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Carter David: Urgent Debates Declined — Canterbury Recovery—Offer on Red Zone PropertiesText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Urgent Debates Declined — Canterbury Recovery—Offer on Red Zone Properties[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12810. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from the Hon Ruth Dyson seeking to debate the recent decision of the High Court on the Government’s offer to buy red zone land from owners as it applied to vacant land and uninsured properties in Canterbury. For there to be an urgent debate there must be administrative or ministerial responsibility for a case of recent occurrence. The member in her application cites the judgment of the High Court issued on 26 August as the particular case of recent occurrence. An urgent debate is a way of holding the Government accountable for an action for which it is responsible. There must be a distinct governmental responsibility for the particular case that is sought for debate. A decision of the High Court is not a matter for which any Minister has responsibility. The application is therefore declined.
Carter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12809. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: The right honourable Prime Minister. [Interruption] Order! I am going to ask the Hon Ruth Dyson to repeat that question.
Dyson Ruth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDyson Ruth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12809. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon RUTH DYSON (Labour—Port Hills): My question is to the Prime Minister and asks: does he stand by all his statements?
Hauiti Claudette: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHauiti Claudette: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12808. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.CLAUDETTE HAUITI (National) to theMinister of Health: What reports has he received on the latest national health target results?Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health): The latest quarterly results for 2012-13 show more good news across the three national preventative health targets. Recordnumbers of New Zealanders have been assessed for heart disease and diabetes in the last 5 years and have received advice on how they can make changes to their lifestyle. More people are getting help to quit smoking. In the last year around 411000 smokers were offered free help and advice to quit from hospital and general practice nurses or doctors—an internationally recognised health prevention measure—and more parents are immunising their babies. Ninety percent of 8-month-olds are now fully vaccinated which is protecting them from childhood diseases like whooping cough and measles.Claudette Hauiti: What other progress with national health targets can the Minister report?Hon TONY RYALL: We are making really good progress with elective surgery which relieves pain and restores lifestyle to people with more than 158000 discharges provided against the target of 148000. All patients who were ready for treatment received their radiotherapy and chemo within 4 weeks of the decision to treat. As the member knows national health targets are a balance of improving access and better prevention and we are seeing more high-priority front-line services being delivered as a result of an increase of an average of $500 million a year going into health over the last 5 financial years.
Simpson Scott: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSimpson Scott: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12807. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to theMinister of Justice: What recent reports has she received on progress with the Drivers of Crime programme?Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Justice): Last week the Minister of Māori Affairs and I released a report showing that this Government is making real progress on addressing the underlying causes of crime. The Drivers of Crime programme was launched in December 2009 to coordinate efforts across agencies to address complex longstanding problems with an emphasis on reducing Māori offending and victimisation. The latest reports show that offending rates for Māori youth between 2008 and 2012 are down 32 percent. This is an outstanding result and shows this Government’s commitment to reducing crime and improving support for victims.Scott Simpson: What are some of the key Drivers of Crime results?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: We have launched two alcohol and other drug treatment courts in the Auckland region with a Government investment of $10 million. Preventable hospitalisations for Māori and Pasifika children under 5 from the most deprived areas are down 22 percent and 17 percent respectively. More Māori children from the poorest neighbourhoods are now attending early childhood education and significantly more Māori and Pasifika children are achieving at least National Certificate of Educational Achievement level 2 compared with 2005 rates. The Incredible Years and Triple P foster parenting programmes have both been expanded through health and education and additional funding provided for restorative justice services. These are all key initiatives that are producing positive results in the fight against crime.
Logie Jan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLogie Jan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12806. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.JAN LOGIE (Green) to thePrime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister): Yes.Jan Logie: How can he stand by his statement that equal pay for aged-care workers is “one of those things we’d love to do if we had more cash” when the Employment Court ruling in the case of Kristine Bartlett now means that the Government’s reliance on paying women poorly to subsidise aged care may no longer be a matter of just love but a matter of law?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I am not familiar with the particular case if the member is talking about the one that is now before the courts. But what I can say is that I stand by the original statement. It is something we would like to do if we had more money.Jan Logie: What preparations is the Government making to respond to equal pay claims based on the 1972 Equal Pay Act following the Employment Court’s decision?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: The matter is before the courts.Jan Logie: Who does he think should bear the $140 million a year cost to settle these claims—some of the lowest-paid women workers in the country as at present; the elderly; or the Government?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: It is not possible for the earlier two to actually settle that particular case.
Carter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12805. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: It is not within my powers to give them a vote Mr Cunliffe.
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12805. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Labour—New Lynn): Mr Speaker—[Interruption] Give them a vote Mr Speaker.
Horan Brendan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHoran Brendan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12805. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.BRENDAN HORAN (Independent) to theMinister for Primary Industries: What is the best estimate he or his Ministry have if any of the economic value of recreational fishing including direct and indirect employment?Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister for Primary Industries): The value of recreational fishing in New Zealand’s top five recreational species—snapper rock lobster kingfish kahawai and blue cod—is $342 million. Of course there are 638 fish stocks throughout New Zealand and it would be almost impossible to calculate the total value of these or the total jobs created by the recreational sector.Brendan Horan: As he has withheld this information during the consultation period and admitted that he has not consulted with iwi and he has no idea whom his officials have consulted how does he expect the New Zealand public to have any faith that he will come to a fair transparent informed and considered decision?Hon NATHAN GUY: I am aware that my officials have consulted with iwi.Brendan Horan: Does he agree with the statement that nearly a third of us have gone fishing or have gathered shellfish in the last 12 months and that recreational fishers go fishing an average of nine times a year as said by his predecessor the Hon Phil Heatley in a speech to the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council?Hon NATHAN GUY: I do agree that recreational fishing is hugely important to New Zealanders.Brendan Horan: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! I apologise. I have a point of order and it will be heard in silence.Brendan Horan: My question was quite specific in asking whether he agreed that nearly a third of New Zealanders—Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister very adequately addressed that question.
Carter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12803. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! It would be somewhat unusual if the Leader of the House was the one who was ejected from the House today.
Jones Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeJones Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12803. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon SHANE JONES (Labour): Thank you—[Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order!Hon SHANE JONES: That is enough Gerry. This is the humpty notdumpty.
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeKing Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12802. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]4.COLIN KING (National—Kaikōura) to theMinister of Education: What recent announcements has she made about investment in education?Hon HEKIA PARATA (Minister of Education): Yesterday we announced a $27 million investment in education initiatives targeted to the children and young people who are falling behind. Thanks to the data-rich environment that our Government has championed including national standards we know more precisely what needs to be done where and with whom—schools and parents. The initiatives include $5 million to Building on Success which uses the most effective elements to help secondary school Māori students; $1 million to boost Pasifika success in National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA); $3 million to support new entrants develop literacy and numeracy skills; $3 million to partner with 100 schools to increase NCEA level 2 achievement; and $1.75 million to support teen parents in mainstream schools.Colin King: What does the Minister expect to achieve with this investment?Hon HEKIA PARATA: I expect better outcomes for more kids. I expect better support for the teachers in schools that make this happen and I expect more parentswhānau and aiga to participate in their children’s learning and to support their schools to be successful.Tracey Martin: Kia ora Mr Speaker. What data-rich—[Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: It is not the member’s fault at all. The microphone was not on when she started. Would she like to start again.Tracey Martin: What data-rich reports if any has she seen that convinced her that to reallocate funds to the untested Building on Success programme was a better investment than the TeKotahitanga programme which has now been cut?Hon HEKIA PARATA: We convened the designers of TeKotahitanga as well as HeKākano as well asStarpath as well as Gateway because we are constantly focusingon how we improve. TeKotahitanga was to have closed at the end of last year. It has helped nearly 49 schools over the 12 years it has been in place. It has been successful for some but not for all. We want it to be successful for all. So working with its designers we have taken the best elements and we are now looking at a targeted but differentiated approach and we expect 100 schools to be involved in this programme each year.Tracey Martin: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Can I seek your clarification. Was the answer that no reports had been seen by the Minister?Mr SPEAKER: Order! That is not a point of order at all. If the member wants to further debate it she has the opportunity—if she does not today she has another opportunity perhaps later in the week.
Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNorman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12800. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]2.Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) to thePrime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements relating to Government policy?Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister): Yes.Dr Russel Norman: Should New Zealanders believe his statements that the asset sales would not cost more than 2 percent of the sale proceeds or should they believe Treasury figures that show that the cost of selling Mighty River Power was twice that much?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes.Dr Russel Norman: Should New Zealanders believe his statement onCampbell Live that under his new law the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) would not have access to the content of New Zealanders’ communications or should they believe his subsequent statements that the GCSB would be able to read their emails?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes.Dr Russel Norman: Should New Zealanders believe his statement that the Auditor-General’s investigation of theSkycity deal vindicated his Government or should they believe the Auditor-General herself who said that the process was neither transparent nor even-handed?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes.Dr Russel Norman: Should New Zealanders believe his statement that the Henry inquiry had Ministers’ permission to examine their email records or should they believe Judith Collins’ statement at the Privileges Committee that the Henry inquiry did not have permission to read her emails?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes.Dr Russel Norman: Should New Zealanders believe his statement that he will not confirm whether the GCSB receives funding from the US Government or should they believe this cable from the US Embassy showing that the National Security Agency has funded a position within the GCSB?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes.Dr Russel Norman: Given those answers in all their fulsomeness why does he think that the credibility of his statements has fallen to a point where according to the latest polls only 23 percent of New Zealanders believe that he tells the truth?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I do not.Dr Russel Norman: Does it concern him that fewer than one in four New Zealanders believe that what their Prime Minister tells them is the truth?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: The member is wrong in his assertion.Dr Russel Norman: When the Prime Minister said it has been “fun” fighting red zone landowners in court over compensation after an earthquake does he think it has been fun for them?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: No.
Carter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12800. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am sorry but the level of interjection coming from all corners of the House is too much. Would the member please start his question again.
Norman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNorman Russel: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 August 2013. Volume:693;Page:12800. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green): Thank you Mr Speaker. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! Dr Russel Norman.Dr RUSSEL NORMAN: My question is to the Prime Minister and asks does he stand by—[Interruption]
McKelvie Ian: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionMcKelvie Ian: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14298. Text is subject to correction.]IANMcKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei): I do reiterate my words from the second reading and the words of Minister Collins. I just want to spend a moment or two commenting on one or two other topics though.Hon Clayton Cosgrove: Minister Collins? Minister Tolley!IANMcKELVIE: Minister Tolley—my apologies to the Minister. That has taken up a couple of seconds of my time. Shush!I just do not get the Opposition’s poor view of the work of our police. When this Government came into office we had some aspiration around the police and crime levels. We are now after some 4 years—or nearly 5 years in fact—looking at achieving as much as a 30 percent improvement in police front-line efficiency as a result of the new technology that was introduced this year. This combined with an 18 percent reduction in crime that has been achieved by our Minister of Police and our Minister of Justice over the last 4 years means effectively that our front-line police could well be more efficient by a factor of some 48 percent.It is typical of the Labour Party desperate to score points. The world has changed and it appears to have passed straight through the keeper on that side of the House—in fact the score is Bangladesh is nought for nought at the moment—as has the fact that on the whole the public have good ears and do not need to be told the same thing time after time.I support this legislation the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill. Although not happy with it we have to support it. Good job.
Tisch Lindsay: Sittings of the HouseText is subject to correctionTisch Lindsay: Sittings of the House[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14303. Text is subject to correction.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Upston Louise: Sittings of the HouseText is subject to correctionUpston Louise: Sittings of the House[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14303. Text is subject to correction.]LOUISE UPSTON (Senior Whip—National): I rise to seek leave of the House since the urgency motion has concluded for the House to rise at this time.
Upston Louise: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionUpston Louise: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14303. Text is subject to correction.]LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō): I stand to take the final call from this side of the House on the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill. Those before me have spoken at length about the requirement for this bill and the fact that we would rather not have had to take this step to validate it but I do want to recognise the cooperation of all parties in the House in getting this bill passed.I did feel a little sad that some took the opportunity to be critical of our police. When I stood here nearly 5 years ago and gave my maiden speech I was very proud to be a member of a party that backed the police over criminals every time. This is another day for that. Thank you.Bill read a third time.
Simpson Scott: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionSimpson Scott: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14302. Text is subject to correction.]SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel): I mentioned in my second reading contribution on this Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill that the passing under urgency of retrospective validating legislation is absolutely a clearly less than perfect situation. I think that all members in the House would acknowledge and accept that. But from time to time for a variety of very good reasons such a measure is required. We do not do it lightly. This is one of those occasions.Notwithstanding the small element of political ping-pong that has occurred this afternoon I want to thank members from across the House for their solid contributions and their understanding of the situation because none of us are pleased to be doing this in this way on this afternoon. On this side of the House we support the police and we do so with enthusiasm notwithstanding the occasional mistake. I support this bill and commend it to the House.
Sabin Mike: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionSabin Mike: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14299. Text is subject to correction.]MIKE SABIN (National—Northland): I would just like to endorse the comments that have already been made and I guess despite the fact that there has been a little bit of political ping-pong going on from some members of the House—Hon Clayton Cosgrove: The pong is over there!MIKE SABIN: There we go! There is one—he has got a racket in his hand as we speak. I commend the fact that the House has taken this matter on board in the serious manner that it needs and deserves. The Minister of Police has rightly taken responsibility for this situation in so far as the Minister is responsible. But it is important to remember that in terms of operational matters there are people who are directly responsible for these sorts of decisions and the policemen responsible for making these errors would be the first to admit that. I think that should not be lost in this discussion but I do acknowledge and commend members of the House for having found it in their hearts to ensure that this Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill is passed for the reasons that have been clearly outlined.
Prosser Richard: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionProsser Richard: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14299. Text is subject to correction.]RICHARD PROSSER (NZ First): There have been some valid points made on both sides of the House with regards to this process. I think it has been impressed upon all of us that mistakes have been made. Certainly it is important that the Opposition holds the Government to account in matters like this. But I think it is also important for us to remember that as far as the public is concerned nobody has sent us here to simply snipe at each other. Nobody has sent us here to score cheap points when there is important business to be done. We are sitting under urgency and I think that is a state in which the public wishes us to remain for as short a time as possible. I am sure that the importance of what has gone on has not been lost on those in officialdom. I am sure that if there are inquiries that need to be done they will be done and it will be investigated as to how the mistake came about. We will look to find ways of making sure it is not repeated.I do commend the Minister of Police for stepping up and bringing this matter back to the House where the mistake can be addressed before it becomes a problem. I am very glad that it came to the Minister’s attention and not to the attention of a criminal lawyer or some investigative journalist somewhere. I am glad that it did not blow up and cause a lot of cases to be revisited and a whole lot of people to be released from prison when they were in fact guilty of crimes. So without wanting to go over old ground I say that once again we do not like having to be here under urgency—none of us do—but we understand that the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill has to go through and the sooner it does so the better. We support this bill. Thank you.
Mitchell Mark: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionMitchell Mark: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14294. Text is subject to correction.]MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney): I just want to clarify one thing. A recent Police Association survey clearly showed that New Zealand police are far happier and better resourced under a National Government than they were under a Labour Government. I just want to state—and I am sure that Mr Sabin and the Hon Chester Borrows will support me in saying this—that when the air force lost its strike capability we were pretty worried we were going to start losing our dog vans and patrol cars under a Labour Government.Helen Clark the leader of the Labour Government—I could not believe it; I could not believe it when she threw her Diplomatic Protection Squad under the bus. She threw the guys under the bus who are actually employed and are willing to do what they need to and who put themselves on the line to protect her. And what did she do? The first opportunity that she had to stick up for her police for the guys and girls who look after her she threw them under the bus. That is what the Labour Party thinks of the New Zealand police.Mr Cosgrove can get up and spout on and say how wonderful the police are. Yeah they are pretty wonderful Mr Cosgrove. But it is pretty disingenuous when you get up and you are part of a party that had a leader who was quick to throw her own personal protection officers under a bus. You should be ashamed. I am very very happy to commend the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill to the House. Thank you.
Tolley Anne: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionTolley Anne: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14291. Text is subject to correction.]Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Police): I moveThat the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill be now read a third time. The Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill is validating legislation that will deem oaths of office taken by police employees rejoining the New Zealand Police between 13 October 2009 and 13 October 2013 to have been administered as though the persons administering those oaths had been authorised by the Commissioner of Police. It removes uncertainty about the conferral of constabulary powers for those police employees who purportedly took the constable’s oath between 13 October 2009 and 13 October 2013.This Government is committed to effective public administration and to supporting our front-line police constables. This bill achieves these objectives by removing the risk that the actions of affected police employees can be challenged for the sake of it. The bill does not affect redress in the unlikely event that it is necessary for those whose rights might genuinely have been breached. This bill is a straightforward administrative provision that fixes a technical matter directly and cleanly. I thank the members of the House for their forbearance. I thank the members of the House for their support and their responsible actions here this afternoon. I commend this bill to the House.
Simpson Scott: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionSimpson Scott: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14291. Text is subject to correction.]SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel): Passing under urgency retrospective validating legislation is clearly a less than perfect situation. But from time to time for a variety of reasons this House is required to do so. We do not do it lightly. This is one of those occasions and it gives me no satisfaction at all to stand and support this bill the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill. My colleagues earlier in the debate have well set out the circumstances and reasons and I am not going to repeat them. I support the bill.Bill read a second time.
Horan Brendan: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionHoran Brendan: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14290. Text is subject to correction.]BRENDAN HORAN (Independent): I rise to take a short call to say I support the Policing (Constable’s Oath Validation) Amendment Bill through all stages today. I would first of all like to thank the Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee for consulting me prior to the introduction of the bill. If we do not pass this bill there is a risk of consequences for current and past police investigations prosecutions could be jeopardised and there might be claims against the Crown. In supporting this bill we are backing the New Zealand Police and the maintenance of law and order. Thank you.
Sabin Mike: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionSabin Mike: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14287. Text is subject to correction.]MIKE SABIN (National—Northland): It is fair to say that everyone has canvassed that no one is a fan of this particular type of legislation—the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill. What I am not a fan of—and I think we should actually be above—is actually playing politics about a situation that is actually outside the purview of anyone in this House the Minister of Police included. It is outside the purview of anyone within this House and politicians and outside the purview of any political party because this was an operational matter that a handful of police officers got wrong. That is not to say that that should be forgiven. That is a mistake backed on the back of another one and I would suggest that there would be some police officers who are very red-faced about it.I am very loyal to the police. The police would be the first to acknowledge themselves that a handful of them have made an error in doing what they have done. The implications of this House not acting prudently—as I believe we actually all are—to address the matter would be significant. So we are going about that. But the cheap from-the-hip shots that I have heard to date are unnecessary. Let us focus on what this is actually about and do what is concerned. If any message should be sent it should be sent to those who are responsible to ensure that the attention to detail that they should afford to their operational duties is carried out.
McKelvie Ian: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionMcKelvie Ian: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14286. Text is subject to correction.]IANMcKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei): None of us came to Parliament to pass this type of legislation but having said that it seems a pity to me that we have to score cheap political points over a genuine if unfortunate mistake by a very competent and effective police force. It is a tall order to expect the Minister of Police to delve into her portfolios so deeply as to ensure the correct person witnesses a signature. Surely to quote Ms Ardern the Minister has the right to expect the police to ensure that process is followed correctly. I support the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill for all the reasons the Minister outlined in her speech.
Robertson H V Ross: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionRobertson H V Ross: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14286. Text is subject to correction.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): The honourable member has sought leave to table a letter. Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is none. The member may table it.Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Mitchell Mark: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionMitchell Mark: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14281. Text is subject to correction.]MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney): I am very happy to take a call on the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill. I just wanted to commend the Minister of Police and also the Commissioner of Police for realising that there had been an administration error and moving quickly to fix it. I do want to highlight and point out the fact that Ms Ardern made which is that this relates directly to 63 police officers. It does not relate to new recruits; it relates to 63 police officers who have rejoined the police. Actually it is a great testament to the quality of the leadership within our police currently that we do have experienced officers who have left and who are choosing to come back and rejoin the police. I am very happy to commend this bill to the House. Thank you.
Robertson H V Ross: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionRobertson H V Ross: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14281. Text is subject to correction.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): Have we finished? I call the honourable member Mark Mitchell.
Tolley Anne: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionTolley Anne: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14278. Text is subject to correction.]Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Police): I moveThat the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Bill read a first time.
Brownlee Gerry: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third ReadingText is subject to correctionBrownlee Gerry: Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill — Procedure First Reading Second Reading Third Reading[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14278. Text is subject to correction.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): If I am slightly slow off my feet it only expresses the irritation of having to do it in the first place. I seek leave for the question on the bill’s first reading to be taken without debate and following its second reading for the bill to be set down for a third reading forthwith. With those grumpy statements I would be very careful not to offend—Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is none.
Brownlee Gerry: UrgencyText is subject to correctionBrownlee Gerry: Urgency[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14277. Text is subject to correction.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): I moveThat urgency be accorded the introduction and passing of the Policing (Constable’s Oaths Validation) Amendment Bill.It does not give me any pleasure at all to move this motion today but I do wish to thank other parties in the House for agreeing that this was a matter that needed to be dealt with urgently by the House.The problem here is that oaths that were taken by police employees between 13 October 2009 and 13 October 2013 needed to have been administered according to the law. It would appear that police have not administered those oaths according to the altered Policing Act. I want to point out that this is the second time that they have come to Parliament asking Parliament to validate their actions and it certainly does not reflect well on the police that we are put in this position and that so much of Parliament’s valuable time gets soaked up trying to sort out something that should never have happened in the first place. Although this is a straightforward technical matter it is nonethe less one that is an extreme irritation and I would suggest potentially quite an embarrassment to the police.This bill will remove any doubts about the validity of the actions of the affected police employees effectively constables and prevent unmeritorious claims of invalid exercise of police powers. We will follow a process this afternoon agreed by the Business Committee. I am sure that members will wish to express their concern about the need for this particular bout of urgency.Motion agreed to.
Calder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is subject to correctionCalder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14276. Text is subject to correction.]11.Dr CAM CALDER (National) to theAssociate Minister of Transport: What progress is being made in bringing down New Zealand’s road toll?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Associate Minister of Transport): Excellent news. We are tracking towards the lowest road toll in more than 60 years. The year-to-date road toll stands at 202. This is 33 fewer than at this time last year and a significant 36 percent or 116 people lower than just 4 years ago at the same time. Younger drivers have been a focus for the Government so it is particularly pleasing that from 2010 to 2012 we saw a 44 percent decrease in deaths for our 15 to 19-year-olds and a 48 percent decrease in the number of 20 to 24-year-olds dying on our roads. But of course there is no room for complacency especially with Labour Weekend coming up.Dr Cam Calder: What are the key messages for motorists to remember over the long weekend to keep them and their families safe?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: A very good question. The messages for drivers are clear: stay focused on your driving take breaks drive to the conditions reduce your speed and of course do not drink and drive. I would also add to this list the request for people to obey the law and stay off their cellphones while driving as any distraction can be deadly. I wish everyone across the House and across the country a safe long weekend and I hope everyone comes back in one piece.Iain Lees-Galloway: Does he agree with the New Zealand Police which recently told the Law and Order Committee that lowering the drink-driving limit is the single most effective measure that Parliament could take to further reduce the road toll; if so will he at the first opportunity vote to reduce the limit to the internationally accepted level of 0.05 percent?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: Well I would certainly agree to the extent that the Government has already lowered the blood-alcohol level for our young and for recidivist drink-drivers and that and other initiatives have led to a significant reduction after 9 years of virtually flat-lining in the last 4 years. But as the member knows the Government is considering the evidence on lowering the adult drink-driving limit and it will report in due course on the findings of that evidence.
Hughes Gareth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is subject to correctionHughes Gareth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14275. Text is subject to correction.]10.GARETH HUGHES (Green) to theMinister of Energy and Resources: Does he stand by his statement about oil and gas “As minister my job is to support the development of these resources in a sensible safe and environmentally responsible way”?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Energy and Resources): Yes.Gareth Hughes: How is the Minister doing his job to ensure that oil is developed in a sensible safe and environmentally responsible way when as of yesterday he had not even read or been advised on Anadarko’s environmental impact assessment report?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: Let me give the member a brief history. Under the old system when Labour was in power the Minister simply applied their discretion and their vibe if you like to the system. Now in fact there are independent regulatory agencies that go through and scrutinise applications in some detail. It is not for the Minister to assess them. Indeed if I did that member would be accusing me of crony capitalism. So I think I am in the right place on this.Gareth Hughes: Is the Minister saying to the people of New Zealand that his job is not to read a very important environment report from the very company that had a 25 percent stake in the Gulf of Mexico spill; and how sensible safe and environmentally responsible is it to allow Anadarko to drill a well in the deepest water just off the Waikato coast and not even need a marine consent when people in the Waikato need a resource consent to drill a water bore?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: To reassure the very concerned member I can tell him that I have now perused the documents in question. But I repeat very clearly that he misconceives my function and the function of the independent regulatory agencies with the experts who go through the several hundred pages of documents to ensure that they meet their very stringent tests. That is their role. My role is to oversee them and to be in charge of them.Gareth Hughes: Will the Minister ensure that Anadarko’s oil spill modelling reports and oil spill contingency plans are publicly available before they start drilling this summer?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: They are not publicly available in the sense that they are there on websites necessarily for everyone to see. But they are through Official Information Act and other processes able to be obtained.Gareth Hughes: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I acknowledge the Minister’s answer but the question was directed to him—will he ensure.Mr SPEAKER: And he said no they are not going to be publicly available.
Ardern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is subject to correctionArdern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14275. Text is subject to correction.]9.SHANE ARDERN (National—Taranaki - King Country) to theAssociate Minister of Health: What is the Government doing to support rural general practice?Hon JO GOODHEW (Associate Minister of Health): Today I have announced an additional $9 million over 4 years to support rural general practices to retain clinical staff and services. This new investment is on top of the $13 million a year already funded for rural general practice support. This additional funding will take effect from 1 July 2014 when a new way of allocating rural funding will be rolled out.Shane Ardern: In what other ways is the Government supporting the rural workforce?Hon JO GOODHEW: In many other ways. We are providing funding and support for the New Zealand Rural GP Network to manage a rural recruitment and locum service and there is a rural midwifery recruitment and retention service a multidisciplinary rural health immersion programme the Rural Origin Medical Preferential Entry Scheme the Voluntary Bonding Scheme rural hospital medicine postgraduate generalist placement for rural rotations the Advanced Trainee Fellowship Scheme and the physician assistant position. There is more but I think my time is up.
Brownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is subject to correctionBrownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14273. Text is subject to correction.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I think that does tend to indicate—well the leave was granted—that the document was publicly available.
Goff Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is subject to correctionGoff Phil: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14273. Text is subject to correction.]Hon PHIL GOFF (Labour—Mt Roskill): I am very pleased to table the whole report. I thought I would table the relevant quotes. I will leave the yellow stickers on it for the reference of members.Mr SPEAKER: I am very grateful for the assistance from the member.
Carter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is subject to correctionCarter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14273. Text is subject to correction.]Mr SPEAKER: It was certainly my understanding of the leave that was sought that the whole of the report would be tabled.
Brownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is subject to correctionBrownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14273. Text is subject to correction.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The House granted leave a few minutes ago to the Hon Phil Goff to table a whole report not selected quotes from it. I would ask that the whole report gets tabled not the selected quotes from it. The member has got it he offered to table it and he should put it on the Table.
Ngaro Alfred: Human Rights Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is subject to correctionNgaro Alfred: Human Rights Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 22 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14119. Text is subject to correction.]ALFRED NGARO (National): I rise to take a short call on the first reading of the Human Rights Amendment Bill. The Human Rights Commission was set up as a bodyto investigate promote and protect human rights. Having a dedicated Disability Rights Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission reinforces this Government’s commitment to promoting and monitoring mechanisms that will really make a difference to the lives of disabled people. New Zealand ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 25 September 2008. This bill not only supports this convention but also the direction of the Government.I look forward to this bill’s referral to the Justice and Electoral Committee to hearing submissions and to furthering the course of this bill. I commend this bill to the House.