edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Smith Nick: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSmith Nick: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9104. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for Building and Housing): I am pleased to take a brief call to answer a few points. Very interestingly we heard from Mr Phil Twyford that the Government is changing its story. Well I have got in front of me a speech from Mr Twyford to the community housing association in 2014. In that speech he said he supported having a more diverse housing sector and that he supported the transfer—Carmel Sepuloni: I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. I am going to ask for your guidance around relevance to the actual bill. If it is a wide-ranging debate we could go even wider than that.The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): I am the judge of that. The Minister is responding to comments made earlier—there is a degree of latitude; this is a rebuttal—and the Minister is responding to that. I am the judge of relevancy.Hon Dr NICK SMITH: Part 2 of this bill is about transferring Housing New Zealand houses to community housing associations. Mr Twyford in 2014 gave a speech to the community housing association and said that he supported that. Now he has got the cheek to roll down to the Chamber do a flip-flop and then say that somehow he has a different position. It is so typical. Whether it is the HomeStart scheme or whether it is loan-to-value ratios the Labour Party has no idea what it stands for—on this issue that is clear.I have a very important second point. Every member of this House understands that we need more houses we need better quality houses and we need a more diverse social housing sector. The very first transaction that will be enabled under this part is the transfer of Housing New Zealand houses at Tāmaki—3000 State houses—to the Tāmaki Redevelopment Co. which is a partnership between this Government and the Auckland Council. That will enable us to grow the number of houses on that site from 3000 homes to 9000 homes. That is 6000 more homes for New Zealanders. Why are members opposite opposed to that I ask them—why are they opposed?I challenge the Greens—why are they opposed to more intensification of housing in the Tāmaki area which I think every member of this House knows is part of Auckland’s solution? Every one of us also knows that the new homes that are being built in Tāmaki—and we will be opening more of them next month—will be far better quality homes that are better insulated and better provided-for houses in that community. Equally so I want to say to members opposite why are they opposed in an area like Tāmaki to having not 100 percent State housing but a mix of housing—privately owned homes and community association homes as well as State homes? That is what we stand for. I am yet to hear a member opposite explain why we would not want to facilitate that sort of development at Tāmaki. That development at Tāmaki can go ahead only with these provisions in Part 2 and that is why we should get on with them.
Davidson Marama: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDavidson Marama: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9103. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MARAMA DAVIDSON (Green): We are on Part 2. The Greens absolutely oppose the Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill. I refer to Part 2 which essentially extends extraordinary and unprecedented powers to Ministers who can overstep the Housing New Zealand board at their own discretion I understand. This is where I want to go back to what Minister Nick Smith referred to when he tried to accuse the Greens of not supporting progressive housing. Mr Smith the Tasmanian Greens’ policy launched by Cassy O’Connor is about community housing. It was with an organisation that has had 30 years of experience and was willing to take homes that were not in a terrible state not like the homes that were trying to be flogged off and like the homes that the Salvation Army said “No those are terrible.” about. So Mr Smith there is quite a number of important distinctions here that you have tried to snap us back with.In relation to Part 2 about transferring contracts at the Minister’s discretion we would absolutely welcome good community housing programmes. That is absolutely the Greens’ policy and I said that yesterday in my speech to the House. Good community housing programmes with organisations that have the capacity and the experience and that can deliver good safe housing are absolutely part of an essential infrastructure alongside State housing. So Mr Smith I wondered—Jami-Lee Ross: Dr Smith.MARAMA DAVIDSON: Dr/Mr Smith—the honourable—I do not believe that you were able to answer my colleague Kevin Hague’s question when he was asking whether it was truly necessary as it says in Part 2 that these huge powers be conferred upon the Ministers to achieve community housing. I want to ask does the Minister not have faith that Housing New Zealand can instead take instruction and take direction and can you not just instruct the housing agency to do that? Do you absolutely need those huge powers to be conferred upon those Ministers? Also Part 2 talks about these powers. Has the Government considered the risk that this transferral of power puts the Ministers in—open to allegations of corruption open to actual corruption? And we have certainly—The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): Order! The member cannot imply actual corruption. That is an unparliamentary term and I ask the member to withdraw that comment.MARAMA DAVIDSON: I withdraw that comment. Thank you for that guidance. Instead I ask then is the Minister not concerned about the huge risk of allegations of corruption that the Ministers may face or is it simply that the Government believes it can get away with what it wants? Thank you.
Tisch Lindsay: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9101. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): Order! We have been on this debate on Part 1 for well over 2 hours now and I have heard most of the arguments so I am going to put the question.
Ross Jami-Lee: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoss Jami-Lee: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9101. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JAMI-LEE ROSS (Junior Whip—National): I move That the question be now put.
Ross Jami-Lee: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoss Jami-Lee: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9100. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JAMI-LEE ROSS (Junior Whip—National): I move That the question be now put.
Smith Nick: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSmith Nick: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9095. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for Building and Housing): I just want to crisply answer the question that has been raised by the member Rino Tirikatene so that the Committee can have a well-informed debate on this part.In respect of where the money goes in respect of Housing Act land which is not necessarily Housing New Zealand land or buildings the money goes to the Crown bank account. Let me give you an example. The member would be well be aware as the member for Te Tai Tonga of the demands for housing in Christchurch. There was a block of surplus New Zealand Transport Agency land at Awatea. The Government under the Housing Act declared it for that purpose so it came over from the New Zealand Transport Agency to my ministry. We have entered into a contract with Fletcher’s in that case—it was a contestable process—and the houses are being built on that site. In fact next month I am due to open them. They will be very welcomed in Christchurch with a large number being in the affordable range. In that case the proceeds of that land and that deal that we have with Fletcher’s goes into the Crown bank account.In respect of where the bulk of the controversy has been about this bill—and actually not in this part—the transfer of the State houses of Housing New Zealand those funds go into the Housing New Zealand bank account. That is where there has been some confusion about where these funds go.
Naylor Jono: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNaylor Jono: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9090. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JONO NAYLOR (National): I move That the question be now put.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): I am going to indicate that I will take extra calls. I will reiterate a ruling I have made previously and that is that where reasonable questions have been asked they should be responded to and if they are responded to then it is more likely that a closure would be given. Having said that I think it is fair to say that this particular part of the bill contains a clause that is quite unusual and gives extreme powers to Ministers and it requires substantial debate.
Davidson Marama: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDavidson Marama: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9084. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MARAMA DAVIDSON (Green): Again I rise to take a very short call to also continue the Committee stage debate on the Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill which the Green Party and I strongly oppose. Part 1 of this bill transfers the power into two Ministers’ hands. I wanted to take a short call not just because short videos are popular on social media but because I wanted it to be clear: whenever in the history of the world has the transfer of power to a few ever worked out for the people? I wanted to clearly state that.I am also thinking about the definition of power in relation to Part 1 of this bill. I am also thinking about tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori and how power is supposed to benefit everybody. I have already been in the Hansard talking about the definition of rangatira in that it is supposed to be the weaving together of a group. So I stand again to say that I oppose Part 1 of this bill with its transference of power to a few because when has that ever worked out? Kia ora.
Tisch Lindsay: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9079. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): I call Marama Fox—Marama Davidson.
Carter David: Business of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Business of the House[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9075. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action? There is not.
Brownlee Gerry: Business of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business of the House[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9075. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): Following discussions at the Business Committee yesterday I seek leave for the debate on the Prime Minister’s statement to be set down for resumption on Tuesday 1 March despite Standing Order 355(2).
Twyford Phil: Debate on Prime Minister’s StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTwyford Phil: Debate on Prime Minister’s Statement[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9075. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]PHIL TWYFORD (Labour—Te Atatū): I move That this debate be now adjourned.Motion agreed to.Debate interrupted.
Carter David: Debate on Prime Minister’s StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Debate on Prime Minister’s Statement[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9075. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I do not think that would inform the House.
Mallard Trevor: Debate on Prime Minister’s StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Debate on Prime Minister’s Statement[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9075. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South): I seek leave to table the Black Caps cricket schedule which indicates that the match starting on 20 February finishes on 24 February to indicate that this Labour Opposition has confidence it will last for 5 days rather than be all over on the first day as indicated by the Minister for Sport and Recreation.
Muller Todd: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMuller Todd: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9072. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.TODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty) to the Minister for Primary Industries: What reports has he received on growth in kiwifruit exports?Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister for Primary Industries): Zespri’s December forecast shows that Green volumes have increased 16 percent to over 80 million trays and SunGold volumes are up nearly three times on last season. Zespri is closing in on total sales of nearly 21 million trays in Japan which is a record result for this market. The forecast payment for growers is $1.1 billion which is up $177 million on the 2014-15 result. This demonstrates the industry’s strong recovery from the impact of Psa.Todd Muller: How will the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) help our kiwifruit growers?Hon NATHAN GUY: The MP for the Bay of Plenty will be excited to know that the TPP will eliminate all kiwifruit tariffs at entry into force. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER:Order!Hon NATHAN GUY: There is a lot of excitement about the TPP on this side of the House Mr Speaker. This is worth $15 million per year and equates to an average saving of $6000 per grower per year. Importantly the industry will save over $15 million from tariffs into Japan which is Zespri’s largest market. This will benefit Japanese consumers and our exporters by supporting our overall competitiveness against other fruit in that market. Zespri is expecting annual sale volumes to Japan to increase by around 10 percent over the next 5 years.Todd Muller: What reports has he received from the kiwifruit industry on the importance of the TPP?Hon NATHAN GUY: Zespri’s chief executive Lain Jager said: “This is an excellent result for our industry which is set to earn nearly $2 billion in sales revenue this season and growing strongly.” He adds: “The reality is that New Zealand is a small nation reliant on exporting to earn our way in the world and these agreements are vital to our future prosperity.”
Roche Denise: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoche Denise: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9072. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.DENISE ROCHE (Green) to the Prime Minister: Will he ask Australian Prime Minister Turnbull to close the offshore detention centres when he meets with him this week?Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister): It is not my intention to no.Denise Roche: Is it humane for babies and children to be detained in offshore detention centres?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: That would depend on the circumstances they were in but anyway that is a policy that is one of the Australian Government’s. Funnily enough it seems to me that the Green Party wants to be opposed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership because it does not want other countries telling us about our policies—Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Collins Judith: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCollins Judith: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9070. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections): I seek leave to correct an answer that I gave to Mr Clendon.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is none.Hon JUDITH COLLINS: Thank you. I said that I was sworn in as a Minister on 18 December 2015. It was in fact 14 December 2015. I apologise for that error.Mr SPEAKER: I am surprised you forgot.Hon JUDITH COLLINS: I know.
Lee Melissa: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLee Melissa: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9069. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.MELISSA LEE (National) to the Minister for Small Business: How are Government policies contributing to increasing confidence among small businesses?Hon CRAIG FOSS (Minister for Small Business): Confidence amongst small businesses continues to grow as highlighted in the recent Westpac Business Growth Monitor which showed over half of New Zealand’s small and medium businesses are confident of growing their businesses over the next 6 months. The ANZ Business Micro Scope also showed increased investment intentions across the small business sector. Government policies such as the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband implementing the 90-day trial our ongoing programme of pursuing free-trade agreements and policies that have led to low interest rates are all contributing to increased business confidence.Melissa Lee: What other policies are contributing to the increasing confidence among small and medium businesses?Hon CRAIG FOSS: Small and medium businesses will take confidence from this Government’s programme to pursue free-trade agreements and to abide and honour those free-trade agreements. Our agreements with Korea and Chinese Taipei and the recently signed Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will give small and medium businesses more confidence through the many opportunities that are created. This is especially important in regions such as Southland Tasman Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay where around 40 percent of jobs in those regions are in the export sector. New Zealand small businesses can have confidence that the National Government will abide by our free-trade agreements.Jacinda Ardern: Can he confirm that the same Westpac survey that he boasts from found that only 16 percent of small to medium sized enterprises intend to hire more staff over the next 12 months and that “their view on the economy is a red flag against hiring staff”?Hon CRAIG FOSS: I cannot confirm that but what I can confirm is that in the ANZ sector—let me have some quotes—hiring intentions with the small business community rose eight points over the quarter. I think it is no coincidence that the increased confidence in the last quarter of 2015 coincides with the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
O'Connor Simon: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeO'Connor Simon: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9066. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.SIMON O’CONNOR (National—Tāmaki) to the Minister of Health: Can he confirm that since the launch of free doctors’ visits for children under 13 rates of children under 13 visiting their GP is 23 percent higher than the same quarter last year?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health): Yes. The Government is committed to supporting families by giving children the best possible start in life. That is why this Government committed $90 million over 3 years to extend the free GP visits and prescriptions to children under 13. Removing this cost barrier is making a real difference to many families and is supported by the extra $400 million being invested in the health sector this year.Simon O’Connor: How do these rates compare for Māori and Pacific people?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: The data also shows that more Māori and Pasifika children are being seen by their GP. There was a 25 percent increase for Māori and a 21 percent increase for Pasifika children. That means children are seeing a health professional earlier taking pressure off emergency departments in hospitals and most important kids are prevented from getting sicker.Simon O’Connor: How many practices have opted in and how many children are benefiting from free under-13s GP visits?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I am pleased to report that 99 percent of general practices across the country are now offering free GP visits for children under 13. That means that 780000 children under 13 can benefit from free GP visits and prescriptions. Just 10 general practices out of 1015 have not signed up and in all cases there are easily accessible alternatives.Barbara Stewart: Can the Minister confirm that unlike New Zealand First’s free doctors visits for under-13s policy his policy does not cover casual visits for under-13s and that after-hours surgeries and emergency departments are under increased pressure because families are waiting to seek medical assistance when it will be free?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I do not know what the New Zealand First policy covers but I have been very clear about our policy.
Carter David: Visitors — Solomon Islands—MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Visitors — Solomon Islands—Ministers[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9059. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I am sure that members would wish to welcome Ministers from the Solomon Islands Government Ministers Tuki and Kuku who are present in the gallery.
Business of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBusiness of the House[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9075. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Business of the HouseHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): Following discussions at the Business Committee yesterday I seek leave for the debate on the Prime Minister’s statement to be set down for resumption on Tuesday 1 March despite Standing Order 355(2).Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action? There is not.
Visitors — Solomon Islands—MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVisitors — Solomon Islands—Ministers[Sitting date: 17 February 2016. Volume:711;Page:9059. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Wednesday 17 February 2016Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VisitorsSolomon Islands—MinistersMr SPEAKER: I am sure that members would wish to welcome Ministers from the Solomon Islands Government Ministers Tuki and Kuku who are present in the gallery.
Vote: Estimates Debate — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Estimates Debate — In Committee[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5405. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That Vote Audit Vote Communications Security and Intelligence Vote Finance Vote Office of the Clerk Vote Ombudsmen Vote Parliamentary Service Vote Prime Minister and Cabinet Vote Revenue Vote Security and Intelligence and Vote State Services be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 56New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 12; New Zealand First 12.Votes agreed to.
Vote: Estimates Debate — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Estimates Debate — In Committee[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5377. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That Vote Conservation Vote Environment and Vote Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 58New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Votes agreed to.
Vote: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5364. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 58New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Bill read a second time.
Vote: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5363. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the questionThat the question be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 58New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Question agreed to.
Tisch Lindsay: Estimates Debate — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Estimates Debate — In Committee[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5405. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): Members we now come to the vote in the health sector—volume B.5 volume 6. The question is that Vote Health stand part of the schedules. The chairman of the Health Committee speaks first. I call Simon O’Connor. Mr O’Connor your task is to set out the major findings of your committee in relation to the estimates.
Borrows Chester: Estimates Debate — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Estimates Debate — In Committee[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5393. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Chester Borrows): Members I will call the member David Bennett shortly. I need to concede that I should have called him first. I encourage him when seeking the call to use the same voice that he uses for interjections. Bearing his last intervention in this debatein mind I would remind him of the Business Committee’s determination that the role of the select committee chair in speaking in the estimates debate is to set out the major findings of their committee in relation to the estimates. I welcome the call from the member.
Borrows Chester: Estimates Debate — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Estimates Debate — In Committee[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5391. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Chester Borrows): Members we come now to the votes in the finance and Government administration sector—volume B.5 volume 5 and the question is that Vote Audit Vote Communications Security and Intelligence Vote Finance Vote Office of the Clerk Vote Ombudsmen Vote Parliamentary Service Vote Prime Minister and Cabinet Vote Revenue Vote Security Intelligence and Vote State Services stand part of the schedules.
Tisch Lindsay: Estimates Debate — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Estimates Debate — In Committee[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5378. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): Members we now come to the votes for the external sector—volume B.5 volume 4. The question is that Vote Customs Vote Defence Vote Defence Force Vote Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vote Official Development Assistance stand part of the schedules. I ask the chair of the committee to set out the major findings of your committee in relation to the estimates.
Simpson Scott: Estimates Debate — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSimpson Scott: Estimates Debate — In Committee[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5364. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]SCOTT SIMPSON (Chairperson of the Local Government and Environment Committee): Mr Chairman I appreciate the acknowledgment and also the opportunity to conclude with a couple of minutes’ rounding out what for me is a very important part of this Appropriation (2015/16 Estimates) Bill discussion and debate. It relates exactly to the environmental sector where two very competent Ministers preside over the most important environmental decisions and the stewardship of our precious environment. Looking forward to the future they are putting in place excellent protections excellent stewardship and excellent advances that have not previously been considered by other Governments.In the field of conservation the Minister of Conservation Maggie Barry is doing an exceptional job. She is a person who has devoted her entire working life—not just in this Parliament but her entire working life—to ensuring the advancement of conservation matters and of our environment. In terms of the Ministerfor the Environment Nick Smith he too has made a greater contribution—dare I say it—than any other member in this House in terms of protecting and ensuring the enhancement of our natural environment.I want to highlight one or two matters that came before the Local Government and Environment Committee during the estimates hearings. I was particularly impressed with the work that the Department of Conservation is doing in partnership agreements with independent bodies and commercial organisations to leverage the funding and access of resources for the further advancement and protection of our environment. I particularly want to commenton with appreciation and note the work that Fonterra is doing in terms of its Living Water programme. One of those projects has relevance in my electorate on the Seabird Coast at Miranda and Kaiaua where excellent work is being done to protect the wetlands there. That is just one area where partnerships are proving absolutely that they can add value to our conservation message and to our conservation objectives.Another one is the rat eradication on Great Mercury Island also within the boundaries of the very beautiful and lovely Coromandel electorate. There Sir Michael Fay and David Richwhite have entered into a programme with the Department of Conservation to eradicate rats on that very precious and important island. There are some who object to that but I think that is a wonderful move and it is certainly something that is going to enhance that island and also the greater area.
Tisch Lindsay: Estimates Debate — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Estimates Debate — In Committee[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5364. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): Members when we were last progressing the estimates debate we were debating the votes in the environment sector—volume B.5 volume 3. They are Vote Conservation Vote Environment and Vote Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. Scott Simpson had the call and he has 2 minutes and 20 seconds remaining if he so wishes. Before giving the call to Mr Simpson I would like to remind the select committee chairs who are allocated calls who lead the sector debates of the requirement of the Business Committee to set out the major findings of their committees in relation to the estimates. Mr Simpson has set an excellent example in this matter.
Roy Eric: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoy Eric: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5354. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Karanga ahau a Marama Fox tēnā koe. A 5-minute call.
Roy Eric: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoy Eric: New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5353. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: A 5-minute call from the Green Party.
Carter David: Urgent Debates Declined — Electoral (Disqualification of Sentenced Prisoners) Amendment Act—Consistency with New Zealand Bill of Rights Act Trans-Pacific Partnership—NegotiationsText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Urgent Debates Declined — Electoral (Disqualification of Sentenced Prisoners) Amendment Act—Consistency with New Zealand Bill of Rights Act Trans-Pacific Partnership—Negotiations[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5337. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from the Hon David Parker seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 a recent declaration by the High Court that the Electoral (Disqualification of Sentenced Prisoners) Amendment Act 2010 is inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. For there to be an urgent debate there must be an administrative or ministerial responsibility or the case must be of recent occurrence. The member in his application cites the judgment of the High Court issued on 24 July 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 distinct governmental responsibility for the particular case that it is sought to debate. A decision of the High Court is not a matter for which any Minister has responsibility. The application is therefore declined.I have also received a letter from the Rt Hon Winston Peters seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. For an urgent debate to be granted there must be a particular case of recent occurrence. Negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership have been continuing since at least 2010. An ongoing event is not a particular case of recent occurrence. The application is therefore declined.
Korako Nuk: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeKorako Nuk: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5336. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.NUK KORAKO (National) to the Minister of Education: He aha ērā mahi āwhina kia kaha kē atu ai te ako o te hunga rangatahi i Te Reo Māori?[What is being done to help more young people learn Te Reo Māori?]Hon HEKIA PARATA (Minister of Education):Te Reo Māori i te tuatahi te reo Pākehā e whai atu. Ā tēnā koe e Te Mana Whakawā otirā huri noa i tō tātou Whare tēnā koutou katoa. Ko tō tātou Reo Māori he taonga tuku iho he reo kāmehameha nō reira kia kaha tātou ki te kōrero i tō tātou reo rangatira ahakoa ki hea ki ngā kāinga ki ngā wāhi mahi ki ngā whare ako ki ngā hāpori hoki.[In the Māori language first followed by the English language. And so salutations to you Mr Speaker but at the same time to you all throughout our House. Our Māori language is a treasure that has been handed down it is priceless and so we need to be robust in speaking in our esteemed language regardless of where that might be—in the homes workplaces learning institutions and communities as well.]The New Zealand curriculum for English-medium schooling gives schools the option of teaching Te Reo Māori. Te Marautanga o Aotearoa the curriculum for Māori-medium schooling focuses on developing effective communicators in Te Reo. Between 2010 and 2014 the number of young people learning Te Reo at school grew from 133000 to more than 147000. Should schools choose to do more with Te Reo Māori—and I encourage them to do so—they are supported by the Ministry of Education and other agencies with resources. Ko Te Reo kia tika ko Te Reo kia rere ko Te Reo kia Māori ā ko Te Reo Māori ka rangona i ngā moka katoa o Aotearoa.[The Māori language must be correct fluent and Māori in essence and it must be heard in all extremities of New Zealand.]Nuk Korako: He aha ngā whakaotinga mahi kia tipu ai te mātauranga kaupapa Māori?[What is being done to grow Māori-medium education?]Hon HEKIA PARATA: We are committed to growing the number of young people attending Māori-medium education—from kōhanga and puna reo to kura kaupapa wharekura and whare wānanga—to ensure that they achieve educational success. To this end we are working both within Government agencies and with the providers of Māori-medium education to strengthen their reach and provision. In 2014 Māori-medium education was provided to approximately 2 percent of the schooling population or just under 18000 students across 282 Māori-medium schools or settings. We know that many young people do well in Māori-medium education and our Government is committed to seeing that continue. Kia ora.
Scott Alastair: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeScott Alastair: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5335. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]10.ALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa) to the Minister of Immigration: What measures has the Government announced to help spread the benefits of migration across New Zealand?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Minister of Immigration): The Government has announced a package of changes designed to help spread the benefits of migration across the country particularly in those regions with demands for workers skills and investment. The changes include trebling the bonus points for skilled migrants for a job offer outside Auckland doubling the points for an entrepreneur setting up a business in the regions streamlining the labour market check and providing a pathway to residence for a number of long-term migrants on temporary visas in the South Island. Overall the feedback on these initiatives has been positive with wide support from local mayors and a number of business groups that welcome the opportunity to access the skills and labour their regions need to grow.Alastair Scott: What reports has the Minister received supporting the Government’s changes to immigration settings?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: I have seen a wide range of reports supporting the Government’s changes from a wide range of stakeholders: mayors business groups and others.11:0019/8SJ I know one pragmatic report said: “I thought about it for a while and I thought: ‘Well let’s give it a go.’ It is an instrument there’s a whole lot of stuff that can be done but anything that helps to get the regions going has got to be good.” That is from the very sensible Labour MP Stuart Nash and I wholeheartedly agree.
Davis Kelvin: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDavis Kelvin: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5334. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.KELVIN DAVIS (Labour—Te Tai Tokerau) to the Minister of Corrections: Does he agree with the statement made by the Department of Corrections Chief Executive Ray Smith that “not everything is broken” in relation to Serco’s management of Mt Eden Corrections Facility?Hon Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA (Minister of Corrections): Yes I do but like the chief executive I am awaiting the outcome of the review by the chief inspector.Kelvin Davis: How can he believe that not everything is broken at Serco when this morning two inmates were found to have been organising a class A drug ring within the prison?Hon Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA: The incident that that member refers to is subject to a police investigation and I await the findings of that police investigation.Kelvin Davis: Has he received any reports contradicting Ray Smith’s press release of 23 July which concluded that the February serious assault case involved only one attacker?Hon Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA: Can the member please repeat the question?Mr SPEAKER: Yes I can certainly organise that.Kelvin Davis: Has he received any reports contradicting Ray Smith’s press release of 23 July which concluded that the February serious assault case—the Littleton case—involved only one attacker?Hon Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA: No I have not received any reports.Kelvin Davis: Does he agree with the Prime Minister’s statement on Saturday that “That is the advantage of the private sector model. We can act; we can deal with it.”; if so why does he feel that he cannot deal with any issues that come up at public prisons?Hon Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA: I always agree with the Prime Minister.
Kuriger Barbara: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeKuriger Barbara: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5331. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.BARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki - King Country) to the Minister for Social Housing: What work is being done to ensure social housing is available for those most in need?Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Housing): The Government’s social housing reforms are all about ensuring that there are more social housing places to meet the needs of vulnerable families. We have introduced reviewable tenancies so that those who can afford to move on from social housing can do so and make room for someone who is more in need. So far 185 people have moved including 11 who have bought their own homes. We also have housing support products that help people who are wanting to go on to the waiting list with bond and moving costs so that they can go into private letting and also for those who are moving out of social housing. We are now looking at work to address the reasons why people on the register turn down social houses.Barbara Kuriger: How many people have declined an offer of a social house?Hon PAULA BENNETT: In the year to October 2014 4155 offers of a social house were declined by people on the register and 3081 people declined properties. Some declined multiple properties—for example 31 people declined a house four times and two people declined seven houses each. Twelve percent of those declines or 498 people were made without good reason.Barbara Kuriger: What kinds of reasons does she consider are good enough to decline the offer of a social house?Hon PAULA BENNETT: I do not think that people should be declining houses because they do not like the colour of the door or because they do not like birds chirping in the trees next door or because there are children playing on the street outside the house and they might ask for money. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! This is the very last warning that I am giving to the particular member on my left.Hon PAULA BENNETT: But these are all reasons that have been given. I absolutely accept that there are valid reasons for turning down a house such as wanting to keep your child at the same school or not wanting to live near a gang or a P house. [Interruption]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Will the Minister finish her answer.Hon PAULA BENNETT: Every time someone turns down a house that they are offered without a good reason it creates significant delay and means that it takes longer to get a family who really are in desperate need into that house.Mr SPEAKER: Order! Complete your answer and sit down.Hon PAULA BENNETT: That situation is not fair and I am looking to do something about it.
Bennett David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBennett David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5328. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]3.DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the state of the New Zealand economy and what do these reports show?Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance): On Friday Statistics New Zealand published merchandise trade data. Merchandise exports in the year to June totalled $48.5 billion—up $2.8 billion or 6 percent on the same period 2 years earlier. The figures indicate that overall exports to China increased 2.9 percent in June compared with the same month a year earlier. That happened because gains in the export of non-dairy produce such as meat and fruit outweighed the impact of a decline in the value of whole-milk powder exports to the world’s second-largest economy.David Bennett: What other reports has he received that indicate that the economy is expanding at a solid sustainable rate?Hon BILL ENGLISH: Part of the report from Statistics New Zealand was that the annual value of fruit exports reached an all-time high of $2 billion in the year ended 30 June. That is one of many non-dairy sectors benefiting from the reduction in the exchange rate and flat to falling interest rates which are underpinning continued moderate growth in the New Zealand economy. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! I just need to ask for a bit more cooperation from the left-hand side otherwise I am going to have to ask somebody to leave.David Bennett: What factors support a positive outlook for the New Zealand economy?Hon BILL ENGLISH: A number of factors are supporting the growing economy: strong inwards migration including for the first time net inflows from Australia to New Zealand; a stable fiscal outlook; continued growth of the construction and services sectors; and New Zealand’s high labour force participation. Of course all these factors are subject to the usual risks that an open globalised economy faces but just because some of those risks eventuate some of the time it does not mean that the economy is not continuing to grow. We are on track for moderate sustainable growth of 2 to 3 percent.David Bennett: Has the Minister received data about international visitor arrivals?Hon BILL ENGLISH: Yes because tourism is currently either our largest or second-largest export depending on which month you measure it in. Data published last week showed that international visitor arrivals numbered 177000 last month and that is 9 percent higher than in June 2014. This of course is very positive for people with jobs in industries that are servicing our international guests. The downward correction in the Kiwi dollar will underpin the competitiveness of our tourism industry which I repeat is either our largest or our second-largest export industry and looks to be doing fairly well.
Carter David: Visitors — Republic of Korea—Parliamentary DelegationNational Assembly; Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 12 to Minister 23 JulyText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Visitors — Republic of Korea—Parliamentary DelegationNational Assembly; Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 12 to Minister 23 July[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5326. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Order! That is exactly relitigating what I have just said. I now ask the member to leave the Chamber. I ask the member to leave the Chamber.Rt Hon Winston Peterswithdrew from the Chamber.
Peters Winston: Visitors — Republic of Korea—Parliamentary DelegationNational Assembly; Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 12 to Minister 23 JulyText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePeters Winston: Visitors — Republic of Korea—Parliamentary DelegationNational Assembly; Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 12 to Minister 23 July[Sitting date: 28 July 2015. Volume:707;Page:5326. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It would be rather obvious—and this point of order is to do with the sequence of events—that there was a contest as to the veracity of the matter. A member was denied a chance to table the document. That would have put the Minister’s staff and the Minister on alert. But by 10 o’clock—by the close of business that night she had not done so. That is what the point of order is about. It is the way that a ministerial statement or an explanation like that should be done and the time frame in which it should be done. She was on alert to do that. She did not do it.