Prasad Rajen: Hamilton City Council (Parana Park) Land Vesting Bill — In Committee 
Prasad Rajen: Hamilton City Council (Parana Park) Land Vesting Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:670;Page:17093] 
Dr RAJEN PRASAD (Labour) 
: 
 I will take a brief call on the interpretation clause clause 3. Before I do so as it is my first opportunity to speak in the Chamber since the events of last week in Christchurch I will reflect on them for a moment. 
The pain felt by people in Christchurch has really reverberated through all our homes in a very personal kind of way. The days afterwards—and continuing from then—have been quite a lesson in how a country comes together to grieve and to respond to such a catastrophe. I will reflect on that response but first I will reflect on the dignity of the House and how it conducted itself on Tuesday and Wednesday the week before last when we were here and then throughout the period following the earthquake. May that approach continue for as long as the House has to respond to Christchurch in a particular way. 
As an immigrant New Zealander I certainly felt very proud about our response as a nation to Christchurch. I live in Auckland and I reflect particularly on how Auckland has responded. It has been a great delight for me personally to see the ethnic communities of Auckland coming together—the ethnic radio stations and newspapers etc. They address Christchurch’s needs and respond to them in a very human and very personal way. 
I acknowledge those in Auckland who have made a solid contribution and who continue to do so by opening their homes making accommodation available and collecting money and sending it down. My colleague Raymond Huo and the Chinese community have made a tremendous contribution today. 
I will also reflect on the plight of the refugees who now have to leave Christchurch and find a place away from— 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: I think the member has taken half his call on an issue. I am quite tolerant because of the drama that has unfolded in Christchurch but we are now on clause 3 and I ask the member to speak on it. 
Dr RAJEN PRASAD 
: I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. May I just finish what is a serious reflection on Christchurch during my first opportunity to speak in the Chamber since then? Are you denying me that opportunity? 
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy) 
: The member has had 2½ minutes and has not once spoken on clause 3. I understand the sensitivities around Christchurch but this is not an opportunity to pad out a debate in the Committee which is what I am determining the member is doing. The member is welcome to take a call on clause 3. I have given him ample time to make an expression. 
Dr RAJEN PRASAD 
: Clause 3 is a good improvement. The bill has been returned from the Local Government and Environment Committee with a clause 3 that is improved from the old clause 3. The old clauses 3(a) (b) and (c) were redundant really in trying to look at the three part allotments and record them separately. It has been a good move to be economical about the calculation of the land by adding up all the amounts and referring to the size of the acreage as well as to the computer freehold register. Clause 3 is an improvement on what went to the select committee. It is an economic way of reflecting the actual parcel of land that is now being referred to. Thank you.