edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Gallagher Martin: Waste Minimisation Bill — Third Reading 
Gallagher Martin: Waste Minimisation Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:650;Page:18840] 
MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) 
: 
 I will possibly take 10 minutes but may take less time. The Waste Minimisation Bill will significantly alter the way we deal with waste and will encourage the sustainable use of resources. 
I acknowledge the huge quantum leap in this area over the past few years. Indeed I congratulate the awardees at last night’s Waikato Sustainable Business Network Awards—a major gala occasion in my city of Hamilton. Sadly I was not able to be there for which I apologise. I think those awards are indicative that businesses around the country are doing cutting-edge work in this area and that is excellent. 
It was a great pleasure to be a substitute member of the Local Government and Environment Committee which considered the original bill. What an incredible eye-opener it was for me personally to see the amazing waste minimisation enterprises that are now out there. I believe that as a country we are taking a quantum leap through this bill and other measures to realise the truth hopefully of New Zealand’s clean green image. I think to a degree there has been an element of myth to it. Hopefully this bill will give our self-image—the image we as a country want—a degree of truth. 
Finally as a Waikato member of Parliament I reiterate my appreciation of the huge contribution in terms of leadership that Nandor Tanczos showed in this area. I believe that it will be one of the lasting legacies of his time in this Parliament. Frankly we in the Waikato are very very proud of Nandor and his wonderful contribution. I am equally proud of this Government which took a member’s bill and turned it into a Government bill and I am equally proud of the very good work of the Local Government and Environment Committee which was led by my good colleague and friend Moana Mackey. I commend the bill to the House.
Mallard Trevor: Waste Minimisation Bill — Third Reading 
Mallard Trevor: Waste Minimisation Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:650;Page:18830] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for the Environment) 
: 
 I move  
That the Waste Minimisation Bill be now read a third time 
. I speak in support of the Waste Minimisation Bill. It is time to substantially change the way we deal with waste in New Zealand. Our population and consumption are predicted to grow which makes it imperative that we tackle the volumes of waste that are now being produced.
Gallagher Martin: Questions for Oral Answer Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Gallagher Martin: Questions for Oral Answer Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:650;Page:18828] 
11.  
MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) 
 to the  
Minister of Immigration 
: Has he received any reports proposing new immigration categories? 
Hon SHANE JONES (Associate Minister of Immigration)  
on behalf of the  
Minister of Immigration 
: Yes I have seen a report from the National Party that shows it would like to make Kiwi citizens returning home a new category of immigrant. National’s immigration policy one of the few that Labour has not been burdened with having to release proposes setting up a new layer of bureaucracy under Immigration New Zealand. While the mokopuna leader says no bureaucracy the rearguard kaumatua say more bureaucracy. 
Martin Gallagher 
: Has the Minister received reports about any other proposed new immigration categories? 
Hon SHANE JONES 
: Yes indeed I have. I have seen a report that proposes to establish a new retirement visa for high-net-worth people possibly some in Kaipara. I have also seen a report entitled  
The Feasibility of Introducing Retirement Visas 
 recommending that retirement visas not be introduced because the potential risks will clearly outweigh the potential benefits. The first of these reports is the National Party’s immigration policy released by Dr Lockwood Smith. The other report is a briefing dated 20 August 1999 for Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith Associate Minister of Immigration. Dr Smith rejected the idea back then but is promoting it as a new idea now. That member is not only swallowing after masticating but regurgitating dead fish. 
Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith 
: I seek leave to table a document entitled “Draft Cabinet Paper Immigration Investment Policy” that states the Ministers of Immigration and Finance have been recommending not bothering with investment criteria and simply selling residency at a high price. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Collins Judith: Questions for Oral Answer Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Collins Judith: Questions for Oral Answer Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:650;Page:18826] 
9.  
JUDITH COLLINS (National—Clevedon) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: Is she satisfied with Work and Income’s approach to individual case management; if so why? 
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 I believe that more can be done to ensure that every person receives the support and services that meet their individual circumstances. That is why I have announced even further steps towards the core benefit to modernise the benefit system. 
Judith Collins 
: Is the Minister satisfied with how Work and Income behaved towards cancer sufferer Richard Burr as detailed by her ministry in evidence before the Social Services Committee? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: It is my understanding that the areas where there were shortcomings in addressing Mr Burr’s needs were made clear to the select committee and that the ministry took responsibility for those shortcomings. 
Lynne Pillay 
: What reports has she received regarding alternative approaches to case management? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: I have seen an extraordinary report advocating the return to the failed policies of the 1990s—punitive work testing of sole parents and of sickness and invalid beneficiaries—and I have seen a response that says “This policy does more to stroke the shibboleths of party supporters than meet any pressing social need.” 
Judith Collins 
: Does the Minister accept the evidence of Mr Burr’s widow that Work and Income staff “were insensitive to their situation displayed a lack of empathy were poor communicators and gave inconsistent advice.”; and why did Work and Income not send a case manager to Mr Burr in hospital rather than summoning him out of his hospital bed to attend a Work and Income office? This was a terminally ill cancer patient. 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: I certainly accept Mrs Burr’s perception of how she was treated by Work and Income and my understanding is that the shortcomings in the service delivery have been acknowledged by Work and Income to the select committee the member sits on. My understanding is that Work and Income has made efforts to ensure that that does not happen again. I dispute the assertion that the member makes that knowing that Mr Burr was terminally ill and in hospital Work and Income staff required him to attend a Work and Income office. I dispute that assertion. 
Judith Collins 
: Since the Minister now wants to talk about Mrs Burr’s perception does she now accept the findings of the Social Services Committee tabled today in this Parliament that Mr Burr’s treatment is not an isolated case and that the issues raised by Mr Burr’s widow and by others are serious and need addressing; if so what after 9 long years is she going to do about it? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: I am certainly happy to accept any recommendations that the Social Services Committee has to make.
Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:650;Page:18826] 
8.  
RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What reports has she received regarding policy priorities for children? 
Hon Maurice Williamson 
: I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I am slightly perplexed. I would like an assurance from the Government that that is the real Russell Fairbrother. He does not normally sit there and that voice was not the voice of Russell Fairbrother. It may have been— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: That is not a point of order. 
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 I have seen the call from Every Child Counts to make children’s issues central to political considerations. Our Government agrees that children must be at the heart of good policy. That is why we have implemented policies such as 20 free hours’ early childhood education and the introduction of paid parental leave provisions and policies to reduce child poverty—all policies that National voted against. 
Russell Fairbrother 
: To the Minister—[ 
Interruption 
] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I know it is Thursday. Holidays are next week. 
Russell Fairbrother 
: What reports has the Minister received on the outcomes of the Labour-led Government’s policies for children? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: Earlier in the year I welcomed research that indicated that 130000 children have been lifted out of poverty since 2001. A further report will be released shortly confirming that the position of New Zealand children has improved across a wide range of indicators: infant mortality has halved immunisation levels have significantly improved and early childhood education participation has increased. 
Judy Turner 
: Does the Minister agree that any children’s policy that does not prioritise improved support for the 10 percent of children with disabilities who currently attract only 1 percent of the funding for compulsory education towards their support lacks credibility; and can she advise us of the priorities of her Government in regard to those children? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: I would not leap to the assumption that the member has: that disabled children are not able to access the curriculum without support.
Smith Nick: Questions for Oral Answer Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Smith Nick: Questions for Oral Answer Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:650;Page:18816] 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I want to know whether all of the House’s papers are actually being printed and distributed to members for the chair of the Local Government and Environment Committee to be questioning the Government over whether any landmark environmental legislation has been passed recently. Where has the chair of the select committee been? 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I am sorry the member is saying it is addressed to the chair of the committee? 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH 
: My concern Madam Speaker is that Moana Mackey is the chair of the Local Government and Environment Committee— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I am sorry. I now understand what the member is saying. Let us proceed.
Cullen Michael: Responses — Rex Widerstrom—Statement made by Ron Mark 
Cullen Michael: Responses — Rex Widerstrom—Statement made by Ron Mark 
[Volume:650;Page:18812] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That that paper be published 
. 
Motion agreed to.
Wilson Margaret: Responses — Rex Widerstrom—Statement made by Ron Mark 
Wilson Margaret: Responses — Rex Widerstrom—Statement made by Ron Mark 
[Volume:650;Page:18812] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I hereby present a response under Standing Orders 160 to 163 on the application of Mr Rex Widerstrom relating to a reference made by Ron Mark on 30 July 2008.
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
[Volume:650;Page:18811] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 On the latter point if valedictory statements are not made in urgency at least one if not two sitting days will be required to accommodate them and other business would therefore flow into the week following that week. It will be the intention to take bills such as the Walking Access Bill the Central North Island Forests Land Collective Settlement Bill the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi and Hapu Claims Settlement Bill the bills relating to financial market regulation and perhaps some others through all their stages. The other Treaty-related legislation will be the Port Nicholson Block (Taranaki Whanui ki Upoko o Te Ika) Claims Settlement Bill and the Waikato-Tainui River settlement bill. These of course are first readings only.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:650;Page:18811] 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 Can the Minister give us an indication as to whether those bills will be going through all stages. Further can he explain the reason for valedictory statements to be made in urgency.
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
[Volume:650;Page:18811] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes on Tuesday 23 September it will consider the report of the Privileges Committee which is expected to have been presented by that date. Following this it is the Government’s intention to take urgency for valedictory statements and a range of Government legislation including the Walking Access Bill major Treaty settlement legislation bills relating to financial market regulation as well as a range of first readings. It is my understanding at this stage that discussions between the whips indicate that valedictory statements for National members will be made on Wednesday afternoon and for Labour members on Thursday afternoon.
Carter John: Motions — New Zealand Police—Death of Sergeant Don Wilkinson International Parliamentary Union—International Day of Democracy 
Carter John: Motions — New Zealand Police—Death of Sergeant Don Wilkinson International Parliamentary Union—International Day of Democracy 
[Volume:650;Page:18811] 
JOHN CARTER (National—Northland) 
: 
 I move  
That this House recognise that 15 September 2008 is the International Day of Democracy; note that New Zealand is an active member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union which promotes democracy by strengthening Parliaments and enabling parliamentary diplomacy; celebrate that Parliament is the central institution of democracy; affirm its commitment to the principle that a democratic Parliament is representative transparent accessible accountable and effective; and note the theme of the day that a Parliament does not guarantee democracy but there can be no democracy without a Parliament. 
Motion agreed to.
Cullen Michael: Motions — New Zealand Police—Death of Sergeant Don Wilkinson International Parliamentary Union—International Day of Democracy 
Cullen Michael: Motions — New Zealand Police—Death of Sergeant Don Wilkinson International Parliamentary Union—International Day of Democracy 
[Volume:650;Page:18811] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Deputy Prime Minister) 
: 
 I move  
That this House mourn the loss of Auckland Police Sergeant Don Wilkinson while on duty on 11 September 2008 place on record its gratitude for the sacrifices New Zealand Police staff make willingly on behalf of New Zealand citizens every day in the course of their work and convey its deep sympathy to Sergeant Don Wilkinson’s family friends and colleagues. 
 Further we extend our hopes for the speedy recovery of his colleague injured in this accident. 
Motion agreed to.
Wilson Margaret: Visitors — China People’s Republic—Delegation from the National People’s Congress 
Wilson Margaret: Visitors — China People’s Republic—Delegation from the National People’s Congress 
[Volume:650;Page:18811] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing members that a delegation from the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China led by Ms Yan Junqui vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee is present in the gallery. I am sure that members would wish that the delegation be welcomed.
Responses — Rex Widerstrom—Statement made by Ron Mark 
Responses — Rex Widerstrom—Statement made by Ron Mark 
[Volume:650;Page:18812] 
Responses 
Rex Widerstrom—Statement made by Ron Mark 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I hereby present a response under Standing Orders 160 to 163 on the application of Mr Rex Widerstrom relating to a reference made by Ron Mark on 30 July 2008. 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That that paper be published 
. 
Motion agreed to.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:650;Page:18811] 
Business Statement 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes on Tuesday 23 September it will consider the report of the Privileges Committee which is expected to have been presented by that date. Following this it is the Government’s intention to take urgency for valedictory statements and a range of Government legislation including the Walking Access Bill major Treaty settlement legislation bills relating to financial market regulation as well as a range of first readings. It is my understanding at this stage that discussions between the whips indicate that valedictory statements for National members will be made on Wednesday afternoon and for Labour members on Thursday afternoon. 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 Can the Minister give us an indication as to whether those bills will be going through all stages. Further can he explain the reason for valedictory statements to be made in urgency. 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 On the latter point if valedictory statements are not made in urgency at least one if not two sitting days will be required to accommodate them and other business would therefore flow into the week following that week. It will be the intention to take bills such as the Walking Access Bill the Central North Island Forests Land Collective Settlement Bill the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi and Hapu Claims Settlement Bill the bills relating to financial market regulation and perhaps some others through all their stages. The other Treaty-related legislation will be the Port Nicholson Block (Taranaki Whanui ki Upoko o Te Ika) Claims Settlement Bill and the Waikato-Tainui River settlement bill. These of course are first readings only.
Motions — New Zealand Police—Death of Sergeant Don Wilkinson International Parliamentary Union—International Day of Democracy 
Motions — New Zealand Police—Death of Sergeant Don Wilkinson International Parliamentary Union—International Day of Democracy 
[Volume:650;Page:18811] 
Motions 
New Zealand Police—Death of Sergeant Don Wilkinson 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Deputy Prime Minister) 
: 
 I move  
That this House mourn the loss of Auckland Police Sergeant Don Wilkinson while on duty on 11 September 2008 place on record its gratitude for the sacrifices New Zealand Police staff make willingly on behalf of New Zealand citizens every day in the course of their work and convey its deep sympathy to Sergeant Don Wilkinson’s family friends and colleagues. 
 Further we extend our hopes for the speedy recovery of his colleague injured in this accident. 
Motion agreed to. 
International Parliamentary Union—International Day of Democracy 
JOHN CARTER (National—Northland) 
: 
 I move  
That this House recognise that 15 September 2008 is the International Day of Democracy; note that New Zealand is an active member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union which promotes democracy by strengthening Parliaments and enabling parliamentary diplomacy; celebrate that Parliament is the central institution of democracy; affirm its commitment to the principle that a democratic Parliament is representative transparent accessible accountable and effective; and note the theme of the day that a Parliament does not guarantee democracy but there can be no democracy without a Parliament. 
Motion agreed to.
Visitors — China People’s Republic—Delegation from the National People’s Congress 
Visitors — China People’s Republic—Delegation from the National People’s Congress 
[Volume:650;Page:18811] 
Thursday 11 September 2008 
Madam Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Visitors 
China People’s Republic—Delegation from the National People’s Congress 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing members that a delegation from the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China led by Ms Yan Junqui vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee is present in the gallery. I am sure that members would wish that the delegation be welcomed.
Simich Clem: Budget Debate 
Simich Clem: Budget Debate 
[Volume:647;Page:16527] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: I am sorry to interrupt the member but the time has come for me to leave the Chair. 
Debate interrupted.
Gallagher Martin: Budget Debate 
Gallagher Martin: Budget Debate 
[Volume:647;Page:16526] 
MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) 
: 
 In a few moments I will deal with the comments of the previous speaker Colin King. In the context of the Budget debate and as chair of the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee which has a scrutiny function with regard to defence and also as someone with a very keen interest in veterans’ affairs issues I take a quick opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful moment this afternoon when all of the parties in the House came together and honoured our Viet Nam veterans. 
Like many New Zealanders I also had family members who served in that theatre of war. I acknowledge my first cousin of whom I am very proud Rion Gallagher. He was one of the 3000 or more personnel who served there. I visited Viet Nam back in 2002. One thing that struck me was the deep respect that the Viet Namese people hold our soldiers in notwithstanding the fact that we were at the time technically on the losing side. I acknowledge that this weekend will have the wonderful moment of Tribute 08 for New Zealanders to pause and reflect on those young men and a number of women as well who went at that time to serve our country. 
I reflect on the following point with huge sadness. The previous speaker Colin King represents quite a vibrant region. I do not know whether he has been there recently. I think he must live just in Wellington. I do not think he has got on the ferry or the plane. I want to give him an atlas and tell him to go back to his constituency look at the vibrancy of his region and make some connections in relation to sustained economic growth. I also want to make an interesting observation. I say to the previous speaker that instead of taking a half-empty glass approach he should say what his policy is. He should give us a policy. He should stop taking the people of this country for being suckers. 
Eric Roy 
: Growth! 
MARTIN GALLAGHER 
: “Growth!” he says. 
In the time I have left I will quote from the  
Sunday Star-Times 
. It is hardly a newspaper that is overarching in its affection for this current Labour-led Government. What it stated last Sunday says it all: “Key’s explanations of where the money would come from are thin and sometimes plain silly. Cancelling an embassy in Sweden will make no fiscal difference. Nor would wholesale sackings of bureaucrats: even huge cuts in this area would save at most some hundreds of millions when Key will need billions. Key promises that he won’t cut social services and it is difficult to know whether to believe this or not. National’s record from the early to the mid-1990s in this area is utterly disgraceful a record of ludicrous structural revolution and deep cuts.” That comes from the  
Sunday Star-Times 
 which is hardly a wonderful friend of this Labour-led Government. 
Even the  
New Zealand Herald  
talks about Mr Key claiming that National will direct spending away from low-quality programmes that push up inflation and towards front-line services like doctors nurses teachers and police—
Simich Clem: Budget Debate 
Simich Clem: Budget Debate 
[Volume:647;Page:16526] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: The following call will be split with 5 minutes for each speaker. There will be a bell at the 4-minute mark.
Mallard Trevor: Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
Mallard Trevor: Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
[Volume:647;Page:16469] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for the Environment) 
: 
 I am reluctant without consulting the Leader of the House to block in a debate in the way it would normally be done. I ask whether the member could consult the Leader of the House and possibly come back to the House later if he has such an agreement. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: Where is he now? 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: He is in his office at an urgent meeting. Members will understand that question time has gone well beyond the normal time. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: The member has sought leave for an urgent debate.
Peters Winston: Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
Peters Winston: Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
[Volume:647;Page:16468] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I seek leave to move that the House undertake an urgent debate over the takeover of New Zealand Dairies Ltd by Nutritek. Moments after we asked our question in the House today we received information—namely there are a number of issues concerning the relationships between shareholders. An internal review is being conducted by Nutritek right now and some employees are being stood down from their duties because of what has happened in respect of this transaction. We believe that it is urgent; we feel that these issues require the urgent attention of the House right now.
Locke Keith: Ministerial Statements — Viet Nam Veterans—Crown Apology 
Locke Keith: Ministerial Statements — Viet Nam Veterans—Crown Apology 
[Volume:647;Page:16445] 
KEITH LOCKE (Green) 
: 
 The Greens are very pleased to support the Crown apology. Four years ago the Green Party called on the Government to offer a full public apology to Viet Nam veterans and their families for the failure of successive administrations to accept their exposure to Agent Orange or to provide adequate treatment for the illnesses that they and their children have suffered as a result. It has taken 4 long years but at last today the apology has been made and we are thankful for that. The Green Party is delighted at this development and we congratulate the Prime Minister on making it. 
The reality is that in the face of mounting evidence successive Governments downplayed and even covered up the fact that veterans who fought in the Viet Nam War had been exposed to a toxic environment and the health effects they experienced as a result of their exposure to Agent Orange. Nor did successive Governments take steps to monitor the health of veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange. The apology today will help redress the hurt and suffering of veterans and their families over all these years. 
However the Green Party calls on the Government to back up its apology with a programme to provide ongoing monitoring of dioxin exposure for veterans and their children and to offer fully funded medical care for affected children. This apology is part of a necessary process of healing and reconciliation. It parallels an international process of reconciliation where some veterans have travelled to Viet Nam to talk in friendship with those who were once on what was called the other side. Viet Nam veterans who are Agent Orange victims from America Australia South Korea New Zealand and Canada have travelled back to Viet Nam where they have met with victims and visited hospices in friendship villages where some of the many thousands of the most seriously deformed Agent Orange children are cared for assisted by international veteran support the Catholic Church or local government. 
Of course all of these efforts do not absolve the United States Government—the main responsible party—or the other Governments that invaded Viet Nam including New Zealand from their moral responsibility to contribute to the health and welfare of all those who suffered as a consequence of the war whatever their nationality. Today we are acknowledging the suffering of our Viet Nam veterans and what they went through and still go through today. In apologising we acknowledge the mistakes of the past. We should also make a commitment to future generations not to repeat such mistakes. It is also an opportunity to recognise what a disastrous war it was for all particularly of course the Viet Namese people and for us to all look forward to a peaceful future.
Simich Clem: Budget Debate 
Simich Clem: Budget Debate 
[Volume:647;Page:16515] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: We come to speaker No. 60 on the list.
Peters Winston: Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
Peters Winston: Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
[Volume:647;Page:16469] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I seek leave that in half an hour we have a debate on the issue of the takeover of— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: No we cannot do that. I do not think that that actually solves the problem at all. I think we should put the question now. The member can always raise it again at another point. But it gets too messy I think. So leave has been sought— 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for the Environment) 
: 
 We have attempted to get the Leader of the House. He is currently speaking at a public meeting and we will try to get back to him as soon as possible. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave has been put. Is there any objection? Yes there is. Right—that deals with that matter.
Peters Winston: Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
Peters Winston: Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
[Volume:647;Page:16469] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 It would be helpful and I say it behoves the Minister who was one of the decision makers in this as I understand to obtain the leave of his colleague now because this is an urgent matter. When we receive information that a transaction that has gone out of New Zealand’s ownership might involve some totally untoward dealing I think the House should be dealing with it right now. So I am prepared to wait a few more minutes if he will find out. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: The member then is withdrawing his request for leave at this time? Is that correct? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 Well no. I seek leave that in half an hour— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I think we should deal with it in half an hour.
Robertson H V Ross: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Robertson H V Ross: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:647;Page:16466] 
11.  
H V ROSS ROBERTSON (Labour—Manukau East) 
 to the  
Minister of Statistics 
: Has he received the results of the Longitudinal Immigration Survey? 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Minister of Statistics) 
: 
 Yes I have. The Longitudinal Immigration Survey interviewed over 7000 migrants. The survey is being conducted in three waves. The first wave contains information from interviews with migrants conducted 6 months after they took up permanent residence and the second and third wave interviews will take place 1 year and 3 years later. 
H V Ross Robertson 
: What were the key findings about the reasons that migrants chose New Zealand as their home? 
Hon DARREN HUGHES 
: I am very pleased to tell the House that 93 percent of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with their decision to make their home in New Zealand. The most common reasons that permanent migrants chose our country as their new home were the relaxed pace of lifestyle followed by the climate and the clean green environment and the desire to provide a better future for their children. The survey also reported the relative ease of finding employment. This Labour-led Government is planning for the future and is committed to New Zealand being a great place to live for all our people.
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:647;Page:16465] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister of Labour) 
: 
 He might not have noticed but I am a Minister and he is not.
Brownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Brownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:647;Page:16465] 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I am not sure just what happened there. The Hon Trevor Mallard said he was not seeking leave to something; he was just tabling it. We know that it is a press release so it does not really matter—it is in the public arena anyway. But what sort of procedure is that?
Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:647;Page:16465] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 I seek leave to table the figures that show that unemployment in Levin has fallen by 1100 under Labour and that sickness benefit numbers have gone up by only 39. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? No objection? There is objection.
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:647;Page:16465] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister of Labour) 
: 
 I lay on the Table the document that I was challenged to lay on the Table by Gerry Brownlee earlier. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table— 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: No Madam Speaker I am not seeking leave. I am just tabling it. 
Document laid on the Table of the House.
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:647;Page:16464] 
Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister of Energy) 
: 
 I should have sought leave at the end of an earlier question to table Contact Energy’s statement about its intention to recommission 100 megawatts— 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Swain Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Swain Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:647;Page:16451] 
2.  
Hon PAUL SWAIN (Labour—Rimutaka) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: What recent reports has he received on support for the KiwiSaver scheme? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I have received a large number of reports in support of it. There is one source from which I have received a substantial number of reports both in support for and in opposition to KiwiSaver in general and specific elements within it. Mr Key has said that he was against KiwiSaver and then he was for it. Then he was against it and yesterday he was for it but perhaps not quite in full. 
Hon Paul Swain 
: Has the Minister received any reports on public confusion resulting from conflicting statements on support for KiwiSaver? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: By sheer chance yes. I have seen an article in the  
Wanganui Chronicle 
 where Mr Chester Borrows supports Kate Wilkinson’s position that National opposes employer contributions to KiwiSaver. Then of course yesterday Mr Key appeared to support employer contributions but what he actually said was: “at pretty similar levels to now.”—whatever that means. Perhaps it is all best summed up by this masterpiece from last year: “Well we are looking at all the options around KiwiSaver. We don’t really like the existing scheme in the sense that we think um the first mark 1 version of it worked you know was probably gonna be successful and not too bad.” Or in other words: “Beam me up Scotty!”. 
Hon Clayton Cosgrove 
: Has the Minister received any reports on the importance of clear communication around support for KiwiSaver? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: Indeed I have seen a report from Newstalk ZB in Christchurch this morning where the distinguished journalist Mr Barry Soper said of Kate Wilkinson’s statements opposing elements of KiwiSaver: “When in fact we ran a story on that on Newstalk ZB we had the spin doctors from the National Party ringing up saying ‘You are wrong—she didn’t say that.’ And I said well in fact I was there. I heard her say it so did everybody else at the meeting … finally we had John Key this afternoon coming out and saying Kate Wilkinson had got it wrong.” By 2 o’clock yesterday Mr John Key had issued a press statement saying Mrs Kate Wilkinson was wrong. Perhaps in the end however it was really Kate Wilkinson who was right. But who would know?
Key John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Key John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:647;Page:16450] 
1. JOHN KEY (Leader of the Opposition) 
 to the  
Prime Minister 
: Does she stand by her statement that her Government wanted a culture of “moderation thrift and service to the public”; if so is she confident that that is understood by all Government entities? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK (Prime Minister) 
: 
 Yes; and yes—including by the Housing New Zealand Corporation over the past 24 hours. 
John Key 
: Does the Prime Minister agree with the statement of her Minister of Housing in the House yesterday that the Housing New Zealand Corporation conference at the luxurious Tongariro Lodge was “worth it” and she was “all for it”; if not why not? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: For the record I believe that the venue was inappropriate. That point of view has been put to the chair of the Housing New Zealand Corporation board and he concurs with it completely as does the Minister. 
John Key 
: Is the Prime Minister saying that the Minister of Housing when she came to the House yesterday and defended that conference at the luxurious Tongariro Lodge was completely and utterly wrong? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: Some good may come from officials getting together from time to time but it should not be at a lodge like that. 
John Key 
: Did the Prime Minister have any discussions with the Minister of Housing following her endorsement of the conference and is that why Maryan Street has changed her tune overnight and is now admitting that the Tongariro Lodge conference was “not a good look”? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: I have made it clear throughout that the choice of that accommodation was inappropriate. 
John Key 
: Can the Prime Minister confirm the statement made by the Minister of State Services on the radio this morning that both he and the Prime Minister were “outraged” by the Housing New Zealand Corporation conference at Tongariro Lodge; if so why did the Minister of Housing tell the House yesterday that the conference was “worth it” and she was “all for it”? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: I can confirm what the Minister of State Services said. I know that the Minister of Housing does not believe that the venue was appropriate. But of course newer members—like Kate Wilkinson—do not always express themselves in the way that they should. 
John Key 
: Does the Prime Minister think that the recent $350000 golden handshake for the chief executive of Transpower Ralph Craven is an example of thrift and moderation when so many New Zealand taxpayers will be struggling to pay their power bills this coming winter because of the tough economic conditions? 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK 
: No; that sum is not appropriate. The new chair of the board who had no responsibility for the sum has said as much. Nor do I think it is exactly moderation for the Leader of the Opposition to have 36 staff in his office.
Clark Helen: Ministerial Statements — Viet Nam Veterans—Crown Apology 
Clark Helen: Ministerial Statements — Viet Nam Veterans—Crown Apology 
[Volume:647;Page:16450] 
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK (Prime Minister) 
: 
 I would like to thank all party leaders for the contributions they have made on behalf of their parties today and for their support for the Crown apology. I think that everyone listening today will know how rare it is to have unanimity in our Parliament but unanimity today is evidence that we do have the capacity to rise above the day-to-day political friction in the public interest and that has been done through this offer of the Crown apology. 
The contributions today have also revealed the great depth of feeling that this deployment and its aftermath evoke. That is why reconciliation is so important. The men and women who went did their duty and every party in this House has expressed its respect for that. 
To the veterans and their families who have filled our gallery in Parliament today I say thank you for dignifying this occasion. This weekend many of these people will be staying on here in Wellington to gather for Tribute 08. It will be a time for meeting friends and comrades for reflecting on the past for remembering the fallen and for looking to the future. May the spirit of reconciliation be present throughout Tribute 08 as it has been throughout this reflection in our Parliament today. 
Waiata
Peters Winston: Ministerial Statements — Viet Nam Veterans—Crown Apology 
Peters Winston: Ministerial Statements — Viet Nam Veterans—Crown Apology 
[Volume:647;Page:16445] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 New Zealand First supports the Crown apology to Viet Nam veterans and endorses the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister and Mr Key. We have long believed in well-overdue measures being adopted to address the serious problems suffered by veterans and their families. It is wisely said that the military do not start wars—politicians do. These men were sent to Viet Nam by politicians. They did their duty; when they returned their country did not do its duty by them. Today is not a time for recriminations but we must acknowledge that the official treatment of these soldiers has been a blot on our history. So have been the unconscionable and protracted denials by successive Governments of the effect of Agent Orange on soldiers and their families. 
It is a tragedy that so many soldiers who died then and since will never hear this apology. We cannot change the past but we can acknowledge it and try to put things right as best we can. The apology today is a step towards that. We hope that it is accepted in the spirit with which we unreservedly offer it.
Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
Points of Order — New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
[Volume:647;Page:16468] 
Points of Order 
New Zealand Dairies Ltd—Sale 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I seek leave to move that the House undertake an urgent debate over the takeover of New Zealand Dairies Ltd by Nutritek. Moments after we asked our question in the House today we received information—namely there are a number of issues concerning the relationships between shareholders. An internal review is being conducted by Nutritek right now and some employees are being stood down from their duties because of what has happened in respect of this transaction. We believe that it is urgent; we feel that these issues require the urgent attention of the House right now. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for the Environment) 
: 
 I am reluctant without consulting the Leader of the House to block in a debate in the way it would normally be done. I ask whether the member could consult the Leader of the House and possibly come back to the House later if he has such an agreement. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: Where is he now? 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: He is in his office at an urgent meeting. Members will understand that question time has gone well beyond the normal time. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: The member has sought leave for an urgent debate. 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 It would be helpful and I say it behoves the Minister who was one of the decision makers in this as I understand to obtain the leave of his colleague now because this is an urgent matter. When we receive information that a transaction that has gone out of New Zealand’s ownership might involve some totally untoward dealing I think the House should be dealing with it right now. So I am prepared to wait a few more minutes if he will find out. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: The member then is withdrawing his request for leave at this time? Is that correct? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 Well no. I seek leave that in half an hour— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I think we should deal with it in half an hour. 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 I seek leave that in half an hour we have a debate on the issue of the takeover of— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: No we cannot do that. I do not think that that actually solves the problem at all. I think we should put the question now. The member can always raise it again at another point. But it gets too messy I think. So leave has been sought— 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for the Environment) 
: 
 We have attempted to get the Leader of the House. He is currently speaking at a public meeting and we will try to get back to him as soon as possible. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave has been put. Is there any objection? Yes there is. Right—that deals with that matter.
Smith Nick: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill — Recommittal In Committee 
Smith Nick: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill — Recommittal In Committee 
[Volume:641;Page:10975] 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) 
: 
 One of the key quotes the Minister for Building and Construction has—and I have heard him say it in speeches not once not twice but at least a dozen times—is “Do it once do it right”. Do members remember that? Well in classic Labour Party style it is a case of “Do as we say not as we do”. I need to summarise for the Committee whether the Minister has lived up to his “Do it once do it right” motto. 
The Government first dealt with the leaky homes issue with a bill in 2002. The bill was rushed through. It was actually an add-on to a bill of my own in respect of subcontractors. The bill was added on at the last stage and it flew through the Committee stage. But that was a botch-up so in 2006 this Minister came along to the House and powered through another bill the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill. He shortened the time and we were assured at the time he had done it right. He sought to wham it through Parliament and said all would be OK. 
Well second time round the fix-up job got it wrong and then the Minister had to introduce another bill just 3 months ago the bill we have before us—the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill. That bill had to be introduced because this arrogant Minister ignored submissions to the select committee that said general damages would not be able to be claimed. This Minister said: “Yes they can.” The court decided the opposite and that is why we have this bill. So third time round the Minister who says “Do it once do it right” still has not got it right. 
But it gets worse. Having put this bill through its first reading its select committee process a second reading and all the way through the Committee stage— 
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Clem Simich) 
: I am sorry to interrupt the member but the time has come to report progress. 
Progress reported. 
Report adopted.
Vote: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill — Recommittal In Committee 
Vote: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill — Recommittal In Committee 
[Volume:641;Page:10972] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the question be now put. 
Ayes 70 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; United Future 2; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 49 
New Zealand National 48; Independent: Copeland. 
Motion agreed to. 
New Part 3 agreed to.
Hughes Darren: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill — Recommittal In Committee 
Hughes Darren: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill — Recommittal In Committee 
[Volume:641;Page:10971] 
DARREN HUGHES (Junior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. Mr Henare has interrupted on three different parties during the casting of their party vote which is against the Standing Orders. As he is a distinguished and long-serving member a former Cabinet Minister and someone who has reached the heights of his career I would have thought he knew not to do that. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Clem Simich) 
: Thank you for raising that. I had noticed it—and yes that applies. But they were laughing; they were having a bit of fun back there at this stage.
Vote: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill — Recommittal In Committee 
Vote: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill — Recommittal In Committee 
[Volume:641;Page:10962] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendments be agreed to. 
Ayes 70 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; United Future 2; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 49 
New Zealand National 48; Independent: Copeland. 
Amendments agreed to. 
Part 1 as amended agreed to.