edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
10. District Health Boards—FundingDr DAVID CLARK (Labour—Dunedin North) to the Minister of HealthDistrict Health Boards—Funding10. Dr DAVID CLARK (Labour—Dunedin North) to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that the wish-list figure for district health boards to meet their total cost pressures is round the amount of the allocation plus about 1 percent of the baseline" and what is the total cost pressure including wage demographic and inflation for all district health boards in dollars for 2017/18?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health): Yes. The total theoretical pressure is the allocation of $439 million plus around 1 percent of the total district health board (DHB) budget so around $530 million. But just remember that this will always be only an estimate as the final figure for the year is dependent on a number of changing factors such as inflation wage settlements and other costs. However I know the member will be excited to hear and probably for the first time that health has received its biggest increase in 11 years—$880 million.Dr David Clark: Does the Ministry of Health use the measure of demographic cost pressures when it advises him of what the total cost pressures are in Vote Health for his Budget meetings with the finance Minister?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I am not sure that makes sense that question to be honest but yes it factors in all pressures—demographic population and of course inflation.Dr David Clark: Why does he not use the same measure?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I am pretty sure I do.Dr David Clark: What does he say to Dannevirke Community Hospital manager Sharon Wards who pleaded last week for MidCentral DHB not to make further cuts saying: "Cancer has not stopped has it? We have been asked to live within our means. … don't chip away at those means."?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Well what I would say is that in this Budget MidCentral's budget went up by $19 million. It has gone up by $158 million over the last nine Budgets—Dr David Clark: Why are services being cut?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: The member is completely incorrect and in fact misleading to say that services and budgets have been cut because they have not. They have been increased.Dr David Clark: Why have services been cut at that DHB?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Services have not been cut at that DHB.Dr David Clark: Why in contrast to the advice he has received from his officials does he insist upon tweeting about population growth rather than demographic growth in reference to the inadequate funding for Vote Health and does he not just mean "covfefe"?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: No the funding is not inadequate. It has gone up by $888 million—$5 billion over the course of this Government. So it has gone well ahead and we fully funded population growth and inflation."
9. Climate Change—Sea-level Rise and Guidance for Local GovernmentEUGENIE SAGE (Green) to the Minister for Climate Change IssuesClimate Change—Sea-level Rise and Guidance for Local Government9. EUGENIE SAGE (Green) to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: Will she release updated guidance before this year's general election on the extent of sea-level rise which local authorities should plan for?Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Climate Change Issues): The Ministry for the Environment is still in the process of finalising its updated coastal hazards guidance for councils. It is important that it goes through a thorough process so that councils can make sound planning decisions and as such I cannot yet give a date as to when it will be ready for release.Eugenie Sage: Is it appropriate for councils to continue using 9-year-old Government guidance to respond to sea-level rise given that this guidance massively underestimates how high sea levels are likely to rise?Hon PAULA BENNETT: The member is making assumptions as to whether or not it is out of date. It is currently in date and we will be working on that when it is ready.Eugenie Sage: How does she respond to Thames-Coromandel district mayor Sandra Goudie's question: What do you want us to do and where is the money to do it?"Hon PAULA BENNETT: A good feisty intelligent woman who is putting her voice forward and sticking up for her community wants to make a difference and she just needs a bit of help as to where to put that I suppose.Eugenie Sage: Is the real reason she has not released updated guidance to councils on sea-level rise this year that National does not want to tackle the hard issues in an election year and does not want to talk about the real impacts that climate change is having in New Zealand right now?Hon PAULA BENNETT: No."
7. Budget 2017—Defence ForceTODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty) to the Minister of DefenceBudget 2017—Defence Force7. TODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty) to the Minister of Defence: What announcements have been made as a part of Budget 2017 about the Government's investment in defence?Mr SPEAKER: Order! Before I call the Minister I require substantially less interjection from members of the New Zealand First caucus. The Hon Mark Mitchell.Hon MARK MITCHELL (Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker—[Interruption] Mr SPEAKER: Order! Darroch Ball I have a very good mind to ask you to leave the Chamber. You have interjected in every question and answer so far. If it happens again then I will ask the member to leave. I apologise to the Minister. Hon MARK MITCHELL: There is a lot of excitement over there Mr Speaker. Budget 2017 delivers a significant investment in the Defence Force. The Government has committed $406 million over the next 4 years plus a capital boost of $576 million to deliver a range of capabilities identified through the 2016 defence white paper. This funding ensures we are investing in our greatest asset—our personnel—and giving them the modern effective tools they need to provide security both at home and abroad.Todd Muller: How is New Zealand contributing to regional security in the Asia-Pacific?Hon MARK MITCHELL: New Zealand contributes in a number of ways including joint exercises training and information sharing. At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last week a clear message from our friends and allies was that they greatly value New Zealand's efforts in the region and they rely on our expertise. While away I also signed a joint statement on defence with Indonesia and reaffirmed New Zealand's commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements—our oldest regional security agreement. As a country we can be proud of our contribution to regional security and the unique role we play advocating for small States and addressing global challenges like violent extremism territorial disputes and rogue States.Rt Hon Winston Peters: How can the New Zealand people take seriously his desire for regional security in the Asia-Pacific military asset procuration defence alliances and global challenges when the No. 1 priority seems to be making Defence smoke-free by 2020?Hon MARK MITCHELL: I am pleased that the New Zealand Defence Force is creating an environment to allow people to make their own choice in terms of whether they want to be smoke-free but I reaffirm that our focus as a defence force is continued engagement with the security architecture to ensure that the Asia-Pacific region and the wider region remain safe and secure.
5. Crime—Dairy Robberies Police ResponseKANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) to the Minister of PoliceCrime—Dairy Robberies Police Response5. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) to the Minister of Police: What is the Government doing to prevent offending in Counties Manukau?Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister of Police): The police in Counties Manukau have had a very in-depth work programme going on in crime prevention around aggravated robberies in particular. That is why last week I announced the next step in this prevention work: a fund of $1.8 million which will assist up to 1000 small local dairies and superettes that are considered to be at high risk of being targets of aggravated robberies. This is for those who cannot afford these sorts of measures themselves and the Government is helping them.Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi: Has the Minister seen any comments from the industry about the new fund?Hon PAULA BENNETT: Yes. I have had a number of dairy owners tell me themselves that they are grateful for this assistance so that they can get fog cannons personal alarms or time safes that are there as well. Retail New Zealand itself said it is delighted that the Government is taking this issue seriously and making funding available to support security improvements … This is good news and we hope that it will discourage criminals and anti-social elements from undertaking their criminal acts."Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi: Can the Minister update the House on Operation Dukan?Hon PAULA BENNETT: Operation Dukan is currently running across the three Auckland Police districts: Counties Manukau Auckland City and Waitematā. It is based on evidence that small changes in the physical environment and awareness can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime. Police have recently visited over 1000 small businesses in Auckland to provide reassurance and crime prevention advice. Also we have got more police on the beat in those hot spot areas.Ron Mark: Why should the people of Counties Manukau believe this Government's assurances when despite 9 years of spin that crime has gone down the Government's own data sets now show quite clearly that youth robberies and burglaries in Counties Manukau have gone up 80 percent and nationwide are up 40 percent; and how is raising the age of criminal responsibility going to fix that?Mr SPEAKER: There are two questions there. The Hon Paula Bennett can address one or both.Hon PAULA BENNETT: Certainly the numbers I have seen for Counties Manukau are not that high for the group that the member is actually putting forward. What I would say is that there has been an increase in the number of aggravated robberies and police have been doing an outstanding job in capturing these criminals. They have made over 100 arrests already and continue to be very focused on that."
Kuriger Barbara; Tisch LindsaySITTINGS OF THE HOUSEBARBARA KURIGER (Junior Whip—National): I seek leave for the House to adjourn until the next sitting day as we have made good progress.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection.The House adjourned at 9.58 p.m.
Care and Support Worker (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill — Second Reading
Reti ShaneDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei): It is a real pleasure to take a brief call on this bill. I also would like to acknowledge the collegiality from across the House. I would like to acknowledge the administrative staff and the officials for their diligence the chair of the Heath Committee for his facilitation and the members for their thoughtful clarity especially around the scope of this bill as an enabler of negotiated settlement.I know these care and support workers. I have worked with them and I am so pleased for them. They truly deserve this. I know these people from clinical practice where they accompany and support patients in the medical consultation and where amongst other things they provide transport assistance memory jogs and medication checking and convey the fuller story of a life which is often forgotten in a consultation.I know these people from rest homes and aged-care facilities where their hand of compassion is evidenced above and beyond the provision of the basic fundamentals of life. I know these people from home visits—the privilege of being in a patient's home always under challenging conditions where it is very apparent that independence is maintained only with the help of care and support workers. Their value is now recognised. They now have a career pathway.As we heard one submitter say with this bill care and support workers have become professionalised and so I am very very pleased for them tonight. It is with great pleasure that I also commend this bill to the House.
Kuriger BarbaraBARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki—King Country): It is a pleasure to take a short call on the Care and Support Worker (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill. I would just like to say that the previous member Poto Williams summed up the process extremely well in the presentation that she has just given.As you have all been briefed it is a $2 billion pay settlement. It is extremely well deserved by the 55000 care and support workers who are looking after about 110000 of New Zealand's most vulnerable people. So I want to commend those who have been involved in this. I too like others would like to make a special mention of Kristine Bartlett in this process.I just want to really reflect on the last week or so since we had the first reading of this legislation and on what a positive and pleasurable process it is has been to be part of. Normally our Health Committee members do work extremely well together but I would particularly like to commend Poto Williams and we also had another member on the committee this week Jan Logie who is not normally a member of our Health Committee. I commend the constructive way in which everything was handled from the submissions right through to the questions with the officials who came in.I really would like to thank the officials because they have had an extremely big week because we have had lots of meetings. We have gone away and said Look you go away and come back and bring us back the next stage." and they really have had a big week. I know they have worked overtime and far beyond their expectations to get this job done for us. I think it is commendable that we have got to this point and I am very happy to commend this bill to the House. Thank you."
Coleman JonathanCARE AND SUPPORT WORKER (PAY EQUITY) SETTLEMENT BILLSecond ReadingHon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health): I move That the Care and Support Worker (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill be now read a second time. The bill was introduced and had its first reading on 25 May and was reported back by the Health Committee on 6 June. I will not dwell further on the substance of this bill but obviously it is a historic $2 billion pay settlement covering 55000 of the hardest-working and most deserving people in New Zealand. That was well canvassed in the first reading and will be revisited again in the third reading.Tonight I just want to thank everyone involved in the select committee's consideration of the bill: the members of the Health Committee under the guidance of their chair Simon O'Connor who have worked very hard on the bill in a very short space of time; also the officials who have supported the committee's work including working through the night to make sure that the committee had the information that it needed; and most importantly the people and organisations who made written submissions and appeared before the committee.Because the select committee process was necessarily shortened the committee has adopted a slightly unusual procedure. The committee's recommendations have been presented as a Supplementary Order Paper with amendments that I will propose in the Committee of the whole House. That approach was used as members will recall during the Hurunui earthquake bills.Even though the select committee process was necessarily short the committee members have demonstrated the value of what select committees do. They have carefully examined the bill. They have invited selectors and affected organisations and people to comment and they have carefully taken into account those comments. They have demonstrated the value of select committee consideration by producing a clearer better bill. Most importantly they have very carefully considered the features of this bill that impact on individual rights.I would like to thank the committee in that regard for the suggested amendments which I am pleased to support. They do not change the effect of what we are doing but they do make it very clear that this bill implements an agreed settlement and while it does extinguish legal claims it does that only as far as is necessary to implement that agreed settlement. It will not affect claims for other groups of workers but just the workers who will benefit from this agreement and those workers were well represented in hearings by the unions that negotiated on their behalf and spoke in glowing terms of this agreement and the supporting legislation.The employers raised issues about funding that the Government is well aware of and continues to work through as we work with employers to implement this settlement to ensure the workers are able to get the pay increases that they are entitled to from 1 July. I commend this bill to the House.
Urgent Debates Declined — Prime Minister—Meeting with United States Secretary of State
Carter DavidURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDPrime Minister—Meeting with United States Secretary of StateMr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from James Shaw seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the Prime Minister's meeting with the United States Secretary of State today. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. A meeting with a senior member of the United States administration is an important event but the purpose of an urgent debate is to hold the Government to account for its actions in a situation that requires the urgent attention of the House—Speakers' rulings 207/2 and 209/2. No substantive policy change or action by the Government has been announced as a result of the meeting. It is therefore difficult to discern the urgency in debating it. On that basis the application is denied.
Shaw James; Carter DavidJAMES SHAW (Co-Leader—Green): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I would like to correct something that I said in those comments before. I misspoke when I said that Oliver Dowling had been killed. I meant to say that he had been stabbed but not killed.Mr SPEAKER: I appreciate that.
Motions — London—Terror Attacks
Dunne PeterHon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future): On behalf of United Future I stand with those in the House this afternoon who have expressed their sympathy to the people of London and before then the people of Manchester for the horrific incidents that have taken place in their cities in recent weeks. No one can condone whatever the motivation the activities of those who aimlessly slaughter people in such a way. No one can condone the callous indifference that they show towards their victims. I extend my sympathy to the families of all of those who have lost loved ones in this latest atrocity—particularly to the family of Oliver Dowling—and let them know that our thoughts are with them at this trying time.Much will be said and has already been said about the causes of and the lessons from these events. We do need to be on guard. We do need to make sure that we do not surrender. But equally we need to make sure that we do not surrender to the forces of bigotry and intolerance that will milk these events for every opportunity they can. Our world faces a threat to its stability in a way that it has not known previously. People of good will and good spirit need to come together to work out sensible resolutions to these problems not revel in the pit of bigotry and intolerance because all that does is intensify the hatred and give rise to the next event.We have the privilege in this country of geographic distance. We do not however have the complacency that that might give rise to in certain circumstances. We need to be vigilant. We also need to be tolerant. I contrast the events of the weekend with something that took place in this Parliament last Thursday evening when the Muslim community of New Zealand came together to celebrate the start of the month of Ramadan in peace and goodwill and tolerance and openness. We need to be working with people of like mind to achieve positive outcomes not simply fuelling the fires of bigotry.Motion agreed to.
Seymour DavidDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): The ACT Party joins with other parties in expressing our sincere condolences to the people of London and the UK—in particular the family of Oliver Dowling. These events will always lead to pause for reflection and there have been so many with seemingly increasing frequency in past months and years and getting increasingly close to New Zealand both culturally and geographically.There is going to have to be a wider and more serious debate about when and whether such an event can happen here. It will have to be a debate without naked political opportunism as we have heard from New Zealand First but also without the naivety that these events are completely random that they are not systematic and that they cannot be detected and prevented. We will need to hear from our Prime Minister and Government about what they are doing to ensure that such things do not happen here.As I said to the terrorists last time we had such a motion they will not win because there are too many of us and we love our freedom and each other far too much. Thank you.
Fox MaramaMARAMA FOX (Co-Leader—Māori Party): Hōmai tō poho hei piringa hōmai tō kiri kia aro atu hōmai tō kupu kia kōrero nāu nei au nāu nei au nāu nei au! Tū ake tēnei Māngai o Te Pāti Māori ki te tuku i ngā whakaaro me ngā mate ngā tangi ki ngā mate rātou kua mate i ngā rangi kua tata atu nei. Kai te tuku i ngā whakaaro ki ō rātau whānau rātau e tangi rātau kei raro i te kapua pōuri. Tēnei mātou o Te Pāti Māori e tautokohia nei i ngā kōrero kua kōrerotia.[Give me your bosom as a haven give me your self to take heed of give me your word so that it will speak I am truly yours three times over. This spokesperson of the Māori Party rises up to express views and the deaths to shed tears to the dead those who have died in recent days. I offer thoughts to their families to them who are grieving and under a dark cloud. We of the Māori Party here endorse the contributions that have been expressed.]We stand to condemn this act of extremism and terrorism that has again hurt the people of London the people of England and as has been expressed continues to carry on around the rest of the world. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured including the family of Oliver Dowling. London acts as a magnet for people from around the globe and it is no surprise that the victims include those who have made the city their home.We also honour the bravery of those who put their own safety at risk to save others. The terrorists and extremists who perpetuated this despicable act seek to drive a wedge between communities but they will not succeed and now like many times before in its history London stands united against a threat.Over the years London has endured attack after attack and each time it bands together regardless of colour creed or race. I was heartened when I went to Twitter to see what had happened to find that somebody had taken a video on their phone of a police officer dancing in a circle with young children on the streets. As the mayor said Londoners will never be cowed by terrorism. No one anywhere should be cowed by terrorism or extremism. The terrorists will not win. Humanity will win and love will always overthrow evil. Tēnā koe.
Shaw JamesJAMES SHAW (Co-Leader—Green): I rise on behalf of the Green Party to express our condolences and our deepest sympathies to those families in London—the communities in London—who have been affected by this attack.I want to agree with some of the previous sentiments—that there are attacks occurring in many countries around the world every day of the week. And yet because this one was in London and so many New Zealanders have such deep personal relationships with the United Kingdom with London this one feels so much more personal. As someone who lived there for many years and had his first pub lunch at The Barrowboy & Banker which was attacked that day it does feel extremely personal that this has happened even though it is on the other side of the world.London is of course sadly not unfamiliar with terrorist attacks going back through much of its history. In the time that I was there somebody let off three nail bombs in various parts hoping to drive the Indian community the African community and the gay community into the ocean. A second set of bombings occurred—of course the infamous 7 July bombings in the tube and on buses—and now this. London has always kept going—has stood strong through all of these attacks—but all of them are a tragedy and this one no less.So we do offer our deepest sympathies and our condolences to all of those affected—particularly to the family of Oliver Dowling the New Zealander who was killed there. To the mayor Sadiq Khan and to the people of London we want to say: we are with you. Kia kaha.
Robertson GrantGRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): On behalf of the Labour Party I rise to support the Government's motion. Our thoughts and love are with the victims their families and all those in London who are dealing with the hurt anxiety and fear that these horrific attacks have caused. Wherever in the world terrorist attacks occur we feel the pain of those involved and during the last few days we have seen massive damage in Kabul as well and we think of those who lost loved ones there too. For many New Zealanders they feel this tragedy even more so because we ourselves have been to those very spots around London Bridge and Borough Market and we have family and friends who live in London. On that note I want to express to Oliver Dowling and his family our very best wishes for his recovery.To the people of London and in particular their mayor Sadiq Khan I want to express our ongoing support. To the emergency services personnel who once again found themselves in harm's way: your bravery and courage are remarkable. There were many ordinary people out enjoying a Saturday evening who showed similar courage by standing up to the attackers and we thank all of them too.Then there were the symbolic acts of kindness and frankly Britishness that happened: the man who returned to the bar on Sunday to pay his bill and Paul Armstrong who is now an unlikely hero for his most British approach of taking his half-drunk pint with him as he fled the bar. Having been to some of the bars in Borough Market and paid £5 for a beer I can tell you that that was an act of pure common sense.As the UK heads towards its election at the end of the week now is the time for all of us to stand up for the values of democracy. Our commitment to freedom fairness and inclusion must never be broken by terrorism or extremism. We will strengthen all of our communities as we stand united in our support of the people of London Manchester and all around the world and against those who seek to divide us.Here in New Zealand we think of all of those affected including the members and supporters of the British and Irish Lions who will feel very far from home at this time. And we should also show our support to the Muslim community here in New Zealand who are as appalled and disgusted by the actions of these terrorists as anyone else. We can defeat these extremists through our unity our acceptance of diversity and our resolve to not allow hatred and intolerance to grow. As Sadiq Khan has said today: Our city is filled with great sorrow and anger tonight but also great resolve and determination because our unity and love will always be stronger than the hate of the extremists." Here in New Zealand we express our unity and aroha with all those in London and beyond. Kia kaha kia māia kia manawanui.[Be strong be steadfast and be resolute.]"
Bennett PaulaTUESDAY 6 JUNE 2017Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.MOTIONSUnited Kingdom—London AttacksHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Prime Minister): I seek leave to move a motion without notice on the terror attacks in London.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Hon PAULA BENNETT: I move That this House condemn the terrorist attack in London and extend its condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured. Our thoughts also go out to New Zealander Oliver Dowling and his family as he recovers in a London hospital. While there is no indication of any other New Zealanders involved the high commission in London continues to liaise with local authorities.Terror attacks took place on Saturday night when Londoners were out enjoying themselves. Two attacks occurred: one on London Bridge one in nearby Borough Market. A white van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge the van crashed and the suspects ran to Borough Market and stabbed people in an area crowded with bars and restaurants. This is the third such attack in the UK in recent weeks. In this one to date seven people have died and 48 are reported injured—one of course as we have mentioned from New Zealand—18 of these remain in a critical condition. Several people are still missing and not yet accounted for and the three suspects were also shot by police.Although London is so very far away it also feels very close and personal to us here in New Zealand. As that initial headline comes up across our TV screens or on our phones our hearts leap into our throats as we think this could be someone we know—someone we love—who is visiting or living there. It could be someone we know who has been faced with these terrorists. So we stand united with London and condemn these attacks and pledge to continue with the international community in its efforts to combat terrorism.
Thursday 8 June 2017 - Volume 723
Care and Support Worker (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill — In Committee
VoteThe question was put that the following amendment in the name of Jan Logie to the proposed amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 324 in the name of the Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman to clause 15 be agreed to:in clause 15(1) after Act" where it first appears insert "(including unilateral employer reduction of an employee's agreed hours of work by reason of increased employer costs due to the operation of this Act)".A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 55New Zealand Labour 29; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Noes 62New Zealand National 58; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Amendment not agreed to.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 58 Noes 62.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 324 in the name of the Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman to Parts 1 to 3 schedules 1 and 2 and clauses 1 and 2 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Parts 1 to 3 schedules 1 and 2 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended agreed to.Name changed to Care and Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill pursuant to Supplementary Order Paper 324. House resumed.Bill reported with amendment.Report adopted."
12. Police Resourcing—Justice Sector FundRON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First) to the Minister of PolicePolice Resourcing—Justice Sector Fund12. RON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First) to the Minister of Police: Does she stand by all her statements regarding Police resourcing; if so why?Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Children) on behalf of the Minister of Police: Yes.Ron Mark: If the Police has all the resources it requires allocated to it now can she explain why it has had to go cap in hand to the Justice Sector Fund for money to pay wages especially considering that in the three Auckland districts there is regularly only one dog handler on duty?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: The Justice Sector Fund is not something that the Police would approach cap in hand. It would be putting a business case to that fund. Secondly it does not pay wages.Ron Mark: If Police is properly resourced why did it seek funding from the Justice Sector Fund for such things as expanding electronic monitoring paying wages and meeting cost pressures and establishing a gang intelligence centre which is a key part of its plan to clamp down on organised crime and P?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: The Justice Sector Fund is a fund that is derived from savings that are made by the justice sector agencies and is then made available to those agencies to trial and pilot and try some different things to help keep New Zealanders safe.Darroch Ball: What? Paying wages?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: It does not pay wages.Ron Mark: If the balance of the justice sector slush fund which is an accumulation of underspending in the justice sector is at the end of March 2017 over $40 million why is it that 12 bids from the Police to that fund have been declined by her and her colleagues?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I do not know about any Government that that member was part of but this Government does not have slush funds.Ron Mark: I seek leave to table a letter received under the Official Information Act from the Ministry of Justice that details facts about the justice—Mr SPEAKER: Order! Date of the letter?Ron Mark: It is dated 2 May 2017.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought to table that particular letter. Is there any objection? There is no objection. It can be tabled.Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
10. Budget 2017—Beneficiaries and EmploymentDr PARMJEET PARMAR (National) to the Minister for Social DevelopmentBudget 2017—Beneficiaries and Employment10. Dr PARMJEET PARMAR (National) to the Minister for Social Development: What recent announcements has she made regarding funding to help people move off benefits and into work?Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Social Development): As part of Budget 2017 I announced that this Government is investing an extra $64.4 million to help people into sustainable employment. We are investing $19.5 million over 3 years to expand the intensive support for up to 1500 clients aged 25 to 39 who first received a benefit before the age of 20. The evidence tells us that this group is at a much higher risk of long-term welfare dependency so we are investing more time and resources through intensive work-focused case management that is aligned to their individual needs. This is part of the Government's social investment approach to spending by ensuring that those who are most in need get the help and support to lead independent and successful lives.Dr Parmjeet Parmar: What does Budget 2017 provide for clients with mental health conditions to find and maintain employment?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: A great deal. Budget 2017 sees $4.1 million to trial support to 1000 clients with mental health conditions in Waitematā and Christchurch to improve their mental health and find and maintain employment. We know that many people with mild to moderate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety would like the opportunity to work and be independent. They just might need a little bit of extra help. Employment services will be provided within mental health or primary-care settings which means that these people do not have to try to navigate multiple systems.
8. Antarctica—Presence and FundingANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of Foreign AffairsAntarctica—Presence and Funding8. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What announcements has he recently make regarding New Zealand's continued presence in Antarctica?Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Foreign Affairs): Budget 2017 includes $9.6 million of new funding which will cement New Zealand's commitments to Antarctica.Hon Simon Bridges: Fantastic.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: Yes. This includes $2.1 million in operating funding over the next 2 years and $4 million in capital funding. Funding will allow for the development—[Interruption] Well no one wants to listen but everyone wants to go there. If I had just a hundred dollars for every ticket that people want to buy to get to the Antarctic we would not need this money and most of it would come from this House. So knowing how much the members of this House love the Antarctic and want to get there I think that this is a marvellous initiative and it is just the start of a redevelopment of Scott Base which is the pre-eminent scientific base for New Zealand's Antarctic involvement alongside partner nations the United States Korea and Italy.Mr SPEAKER: I hope the Minister keeps me in mind in the future.Andrew Bayly: What else is allocated for Antarctica New Zealand in Budget 2017?Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: There is also $3.5 million provided for operating funding over the next 4 years so that office and operational accommodation at the Antarctic programme based in Christchurch can be maintained. It is an important base and it is important that Christchurch remains the centre of Antarctic activities. We are encouraging our partners in scientific activity in the Antarctic—the United States Italy and Korea—to lead their programmes alongside us in Christchurch. This investment will assist with that.
6. Emergency Housing—Boarding HousesCARMEL SEPULONI (Labour—Kelston) to the Minister for Social HousingEmergency Housing—Boarding Houses6. CARMEL SEPULONI (Labour—Kelston) to the Minister for Social Housing: Is she concerned that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) recommends boarding houses as a form of temporary accommodation given recent reports on the slum-like conditions people are living in?Hon AMY ADAMS (Minister for Social Housing): I am advised by MSD that it does not.CARMEL SEPULONI: Why then are there boarding houses on the housing supplier list available to Work and Income case managers in Auckland for housing those in need of emergency accommodation; and due to that how is it appropriate given the slum-like conditions we have seen through the media in recent weeks?Hon AMY ADAMS: Because MSD keeps records of available options in the area.Carmel Sepuloni: How can this Government say that it has put in place laws to better protect vulnerable tenants in this type of accommodation" when 2 months after being ordered to fix up the property at 43 Church Street because it was a health hazard nothing had been done and tenants with nowhere else to go were still being charged $250 per week to live there?Hon AMY ADAMS: Well I would suggest that the member put that question down to the Minister for Building and Construction who is responsible for the residential tenancies law. Carmel Sepuloni: After 9 years of this Government why is there still no social housing available for boarding house tenants like Glen Sharman who said "Personally I wouldn't live where I'm living now. Why am I? Because I've got nowhere else to go." and is it because the Government has 2500 fewer State houses because of its State house sell-off?Mr SPEAKER: Order! There are two supplementary questions. The Minister can address one supplementary question. Hon AMY ADAMS: In answer to the second part of the question no.Carmel Sepuloni: Will the Minister support the petition currently before the Social Services Committee to implement the recommendations from the 2014 inquiry into boarding houses; if not why is she content to see New Zealanders continue to live in slums?Mr SPEAKER: Again we have two supplementary questions there; the Minister can address one.Hon AMY ADAMS: As I mentioned earlier the responsibility for residential tenancies law and its adequacy is one for the Minister for Building and Construction and he will be expressing the Government view."
5. Tourism—Regional Growth and Infrastructure InvestmentIAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei) to the Minister of TourismTourism—Regional Growth and Infrastructure Investment5. IAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei) to the Minister of Tourism: What announcements has she made about further tourism infrastructure support for the regions?Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister of Tourism): Today I announced $5.2 million for 28 new tourism infrastructure projects across New Zealand. Sixteen councils from the Mackenzie country in the South to Whangarei in the North will receive funding for new tourism infrastructure projects that include toilets showers parking and rubbish compactors. This funding will help smaller councils with high visitor numbers and low ratepayer bases to manage the strong fantastic tourism growth that we are seeing in New Zealand. It is the second round of the mid-sized facilities fund which will be replaced by the much larger $100 million tourism infrastructure fund which is coming your way shortly.Ian McKelvie: How will these projects help the people of the mighty Rangitīkei?Hon PAULA BENNETT: What an outstanding question from the member—and have I got an offer for him. In the Manawatū-Whanganui region they will receive a total of $1.27 million in Government funding for six new tourism infrastructure projects including and of course not limited to $620000 going to Ōhākune for parking and toilet facilities; $120000 for toilets in Mangaweka village in Taihape and in Hunterville and $140000 for toilets in Tangiwai. Visitor spending in Manawatū and Whanganui is up 6 percent to almost $1 billion. It is fantastic for Mr McKelvie's region. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order!Maureen Pugh: How will these projects help support businesses on the West Coast?Hon PAULA BENNETT: Well might I say that when I was visiting with the member down the West Coast and had more than 16 meetings in the community down there—I would not say that I was caught short but I did hear their call for more toilet facilities. So to the member: I am absolutely delighted to say that the West Coast is getting $1.3 million in co-funding for seven infrastructure projects including in Fox River; North Beach; Franz Josef—they are receiving $460000 in Franz Josef; it is a community that struggles with that small rate base and a very high visitor number because of how absolutely spectacular it is—Dilman's Dam; Ōkārito which is an amazing little community that I visited with just 25 residents; Bruce Bay and Fox Glacier.
Motions — New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Disarmament and Arms Control Act 1987—30th Anniversary
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That all the words after Treaty to do so" be deleted and replaced with the following: "and also calls upon all States to support the ongoing negotiations for a Convention of the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in which New Zealand is actively engaged."Ayes 58New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12; United Future 1.Noes 61New Zealand National 58; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That this House marks the thirtieth anniversary of our nuclear-free legislation—the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Disarmament and Arms Control Act which entered into force on 8 June 1987. The opposition to nuclear weapons symbolised by this legislation has become a defining aspect of this country's international reputation and New Zealand continues to work for a nuclear weapon - free world. Whilst recognising the efforts of some countries to reduce their arsenals of nuclear weapons this House also recognises the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and calls upon all States yet to join the Treaty to do so. The concerns that New Zealand and many other countries have recently expressed over North Korea's nuclear programme highlight the importance of working to achieve the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.Ayes 105New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 31; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 14Green Party 14.Motion agreed to."
Care and Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill — Third Reading
Reti Shane; Mallard TrevorDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei): I join others in echoing support for this bill. Like the previous speaker Louisa Wall I too will reduce my call to three very brief points. Firstly I am very pleased for the care and support workers. They are so deserving. I have worked with them as a clinician for many years and I acknowledge their value and admire their skills. Secondly I want to briefly reflect on the impact of this bill for Northland. The economic impact for the 2000-plus Northland healthcare workers at an extra $100 per week is $10.5 million into the local economy per annum notwithstanding what that means for every single family that gets to make better and more life choices with more money in their pockets. In the theme of expediency and getting this good bill along the last point I really want to say is—I want to conclude with what the E tū union representative said to the Health Committee: How many workers get a guaranteed pay increase for the next 5 years of 8 to 9 percent? These workers do. They deserve it." Let us make this law. Thank you.Bill read a third time.WaiataSITTINGS OF THE HOUSEThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): I understand that there is an agreement that the House will rise now. Is there any objection to that process? There is none.The House adjourned at 5.47 p.m."
Lee MelissaMELISSA LEE (National): It is a great privilege to rise to speak in the third reading of this bill. Sometimes as a member of Parliament who is contributing in a third reading on a Thursday afternoon when everybody is actually in agreement it almost feels like it is my responsibility to just say: I commend the bill." Having said that I just want to make a couple of comments.This bill gives effect to the elements of the care and support workers pay equity settlement. As part of that settlement the parties agreed that certain measures would be provided for in legislation. This bill actually does that and everyone has talked about that.I would like to commend the work of the unions as everyone else has said but I just remembered a book that I read a little while ago. I think it was called Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and I think all sisters within this Chamber understand that sometimes the equity issue that we are fighting for as women and it has been fought for for generations—sometimes the responsibility lies in ourselves. We often do not demand the right—Denise Roche: Oh for God's sake! MELISSA LEE: No no hear me out. Sometimes we do not demand the right to be equal to men. I am not suggesting that men are awful characters who treat women badly or unequally but it is awful that women do not actually get the same rights sometimes and I think it is a real shame that women do not get paid the same amount. I think this bill actually puts right what was wrong in this particular sector and I am very happy to support that. But sometimes it is also our responsibility I believe to demand the right to be equal and often women are too generous. Sometimes we just let it go and I think it is time for us women—sisterhood—to actually lean in and support—Denise Roche: Oh!MELISSA LEE: —the other women as well. "Oh!" she says. Maybe she does not want to support other women. Thank you. I think it is a great bill and it is a celebration that we are having in this Chamber. I commend the bill."