edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Marcroft JennyJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First): The 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic was the worst flu pandemic in recorded history. It's reckoned that about 40 percent of the world's population was infected and 20 million to 40 million people died from it. It was an influenza pandemic that swept around the globe with unparalleled ferocity and New Zealand was not immune. In just two months 9000 people died here. Imagine the effect of such a sudden loss of life if that were to happen today. In comparison over the four-year course of the Great War 18000 New Zealand soldiers died. Ironically it was the returning soldiers who it's thought brought the flu to New Zealand.The flu pandemic moved very very quickly but it was the secondary condition—pneumonia—which was the real killer. Sufferers who also caught pneumonia would often turn black before they died because of the broken blood vessels. One woman described her suffering: her fingers and toenails turned black her tongue was covered in half-an-inch - thick fungus and her entire body was racked with pain.Men were twice as likely as women to die and the Māori death rate was seven times that of the general population. My grandmother was living in Hokianga. A soup kitchen there was organised in each of the communities. Mounted and armed guards also stood at crossroads to turn back any would-be visitors. There was one rule; it was simple: anyone could leave but no one could enter.Whina Cooper my grandmother's whanaunga from Panguru in Hokianga recalls her memories. Her father was the first to get sick in her area. He was really really sick. He died. He was put in a coffin; others were put on sledges. Some they had to drag away. They dragged them away to the cemetery—to the urupā. There was no time for any tangi. It was devastating for Māori as it was devastating for the rest of the population.A hundred years on and just a couple of weeks ago—there is a seaside cemetery in Taranaki where people lying forgotten have been remembered: the Waitapu Urupā near Ngāmotu Beach in New Plymouth. There was a ceremony held there recently by the chairman of Ngāti Te Whiti hapū also a trustee of the urupā Trenton Martin. They had karakia and he called out to those who had passed to let them know that we were there for this occasion to let their spirits—their souls—be at peace now and that we have acknowledged them.Flu pandemics have not been eradicated. They are not ancient history. They are ever present in our modern connected world and they are likely to spread even faster. We must remember the tragic events of 100 years ago and never be the slightest bit complacent in defending ourselves from any potential pandemic.
Woodhouse MichaelHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National): In a small part of the small town of Waimate in the South Island there's a very large statue. It's a memorial to the town's GP Dr Margaret Cruickshank erected in 1923. At that time it was the only statue in New Zealand memorialising a woman other than Queen Victoria. She was just the second woman to graduate in medicine at the University of Otago and the first to be a general practitioner.When the influenza epidemic broke out in 1918 it was the contextual perfect storm: a lot of movement of people around the country mass celebrations at the end of the Great War and a large proportion of New Zealand's health workforce still deployed to the war or on their way home from it.Health professionals like Dr Cruickshank already tired and overworked redoubled their efforts to care for the sick. According to a recent Otago Daily Times article when her driver fell ill she completed her rounds by bike or by horse and cart. When as she often did she found the patient's farm or household chores undone due to illness she would often do the work herself. Like all of the health professionals Dr Cruickshank was herself at risk and the punishing workload made that risk greater. Eventually she succumbed to influenza and was one of 10 doctors and a plethora of other health professionals to die of the disease.The toll globally was enormous and so too in New Zealand as the Minister mentioned: the 9000 deaths in just four months is a half of all of the deaths of the four years of the Great War. Māori were particularly badly hit with that death rate more than seven times the revised European death rate and for many iwi the 1918 flu is sometimes used as a date marker: things that happened before" or "after" the great flu or "around the time of it".Supporting health professionals were thousands of volunteers a largely female army of relief workers performing sometimes unsavoury tasks that they wouldn't have dreamed of undertaking a month earlier. They did so bravely and in the face of the risk that they too might succumb. The epidemic passed relatively quickly but left a massive scar on a country already traumatised by the war.Many lessons of prevention and treatment were learned primarily around the importance of surveillance. I trust that with the passage of time complacency hasn't set in around surveilling lower virulent strains like meningococcal disease. When another strain of influenza strikes—and experts are convinced that it is just a matter of time—we need to be ready to recognise and respond to that very quickly. But in the meantime we remember those who succumbed to the outbreak 100 years ago their families the volunteers and in particular the many brave health professionals like Dr Cruickshank who did so selflessly in caring for the sick and dying."
Wednesday 19 December 2018 - Volume 735
7. Question No. 7—Greater Christchurch RegenerationDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Greater Christchurch RegenerationQuestion No. 7—Greater Christchurch Regeneration7. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration: What progress if any has been made on the regeneration of Christchurch?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration): The Government has moved quickly to implement a wide range of initiatives in Christchurch. This year in particular has seen some major achievements. I'm particularly proud of the mental health package across primary schools to help children still feeling the effects of earthquakes and we are already seeing some fantastic programmes under way. We've secured $300 million to progress and expedite city projects and we're finally taking real action to resolve insurance and Earthquake Commission roadblocks that have been holding people back for far too long.Dr Duncan Webb: What specific initiatives has she introduced to assist homeowners resolve outstanding issues with their home repairs?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: In October we launched the Greater Christchurch Claims Resolution Service which provides independent case management and legal and engineering support to help people resolve their claims. We're seeing good progress with positive feedback from people using this service. For instance one homeowner recently said to me I'm finally beginning to feel I am being listened to." Another said "The greater claims resolution service is a great service that was desperately needed." This Government is proud to be getting on with delivering initiatives that are making a difference to people's lives in Christchurch but the job's not done yet.Dr Duncan Webb: What will be the focus for the coming year?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: In the coming year we will be keeping up the momentum. We'll be finalising the global settlement with the council to settle outstanding funding issues. We'll be working together with the council to make progress on allocating the $300 million acceleration facility. Finally Minister Little has been working hard to establish the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal which will allow claimants access to justice to help them resolve outstanding claims without costly court battles. These initiatives will make a positive difference to our people and our city.Hon Gerry Brownlee: Has she received any reports on the very considerable staff redundancies at Regenerate Christchurch and can she tell the House why that's occurring? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I have not received any reports on staff redundancies but as that member knows because he wrote the legislation Regenerate Christchurch does have an end date. What we have said in terms of our global settlement with the city council—and we have said this publicly—is that we will be only considering institutional arrangements in Christchurch under a successful global settlement with the council something the previous Government was not able to achieve."
5. Question No. 5—Prime MinisterMARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 5—Prime Minister5. MARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime Minister: Which of her Government's achievements for our kids and our environment if any will she be reflecting on this Christmas?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Obviously there are a number of which I feel particularly proud but having just passed the Child Poverty Reduction Bill in the House yesterday with the support I acknowledge of the Green Party that will be something that I reflect on with some pride. Equally in the environmental space the work that's being done on waste reduction in particular—and I acknowledge the Hon Eugenie Sage as well—is something that I think will be viewed with pride not only by this Government but by all New Zealanders.Marama Davidson: What work does she think will make the biggest difference for our kids and their families?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I reflected on in my first question it's undoubtedly the $5.5 billion package that came into force in July which brings in the winter energy payment which over 700000 families benefit from including those on Government support—that includes obviously families with children—as well as the Families Package which is on average $75 a week for over 380000 families. I know that because I get letters. I've had a couple that really stand out: one where a mother said to me I can afford now to buy my kids blankets and socks and turn on the heater." and another that said "Now with that little bit extra I have been able to give them music lessons." You know that makes a big difference in people's lives.Marama Davidson: How important is tackling waste to this Government?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Incredibly important. The confidence and supply agreement obviously elevated that—our agreement with the Green Party. We acknowledged that we needed to be doing more. We needed to set targets for ourselves. I want to acknowledge that of all the things that have been done the act to remove the use of single-use plastic bags in New Zealand has had a profound impact. That one simple act is the biggest thing that I've had contact from young New Zealanders over. I thank again the Green Party and the Minister the Hon Eugenie Sage for her work in making that a reality.Marama Davidson: What has this Government done to protect nature and preserve what makes Aotearoa so special?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I think probably undoubtedly the significant increase in funding for conservation so an additional $181 million in operational funding for conservation over the next four years. That will have a profound effect in preserving New Zealand's environment but also making sure that we are guardians on behalf of those species who are particularly at risk. I also want to acknowledge the work that's being done on climate change by James Shaw the announcement and launch of the $100 million Green Investment Fund the ongoing work around predator-free—the list is long but they are all things I think this Government should feel proud of and that the Green Party should too."
4. Question No. 4—ImmigrationHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 4—Immigration4. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Immigration: Does he stand by all his statements and actions in relation to the deportation liability of Karel Sroubek?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister of Immigration): Yes in their context.Hon Michael Woodhouse: When the Prime Minister approached him on 31 October as she advised the House yesterday of allegations that Mr Sroubek's ex-wife's safety may have been at risk—I immediately raised that issue directly with the Minister of Immigration. This prompted the Minister to follow up."—what specific action did he take?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I instructed Immigration New Zealand to investigate that matter.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is he at all concerned that police were not aware of those concerns that he was privy to until the Hon Mark Mitchell approached the Minister of Police some days later?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I understand that's not correct. I understand that Immigration New Zealand approached the police.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Did he counsel the Prime Minister not to portray him as the victim and not to portray the estranged wife of Karel Sroubek as a political informant with false claims given what he knew?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Throughout this I have only held an opinion on the matters that are relevant to the decisions that I have to make. I have no opinion on who anybody associates with. People are free to associate with whomever they like in this country.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is he completely satisfied that he has handled every aspect of this case including follow-up action taken properly?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Yes.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Doesn't his failure to act promptly and appropriately in respect of those safety concerns constitute a pattern of behaviour by him in respect of every aspect of this case?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I reject the assertion in the member's question."
2. Question No. 2—FinanceWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. WILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Yesterday Moody's released its assessment of the Government's Budget Policy Statement and the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU). Moody's said that the continued Budget surpluses and debt reduction forecast in HYEFU support New Zealand's triple A stable sovereign credit profile. In addition it said that New Zealand's strong public finances provide fiscal flexibility to absorb any sudden rise in expenditure to support the economy through a shock. This is particularly relevant given Moody's view that the international environment does pose a risk to economic growth globally. This report represents yet another endorsement of the Government's credentials as responsible managers of the books and underscores the importance of our commitment to the Budget responsibility rules.Willow-Jean Prime: What did the Moody's report say about the Government's well-being approach?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Moody's said that the Government's ongoing focus on well-being denotes very high institutional capacity and fiscal flexibility. It noted that the Government is already demonstrating its focus on well-being priorities—for example through the Families Package and the Green Investment Fund. Moody's said that given robust public finances the Government does have the flexibility to fund spending on families infrastructure affordable housing and education including through Treasury's Living Standards Framework while maintaining fiscal surpluses and debt reduction. In short I'm pleased to see yet more international support for our approach to the Budget process which puts well-being at the heart of how we make investments and measure success.Willow-Jean Prime: What other reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The latest Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index for the December quarter released this morning shows the consumer confidence index was up 5.6 percent to 109.1 on the back of lower petrol prices and lower mortgage interest rates. The survey shows households are feeling both more confident about their present situation and more optimistic about the future. What's more the number of households who think now is a good time to make a major purchase is up to its highest level in four years. I have heard anecdotal reports of the spike in the sale of barbecues in the Papakura Rodney and Selwyn areas—SPEAKER: Question number three Amy Adams with a couple of extra supplementaries.
Motions — Office of the Controller and Auditor-General—Appointment of Auditor
Hipkins ChrisMOTIONSOffice of the Controller and Auditor-General—Appointment of AuditorHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That pursuant to section 38(1) of the Public Audit Act 2001 the House appoint PKF Goldsmith Fox Audit as the independent auditor to audit the financial statements accounts and other information of the Office of the Controller and Auditor-General for the financial years ending on 30 June 2019 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2021.Motion agreed to.
Motions — Parliamentary Service (Additional Parliamentary Precinct) Resolution 2009—Revocation
Hipkins ChrisMOTIONSParliamentary Service (Additional Parliamentary Precinct) Resolution 2009—RevocationHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I'm afraid that for the second time in as many weeks I have to lower the tone of the House. I move That under section 25(2) of the Parliamentary Service Act 2000 and effective from 1 January 2019 this House revoke the Parliamentary Service (Additional Parliamentary Precinct) Resolution 2009 which added the following premises to the parliamentary precincts: All that part of the mezzanine level of the building situated at Nos 1 and 3 The Terrace Wellington on land contained in Certificates of Title WN41C/804 and WN41C/805 with a net lettable area of 477.2 m² being the areas outlined on the plan attached to the Eleventh Schedule to the Deed of Lease between AMP NZ Office 1 The Terrace Limited and the Parliamentary Corporation dated 12 August 2009.Motion agreed to.
New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Vesting Bill — First Reading
Henare PeeniHon PEENI HENARE (Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector): Tēnā koe e Te Māngai o Te Whare kāti ki a koutou e ōku rangatira kua haere mai i tawhiti tau mai tatū mai tēnā tātou katoa.[Greetings Mr Assistant Speaker and to you leaders who have travelled from afar welcome greetings one and all.]In 1932 Apirana Ngata mentioned these words: He iwi ngaro a Ngā Puhi; horekau he tangata tārai waka horekau he kaiwhakairo."["Ngā Puhi are a people lost; they have no canoe sculptors they have no carvers."]It was based on those words by Apirana Ngata that our people of Ngāpuhi wrote a song and it goes a little bit like this: "E kīia mai nei kua ngaro a Ngā Puhi" ["It is said Ngā Puhi has become lost"] and it goes on to talk about how—Hon Nanaia Mahuta: Keep going.Hon PEENI HENARE: Oh no look I'll spare everyone's ears. But the purpose of mentioning Sir Apirana Ngata and his words about Ngāpuhi in the lead-up to the 100-year commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi is important. Why? Because what it does is it actually lays a platform for the great work that was done through the carving school of Whakarewarewa and Te Puia.So on behalf of Ngāpuhi the legacy is already set. This particular bill actually grows that legacy. It expands it into the future and allows the people of the hapū that are based around Whakarewarewa to actually drive to actually lead and to continue to grow the legacy that was set by their forebears.I don't want to talk too much longer but can I suggest that given the nature of this particular bill and the seemingly strong support for it right across the House and indeed amongst the hapū up in Whakarewarewa we progress this bill as soon as possible through the House. In fact I can think of a fantastic occasion in February when all of Te Arawa will march upon Pōneke for Te Matatini and we can have a true showing of the people of Rotorua and the progression of this bill.Kāti ki a tātou e ōku rangatira mā Te Atua koutou e manaaki e tiaki ki roto i te roanga ake o ngā hararei. Ka kite atu au i a koutou ā te tau e tū mai nei tēnā koutou.[Enough for now my leaders may God look after you and protect you for the duration of the holidays. I will see you in the coming year thank you.]"
Motions — Parliamentary Service General Manager—Retirement
Carter DavidRt Hon DAVID CARTER (National): Being a humble backbencher I was unaware of the discussions of the Business Committee and the fact that this motion was going to be moved but I just want to take this opportunity having worked very closely with David Stevenson of wishing him all the best.The role of General Manager of the Parliamentary Service is a very difficult one but Mr Stevenson knew that at the time he took the job because he took some encouraging to even put his name forward for the job. But can I say that in my experience here over many years Parliamentary Service is now a far better organisation serving us as members of Parliament than it's been at any time during my time as a member of Parliament and a lot of that is due to the work of David Stevenson. I personally thank you. It was a pleasure to work with you Mr Stevenson and I wish you all the best in the future.Motion agreed to.
Hughes GarethGARETH HUGHES (Green): Kia ora Mr Speaker. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora. I rise on behalf of the Green Party to also support the motion. I love David's story as a public servant walking through the gardens looking at Parliament wondering what it would be like to work here. Well he got his opportunity in one of the most stressful and challenging times but he came through he steadied the ship and he did an excellent job. On behalf of the Greens I'd like to acknowledge his service and work and can I also take the opportunity to thank all of the team of Parliamentary Service and wish them a merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Mitchell ClaytonCLAYTON MITCHELL (NZ First): I rise on behalf of our leader from New Zealand First and our caucus members from New Zealand First to join in the chorus of thanks and gratitude David for the effort time and energy that you've put into this place. You certainly will be missed. I've enjoyed personally the time that we got to catch up and your professionalism has certainly always shone through. The job that you've taken on is probably one that many many years ago you didn't realise you were going to get when you were walking through the Parliament grounds with a father that also worked as a public servant here thinking that One day I would also too like to work in this place." and you're probably thinking "Why did I wish for that job?" You'll look back with a smile on your face and say that "Well at least I came here and gave it a go." and you've done a great job at it.Mr Stevenson is a family man with small children and he is one of four kids himself. He has been here since 2011 and he's been overseas before that. He comes with a wealth of experience and New Zealand First would like to join in that chorus to thank you for your time and effort and wish you well over Christmas and beyond there. So all the very best. Thank you very much."
Brownlee GerryHon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): The National Opposition wishes to join with the Government in expressing our deep gratitude to David for his years of service leading the Parliamentary Service. The circumstances—as the Leader of the House has mentioned—under which he came to the job were interesting in so much as it was one of those crisis times for any organisation. His steady hand during the period where he was the acting manager made him the stand-out candidate to take on the role.I think that whenever someone leaves a job and they leave the organisation they have led in better shape than it was when they got there then that is a very strong tribute to their personal abilities. Mr Hipkins mentioned many of the attributes that have made David a very good leader for the Parliamentary Service. I would simply say that I'm sure many of the complaints that have been fielded from members of Parliament have come more from the other side of the House than ours because we are generally a very uncomplaining lot.It's also very interesting that in that Parliamentary Service where you have such a large number of employees—because the employment relationship is not with the MP but with the Parliamentary Service where there are so many and there are so many conditions that now apply to workplaces and everything else—a lot of the complaints that come to you I'm sure are about some of those conditions that are required in electorate offices and other such places without recognition that it's actually this place generally unanimously who've decided on what those conditions should be. So sometimes it's good to have someone who's able to gently reflect back that whatever frustrations we as members might be having so too are those out in the wider employment world.We wish you well Mr Stevenson in your future. We think that the time you've had here has been marked by—as was pointed out by Mr Hipkins—a growing better relationship between the Office of the Clerk Parliamentary Service Ministerial Services and of course also a growing importance of a number of things and initiatives that you started particularly around the cyber-security of the Parliament across all of its many aspects and indeed the security of the Parliament itself. It's I'm sure a shame that there wasn't a building programme that you had championed that got under way but you never know—in the future there'll be another opportunity. So we just wish you all the best and wish you and your family a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
Hipkins ChrisWEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.MOTIONSParliamentary Service General Manager—DepartureHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Thank you Mr Speaker. Following discussions at the Business Committee earlier this week I seek leave to move a motion noting the end of David Stevenson's tenure as the general manager of the Parliamentary Service.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There appears to be none. Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I move That the House thank departing Parliamentary Service General Manager David Stevenson for his dedicated service to the House including five years in his current role acknowledge his great contribution to rebuilding relationships during that time and wish him well for the future.The Parliamentary Service is a unique institution. It employs around 700 people two thirds of whom work in electorate offices up and down the country. While it's independent of the Government it does have to house feed and staff the offices of and arrange parking for and otherwise satisfy the disparate and sometimes unreasonable needs of 120 members of Parliament not to mention the parliamentary press gallery—not mentioning unreasonableness there at all—and everybody else who works in and passes through the parliamentary complex. It takes someone of rare tact calmness and resilience to keep that particular show on the road and those are the qualities that David Stevenson has shown in abundance during his five years as the general manager of the Parliamentary Service.He did take over the role in an acting capacity during very testing circumstances following the resignation of his predecessor as a result of the release of phone records of some members. His sure handling of the fallout from those events led to his appointment being made permanent. At the end of his five-year term many of the relationships that were broken when he took over the role have been restored to good health. The various agencies that run different aspects of the work of Parliament—the Parliamentary Service Ministerial Services and the Office of the Clerk—now work together in a much more cohesive way than has sometimes been the case in the past. This has been to a great extent due to the determination David has shown towards making this happen.He's made it a priority to engage with more New Zealanders about Parliament. Visitors now have a richer experience and Parliament's online presence is much stronger than it used to be. His genial calm manner will be much missed around the parliamentary complex and I'm sure that members on all sides of the House will join me in thanking David Stevenson for his service to us and wish him very well for the future.
Tuesday 18 December 2018 - Volume 735
Conservation (Infringement System) Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Conservation (Infringement System) Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Bill read a third time.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Monetary Policy) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Bill read a third time.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Monetary Policy) Amendment Bill — Third Reading (continued)
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Child Poverty Reduction Bill and the Children's Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 118New Zealand National 55; New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 1ACT New Zealand 1.Bills read a third time.
Child Poverty Reduction Bill and Children's Amendment Bill — Third Readings
12. Question No. 12—CorrectionsHon DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of CorrectionsQuestion No. 12—Corrections12. Hon DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Corrections: Does the prison population of 9844 as at 30 November 2018 reflect the Government's policy to have a 30 percent reduction in the prison population over the next 15 years?Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Minister of Corrections): Yes; so does the prison population of 9661 as of 13 December 2018.Hon David Bennett: When the Minister says there is no effect on the safety of communities with the 1159 reduction in prisoners what evidence does he have that none of those 1159 released prisoners haven't re-offended?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: First of all it's important to note that there have been no legislative changes so the settings that we're operating under are the same as were operating under the previous Government; we're just being more efficient and effective. I am advised that 17 people who engaged with the bail support service or EM Bail Ready Advisers have reoffended while on bail but bear in mind that between 21 October 2018 and 30 November 2018 85 people engaged with these teams and none of them have been convicted for re-offending.Hon David Bennett: How can the Minister reconcile his statement that there is no effect on communities and that when they leave prison they never come back when on average 32 percent of prisoners are re-imprisoned within 12 months of release and 47 percent are re-convicted within 12 months of release?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: It's interesting because I'm of the understanding that under their regime some 60 percent of people reoffended within two years so it's already an improvement.Hon David Bennett: When the Minister says all offenders that should be are in prison then how can he guarantee this when many recently released remand prisoners are yet to be sentenced?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: It's also important for the House to note that decisions to grant bail are made by a judge in court and not by corrections.Hon Paula Bennett: Supplementary.SPEAKER: No the Opposition has used all its supplementary questions.
11. Question No. 11—ImmigrationKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 11—Immigration11. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of Immigration: What announcements has he made regarding immigration policy today?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister of Immigration): This morning in Ashburton I announced consultation on significant changes to temporary work visa settings. I proposed to move from a one-size-fits-all model to a more regional and industry-based approach. This involves better connections between the immigration education skills welfare and employment systems to deliver better labour market outcomes for everyone working in New Zealand.Kiritapu Allan: How will the changes benefit regional business?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: The proposals will result in a much simpler and easy to understand system for employers. We'll also make it easier for employers with a proven track record of training and looking after their workers to recruit from overseas. I also propose to take a different approach to immigration regionally and recognise that Queenstown is different from Kaitāia and both are different from Auckland.Kiritapu Allan: How will the changes benefit working people?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: The proposals provide greater scrutiny on risky employers and those who employ significant numbers of migrants. Alongside the Government's work to detect and deter migrant exploitation this will help to stamp out those unfair practices.Kiritapu Allan: What feedback has the Minister received related to the proposals?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Upon my return to Parliament today I received a petition and letter hand delivered to me by the National Party MP Barbara Kuriger. The letter encouraged the Government to take immigration policies that differ from region to region noting that it is archaic to suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach to immigration can meet New Zealand's needs and stated that current policy settings are crippling regional communities hindering industries and dehumanising hard-working people. I thank the member for her advocacy in this matter.
9. Question No. 9—Housing and Urban DevelopmentANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of Housing and Urban DevelopmentQuestion No. 9—Housing and Urban Development9. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development: How many KiwiBuild houses have been sold in Te Kauwhata and what measures if any has the Government taken to improve its ability to sell KiwiBuild homes?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): As I told the member last week I'm advised that no unconditional sale and purchase agreements have been entered into so far at Te Kauwhata. However as the homes are not built until 2020 I'm advised that that's not unusual. No specific changes have been made to the way KiwiBuild sells homes and I'm confident that the homes at Te Kauwhata will be sold during construction or once they are completed. Andrew Bayly: Will the decision to increase the price cap for a HomeStart grant to $500000 allow KiwiBuild buyers in Te Kauwhata to potentially access a subsidy of up to $20000?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Yes. Andrew Bayly: What Budget allocation will the cost of these HomeStart grants to KiwiBuild house buyers come from? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The additional cost projected for the raising of the price caps for HomeStart and Welcome Home is estimated to be approximately $3 million a year. That will be funded within the existing KiwiSaver deposit subsidy and Housing New Zealand budgets. Andrew Bayly: Does that mean he is effectively using the HomeStart grant Budget allocation as a way to subsidise the purchase of KiwiBuild houses in Te Kauwhata? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: No it means we've fixed an anomaly in the HomeStart and Welcome Home price caps. We've now made those homebuyer supports available to an expected extra 230 first-home buyers around the country. Jamie Strange: What other changes has the Government made to help first-home buyers in rural centres like Te Kauwhata to buy KiwiBuild homes? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Housing New Zealand's HomeStart grant and Welcome Home loan house price caps for new builds in areas outside the main centres are increasing from $450000 to $500000 to match the KiwiBuild price cap. Regional New Zealand is the big winner out of these changes particularly areas such as the Waikato Northland the Hawke's Bay and Otago. All these areas have relatively high house prices so moving the cap will help young families in these areas the most.
8. Question No. 8—Social DevelopmentPRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister for Social DevelopmentQuestion No. 8—Social Development8. PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development: What evidence if any is there of the success of the Ministry of Social Development's service delivery changes?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): We've seen clients overwhelmingly positive about front-of-house changes. The eligibility guide has had 166000 visits since its launch in June. Manual suspensions and cancellations have dropped by 42 percent. We've forged 26 new partnerships with industry employers and have extended 10 existing partnerships. We've had a decrease in the number of reviews of decisions over the last year compared to the year before and over 75 percent of Ministry of Social Development (MSD) staff report feeling much safer with the new security measures being implemented. There is so much more to do but one year in and we know we're heading in the right direction.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: What feedback has the Minister received about those changes?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: At a recent meeting with social service providers in West Auckland I was told that they feel more confident now that their clients' issues will be resolved when sending them to Work and Income. We're now regularly receiving positive feedback on people's experiences with MSD. In fact one client wrote to MSD recently to say Thank you Work and Income for giving staff further training in customer service. I've really noticed the difference in how I'm treated when I go into the office or need to call the contact centre. Keep up the great mahi." There's still more to do but with the support of our hard-working MSD staff we're definitely on the right track.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: Why are these changes important? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: The Ministry of Social Development provides much-needed support to over 1 million New Zealanders every year from all walks of life. The reality is that most New Zealanders for one reason or another will interact with MSD over their lifetime whether that's through study when looking for work or when they reach retirement age. New Zealanders deserve to experience a service that treats them with respect and dignity no matter their personal circumstances and through our efforts to improve service delivery we are well on our way towards that goal."
5. Question No. 5—FinanceTAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 5—Finance5. TAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The BNZ and Business New Zealand have released their Performance of Manufacturing and Performance of Services indices for November. The Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) showed the sector continued to expand faster than the historical average in November. The seasonally adjusted PMI was 53.5 underpinned by a pick-up in new orders to 56.3. Business New Zealand said the result bodes well for the year to end on more of a positive note". In addition the Performance of Services Index showed the services sector also continued to expand in November. And in breaking news the ANZ Business Outlook a document much loved on the other side of the House saw business confidence rise 13 percent and own activity up by 6 percent—a little Christmas cheer for the Opposition.Tamati Coffey: What reports has he seen on business conditions in New Zealand?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Yesterday the BNZ published the results of its new Business Banker Survey showing positive business conditions in quarter four. The index measured overall business conditions at plus-17 due to strong trading conditions and profitability—this was stronger than in Australia. Business confidence came in at plus-four in line with levels reported in Australia. In addition capital expenditure conditions measured plus-15. These results show that businesses recognise that the economy is in good health and that now is a good time to invest which supports our plan for more productive growth. That being said we recognise that the biggest influence on confidence in the survey was the availability of suitable labour. That's why we are working with businesses to address gaps through programmes such as Mana in Mahi and the skills shift initiative in the manufacturing sector being led by ManufacturingNZ.Tamati Coffey: How do these reports align with recent Treasury forecasts?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: These reports are consistent with Treasury's recent forecasts in the 2018 Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update which shows serious momentum in the economy over the next few years. GDP is forecast to grow by around 3 percent per year into 2021 underpinned by investment productivity and wage growth. This shows the coalition Government's plan to help transition the economy to being more productive more sustainable and more inclusive is working well."
2. Question No. 2—Regional Economic DevelopmentJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentQuestion No. 2—Regional Economic Development2. JENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: What recent Provincial Growth Fund announcements has he made?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Regional Economic Development): Upon arriving at Ōpōtiki a neglected area we announced several important grants—the first being the allocation of money to develop water storage for 640 hectares of land in Raukōkore a sum of over $700000. That's a key feature which will enable the Government to create better land use outcomes for Māori landowners and a practical demonstration of what it might mean to find water-based solutions for Māori landowners. The most important thing was that we are continuing to shrink the $145 million cost of the Ōpōtiki harbour and wharf suggestion by allocating on top of the $4.5 million approximately spent by the last regime an additional $750000 so that Ōpōtiki can achieve some happiness with being endowed with that infrastructure. And we are also supporting aquaculture. Jenny Marcroft: How will these projects benefit the communities in the Eastern Bay of Plenty?Hon SHANE JONES: The Eastern Bay of Plenty has been inhibited over a long period of time because of poor attention from successive Governments. With the allocation subject to a suitable feasibility study of up to $19 million to expedite the growth of aquaculture the development of value-added products this will give genuine hope jobs and economic development to a township where successive parliamentarians have arrived made promises but never delivered.Kiritapu Allan: How have the latest Provincial Growth Fund announcements been received?Hon SHANE JONES: The Māori language that was used to receive the first citizen of the provinces—the term Haere mai haere mai haere mai" was exchanged for "Ho ho ho" as a demonstration that at long last those communities are seeing a Government that is willing to allocate genuine capital to grow jobs and to move on from what has been a retarded status because the last regime talked a lot and did zero.Jenny Marcroft: Why is digital connectivity so important for the regions?Hon SHANE JONES: A sum of $40 million has been made available for various regions. Anyone who has travelled through Taika Waititi's homeland would know that although it has created a great deal of talented individuals it's hard for them to communicate with each other when cellphones don't work.David Seymour: Before they received $1 million from the Provincial Growth Fund was the Minister satisfied that the Whakatōhea trust had been properly exonerated from the investigation ordered just a few months ago by the Minister for Māori Development?Hon SHANE JONES: Heron QC undertook an investigation. He found no case of egregious wrongdoing a few loose ends—and it's sad that it's actually the wandering ways of the Waitangi Tribunal that have worsened the prospects of Whakatōhea."
Scott Alastair; Williams PotoALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker for the opportunity to speak on this bill. This will be the last contribution I make in this year. I wish all members on both sides of the House a very merry Christmas. It must be something in the air. It's great to feel it. It's a shame that we—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): I apologise to the member. This debate is interrupted and is set down for resumption next sitting day. Can I wish those who serve in this House and in this precinct a very restful summer break and a very merry Christmas to you all. Pō mārie.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 10 p.m.
Wood MichaelMICHAEL WOOD (Labour—Mt Roskill): I've been advised in the past that when you face a big problem such as eating an elephant the way to do it is to take one bite at a time. I think with this piece of legislation we have a Minister who is determined to ensure that we have a fit for purpose Earthquake Commission (EQC) who is taking just that approach. This piece of legislation makes some sensible and timely changes to EQC to ensure that it is adapted to the needs of our country in 2018.I have to say as the Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Committee I was very pleased with the way that the committee worked on this piece of legislation considered the submissions that came in and made some very sensible changes to it.This is a very good piece of legislation. We know the Minister is working hard on the next stage which is the inquiry. We look forward to what comes out of that. But in the meantime I wish to commend this piece of legislation to the House for the benefit of the people of Canterbury and New Zealand. Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker.
Dyson RuthHon RUTH DYSON (Labour—Port Hills): It's a pleasure to follow the member Andrew Bayly and I want to acknowledge and thank him for his support of this legislation and his considered contribution to this debate. I want to particularly commend the Minister the Hon Dr Megan Woods. She's taken ownership of the Earthquake Commission (EQC) portfolio and finally people in Christchurch know that they have a Minister who is on their side who's listening and who's taking note of the issues that have been raised with the Minister and is moving to address them. The instigation of the inquiry under Dame Silvia Cartwright is going to reveal probably things that we don't want to have revealed actually. But as long as we can do it in the same way as we have tonight—across the House join together and say These are problems that need to be solved." The four problems here—the level of the cap the contents and personal property cover from EQC the period for claim lodgment time and the regime around sharing information—are all issues that need to be progressed.There are others—as Andrew Bayly and other speakers have rightly pointed out—that need to be considered but let's try and get it right this time not just push ahead and not give it proper consideration. We need to do it once and do it right. I think this is an excellent piece of work and I commend its progress to the House."