intelligent and they have realised that if they decline the allowance then they can qualify for the accommodation supplement. This is why this bill in clause 4 looks to close down this loophole this gaming. You could just imagine students at the local university meeting over at the Back Bencher and sharing the secret of what they had learnt about claiming a larger allowance. I think if I look at my notes that for a sole parent in Auckland with two children the maximum amount that can be paid as an accommodation supplement is $225 a week compared with $60 for an accommodation benefit on a student allowance. I think that says a lot in itself.I would also like to raise the plight of the poor old case manager who is administering this process. We all know in business that if we do not have consistent business rules and one rule for everyone it pretty much turns into a fiasco. It is very appropriate and right that we put together clear legislation that will be implemented and clear business rules for case managers to apply in this case. Thank you very much.
Tolley Anne: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTolley Anne: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2632. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Social Development):I am happy to answer that question for the benefit of the member Ron Mark on the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3). He will know that to qualify for New Zealand superannuation there is a residency qualification. It is very unfair if you might not be living here but you are paying tax here in New Zealand on your earnings but that is not counted towards your residency. So if you are a serviceman serving overseas and you are being paid a wage or a salary in New Zealand and paying tax on that then nothing changes—that counts for you. That is what that does. I hope that satisfies the member.
Foster-Bell Paul: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFoster-Bell Paul: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2623. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]PAUL FOSTER-BELL (National):I seek leave for the debate in the Committee stage of the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) to be taken as one question with each part to be voted on separately.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Chester Borrows): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.
Mallard Trevor: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2613. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Clayton—the honourable Clayton Cosgrove.
Logie Jan: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLogie Jan: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2612. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JAN LOGIE (Green):I rise to take another short call in this bill just to specifically respond to the comments of the National Party member Jami-Lee Ross specifically where I think there was some comment about how vastly generous—Hon Clayton Cosgrove: Vastly—that’s the one.JAN LOGIE: The vastly—and I did really just want to specifically draw that member’s attention to the definition of vastly because I do think that maybe he does not understand what vastly means. A synonym for vastly is enormous and what this bill will do is enable people to access money that is already in their KiwiSaver account of up to around $521 a year which considering KiwiSaver has only been around since 2007 comes to a total of just over $5000 if you have been in it the whole way. So $5000 towards the 20 percent deposit for the average house price in Auckland at the moment with the deposit needing $120000—is $5000 vastly vastly helping people? I really just—[Interruption] Well 20 percent of over $650000.Hon Member: You don’t have to have 20 percent do you?JAN LOGIE: Ah you do not have to have the loan-to-value ratio for this! We would draw Government members’ attention to the 20 percent and people needing to get into the housing market and that being a major challenge and the Government bringing this measure in in response to people raising their concern about being able to get that deposit together. I think it is fair to reference the 20 percent and to say that this is a vast step forward really misrepresents what the word “vast” means. I would refer the member back to the dictionary.I would also like to in another sense of misrepresentation again reference “remedial matters” in the title and just say that I genuinely want to engage on clauses 8 to 11 in this bill around the impact for veterans of these changes. Because what I have been hearing in this debate—and not having sat through the select committee—from one of the members is that this could result in a one-third decrease in income for veterans. That is not something that I would want to be supporting and I would genuinely like to have that clarified because I think nobody in New Zealand would consider that a remedial matter which is how it is referenced in the title of this bill.So I really would ask the Minister in the chair Nicky Wagner to stand and speak and clarify the in-the-hand impact of the changes of clauses 8 to 11 and clarify whether there will be any veterans in the country who have been receiving a certain amount of money who will have that cut back after we pass this bill. I think it is our duty in this Committee if we are going to be part of a process to actually genuinely understand the impacts of it and the Government seems to have got away so far with passing these things off as remedial matters but it is now on the radar and we do want to know.
Mallard Trevor: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2611. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): I think the member is experienced and he does know that if a Minister intends to answer the questions it is pretty obvious because the Minister will take a call. I think one should assume that if a Minister does not take a call it is not their current intention to answer questions.
Goff Phil: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeGoff Phil: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2611. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon PHIL GOFF (Labour—Mt Roskill):I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. Can we please get an indication through you as the Chair from the Minister in the chair Nicky Wagner whether she will be answering the questions that have been genuinely put. The Committee of the whole House is the opportunity to ask questions to the Minister. They are genuine questions. They have been put several times.
Borrows Chester: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 25 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2595. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Chester Borrows): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.