edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13054] 
4. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
 to the  
Minister for Economic Development 
: Why when he replied “Yes” to whether he had targets or milestones to achieve income parity with Australia by 2025 will he not share those milestones with New Zealanders? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister for Economic Development) 
: 
 In the answer I gave to the question that the member refers to I shared my first target. That target was to remove the millstones from around the neck of the New Zealand economy placed on it by the previous Labour Government. Today I would like to share two other targets. My second target is to assist the Government’s programme to undertake comprehensive economic reform of the New Zealand economy. A third target is to rebalance the economy towards export-led growth. If we are successful in achieving these targets we will achieve the Government’s milestone of achieving income parity with Australia by 2025. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Did he or his office give Steven Joyce answering on his behalf yesterday an answer that included the words “brush off”? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: Yes. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Is closing the wage gap with Australia the fundamental purpose of this Government? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: The fundamental purpose of this Government is to make life better for New Zealanders. Closing the income gap with Australia over a period of time will certainly contribute to that. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Is closing the wage gap with Australia the fundamental purpose of this Government as the Prime Minister said it was? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: In the last couple of days we have had a number of specifics attributed to the Prime Minister that have been picked out of an entire speech or the outlining of a plan. Closing the income gap with Australia is very very important for this Government. It is a long-term aspirational goal and everything that we are doing in rebalancing the economy in reorganising the economy is aimed at getting a better deal a better life quality for all New Zealanders. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: Does he know that 23 percent more Australian companies than New Zealand companies plan to lift their wage and salary levels this year and that double the number of Australian firms plan to increase staff levels and will this increase or decrease the wage gap with Australia? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: I do not have responsibility for that sort of speculation. But I will say the suggestions made by Mr Mallard if they are correct simply serve to show what an extremely ambitious target the Government has and that we have to stick to the plan we have put in place to achieve it.
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
[Volume:665;Page:13051] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I thank the Leader of the House for that short description of the next House sitting week. I offer him our thanks for the work that he is doing on planning the second week of the next sitting period where he is offering consultation with other parties on what the programme might look like. I thought after a particularly difficult session it might be a nice way to finish by saying I think he has done a very good job on that and we are genuinely grateful to him for it. It is a good sign. 
Also if you could indulge me Mr Speaker I ask the Leader of the House to pass on to the Prime Minister something that we omitted to do on Tuesday which was to also recognise his own appointment now as a right honourable member of the House. Mr Key campaigned for there to be a step change for the economy but he has been quite focused on a spelling change for his own name and we want to make sure that he is recognised for that. We did not get a chance to do that on Tuesday and we should have done that.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:665;Page:13051] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 The House will lift today for a 1-week adjournment. When the House resumes on Tuesday 17 August priority will be given to the Social Assistance (Future Focus) Bill the Tariff (New Zealand-Hong Kong China Closer Economic Partnership Agreement) Amendment Bill and other bills on the Order Paper.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:665;Page:13051] 
Thursday 5 August 2010 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Business Statement 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 The House will lift today for a 1-week adjournment. When the House resumes on Tuesday 17 August priority will be given to the Social Assistance (Future Focus) Bill the Tariff (New Zealand-Hong Kong China Closer Economic Partnership Agreement) Amendment Bill and other bills on the Order Paper. 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I thank the Leader of the House for that short description of the next House sitting week. I offer him our thanks for the work that he is doing on planning the second week of the next sitting period where he is offering consultation with other parties on what the programme might look like. I thought after a particularly difficult session it might be a nice way to finish by saying I think he has done a very good job on that and we are genuinely grateful to him for it. It is a good sign. 
Also if you could indulge me Mr Speaker I ask the Leader of the House to pass on to the Prime Minister something that we omitted to do on Tuesday which was to also recognise his own appointment now as a right honourable member of the House. Mr Key campaigned for there to be a step change for the economy but he has been quite focused on a spelling change for his own name and we want to make sure that he is recognised for that. We did not get a chance to do that on Tuesday and we should have done that. 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I thank the shadow Leader of the House for the initial backhanded comment. We simply say it comes as no surprise to us that on Thursday Labour is waking up to what it should have done on Tuesday. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am not sure how I would score that.
Vote: Employment Relations (Probationary Period Repeal) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Employment Relations (Probationary Period Repeal) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13042] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Employment Relations (Probationary Period Repeal) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 57 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1. 
Noes 64 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; United Future 1. 
Motion not agreed to.
Garrett David: Employment Relations (Probationary Period Repeal) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Garrett David: Employment Relations (Probationary Period Repeal) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13034] 
DAVID GARRETT (ACT) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I have noticed that the Hon Pete Hodgson is in the House without a tie. I raise this point not to castigate the honourable member. If I could just be heard on this— 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: I thank the member. The member is correct. I say to the member that standard business attire is what is required which includes a tie. 
DAVID GARRETT 
: Mr Deputy Speaker I had not actually finished my point of order I— 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: I knew what the— 
DAVID GARRETT 
: With respect Mr Deputy Speaker you do not. I thought that Mr Hodgson may in fact be testing the boundaries because I have consulted the  
Speakers’ Rulings 
 and indeed as you say Mr Deputy Speaker Speaker’s ruling 16/8 states that “The Speaker will take issue with any member who is not dressed in appropriate business attire”. I think there is actually a very good case to be made that these silly things that men are required to wear traditionally are no more. I say that because my legal colleagues at large law firms now routinely do not wear them— 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: I thank the member for that very enlightening example of what ties are about but I have ruled. The member has brought the issue to my attention; I thank him for that. We will move on with the debate.
Vote: Education (Board of Trustee Freedom) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Education (Board of Trustee Freedom) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13028] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Education (Board of Trustee Freedom) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 10 
ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 5. 
Noes 111 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Motion not agreed to.
Goodhew Jo: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Goodhew Jo: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12977] 
4. 
JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) 
 to the  
Minister of Agriculture 
: What measures has the Government recently taken to progress community irrigation schemes? 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister of Agriculture) 
: 
 Recently the Government announced changes to the Community Irrigation Fund. These changes will remove many of the common blockages to the development of community irrigation schemes. They are aimed squarely at fast tracking reliable but environmentally sound irrigation schemes which are a clear priority for this Government. 
Jo Goodhew 
: Why is progressing water storage and irrigation a priority for the Government? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: Water is perhaps our greatest natural advantage and has huge economic potential which is why accelerating water storage and irrigation is an important part of the Government’s economic growth agenda. In Canterbury alone irrigation currently adds approximately $800 million each year to the regional economy. There is real potential for a much greater contribution from Canterbury and from throughout New Zealand. However I stress that this is not about irrigation at any cost; any new schemes will have to meet very high environmental standards. 
Jo Goodhew 
: What other steps is the Government taking to progress environmentally and economically sensible irrigation projects? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: The Government has a major work programme under way to progress better water management. Aside from expanding the Community Irrigation Fund we have established the Land and Water Forum which is due to report to the Government shortly; we have reformed the Resource Management Act; we have appointed commissioners to deal with Canterbury’s water issues; and finally we have made it clear that once the regulatory roadblocks are addressed and if all the commercial options are exhausted we as a Government would consider financial assistance in order to get things moving.
Henare Tau: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Henare Tau: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12982] 
8. 
Hon TAU HENARE (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations 
: What recent progress has the Government made towards its goal of settling historical Treaty of Waitangi claims by 2014? 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) 
: 
 Last Friday the Crown signed terms of negotiation with Ngai Te Rangi one of whose negotiators is our parliamentary colleague the Hon Mita Ririnui. This milestone is important as it means that all three Tauranga Moana iwi have now entered Treaty settlement negotiations. Since the start of last year the Crown has reached over 30 significant settlement milestones including 14 agreements in principle and six deeds of settlement. 
Hon Tau Henare 
: What other initiatives does the Government have under way to support its goal of settling historical Treaty of Waitangi claims by 2014? 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON 
: The Government recently announced the date for the 2010 Te Kokiri Ngatahi Treaty settlement hui where the Crown and iwi will continue to discuss ways of improving the path to settlement. These hui were initiated last year so the Government could meet iwi to discuss ways of improving negotiations. It was the first time in over 9 years that the Government had engaged with iwi on Treaty settlements and it is illustrative of this Government’s commitment to achieving just and durable settlements.
Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12986] 
11. 
JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) 
 to the  
Minister of Internal Affairs 
: Why has the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund been created? 
Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Internal Affairs) 
: 
 During the Rugby World Cup next year nationwide festivals will be held to celebrate New Zealand’s culture heritage and national identity. The New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund is providing $9.5 million in funding to support these festival events. The Rugby World Cup is the biggest sporting event ever held in New Zealand and we want to maximise the community’s involvement. This funding will help communities and regions get involved in the spirit of the event. 
Jacqui Dean 
: What kind of events can be funded? 
Hon NATHAN GUY 
: This fund will support all sorts of events with a community purpose associated with the Rugby World Cup. This could include things like concerts fairs exhibitions street markets and parades. Applications are now open and they close on 17 September. I encourage communities to come up with ideas and make their applications through the website of the Department of Internal Affairs.
Beaumont Carol: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Beaumont Carol: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12986] 
12. 
CAROL BEAUMONT (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Labour 
: How many complaints if any about union access to the workplace being abused by unions or union members has she received since becoming the Minister of Labour? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister of Labour 
: The Minister has spoken to many employers around the country since becoming the Minister of Labour some of whom have raised with her the issue of union access. She has also received correspondence on this issue. However she does not have a spreadsheet cataloguing every complaint. 
Carol Beaumont 
: Why is the Government proposing restricting the right of workers to have union representatives in the workplace when her own policy paper dated 15 May 2009 stated: “There does not appear to be widespread evidence of union representatives exercising their current rights to enter workplaces in an inappropriate way resulting in disruption for business operations or adversely impacting on the employment relationship between employer and unions members.”? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: A subsequent policy paper also says that providing discretion could enable employers to undertake better business planning—for example avoiding any unforeseen stoppages and potentially rescheduling activities around employee availability. The reality is that this is not a widespread problem but where abuse does occur it can cause significant disruption. 
Carol Beaumont 
: What specific problems with the current arrangements is this proposed law seeking to address given that even Business New Zealand has said that this is not a high priority and that it does not receive many complaints from employers? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: There have been some cases where unions have caused problems by using the right of access law—for example pulling workers into long meetings unannounced blocking customers trying to access stores and making public scenes inside premises in order to embarrass employers. 
Carol Beaumont 
: What advice has she provided to the Prime Minister since he told the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions that this issue was “not a driving priority” for him that caused him to change his mind? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: I am not in a position to be able to discuss what advice the Minister has given the Prime Minister on that matter. 
Carmel Sepuloni 
: Does the Minister agree that by restricting the right of workers to have access to union advice at the workplace during a 90-day trial period the Government is making our most vulnerable workers more vulnerable than ever; and will the Minister therefore support my member’s bill to repeal the 90-day fire-at-will period? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: I reject the premise at the opening of the member’s supplementary question because this is about reasonableness and reasonableness will be based on common sense. The reality is that if a workplace has a busy workload and needs all staff on deck it can reschedule a union visit to another time. Saying no is not being unreasonable.
Harawira Hone: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Harawira Hone: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12979] 
6. 
HONE HARAWIRA (Maori Party—Te Tai Tokerau) 
 to the  
Minister of Conservation 
: Kua hoatu e ia he tohutohu ki te Attorney-General kia whai mana ai kia whai kawanatanga ai hoki nga hapu me nga iwi ki nga rahui tapu i te moana; i roto i nga ture takutai moana hou; a he aha aua tohutohu? 
[ 
Has she provided any advice to the Attorney-General regarding the opportunity for hapu and iwi governance and management of rahui tapu (marine reserves) to be encompassed in the proposed foreshore and seabed replacement regime and what was the nature of that advice? 
] 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment) 
on behalf of the  
Minister of Conservation 
: The advice provided to the Attorney-General has been focused on the involvement of iwi and hapu in the establishment of marine reserves rather than their governance and management. Management committees have been established for some marine reserves and it has always been the practice of the Department of Conservation to include both local iwi and hapu representatives on those management committees. 
Hone Harawira 
: Is the Minister aware that Te Uri o Hikihiki and Te Whanau Whero of Ngati Wai wish to nominate a marine reserve at Mimiwhangata but that the Marine Reserves Act 1971 means that the Crown will retain ownership of their rohe and alienate them from governance and management; how will the replacement regime protect their customary interests? 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: Yes the Minister is aware of concerns from iwi in eastern Northland about marine reserves and the impacts on their customary interests. Although there were some informal discussions on marine reserve at Mimiwhangata in about 2004 there has been no formal application and no statutory process for creating such a reserve is under way. There is a marine reserve reform bill currently before Parliament and the Minister would be happy to have a dialogue on the bill to ensure that a Maori perspective on marine reserves legislation is considered and that it works well with the new proposed regime around the foreshore and seabed. 
Hone Harawira 
: What action has the Minister taken to assure Ngati Wai that the Department of Conservation will act in such a way as to enable them to participate in governance and management decisions over the Goat Island and the Poor Knights marine reserves? 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: Both the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve and the Okakari Point Marine Reserve are managed by the Department of Conservation with the advice of management committees that include representatives from tangata whenua. This provides the community with an ongoing ability to contribute to the management decisions that relate to those marine reserves and the Government wants to ensure that iwi has an ongoing role in the management of marine reserves such as those.
Vote: Ethical Investment (Crown Financial Institutions) Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Ethical Investment (Crown Financial Institutions) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13015] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Ethical Investment (Crown Financial Institutions) Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 58 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 63 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5. 
Motion not agreed to.
Anderton Jim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Anderton Jim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12977] 
3. 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Leader—Progressive) 
 to the  
Prime Minister 
: Is the gap between our wages and wages in Australia and other parts of the world getting wider; if so why is this occurring? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Acting Prime Minister) 
: 
 The Government does not monitor wage movements around the world. However we do monitor incomes using GDP per capita and on that basis it is very clear that New Zealand has fallen behind many other developed countries. The last year for which we have consistent data is 2008 when New Zealand slipped from 20th to 22nd on the OECD ladder. This decline was in no small part due to mismanagement by the previous Government. 
Hon Jim Anderton 
: Will the increase in GST in New Zealand which will raise it to 50 percent higher than it is in Australia make the wage gap with Australia narrower or wider? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: The after-tax wage gap between Australia and New Zealand after 1 October will be narrower. 
Hon Jim Anderton 
: Will wages rise faster than prices this year? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: That question will best be answered in the light of history. It is the light of history that is so condemning of the economic policies that the member’s Government ran for 9 years. 
Hon Jim Anderton 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I think that is about— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is this a point of order? 
Hon Jim Anderton 
: Yes it is. That is about the shortest question that I have ever asked in my whole history in this House—[ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: A point of order is being considered. 
Hon Jim Anderton 
: I think it therefore deserves to be given an answer rather than to have a discussion about history. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: When a member asks a question about the future and whether something will happen in the future there is no precise answer to that. The member is experienced enough to know that. 
Hon Jim Anderton 
: Was the net tax cut last year zero for all employed New Zealanders who earn under the average wage—that is 64 percent of all employed New Zealanders—and is it virtually zero for everyone in the same group this year; if so how does that help to close the income gap for the majority of wage earners in New Zealand compared with their Australian cousins? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: The answer I think to the middle part of his question is no. The 1 October tax change will mean that 75 percent of New Zealand’s workforce will pay no more than 17.5c in the dollar. They will be better off.
Mapp Wayne: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
Mapp Wayne: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
[Volume:665;Page:12969] 
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP (Minister of Defence) 
: 
 Today as the Minister of Defence and also on behalf of the Associate Minister of Defence I express my sympathy and aroha to the family of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell DSD and also to the wider defence family. I also extend my sympathy to his two wounded comrades. They have serious injuries which require hospitalisation outside Afghanistan. 
Lieutenant O’Donnell was a highly decorated soldier. As we have heard he had received the Distinguished Service Decoration for his cool steadfast and courageous leadership in a major riot in Timor-Leste in 2007. In Afghanistan he had the role of patrol commander on the most dangerous assignments of the provincial reconstruction team in the north-east of Bamian Province. His interview on television just 2 weeks ago showed the character of a young leader in the proud traditions of the Defence Force which are reflected in the battle honours on the walls that surround this Chamber. 
We should also note at this time that our role in Afghanistan is to assist the people and the Government of Afghanistan to build their own ability to be a nation free from terrorist influence both for Afghanistan’s own benefit and for the benefit of the wider family of nations including New Zealand—we have lost people in a number of terrorist incidents. 
But today we mourn the loss of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell. Our thoughts are with his family. The Defence Force will provide all the support it can at this time but we know that the family will face hard days ahead as they come to terms with the loss. In this House we should always be aware that although we make the decisions and have the responsibility in deploying our young people to serve our country it is they who pay the price for those decisions. In this instance Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell has paid the highest price. Lest we forget. 
Motion agreed to.
Dunne Peter: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
Dunne Peter: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
[Volume:665;Page:12968] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 On last night’s television news there was the story of President Obama announcing to a veterans group in the United States a further reduction in that country’s deployment to Iraq. The numbers were mind-boggling: a reduction from something like 144000 personnel at the time of his inauguration to a figure of around 50000 at the end of this year—too mind-boggling to take real account of. This morning when the tragic news came through about the death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell and the injuries to his two colleagues and their interpreter it brought a sense of realism to what military conflict is all about. It is not about mindless statistics or numbers; it is about people. The death of Lieutenant O’Donnell brings that home to all of us. 
Like other members I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Lieutenant O’Donnell’s family the families of his colleagues and the families of those who served with him. He was a man whose military career still very much in its beginning years in many senses had marked him out as a person of service and duty. Service to his country in a number of theatres had already seen him decorated for gallantry and his duty and commitment tragically saw him be in that particular place at that particular time. 
It is hard enough for us in this House to contemplate the situation. It is very difficult for those who served with Lieutenant O’Donnell and alongside him to come to grips with what has happened. It is appallingly hard for his parents and family to realise that one of their own whom they nurtured whom they were so proud of and whom they longed to see again at the completion of his deployment will not be coming home. Our sympathy and thoughts must be with all of them and we must acknowledge again the contribution that he made the contribution that his colleagues continue to make and the ongoing service that they perform in our country’s stead. We can never end up by becoming like the television story that I referred to and simply seeing the people who serve on our behalf as numbers and statistics. This story makes it clear to us that they are more important than that and that we owe them a bigger debt than that. All of the shields around this Chamber bear testimony to the strength of purpose and level of duty of our armed forces in the past and the memory of Lieutenant O’Donnell now belongs with those shields as we contemplate the future.
Anderton Jim: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
Anderton Jim: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
[Volume:665;Page:12968] 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Leader—Progressive) 
: 
 It is with great sadness that I join my parliamentary colleagues to express my sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell and his seriously injured colleagues. It is with a heavy heart that any politician sitting round the Cabinet table decides to send our New Zealand troops to war-torn areas. We know only too well the possible cost. Tim served this country with bravery and pride. Today we honour his commitment not only to New Zealand but to the country where he lost his life. He was part of the provincial reconstruction team which plays a vital role in NZAID activities. His team helped to provide security and to rebuild schools and hospitals in one of the poorest parts of the world. Every New Zealander can be proud of his and their service. 
Tim also served with honour in East Timor. I was part of the Labour-led Government that made the decision to send troops like Tim to East Timor. I remember the heavy responsibility we felt at the time and our huge sadness when Private Leonard Manning was killed on duty in Timor. It is with humility therefore that we stand here today to express our condolences to his family to his friends and to his military colleagues. 
All of us in this House must acknowledge the heavy burden we ask our young soldiers and their families to bear when we send them to places like East Timor and Afghanistan. Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell represents our desire as New Zealanders to make the world a safer place to be good global citizens and to help people in some of the toughest and most violent places on the globe. Today we salute a brave New Zealander a global citizen a young man who was prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice in his attempt to make the world a better place. His was a life cut tragically short but a life well lived with honour. Our thoughts today are with his family his military colleagues and his friends.
Goff Phil: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
Goff Phil: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
[Volume:665;Page:12966] 
Hon PHIL GOFF (Leader of the Opposition) 
: 
 On behalf of the Labour Party I join with Gerry Brownlee in supporting this motion and expressing our sense of loss. Today we grieve for Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell who was killed yesterday in Bamian serving as part of the New Zealand Defence Force provincial reconstruction team. We extend to his family and to his friends our support and our sympathy for them at this time of huge tragedy for the family. We also acknowledge the Defence Force. We know that right across New Zealand members of the Defence Force will be feeling the loss of someone who was part of their wider family. I also express our sympathy and support for the two soldiers and their interpreter who were seriously injured in the same incident. This is certainly not the time to talk politics about New Zealand’s ongoing involvement in Afghanistan; it is a time solely for the mourning of the life of a young soldier who served in the Defence Force with courage and distinction and who died for his country. 
This is the 16th rotation of the provincial reconstruction team and we can count ourselves very fortunate that before this tragedy we had suffered no other fatalities. On the several occasions that I visited Bamian I was hugely impressed with the conduct the commitment and the service of our provincial reconstruction team members. They are doing a job for this country undertaking peacekeeping and reconstruction. They are respected and they are appreciated by the Hazara people who are the vast majority of the people living in Bamian. But all New Zealanders working as part of that deployment face the risks that such an operation involves. 
Tim O’Donnell was the first New Zealander killed in action since Private Leonard Manning was killed near Tilomar in East Timor in 2000. When my nephew Matthew who was like Tim O’Donnell a lieutenant and a platoon leader was killed in Afghanistan 3 years ago I received a very moving letter from Leonard Manning’s mother Linda and father Charlie. Her words and support apply equally to what we would wish to extend to Tim’s family at this time. I will read a short passage of it: “Please know that we are thinking of you all and praying that all who love and now grieve for him will find comfort in knowing that he served his country and his fellow men well. The courage and determination to make a difference that young men like Leonard and Matthew”—and now sadly Tim—“live and die for inspire us to live life to the fullest making the most of every moment we have… those who love him and who must now learn to live without him deserve all the tender care that is available.” We recognise the loss of Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell a man who died in the service of his country and we pay tribute to him.
Turei Metiria: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
Turei Metiria: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
[Volume:665;Page:12966] 
METIRIA TUREI (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 On behalf of the Green Party I too want to add the Green Party’s heartfelt sympathies and our aroha to the family and friends of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell from Feilding our first New Zealand soldier killed in action in Afghanistan and God willing our last. Losing a loved one is devastating for this whanau especially when it means losing someone so young and in the prime of his life selflessly working in a community that has been devastated by war and terror. He was a brave young man who was recognised for his bravery for his work in East Timor—a recognition well deserved. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time with those who remain injured and their families and I add with the community at Linton where he was also based. 
We in the Greens offer our gratitude to New Zealand’s armed forces for serving abroad in these foreign theatres. The provincial reconstruction team of which this young man was a part was supporting and working with communities in Afghanistan to rebuild and reconstruct their homes their communities and ultimately their lives. The team’s laudable effort was made successful by the contribution of the young men and women who dedicate their lives to this work. We have little understanding here those of us who are not part of those teams of the day-to-day risks that they face. We know that those serving in Afghanistan will be suffering deeply from the loss of a colleague and we offer them our condolences and support at this time. Kia ora.
Hide Rodney: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
Hide Rodney: Motions — New Zealand Defence Force—Death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Afghanistan 
[Volume:665;Page:12967] 
Hon RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) 
: 
 On behalf of the ACT Party I wish to express our sorrow at the death of Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell in Bamian Province Afghanistan. This is New Zealand’s first combat casualty in the region and we send our sincere condolences to the soldier’s family friends and colleagues who have now lost a true hero in the most tragic of circumstances. 
Too often in the modern world we ordinary citizens living our lives in relative safety forget the role that soldiers play in defending our borders and preserving our way of life. Lieutenant O’Donnell has made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. On behalf of the ACT Party and in this our Parliament we pay our ultimate respect to this brave young man and we grieve alongside his family. I also send our respects to the two other soldiers injured in the raid. They have both made their sacrifices performing their duty and they remind us all of why we are proud to be New Zealanders. 
Our soldiers are doing a job that few have the courage to do. They deal with the darkest most savage and dangerous elements of the modern world and they do it with professionalism and pride. As Thomas Jefferson once said: “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” and this is never truer than in a post - September 11 world. We as New Zealanders will not ever let our commitment to what is good and right in the world wilt in the face of these most tragic circumstances. All New Zealanders can be proud to call Lieutenant O’Donnell one of our own and we salute his service and his ultimate sacrifice. Thank you.
Parker David: Reports — Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Financial Stability Report May 2010—Consideration of Report of Finance and Expenditure Committee 
Parker David: Reports — Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Financial Stability Report May 2010—Consideration of Report of Finance and Expenditure Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:13049] 
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
: 
 To deal very briefly with the comments of the previous speaker John Boscawen in respect of problems within the dairy sector I say the problem within the dairy sector is that farmers have paid too much for their farms. Debt in the farming sector has gone up by more than two or three times in recent years and as a consequence the interest bills are unaffordable for some farmers. The impact of emissions pricing is relevant but it is not nearly as significant as farmers’ interest bills on their inflated capital prices. 
In the couple of minutes that I have I will deal with the issue of gross public debt. In the  
Financial Stability Report 
 the Governor of the Reserve Bank sets out a graph showing OECD averages for Government debt. It shows that by the end of next year the average gross public debt for OECD countries will be 100 percent of GDP—100 percent of GDP. If things do not change in places like Japan Japan’s debt will reach 300 percent of GDP by 2040 and that figure will be 200 percent in the UK and 150 percent in the US. That situation is not faced by New Zealand because of the prudent fiscal management of the previous Labour Government. When we left office net debt was at zero and gross debt was at about 17 percent. John Boscawen said spending was out of control. Well the National Government has had the opportunity to cut spending if it wanted to do so. It has cut some of it but it has not cut most of it because most of it was prudent. 
The big problem now is that we have a structural deficit caused by unaffordable tax cuts. If members do not think that is true I ask them to look at the Business and Economic Research reports following the Budget on the financial outlook for New Zealand. The future deficit forecast by the Government relies on a very significant rebound in non-residential business investment. Non-residential business investment has been going in the opposite direction of that. Business confidence is down for the third month in a row and it is plain that the Government’s deficit next year in my opinion will be higher than the Government has projected it to be in its rose-tinted view of events this year. Why? It is because the Government wanted to give 35 percent of its tax cuts to the top 5 percent of income earners. National could have easily avoided having a growing deficit by not borrowing for tax cuts and indeed by not having such generous tax cuts and not running such big deficits. Instead we have gross Government debt going up and net Government debt going up as well. 
It is true that New Zealand is relatively stable in its financial sector. That is largely because of both the strong balance sheets of the Australian banks and the prudent fiscal management by the previous Government. 
Debate interrupted.
Vote: Resource Management (Enhancement of Iwi Management Plans) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Resource Management (Enhancement of Iwi Management Plans) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13003] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Resource Management (Enhancement of Iwi Management Plans) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 57 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1. 
Noes 64 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; United Future 1. 
Motion not agreed to.
Calder Cam: Resource Management (Enhancement of Iwi Management Plans) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Calder Cam: Resource Management (Enhancement of Iwi Management Plans) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13000] 
Dr CAM CALDER (National) 
: 
 Tena koe e te Mana Whakawa. Ko te taiao e awhi nei i a tatou tihei mauri ora. I wish to acknowledge the passing of Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell DSD killed in action on active service in Afghanistan and also the severe wounding of two of his comrades in arms. Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell was a veteran at the tender age of 28. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to family friends and unit colleagues of all three men. 
As my honourable colleague Nanaia Mahuta observed in an earlier part of this debate John Key’s National-led Government is making great progress in negotiating Treaty settlements and working with Maori in addressing challenges facing the whole of New Zealand society. The Resource Management Act 1991 recognises the role of tangata whenua in various ways. Those exercising power under the law are required to have regard to both kaitiakitanga and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Consent authorities are required to consult iwi. We have already achieved so much in reforming the Resource Management Act. The first phase of our streamlining reforms went a long way to reducing costs uncertainties and delays that have frustrated New Zealand homeowners small businesses and farmers for years. It ensured a better balance between environmental protection and economic growth. One of the four objectives of the phase two reforms is achieving the efficient and improved participation of Maori in resource management processes. So there is no need for a separate amendment bill and National does not support this bill. Thank you.
Borrows Chester: Legislation Bill — First Reading 
Borrows Chester: Legislation Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:12876] 
CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) 
: 
 I am sorry that I cannot get as excited about the Legislation Bill as my learned cousin friend mentor and colleague Mr Finlayson or say that I would raise it in conversation like the previous speaker Mr Parker. I am glad that Mr Parker takes a significant interest in it though because in respect of the language he certainly has saved the rear end of the chair of the select committee on which committee the member sits on a regular basis. 
I am pleased to note that this bill is embracing new technology. We as New Zealanders need to know what the law is so that we can live within it. I note too in a recent occurrence that the House voted fully in favour of the Courts (Remote Participation) Bill and I am pleased that that support is replicated here tonight. Members will recall the prolific use of the audiovisual link that we will soon have in our court system. I am pleased that Labour has embraced that too. In recent times as I understand it Labour has relied heavily on the audiovisual link closed-circuit television and the other mechanisms around the House. It is important for us to know though when exactly that will be applied so that we know what law we need to live under and the bounds that we must remain within. 
It will also be interesting to see whether Labour fully embraces some of the things that it has not voted for necessarily in the past—for instance supervised bail and the provision of ankle bracelets to keep track of who is who where they are and whether they are not moving outside the bounds of the precincts where they should be. When National was in Opposition Labour members were strong proponents of the microchipping of dogs so that when we find a rogue mutt hanging around places where it should not be we would know who its owner was the owner’s address and where the dog could be returned to. 
Chris Tremain 
: Especially if it is caught on closed-circuit television. 
CHESTER BORROWS 
: Especially if it is caught on closed-circuit television or through the use of an audiovisual link or if its tracking bracelet has fallen off and it gets lost. It will be good to know who is who where it should be and in what kennel it should be tied up. 
Hon Steve Chadwick 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I wonder whether the speaker opposite could come back to the Legislation Bill. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker) 
: I think the member should take the point. I am not sure I have read a lot in the Legislation Bill about closed-circuit television and so on. 
CHESTER BORROWS 
: I will take that advice. I will then move on to the wage gap between Australia and New Zealand if that would be a little more appropriate. In any event I am pleased that once again the House is speaking with one voice. I am proud to support this bill.
Barker Rick: Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Bill — Second Reading 
Barker Rick: Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:12873] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker) 
: That is not a point of order. The matter of how people cast their votes is entirely in the hands of the whip as the member well knows. The member is responsible for making sure that he has sufficient people in the House and votes accordingly. This is a matter of trust and by asking this question the member is doubting the trustworthiness of other whips. I do not think that fits very well with the kawa of this place. It has always been taken that when the whips speak they speak with honour. I will not have anybody breach that. 
Bill read a second time.
Tremain Chris: Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Bill — Second Reading 
Tremain Chris: Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:12873] 
CHRIS TREMAIN (Senior Whip—National) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Before we vote on this legislation I seek your advice. Given recent announcements regarding expulsions from the Labour caucus I want to be clear about the numbers with which the Labour Party will be voting on this legislation.
Vote: Infrastructure Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Infrastructure Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:12854] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That Part 4 be agreed to. 
Ayes 67 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 3; United Future 1. 
Noes 52 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Progressive 1. 
Part 4 agreed to.
Vote: Infrastructure Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Infrastructure Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:12854] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendment be agreed to. 
Ayes 52 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Progressive 1. 
Noes 67 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 3; United Future 1. 
Amendment not agreed to.
Bridges Simon: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Bridges Simon: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:12831] 
3. 
SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga) 
 to the  
Minister of Transport 
: What progress has been made on the Tauranga Eastern Link road of national significance? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) 
: 
 I was in Tauranga this morning to announce Cabinet’s decision to approve tolling on the Tauranga Eastern Link—a 23-kilometre 4-lane highway from Te Maunga to Paengaroa. It bypasses Te Puke and is one of our seven roads of national significance. This approval which is based on very strong local support will allow construction to begin early next year—7 years earlier than originally planned. This project will bring huge economic and safety benefits to one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions. 
Simon Bridges 
: What public support was there for tolling this new road? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: The New Zealand Transport Agency undertook comprehensive community consultation last year with regard to tolling. I am pleased to report that over 90 percent of respondents either conditionally or unconditionally supported tolling to advance the project and Cabinet took this high level of local support into account. Tolls are proposed to be $2 a trip for cars and motorcycles and $5 for heavy vehicles. Once the borrowing has been repaid after 35 years tolls will be removed. The existing State Highway 2 route through Te Puke will remain as a free alternative for drivers. 
Simon Bridges 
: What benefits will this project bring to residents and the economy? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: Let me count the ways. It is estimated that the new road by avoiding Te Puke will shave up to 24 minutes off travel time for a return journey on this very busy stretch of highway. This will substantially boost productivity and improve access for exporters to the Port of Tauranga. In addition its new alignment will bring significant safety gains over the current road which is ranked second-worst in New Zealand per kilometre for fatal and serious injury crashes by the KiwiRAP programme.