edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
11. Question No. 11—EnvironmentHon RACHEL BROOKING (Labour—Dunedin) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 11—Environment11. Hon RACHEL BROOKING (Labour—Dunedin) to the Minister for the Environment: How is she ensuring that environmental decisions are being considered across Government?Hon PENNY SIMMONDS (Minister for the Environment): In a range of ways. I'm on the Resource Management Act ministerial group I consult with my ministerial colleagues on matters relating to my portfolio there are bilateral meetings with Ministers with cross-over portfolio responsibility I meet regularly with the Iwi Chairs Forum to discuss matters relating to my portfolio I regularly meet with stakeholders across New Zealand I'm involved with all ministerial groups that matter for the environment and we are having appropriate conversations as a Government about the environment.Hon Rachel Brooking: Has she read the submissions from the Environmental Defence Society and Forest & Bird on the Fast-track Approvals Bill?Hon PENNY SIMMONDS: There will always be a range of opinions but this Government unlike previous Governments believes we can both grow the economy and protect the environment. We can build things we can grow things and we can protect the environment.Hon Rachel Brooking: Has she asked for advice on any of the submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill from the major environmental non-governmental organisations that represent tens of thousands of New Zealanders?Hon PENNY SIMMONDS: It is going through the select committee process they are making submissions and they are speaking in the media about their submissions. We are hearing those submissions.Hon Rachel Brooking: Given that she is hearing those submissions has she raised the environmental concerns of environmental non-governmental organisations to the Ministers responsible for the Fast-track Approvals Bill?Hon PENNY SIMMONDS: The bill is going through the select committee process. Submissions have been made. The select committee will I'm sure bring a report back to this Government.Hon Rachel Brooking: Does she agree with the Rt Hon Simon Upton the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment that the proposed Fast-track Approvals Bill poses significant environmental risks because amongst other things it deprioritises the environment and the role of the Minister for the Environment? Hon PENNY SIMMONDS: This Government is going to manage both economic growth and protecting the environment. The fast-track consenting process is going through a process. There are submissions being made for and against and they will be looked at as they should be.Hon Rachel Brooking: Given that answer around the balance isn't it therefore the case that she as the environment Minister is doing nothing to ensure the environment is being properly considered by the fast-track legislation?Hon PENNY SIMMONDS: No.
9. Question No. 9—Social Development and EmploymentHANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE (Te Pāti Māori —Hauraki-Waikato) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 9—Social Development and Employment9. HANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE (Te Pāti Māori —Hauraki-Waikato) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What if anything is she doing to address Māori unemployment which has increased by 1.4 percent to 8.2 percent in the last quarter at a rate that is nearly five times worse than the national average?Hon LOUISE UPSTON (Minister for Social Development and Employment): It is of course concerning to see the continued increases in Māori unemployment and the Government's plan to reduce the number of people on the jobseeker benefit will of course proportionately or disproportionately in a positive way impact on Māori. We want to see more Māori in employment.Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke: What is her view on the impacts that recently announced job cuts at Te Puni Kōkiri and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will have on Māori unemployment rates given that increasing Māori employment is one of their key functions?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: I just do want to correct: there have been no job cuts at MSD. There has been a round of voluntary redundancies which are under way and the responsibility of the chief executive. But what I do want to say repeating the comments I made in the House before: for anyone who has lost a job whether it was 12 months ago or whether it is today it is incredibly distressing and we are doing everything we can to get the economy back on track so that we are in a position where the job numbers are growing and we can support more people into employment. Unlike the other side this Government will not see the number of Māori on the jobseeker benefit explode by 57 percent.Hon Peeni Henare: They're going up under this Government.Hon LOUISE UPSTON: Not to that degree 57 percent—57 percent.
6. Question No. 6—Justice (Firearms)CAMERON LUXTON (ACT) to the Associate Minister of Justice (Firearms)Question No. 6—Justice (Firearms)6. CAMERON LUXTON (ACT) to the Associate Minister of Justice (Firearms): What firearms safety message if any does she have for New Zealanders taking part in the opening weekend of duck-shooting season?Hon NICOLE McKEE (Associate Minister of Justice (Firearms)): For an estimated 60000 New Zealanders the opening weekend of duck-shooting season is an eagerly awaited occasion. Old friends and families get together to celebrate this time-honoured tradition and spend quality time with each other in the outdoors. To ensure that everyone has a good weekend it's important that licensed firearms owners revise the seven basic rules of firearms safety and adhere to them at all times.Cameron Luxton: Are there any particular firearms safety rules that duck shooters should pay extra attention to this weekend?Hon NICOLE McKEE: While all of the firearms safety rules are important rule No. 2—always point your firearm in a safe direction—is particularly relevant—Hon Ginny Andersen: Especially if it's an MSSA.Hon NICOLE McKEE: —to duck shooting. With multiple hunters sharing a maimai or blind together while in close proximity they need to be extra aware of where their muzzle is pointed and remember to always treat every firearm as being loaded. And just in answer to a rebuttal that came from the other side there we do not use military-style semi-automatics for duck shooting so perhaps you would like to educate yourself on what's actually being used.Cameron Luxton: What other tips does she have for duck shooters?Hon NICOLE McKEE: Shotguns are used for duck shooting and unlike rifles—SPEAKER: Just a—[Interruption] Sorry just a minute. I'll call the Minister a minute—just sit down for a minute. Just think about that question: What other tips does she have for successful duck shooting?" There is no way there is a "Minister for Duck Shooting" in this country so I will ask Mr Luxton to rephrase his question. Cameron Luxton: Thank you Mr Speaker and can I ask it in a different way perhaps? SPEAKER: Well you'll have to be good to get this one over the line.Cameron Luxton: OK sure. Why is it important to check your firing zones when duck shooting? SPEAKER: No no I'm sorry. One more try.Cameron Luxton: OK. Thank you Mr Speaker. Why does the Minister think that duck shooting needs to have special attention given to it when it involves firearms?SPEAKER: Make it brief. Hon NICOLE McKEE: Shotguns are used for duck shooting. Unlike rifles they fire a big spread of pellets over a very small area and so it's important that while they're in the air we take extra important security and safety measures to keep each other and those around us safe."
7. Question No. 7—Building and ConstructionGREG FLEMING (National—Maungakiekie) to the Minister for Building and ConstructionQuestion No. 7—Building and Construction7. GREG FLEMING (National—Maungakiekie) to the Minister for Building and Construction: What announcements has the Government made around streamlining building consent changes?Hon CHRIS PENK (Minister for Building and Construction): I have a different category of advice. The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable. It takes far too long to build anything in New Zealand. New data from Stats New Zealand released in April shows that it takes around 569 days on average for a home to be built after it receives a building consent. This means that once you account for the time it takes to issue a consent in the first place it takes nearly 600 days to build a house in New Zealand—especially if there are delays during duck shooting season. In the face of a cost of living crisis this is simply too long and the Government is doing something about it.Greg Fleming: Why is the Government making these changes?Hon CHRIS PENK: Well unclear regulations add unnecessary delays to building. For example Kiwis who need to swap out comparable building products in the event of a shortage will often have to submit a completely new building consent application or wait for that specific product to become available. That's why the Government is clarifying the definition of minor variation" and introducing minor customisations to the Building Act. This will provide more flexibility which in turn will help reduce delays and lower the cost of building and renovating.Greg Fleming: What are some examples of minor changes to a building consent that will now be possible?Hon CHRIS PENK: Well some examples of possible minor variations include replacing one brand or product such as plasterboard with a comparable product from a different brand putting a window where a door was initially planned or a mirror image of a room's layout to maximise sunlight or to work within a specific landscape. On current settings any of these changes would likely require a whole new separate building consent. But soon thanks to these changes Kiwi builders will simply be able to get on with the job.Greg Fleming: And what other changes has the Government made to make it easier to build in New Zealand?Hon CHRIS PENK: So far the Government has already announced the package of changes that are designed to reduce delays and drive down costs. In the last couple of months alone we have advised the removal of artificial barriers to the use of overseas building products; brought forward a review of the earthquake-prone buildings regime and extending remediation deadlines while the review is under way; exempted small building products—excuse me projects—under $65000 value from paying the building levy; required councils to submit time frames for building-consent applications; and finally raised the height thresholds for dam safety regulations from 1 to 4 metres. This is all part of the Government's plan to rebuild the economy so that Kiwis can get ahead."
4. Question No. 4—HealthDr HAMISH CAMPBELL (National—Ilam) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 4—Health4. Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL (National—Ilam) to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has the Government made regarding fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?Hon Dr SHANE RETI (Minister of Health): Last week at Papakura Marae I announced that the coalition Government is taking action on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). This announcement means that hundreds of New Zealand families affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder will benefit from a new focus on prevention and treatment. FASD is a condition which has been under-recognised and under-supported for too long. This announcement changes that.Dr Hamish Campbell: Why was it important for the Government to take action on FASD?Hon Dr SHANE RETI: This announcement was important because we know that FASD is one of the leading causes of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability. Every day an estimated five Kiwi kids are born with FASD. It's a condition which significantly challenges lifelong learning and development and makes things very difficult for families caregivers and communities. This announcement offers actions and hope.Dr Hamish Campbell: What are the new initiatives that will be introduced following this announcement?Hon Dr SHANE RETI: Five new initiatives are being introduced as part of this work. These include publishing new FASD clinical diagnostic guidelines and offering training to health professionals on how to use these new guidelines with an aim to have 30 trained by the end of the year. We'll also be establishing a new community-led FASD pilot programme to support people and families and we'll promote a national prevention campaign to help raise awareness of its impacts. We will also support people to make positive choices to help prevent children being born with FASD. Finally we will work to revitalise the expired FASD action plan.Dr Hamish Campbell: Why was this announcement a priority for the Government?Hon Dr SHANE RETI: This announcement was a priority because we are a Government that is laser-focused on improving public services like health and education for all New Zealanders. An estimated five Kiwi kids are born with FASD every day with significant social and economic impacts. This programme of work supports compelling evidence about the effectiveness of prevention and better diagnosis and will help improve the lives of many New Zealanders. Our Government will continue to rebuild the economy so that we can afford better public services that support programmes like this.
Privilege — Committee of the Whole House—Conduct of Member
Brownlee GerryPRIVILEGECommittee of the Whole House—Conduct of MemberSPEAKER: Members I've received letters from party whips raising with me a matter of privilege in relation to events in the committee of the whole House last night. There is now a natural justice process to follow where a member complained about may make representations to the Speaker. I expect to receive any such representations no later than midday on Monday; after that I'll make my ruling. I remind members that once a matter of privilege has been raised with the Speaker it is not in order to raise it in the House in any way until the Speaker's made a decision on the matter—Speakers' Rulings 230/4.
Obituaries — Sir Robert George Martin
Upston Louise; Brownlee GerryOBITUARIESSir Robert George Martin KNZMHon LOUISE UPSTON (Minister for Disability Issues): I seek leave to move a motion without notice or debate acknowledging the death of Sir Robert George Martin KNZM.SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.Hon LOUISE UPSTON: I move That this House acknowledges the death of Sir Robert George Martin KNZM who was first person with a learning disability or an intellectual impairment to be elected to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and who was knighted for his lifetime achievements as a disability leader and activism within New Zealand and internationally.As a baby who experienced a brain injury at birth he spent most of his childhood in State institutions. His experiences led to his activism advocacy and a lifelong commitment to break down barriers for people with learning disabilities. It was a proud moment for New Zealand when he was elected to the committee. Many disabled people in New Zealand and internationally are living better lives because of Sir Robert's achievements and commitment and they will be mourning his passing while celebrating his legacy. I wish for the House to extend their sympathies to his wife Lady Lynda and disabled people both here and internationally.SPEAKER: I'll put that motion.Motion agreed to.
Bishop Chris; McAnulty KieranBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): Thak you Mr Speaker. Next week the House will consider the first reading of the Regulatory Systems (Social Security) Amendment Bill the second reading of the Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Bill and complete the annual review debates. Wednesday will be a members' day and on Thursday there will be a special debate on the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee's report on its inquiry into illegal unregulated and unreported fishing.Hon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour): I thank the Leader of the House. Could he tell the House when we can expect the fast-track legislation to come back to the House for consideration?Hon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): Well the fast-track bill was referred to the Environment Committee on 7 March from memory for a full six-month report back.
Brownlee GerryPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: There are no petitions that have been presented. There are no papers that have been presented. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK:Report of the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee on the petition on Grant Rosoman on behalf of Greenpeace Internationalreports of the Social Services and Community Committee on the petition of Barry-John Murphy and the petition of Donna Bridgeman.SPEAKER: No bills have been introduced. The House comes to oral questions.
Taxation (Annual Rates 2023-24 Multinational Tax and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Part 2
Pugh Maureen; Swarbrick ChlöeCHAIRPERSON (Maureen Pugh): I call the Hon—oh sorry; Chlöe Swarbrick.CHLÖE SWARBRICK (Co-Leader—Green): I'll take the Hon". I just wanted to give this a short call given that we soon will be hearing the maiden speech of my wonderful colleague Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan but there are a few things that I wanted to put on the record before we get to that.So what we're dealing with now are the substantive amendments in the Minister of Revenue's name to this piece of legislation; and Part 2 of which there's many clauses deals primarily with the issues of tax deductibility with the commercial building changes as were alluded to by the Hon Dr Deborah Russell and also with the brightline changes herein.So the fundamental question that we have for the Minister from the Green Party perspective here is: why is it that he is progressing these substantive and costly changes? We're talking about approximately $3 billion worth of changes here contained within this legislation without going through the usual processes as are typically afforded to taxation (annual rates) bills. We usually have a process whereby there is a Budget produced by a Government usually in around May and then we have a subsequent piece of legislation—the likes of these tax bills.Actually what we're dealing with here is a tax bill that was introduced under the former Government after the last May Budget but we're seeing sweeping in at the last minute in the committee of the whole House stage these substantive amendments which have massive Budget implications and therefore there has been no meaningful opportunity for public participation and democratic engagement at the select committee stage.So my core question to the Minister is: why did he do this now? Why did he not wait until after the Budget was passed and we could go through proper and due process? Because the core plea from the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand is that winning an election and campaigning on these things does not give you carte blanche authority to institute authoritarian rule and bypass the institutions of this place. So the question to the Minister is: why did he not wait for the Budget and allow these substantive changes to go through the typical select committee process?CHAIRPERSON (Maureen Pugh): Members the committee is now suspended for the maiden statement of Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan in accordance with a determination of the Business Committee.House resumed."
O'Connor GregHouse resumed.CHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): Madam Speaker the committee has considered the Appropriations (2022/23 Confirmation and Validation) Bill and reports progress. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.
O'Connor Greg; Campbell HamishCHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): The question is that the motion be agreed to. OK the member is moving that we report progress is what the member is moving—is he not? I'm sure I heard those words. Well the member might want to move that we report progress.Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL (National—Ilam): I move That we report progress.CHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): Well done! The question is that the motion be agreed to. Motion agreed to.
Campbell HamishDr HAMISH CAMPBELL (National—Ilam): I move that the debate on this question now close.
Campbell Hamish; Doocey MattDr HAMISH CAMPBELL (National—Ilam): Thank you Mr Chair. I appreciate the Minister's comments on health reforms especially around questions about infrastructure and it's something that we've heard a lot about during the committee process. We heard about these health reforms. How does the Minister think the health reforms have gone and what lessons have we learnt from any failures? SAM UFFINDELL (Chairperson of the Health Committee): Thank you Mr Chair. My question is for the Associate Minister with responsibility for mental health. Given the current demands in the mental health space and the acute staff pressures there I wanted to explore what his priorities and strategic intent were for the year ahead. Hon MATT DOOCEY (Minister for Mental Health): Look thank you very much for the question. It's a very important question about the priorities going forward. I take this as the annual review debate for 2022-23. During that year I was the Opposition spokesperson for mental health so I was aware of the issues within mental health. So I'm not surprised the Opposition members now who were in Government then don't want to ask any questions about this respective year. But going forward I think what we need to do is increase access to timely mental health addiction and suicide prevention support in New Zealand. Clearly we've done very well as a country on breaking down the stigma and discrimination. As more people come forward for support we need to make sure that timely support is available when they do come forward. The second priority is that we need to grow the workforce. For successive years we saw vacancy rates within our health services specifically in mental health grow which led to the wait times growing for specialist mental health services over the last six years. Finally the third priority is that we need to shift to prevention and early intervention. We should always be promoting mental wellbeing to ensure we don't wait for people to get into a time of distress and crisis before they reach out for help.
Leary Ingrid; Doocey Matt; Reti ShaneINGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri): Yeah a further question to the Associate Minister: what funding has gone to Gumboot Friday under this new Government and where does that contract sit and what further procurement is he anticipating that may result in funding to Gumboot Friday and where will that contract sit?Hon MATT DOOCEY (Associate Minister of Health): As the member alluded to there was a commitment to fund Gumboot Friday in the coalition agreement because what we believed is we wanted to get more money that was stuck in the beltway of Wellington out to the front line. And also we've made a commitment through the Mental Health Innovation Fund that will pair up and match funding with community groups and other NGOs because we believe they know their communities best and they can respond to the needs of their community especially in mental health and wellbeing.Hon Dr SHANE RETI (Minister of Health): Thank you Mr Chair. Just to address the question around Nelson Hospital it is in the business case. We can't quite recall whether that happened in the period under review but it kind of doesn't matter. So it is in the business case. It's been funded for that and for enabling works as well and that that continues.
Lyndon Hūhana; Leary Ingrid; Costello CaseyHŪHANA LYNDON (Green): Thank you Mr Chair. This is a question about tobacco control so may be directed to your associate. It's in relation to the modelling understanding that there could potentially be $500 million in revenue generated from the repeal of the smoke-free legislation and taking a positive view in the way that the coalition Government might want to spend this revenue in social investment from a public health approach—how we try to not be the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff but pull it back and look for services that can prevent the uptake of smoking knowing that so many New Zealanders do die. Keen to understand from the Minister what modelling was done to understand the repeal itself and cost-benefit and further why the Minister won't look to restrict or regulate the number of stores in New Zealand that sell both vapes and tobacco. Kia ora.INGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri): Further questions thank you to the Associate—CHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): Oh my apologies—I missed the fact the Minister was standing. The Hon Casey Costello will take the call.Hon CASEY COSTELLO (Associate Minister of Health): Yes I'm more than happy to answer the question of the member that's just taken her seat Hūhana Lyndon. Although the question was largely out of scope in terms of what's under review today I can assure you that there is a huge amount of work that's currently being talked about around how we reinvest the funding which is basically continuing to support the programmes that have been so successful in reducing smoking numbers but looking specifically at targeting to the most at-risk groups rather than a blanket approach.I would challenge the comment that we are not looking to consider reducing the number of retailers. We are looking at an entire programme around the regulatory regime and that is the advice at the next stage that we're working on in terms of what we will be doing to ensure that both we meet the smoke-free target of 2025 which is a collective commitment from all of the coalition parties but also that we ensure that what has been delivered—and I think that there is credit to be given in what was being achieved in the work programme but we will continue to invest further and work on what has been working to ensure that both we meet the smoke-free target and we reduce youth vaping and restrict that access to vaping by a range of initiatives that will be coming through this House in due course.
Boyack Rachel; Verrall Ayesha; Reti ShaneRACHEL BOYACK (Labour—Nelson): Thank you Mr Chair. I just want to follow up with a question to the Minister off the back of my colleague Dr Tracey McLellan's questions around health infrastructure and I just note your comments around potential changes to scope. My specific question—and just noting that Standing Orders have changed which means we can delve into issues around strategic intent. So my question is: is there an intent to honour the previous Government's commitment to the $1.1 billion rebuild of Nelson Hospital?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL (Labour): I'd like to return to some of the issues relating to workforce and in particular I note that many committee members shared a concern around the primary care workforce. During the year under review funded GP trainee numbers were increased and there was an increase for their salaries as well to make sure they were on parity with their hospital colleagues. My question to the Minister is: what other measures does he intend to take forward about the training of general practitioners to address the workforce shortage there? As my colleague mentioned there is a high number of retirements anticipated there. My second question also relating to primary care particularly general practice is on his intentions around pay parity for primary care nurses. Hon Dr SHANE RETI (Minister of Health): Thank you Mr Chair. Just to return back to a previous question—the question was around increasing capability of the Māori Health Authority Board and I said that it was my view or my belief that Mataroria Lyndon was one of those few people who had come in. That isn't correct; he was actually a pre-existing board member. The new people I'm informed were Ben Dalton Helmut Modlik and Kim Ngarimu—all very good people. So I'm just correcting the record for that.For what the member who has just taken her seat is describing that is quite correct. During the period under review it was announced that there would be increased funding for primary care—more specifically that gap between primary care or General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) registrars and their specialist colleagues for example which was around about $10000. That was reduced. Consequently the impact of that was felt this year with the new GPEP registrars of which there are several hundred who are out in the community as we speak supporting general practice. This certainly was a good initiative of the previous Government in the period under review. I have other plans and ambitions for primary care and recognise that it's a very very important place not just in achieving the targets that I have ambitions for but actually in sustaining the whole health system and I look forward at a later date to describing them in more detail.
Halbert Shanan; Reti ShaneSHANAN HALBERT (Labour): Thank you Mr Chair. I have a question for the Minister. He will know that over this period North Shore Hospital was being expanded with 150 new beds and eight surgical units. He has made comments about this particular piece of infrastructure but he hasn't provided the clarity on when that might be opened—so acknowledging that the build was in this particular review period. But I'd just ask the Minister: when does he expect those beds to be operational? Hon Dr SHANE RETI (Minister of Health): Thank you Mr Chair. The member is quite right: that's well outside the period. But I do want to give him some sense of hope. It is my ambition for that facility to be functional in this calendar year understanding that the opening was delayed. It was supposed to be in December but due to delayed construction it was pushed out and so the whole schedule was pushed out. But it is my ambition for that facility to be opened both as soon as possible but most definitely in this calendar year and I would hope that it's in the second half of the calendar year.
Ngarewa-Packer Debbie; Reti ShaneDEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER (Co-Leader—Te Pāti Māori): Oh yes!Rawiri Waititi: Oh look at that ae.DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER: I know—it's like such a bingo. First of all I'd like to thank the Minister of Health and the chair of the Health Committee for the report. A couple of questions and I'll do them really quickly. The first one: in the regional health outcome data—and I think I've spoken to the Minister about this before; I've questioned in the House that from Te Whatu Ora's perspective the regional health outcome data wasn't really regularly updated and therefore we weren't able to monitor by region. I am aware that you've come into this position; I'd welcome an update if there's some solution imminent in that particular space. On that also it would be good to know: what strategies have been adopted by Te Whatu Ora in implementing the increase for the Māori health workforce particularly and how is that being monitored and how do you see that progressing?Just a couple of things and you have been commenting—again I'm sort of flipping from what you're saying today but looking at the last couple of years for example in hospitals and communities where the after-hours services are being challenged and CEOs are going back to Te Whatu Ora to look at solutions. With Kenepuru Hospital Porirua and Kāpiti have got solutions; we've got local iwi and communities that would be happy to partner and take over some of those facilities. I wonder where the Minister is at with some of those local solutions that you've been referring to.Finally in the COVID space which I would like to bring up Rako—or Rako Science—were a firm that worked with the community. They were critical to actually making sure that there was elimination and lockdown wasn't necessary. There was a lot to be learnt from that in the community space and I'd be interested in whether the Minister has had that case put to him—the partnership that went on in Taranaki—and if he sees that as something that could be analysed and looked at in going forward as well. Thank you.Hon Dr SHANE RETI (Minister of Health): Thank you Mr Chair. I'll come back to the member Debbie Ngarewa-Packer on regional health outcomes and the monitoring in a moment but she's raised the question of Kenepuru. An urgent report into after-hours care was commissioned just at the end of this period under scrutiny here tonight and I'm still waiting for that full report. But what I wanted to say to the member was that I did meet with the executive and some of the kaimahi from Ora Toa about three weeks ago and I listened and understood some of the suggestions they were putting forward which I'd have to say we're encouraging. So even though that is actually outside of the frame that we're discussing here tonight I did want to give her some reassurance that that urgent after-hours review is still to land on my desk in a substantive way which will inform this discussion further and that I have met with key stakeholders like Ora Toa—indeed their hapū māmā facility was very invigorating. I'll look to come back to her other questions in a moment.
Verrall Ayesha; Lyndon Hūhana; Reti ShaneHon Dr AYESHA VERRALL (Labour): I thank the Minister for that high-level answer. Of course we are still waiting for the very important information on whether or not nursing placements have been increased so we can increase our domestic pipeline of nurses being trained here.Sticking on nurses we heard that in the year under review 1900 additional nurses had been employed by Te Whatu Ora. But subsequent to that in media reports I've heard the chair of Te Whatu Ora say there are ongoing vacancies—particularly in mental health areas—for nursing. Can the Minister confirm that recruitment to nursing mental health vacancies is continuing despite the hiring freeze at Te Whatu Ora?HŪHANA LYNDON (Green): Tēnā koe Mr Chair and questions to the Minister. Te Whatu Ora acknowledges the enduring inequities in health outcomes experienced by Māori and these relate to systemic failure health sector policies and services and the way of operating that have not met Māori health needs.Now I have two initial questions for the Minister in terms of Te Whatu Ora and how they deliver Maori health outcomes. In particular Te Whatu Ora is required through te Pae Ora legislation to enable Māori to exercise authority over Māori health in accordance with Māori philosophies values and practices. So my question for the Minister is: how did Te Whatu Ora enable Māori to exercise their authority over Māori health in accordance with Māori philosophies values and practices?Then further my second question is in relation to Whānau Voice. Te Whatu Ora is required to be informed by the voice of whānau in the design and delivery of health services that reflect the needs of Māori and our aspirations. Now in terms of local Whānau Voice localities were that place in the last reporting period to hear that voice. But there were significant constraints placed upon Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards within the rohe who were unable to access locality funding to start the journey to establish and hear that very important whānau voice. So my question to the Minister is: why were those constraints placed upon Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards and how did Te Whatu Ora hear the voice of our whānau at a local and regional level? Kia ora. Hon Dr SHANE RETI (Minister of Health): Thank you Mr Speaker. Yes I can confirm that mental health nurses are continuing to be recruited under international recruitment plans and that nursing placements are determined by tertiary institutes. If that doesn't quite answer the question just reframe it and I'll come back to it again.
Annual Review Debate — Climate Change
Swarbrick Chlöe; Watts SimonCHLÖE SWARBRICK (Co-Leader—Green): Thank you Mr Chair. I just very quickly wanted to unpack some of the things that the Minister of Climate Change has been speaking about both in the House today but also in some media commentary—as well as the Prime Minister—particularly when it comes to the notion of the science particularly behind our methane targets and those targets unto themselves. Because I think this is a really important point and one where we seem to have quite a lot of confusion. So we heard from the Minister just before particularly around the methane targets—that the thing that he is focused on is the science that sits behind those targets. Here once again I want to bring the committee's attention to the recent discussion document on the review of the 2050 emissions reduction target from the Climate Change Commission page 48 of which makes it incredibly clear here and I quote We have not analysed in detail what biogenic methane emissions would result under a no additional warming approach because such a technical analysis would hide the more fundamental question: should Aotearoa New Zealand cause more global warming than implied by the current 2050 target?" That is the Climate Change Commission rather explicitly calling out—actually explicitly—the National Party and ACT Party coalition agreement committing the Government to undertake a secondary review on methane with the "no additional warming" focus in looking at that question.The Minister will be aware of the commentary that the Greens have put into the public sphere on this. At first glance and best case this looks like duplication of work that the Climate Change Commission is already doing which seems to be completely contrary to all of the Government's rhetoric when it comes to reducing waste and duplication. But then at worst case it could potentially be a smokescreen for delaying climate action or for rolling back those biogenic methane targets. We're just looking for some clarity from the Minister here because we have it in black and white from the Climate Change Commission that that "no additional warming" commitment as is outlined in the National-ACT Coalition agreement would take us back in time to a place where we are worse off in our commitments than where we currently are and which the Prime Minister has already recommitted to in that nine-point plan.Hon SIMON WATTS (Minister of Climate Change): Well firstly I absolutely refute the fact that this review is anything but a review of the targets to enable us to move to the conversation which we need to be discussing which is the actions in order to implement reductions of emissions in the agricultural sector. That is the—CHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): I'm sorry the time with the Minister has come to an end. The Minister of Health is now available for one hour to respond to members' questions."
Urgent Debates Declined — Removal of Ministers—Prime Minister's Decision
Brownlee GerryURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDRemoval of Ministers—Prime Minister's DecisionSPEAKER: Members I have received a letter from the Rt Hon Chris Hipkins seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the Prime Minister's decision to remove the Hon Melissa Lee from a portfolio and from Cabinet and to remove the Hon Penny Simmonds from a portfolio. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. Generally Speakers have allowed debates on the resignation or removal of Ministers where matters of probity were involved. That is not the case in this instance. I do not think that the reallocation of ministerial portfolios or the removal of a Minister from Cabinet in these circumstances as set out in the application warrants the setting aside of the business of the House. The application is declined. Members—[Interruption] Yeah I'm on my feet; it doesn't happen very often.
9. Question No. 9—EducationKATIE NIMON (National—Napier) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 9—Education9. KATIE NIMON (National—Napier) to the Minister of Education: What recent announcements has she made on period products in schools?Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education): Thank you Mr Speaker. I'm thrilled to announce this Government has increased funding to ensure free period products are available for all young women in intermediate kura and secondary schools. It's through careful spending that this Government has redirected funding to where it matters most: learners and schools. We're committed to ensuring that all young women have equal opportunities in education to go on to live the life they want.Katie Nimon: What data and evidence supported this decision?Hon ERICA STANFORD: A study by the University of Otago estimated that up to 95000 young women could be missing school because of a lack of access to period products. This Government is committed to reducing barriers for learners. I want to be clear about the link between attendance and achievement: regular school attendance is essential for lifting student achievement. This announcement is just one of our plans to reduce barriers to attendance and lift achievement in schools.Katie Nimon: What feedback has she received from the public?Hon ERICA STANFORD: I've already received lots of positive feedback. Dignity New Zealand wrote to me expressing their relief and appreciation upon hearing our announcement. The Children and Young People's Commission wrote I'm pleased to see the Government making this investment to reduce barriers to school attendance and normalising this aspect of mokopuna health." One member of the public reached out to write that this increase in funding has created one less concern for young women in their school. We will continue to empower our young women to fully participate in their education without the burden of period poverty.Katie Nimon: Who is going to benefit from this announcement?Hon ERICA STANFORD: This initiative will continue to support 200000 young women in our schools. A lack of access to period products can be stressful disruptive and can impact students' confidence and wellbeing. This is an issue of dignity. Young women should never have to miss out on their education or face the embarrassment because of something as simple as access to period products. This support will help families get their children to school feeling confident and supported so they're ready to learn and do their best. And yes it is targeted at young women who have periods.Hon Jan Tinetti: Is this policy for young women in intermediate secondary and kura as stated in the PR and by the Minister today and does that mean young people in other schools don't menstruate?Hon ERICA STANFORD: I think I was very clear that it's available to young women in intermediate and kura and schools. There are no changes to the policy apart from the fact that we're funding it an extra half a million dollars a year to make sure that there is equal access to as many women as possible."
7. Question No. 7—SeniorsTANYA UNKOVICH (NZ First) to the Minister for SeniorsQuestion No. 7—Seniors7. TANYA UNKOVICH (NZ First) to the Minister for Seniors: What recent reports has she seen regarding the aged-care sector?Hon CASEY COSTELLO (Minister for Seniors): On 7 March the Aged Care Commissioner released her first report titled Amplifying the voices of older people across Aotearoa New Zealand. The report has drawn on engagement with thousands of people from our important older communities alongside their families whānau carers and service providers. The report is consistent with and aligns to what I've been hearing from the older New Zealanders and advice I have received around opportunities to better support aged-care services going forward.Tanya Unkovich: Is the Minister aware of any ongoing work to address opportunities to improve aged-care services?Hon CASEY COSTELLO: A review into aged-care funding and service models is under way and I expect it will create a pathway to deliver better care for older people. The review will emphasise some key points among these a stronger focus on supporting New Zealanders to receive the support they need at home. Additionally we must ensure more efficient transitions through aged-care services as well as greater capacity to support those with complex needs. I've asked for advice on immediate vulnerabilities and what is needed to sustain capacity while this work is being completed.Tanya Unkovich: What other initiatives are under way to better support the lives of older New Zealanders?Hon CASEY COSTELLO: This Government knows that supporting seniors across all aspects of their lives is critical for safeguarding their health and wellbeing. That's why improving the lives of seniors is stated as a priority for the Government in our coalition agreements. The Office for Seniors in collaboration with other departments has been progressing work on coalition priorities including upgrading the benefits of the SuperGold and Veteran SuperGold Card building on the local government rates rebate scheme and making it easier to build subsidiary dwellings that can be used to support multigenerational living. I have been meeting with key stakeholders across the sector who have been open about the opportunities to better support seniors across New Zealand. Finally we have a dedicated capable and committed workforce and NGO sector who I applaud for their ongoing efforts to respond to the needs of our older people.
Tuesday 19 December 2023 (continued on Thursday 21 December 2023) - Volume 772
Taxation Principles Reporting Act Repeal Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Taxation Principles Reporting Act Repeal Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 49New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
Taxation Principles Reporting Act Repeal Bill — In Committee—Part 2 and clauses 1 and 2
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That debate on this question now close.Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 49New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): The Hon Dr Deborah Russell's tabled amendment to clause 1 is out of order as not being an objective description of the bill.The Hon Grant Robertson's tabled amendment to clause 1 is out of order as not being an objective description of the bill.The Hon Dr Duncan Webb's tabled amendment to clause 1 is out of order as not being an objective description of the bill.The question is that the Hon Barbara Edmonds' tabled amendment amending the commencement date to 1 January 2024 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 49New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15.Noes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Amendment not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): The question is that the Hon Dr Deborah Russell's tabled amendment amending the commencement date to 1 January 2027 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 49New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15.Noes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Amendment not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): The question is that Arena Williams' remaining tabled amendments be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 49New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15.Noes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Amendments not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): The question is that Part 2 and clauses 1 and 2 stand part.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 and clauses 1 and 2 be agreed to.Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 49New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15.Part 2 and clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.Bill to be reported without amendment.House resumed.
Taxation Principles Reporting Act Repeal Bill — In Committee—Part 1 (continued)