edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Brownlee Gerry: Points of Order — Television New Zealand—Fiji Government Questions for Written Answer—Replies 
Brownlee Gerry: Points of Order — Television New Zealand—Fiji Government Questions for Written Answer—Replies 
[Volume:636;Page:6996] 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. The issue I raised is a serious one. A democratically elected Government in the Pacific has been overthrown and it would be completely inappropriate for Commodore Bainimarama to have been assisted in any way by New Zealand’s State-owned broadcaster. I wonder whether we might expect a ministerial statement on this matter later in the afternoon.
Copeland Gordon: Points of Order — Television New Zealand—Fiji Government Questions for Written Answer—Replies 
Copeland Gordon: Points of Order — Television New Zealand—Fiji Government Questions for Written Answer—Replies 
[Volume:636;Page:6996] 
GORDON COPELAND (United Future) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I draw your attention to the fact that answers to written questions Nos 18555 18556 and 18557 lodged to the Minister of Justice were due by 4 December and I still await them. Like most MPs I give a little latitude in these matters but I think it is also necessary for us to draw to your attention from time to time that the Standing Orders are being broken. I would like you to assist me by ensuring that the Standing Orders are upheld in that regard.
Business of the House 
Business of the House 
[Volume:636;Page:6995] 
Business of the House 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 There has been consultation between the whips and I understand there is agreement all around the House so I therefore seek leave that on the conclusion of order of the day No. 6 the second reading of the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill (No 2) we proceed directly to the third reading of that bill. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Cullen Michael: Business of the House 
Cullen Michael: Business of the House 
[Volume:636;Page:6995] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 There has been consultation between the whips and I understand there is agreement all around the House so I therefore seek leave that on the conclusion of order of the day No. 6 the second reading of the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill (No 2) we proceed directly to the third reading of that bill. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:636;Page:6995] 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 I seek leave for there to be an urgent question today to the Minister responsible for Television New Zealand—either the Minister for State Owned Enterprises the Prime Minister herself or some other Minister who is prepared to answer the question—as to why equipment owned by the New Zealand taxpayer was made available to the usurper of the democratically elected Government in Fiji. 
Hon Dr Michael Cullen 
: When was this news made public? 
GERRY BROWNLEE 
: This news was made available to me just minutes before the House sat this afternoon. I think it is clearly something that the Government would know about because the Government of course owns Television New Zealand. 
Hon Dr Michael Cullen 
: It may come as surprising news to the member but Television New Zealand does not tell the Government very much at all about anything it does. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
[Volume:636;Page:6995] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 It is certainly not a matter involving ministerial responsibility. I have no intention of granting leave for that.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:636;Page:6995] 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 I thank the Leader of the House for that information. It will be useful for members who are planning the last week of the parliamentary year. 
I do wonder though whether the Leader of the House would be prepared to grant leave this afternoon for a snap debate so that the House can express a view on the appropriateness or otherwise of Television New Zealand making available its satellite broadcast equipment to Commodore Frank Bainimarama last Tuesday night so that he could broadcast live to the world his intention to overthrow the democratically elected Government of Fiji.
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
[Volume:636;Page:6995] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Next week Dr Brash’s valedictory speech will be the first item of business on Tuesday following oral questions. Priority will then be given to the first readings of the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill and the Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill on which there is no debate. It is then the Government’s intention to take urgency for the following business: the remaining stages of the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill the Telecommunications Amendment Bill and the Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; the third reading of the Law Reform (Epidemic Preparedness) Bill; any other first readings on the Order Paper; then the adjournment motion which will include the motion on the House sitting programme for 2007.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:636;Page:6995] 
Thursday 7 December 2006 
Madam Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Business Statement 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Next week Dr Brash’s valedictory speech will be the first item of business on Tuesday following oral questions. Priority will then be given to the first readings of the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill and the Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill on which there is no debate. It is then the Government’s intention to take urgency for the following business: the remaining stages of the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill the Telecommunications Amendment Bill and the Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; the third reading of the Law Reform (Epidemic Preparedness) Bill; any other first readings on the Order Paper; then the adjournment motion which will include the motion on the House sitting programme for 2007. 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 I thank the Leader of the House for that information. It will be useful for members who are planning the last week of the parliamentary year. 
I do wonder though whether the Leader of the House would be prepared to grant leave this afternoon for a snap debate so that the House can express a view on the appropriateness or otherwise of Television New Zealand making available its satellite broadcast equipment to Commodore Frank Bainimarama last Tuesday night so that he could broadcast live to the world his intention to overthrow the democratically elected Government of Fiji. 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 It is certainly not a matter involving ministerial responsibility. I have no intention of granting leave for that. 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 I seek leave for there to be an urgent question today to the Minister responsible for Television New Zealand—either the Minister for State Owned Enterprises the Prime Minister herself or some other Minister who is prepared to answer the question—as to why equipment owned by the New Zealand taxpayer was made available to the usurper of the democratically elected Government in Fiji. 
Hon Dr Michael Cullen 
: When was this news made public? 
GERRY BROWNLEE 
: This news was made available to me just minutes before the House sat this afternoon. I think it is clearly something that the Government would know about because the Government of course owns Television New Zealand. 
Hon Dr Michael Cullen 
: It may come as surprising news to the member but Television New Zealand does not tell the Government very much at all about anything it does. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Vote: Taxation (Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill Taxation (Annual Rates of Income Tax 2006-07) Bill — Third Readings 
Vote: Taxation (Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill Taxation (Annual Rates of Income Tax 2006-07) Bill — Third Readings 
[Volume:636;Page:7127] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Taxation (Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the Taxation (Annual Rates of Income Tax 2006-07) Bill be now read a third time. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Bills read a third time.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7124] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That clause 2 as amended be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Clause 2 as amended agreed to. 
The Committee divided the bill into the Taxation (Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the Taxation (Annual Rates of Income Tax 2006-07) Bill  
divided into Taxation (Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the Taxation (Annual Rates of Income Tax 2006-07) Bill  
pursuant to Supplementary Order Paper85.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7124] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendments be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Amendments agreed to.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7123] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That clause 1 be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Clause 1 agreed to. 
The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 84 in the name of the Hon Peter Dunne to clause 2 be agreed to.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7123] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the schedule be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Schedule agreed to.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7123] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That Part 3 be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Part 3 agreed to.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7122] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That Part 2 as amended be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Part 2 as amended agreed to.
Copeland Gordon: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Copeland Gordon: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7120] 
GORDON COPELAND (United Future) 
: 
 I will not get an opportunity to speak on the third reading of the Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill so I will take another brief call to reinforce that the Minister the Hon Peter Dunne has actually got it right when the Government has chosen to tax income on international share investments at a rate of 5 percent. Just following on from the remarks I made earlier let us take a real-life illustration of the principle at work here. It is well known that for many many years Microsoft paid no dividends—no dividends whatever. It would be patently absurd to argue however that the shareholders in Microsoft were not getting an income because each and every year Microsoft declared massive earnings after tax. The whole reason that its price zoomed up many many percentages every year on the stock exchange was the income the company was producing. 
And that illustrates the point. Where one has zero dividend in spite of the fact that one has a huge income then quite obviously the amount of dividend distributed has actually no meaning whatever in terms of what is the right amount of income to tax. That is why the average dividend yield internationally is 2.2 percent. Some companies do not actually pay dividends. Unilever in Britain is another example of a company that does not pay dividends. The tax systems there do not encourage companies to pay dividends so they simply capitalise that income and move on. 
The other point Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith raised was in relation to foreign exchange movements. Well that is a different transaction. A profit on a foreign exchange movement is also a profit and is taxable in New Zealand dollar terms. If one has a loss on foreign exchange because of that then obviously that loss also offsets one’s tax here in New Zealand because simply speaking one pays tax in New Zealand on New Zealand dollars. But there are two elements happening. One is the income one gets from the company which will be taxed at 5 percent. The other thing is the loss or gain one makes on the currency movements that have occurred between New Zealand and whatever country one has invested in during that period of time. They are two quite separate things and we should not confuse them.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7114] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That Part 1 be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Part 1 agreed to.
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Vote: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7112] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill be now read a second time. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 53 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Bill read a second time.
Dunne Peter: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
Dunne Peter: Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — Second Reading In Committee 
[Volume:636;Page:7113] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Minister of Revenue) 
:  
Let me respond to the points the member has raised. The first point he asked was what is the percentage of taxpayers now in the 39 percent bracket bearing in mind the claim in 2000 that only 5 percent of taxpayers would be affected. If he cares to look at Treasury’s estimates that were produced at the time of this year’s Budget he will see that that figure has now risen to 12 percent. He will note also from the comments made to my right that that has to be taken into account alongside income growth in the period since the year 2000. [ 
Interruption 
] 
The second question that the member raised—and by way of interjection now he makes a reference to bracket creep—was to ask when indexation might occur. Let me say this in response to him. The Budget last year made provision for the start of an indexation programme along the lines that my own party had advocated for. The agreement that we have between the two parties at this stage relates to a business tax review. That work is ongoing and will be completed in time for decisions next year. We have indicated that the consequence of any shift in corporate tax rates or corporate tax arrangements will have implications for the personal tax system and they will be considered at that time. 
So in response to his question I would expect decisions on all of these matters to be made in the first half of next year—announcements around the time of next year’s Budget—and legislation to be in the House shortly thereafter to give effect to changes in time for 1 April 2008. All of that information has been available since the business tax review document was released in July.
Vote: Urgency 
Vote: Urgency 
[Volume:636;Page:7092] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That urgency be accorded. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 59 
New Zealand National 48; Green Party 6; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Motion agreed to.
Urgency 
Urgency 
[Volume:636;Page:7091] 
Urgency 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That urgency be accorded the passing through their remaining stages of the Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill the Telecommunications Amendment Bill the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill and any bills into which those bills may be divided; the third readings of the Epidemic Preparedness Bill the Health Amendment Bill the Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) the Parole Amendment Bill the Sentencing Amendment Bill (No 2) the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 2) and the Summary Proceedings Amendment Bill (No 2); the interrupted debate on the first reading of the Copyright (New Technologies and Performers’ Rights) Amendment Bill; the first readings of the Social Security Amendment Bill and the Mental Health Commission Amendment Bill; and Government Notice of Motion No. 4.  
This motion is moved so that the Government’s legislative programme can be completed before the House rises for the summer adjournment.  
A party vote was called for on the question  
That urgency be accorded. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 59 
New Zealand National 48; Green Party 6; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Motion agreed to.
Cullen Michael: Urgency 
Cullen Michael: Urgency 
[Volume:636;Page:7091] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That urgency be accorded the passing through their remaining stages of the Taxation (Annual Rates Savings Investment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill the Telecommunications Amendment Bill the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill and any bills into which those bills may be divided; the third readings of the Epidemic Preparedness Bill the Health Amendment Bill the Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) the Parole Amendment Bill the Sentencing Amendment Bill (No 2) the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 2) and the Summary Proceedings Amendment Bill (No 2); the interrupted debate on the first reading of the Copyright (New Technologies and Performers’ Rights) Amendment Bill; the first readings of the Social Security Amendment Bill and the Mental Health Commission Amendment Bill; and Government Notice of Motion No. 4.  
This motion is moved so that the Government’s legislative programme can be completed before the House rises for the summer adjournment.
Vote: Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:636;Page:7091] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the motion be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 59 
New Zealand National 48; Green Party 6; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Motion agreed to.
Hodgson Pete: Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill — First Reading 
Hodgson Pete: Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:636;Page:7091] 
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) 
: 
 I move  
That the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill be considered by the Government Administration Committee 
referred to Government Administration Committee 
  
that the committee finally report back the bill to the House on or before 30 April 2007 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting except during oral questions during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House despite Standing Orders 192 and 195(1)(b) and (c).
Vote: Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:636;Page:7091] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 60 
New Zealand National 48; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Bill read a first time.
Cullen Michael: Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — First Reading 
Cullen Michael: Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:636;Page:7067] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I move  
That the Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill be now read a first time. 
Bill read a first time.
Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — First Reading 
Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:636;Page:7067] 
Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill 
First Reading 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I move  
That the Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill be now read a first time. 
Bill read a first time.
Wilson Margaret: Urgent Debates Declined — Draft Energy Strategy—Release 
Wilson Margaret: Urgent Debates Declined — Draft Energy Strategy—Release 
[Volume:636;Page:7062] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have received a letter from Gerry Brownlee seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the release of the Government’s draft Energy Strategy. The announcement by the Minister of Energy David Parker of the draft strategy is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. However under Standing Order 380(2)(c) for the Speaker to allow debate the matter must also require the immediate attention of the House. According to Speaker’s ruling 165/4 there must be an element of urgency to warrant the business of the House being set aside. The announcement of the Minister of Energy makes it clear that a series of long-term programmes are being developed. Submissions have been called for on the draft strategy and will close on 31 March 2007. The Minister has indicated that strong input is required to finalise and implement the strategy. The outcome is not yet clear. The matter raised is an important one and there will undoubtedly be other parliamentary opportunities to discuss the finalised strategy as decisions are taken in 2007. In the circumstances there is no need for an urgent debate on the subject today. The application is accordingly declined.
Moroney Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Moroney Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:636;Page:7060] 
11.  
SUE MORONEY (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Health 
: What progress has been made in improving the nutrition of New Zealand children? 
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) 
: 
 Further progress was made just yesterday with the Labour-led Government signing an agreement with Coca-Cola Amatil and Frucor Beverages Ltd to remove all full-sugar fizzy and energy drinks from secondary schools by 2009. This agreement takes 1.1 million litres of full-sugar beverages out of schools over the next 3 years. 
Sue Moroney 
: How does yesterday’s agreement position New Zealand internationally on the issue of nutrition in schools? 
Hon PETE HODGSON 
: New Zealand can once again call itself a world leader in the fight against obesity. Yesterday’s agreement is the first in the world to be negotiated directly between Government and industry leaders. I thank Coca-Cola and Frucor for their leadership and I hope others in the food industry will be similarly inspired to act. 
Sue Kedgley 
: I seek leave to table a press release by the Obesity Action Coalition expressing its disappointment that the Minister has not followed his colleagues in France and the United Kingdom by removing all fizzy drinks rather than allowing diet fizzy drinks to remain in vending machines in all schools in New Zealand. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection. 
Sue Kedgley 
: I also seek leave to table a press release by the Dental Association expressing its disappointment that Diet Coke will allow dental hygiene to be undermined in our schools. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Mackey Moana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mackey Moana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:636;Page:7059] 
9.  
MOANA MACKEY (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister for Tertiary Education 
: What is the Government doing to support excellence in medicine and dentistry education and training? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister for Tertiary Education) 
: 
 I have announced $24.6 million of additional annual funding for undergraduate medicine and dentistry education and training from next year. The increase in funding will support excellence in medicine and dentistry education and training including the development and expansion of curricula to ensure that they are up to date and world-class. 
Moana Mackey 
: How will this package assist in addressing the challenges relating to health care provision in rural areas? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: The package specifically includes support to expand training for future general practitioners in rural areas which has been identified as needing development. This complements work recently announced by my colleague the Hon Damien O’Connor to increase support for rural midwives. 
Jo Goodhew 
: What progress has the Minister made towards funding rural immersion experience for medical students in an attempt to address the general practitioner workforce crisis? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: As I indicated this very substantial amount of increased funding is related to discussions with both the University of Otago and the University of Auckland around increasing activities in relation to the training of rural general practitioners. The University of Otago of course has been leading in that respect for a number of years. We would like to see the University of Auckland come up to at least the same level as the University of Otago in that regard.
Urgent Debates Declined — Draft Energy Strategy—Release 
Urgent Debates Declined — Draft Energy Strategy—Release 
[Volume:636;Page:7062] 
Urgent Debates Declined 
Draft Energy Strategy—Release 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have received a letter from Gerry Brownlee seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the release of the Government’s draft Energy Strategy. The announcement by the Minister of Energy David Parker of the draft strategy is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. However under Standing Order 380(2)(c) for the Speaker to allow debate the matter must also require the immediate attention of the House. According to Speaker’s ruling 165/4 there must be an element of urgency to warrant the business of the House being set aside. The announcement of the Minister of Energy makes it clear that a series of long-term programmes are being developed. Submissions have been called for on the draft strategy and will close on 31 March 2007. The Minister has indicated that strong input is required to finalise and implement the strategy. The outcome is not yet clear. The matter raised is an important one and there will undoubtedly be other parliamentary opportunities to discuss the finalised strategy as decisions are taken in 2007. In the circumstances there is no need for an urgent debate on the subject today. The application is accordingly declined.
Robertson H V Ross: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
Robertson H V Ross: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:637;Page:7915] 
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Before I call the next speaker I just remind members that chaos may be the period of creation but not in this place and we will have order. For those members who are not in their seats and who are not taking part in this debate I urge them to look at Speakers’ rulings 58/4 and 59/1.
Woolerton R Doug: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Woolerton R Doug: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:637;Page:7875] 
4.  
R DOUG WOOLERTON (NZ First) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: Has he received any reports on increases to superannuation coming into effect on 1 April this year? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 Yes. On 1 April a married couple on New Zealand superannuation will receive an additional $20.24 a week after tax as a result of the agreement between New Zealand First and Labour to increase the rate of superannuation to 66 percent of average weekly earnings. 
R Doug Woolerton 
: Does the Minister agree that in addition to delivering an extra $20 per week for married couples on superannuation the introduction of the SuperGold card in August will improve the livelihood of superannuitants in New Zealand even further? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: Yes indeed. The SuperGold card will be a mechanism to ensure that New Zealand’s senior citizens are able to access a range of advantageous offers across a broad range of goods and services. 
Darren Hughes 
: What other reports has the Minister seen on the impact of the Government’s steps to guarantee the sustainability of New Zealand superannuation into the future? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: I have seen a report from Standard and Poor’s that states that we are one of the best-prepared nations in the world to deal with the challenges of an ageing population citing specifically the New Zealand Superannuation Fund. I have also seen a report stating that this fund is “the single biggest disincentive to save that you could ever have.” That quote came from Mr English implying a desire presumably to either raid the fund or lower the level of New Zealand superannuation.
Carter David: Fisheries Act 1996 Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Carter David: Fisheries Act 1996 Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:637;Page:7951] 
Hon DAVID CARTER (National) 
: 
 I will make just a brief contribution so that we can tidy this matter up at 10 o’clock. 
Hon Member 
: It will be a good one. 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: It will be a good one. It is certainly great to have an opportunity to speak to the Fisheries Act 1996 Amendment Bill and the first thing I want to say is that it is great to actually have some legislation coming before the Primary Production Committee. 
Eric Roy 
: It’s quite novel. 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: Well we do have one other piece of legislation there but I think we are like many of the other select committees around Parliament at the moment: we are not busy enough because this Government is bereft of new ideas does not have any policy that it actually wants to pass into law and is now whimpering into its final stages of decline. We will see this Labour-led Government limp towards the election of 2008 but at least that will bring satisfaction to most New Zealanders. 
The issue with regard to this legislation is a matter of defining more clearly the issue of assessing stock so that once a total allowable catch is set by officials—and therefore ultimately by the Minister—there is less room for challenge from the industry. I do sympathise with the people charged with doing stock assessment in the fisheries area because it is a very inexact science. It is not like other aspects of primary production where one can go on to a farm and count the number of sheep and see their condition. In this case if one goes into Cook Strait it is very difficult to actually estimate the number of hoki or blue cod and the size and age of those species. But the very essence of this legislation is that those stock assessments must be arrived at to ensure sustainability of a species. Because there is a certain amount of guesswork in making those assessments as to the stock available it leads to some difficulty as to whether the figures finally assessed by the officials are in fact open to challenge from the industry. 
So National looks forward to hearing submissions from those involved in the industry. I am certainly sure we will receive good powerful submissions from the commercial sector because it is renowned for making good powerful submissions to the Primary Production Committee. I also share the concern raised in the debate earlier by Phil Heatley when he acknowledged that if we are to become too precautionary in our approach then we do not want that precautionary approach to be so extensive that we are not prepared to make decisions that allow this valuable resource to be used and maximised for the benefit of the New Zealand economy. So with those words Mr Deputy Speaker I bid you farewell and goodnight.
Paraone Pita: Fisheries Act 1996 Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Paraone Pita: Fisheries Act 1996 Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:637;Page:7952] 
PITA PARAONE (NZ First) 
: 
 For the sake of keeping this debate going because I would certainly like to ensure that it carries over to the next— 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: I am sorry to interrupt the member but the time has come for me to leave the Chair. 
Debate interrupted.
Vote: Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — Third Reading 
Vote: Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:637;Page:7950] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill be now read a third time. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 48 
New Zealand National 48. 
Abstentions 9 
Green Party 6; Maori Party 3. 
Bill read a third time.
Vote: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
Vote: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:637;Page:7949] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That clauses 1 to 10 and schedules be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 48 
New Zealand National 48. 
Abstentions 9 
Green Party 6; Maori Party 3. 
Clauses 1 to 10 and schedules agreed to.
Cullen Michael: Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — Third Reading 
Cullen Michael: Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:637;Page:7950] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I move  
That the Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill be now read a third time 
.
Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — Third Reading 
Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:637;Page:7950] 
Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill 
Third Reading 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I move  
That the Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill be now read a third time 
. 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill be now read a third time. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 48 
New Zealand National 48. 
Abstentions 9 
Green Party 6; Maori Party 3. 
Bill read a third time.
Donnelly Brian: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
Donnelly Brian: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:637;Page:7914] 
Hon BRIAN DONNELLY (NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. I apologise—I meant to do this following my speech. I seek leave to table the page of the annual variance report from the governance report I referred to in my speech. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Robertson H V Ross: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
Robertson H V Ross: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
[Volume:637;Page:7900] 
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Kia ora tatou no reira good afternoon honourable members. The Standing Orders provide for the financial review debate to be the Committee stage of the Appropriation (2005/06 Financial Review) Bill. The debate is organised into three distinct parts. It commences with a debate on the annual financial statements of the Government as reported on by the Finance and Expenditure Committee. Once this debate is disposed of the Committee debates individual financial reviews of departments and Offices of Parliament as reported on by select committees. There is a list of financial reviews available for debate on the Table along with the compendium of select committee reports. 
The debate on the Government’s financial position may be fairly wide ranging but the debates on the individual financial reviews of departments and Offices of Parliament should be relevant to their performance in the 2005-06 financial year and their current operations. A member may have no more than two calls on each financial review. 
Four hours are allowed for these two segments of the financial review debate. At the conclusion of the 4 hours a single question is put on the provisions of the bill. There is no amendment or debate on this question. The Chairperson reports the bill to the House and it is set down for third reading forthwith. There is no debate on the third reading. 
I turn to the schedule of proposed questions. Will members please turn to the report of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the annual financial statements of the Government. The question is that the report of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the annual financial statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2006 be noted. I note that this report also relates to the Finance and Expenditure Committee’s financial review of Treasury so the performance in the 2005-06 financial year and current operations of Treasury may also be debated.
Wilson Margaret: Urgent Debates — Corrections Department—Reports on Graeme Burton 
Wilson Margaret: Urgent Debates — Corrections Department—Reports on Graeme Burton 
[Volume:637;Page:7887] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have received a letter from the Leader of the Opposition seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the release of reports relating to the release on parole of Graeme William Burton. The release of these associated reports is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility and deserves the immediate attention of the House. I therefore call on Mr Key to move that the House take note of the matter.
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:637;Page:7885] 
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister of Corrections) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. In response to a supplementary question from Simon Power in which he asked about CathrynElsworth I would just like to clarify that CathrynElsworth is acting area manager of the Dunedin-Invercargill area of the Department of Corrections. She had no involvement whatsoever with the management of Graeme Burton prior to doing the internal report.
Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:637;Page:7886] 
11.  
RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Housing 
: What reports has he received on the success of the Government’s policy of income-related rents for State house tenants? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Housing) 
: 
 The Labour-led Government introduced income-related rents in November 2000. Income-related rents for State houses have been a major success lifting tens of thousands of families out of poverty slashing hospital admissions for diseases that breed in overcrowded houses and giving kids a better chance to succeed at school. 
Russell Fairbrother 
: What other reports has the Minister seen expressing support for income-related rents? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: Income-related rents have been such a success that even National which has spent 20 years opposing them appears now to have flip-flopped and may adopt this core Labour policy according to its leader Mr Key; although of course we are yet to hear whether National’s housing spokesperson or indeed National’s caucus agrees or has even been consulted. I suppose imitation is the highest form of flattery. 
Pita Paraone 
: Tena koe Madam Speaker. Is the Minister concerned at the increasing percentage of refugee and immigrant families now occupying State housing notwithstanding New Zealand’s obligations to the United Nations; if not why not and can he assure the House that New Zealanders in need are not going without housing as a result? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: Housing New Zealand Corporation operates a needs-based programme for appointment to housing vacancies as they come up. All people living in them must be New Zealand residents or citizens. 
Lynne Pillay 
: What reports has the Minister seen about support for increased provision of social housing in west Auckland? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: Confused reports! The local MP for the Hobsonville area is vehemently opposed to social housing being built at the former Hobsonville airbase. He has expressed that view in local media as well as at public meetings in west Auckland. It seems that social housing is OK in other people’s electorates but not in Mr Key’s.
Dunne Peter: Privilege — Contempt of House—Apology from Hon Matt Robson 
Dunne Peter: Privilege — Contempt of House—Apology from Hon Matt Robson 
[Volume:637;Page:7871] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I just say in response to that letter that I appreciate the response from Mr Robson. I appreciate the apology and the tenor in which it has been offered and now regard the matter as closed.
Wilson Margaret: Privilege — Contempt of House—Apology from Hon Matt Robson 
Wilson Margaret: Privilege — Contempt of House—Apology from Hon Matt Robson 
[Volume:637;Page:7871] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have received the following letter from the Hon Matt Robson: 
26 February 2007 
The Hon Margaret Wilson 
Speaker 
Parliament 
Wellington 
Dear MargaretRe: Report of the Privileges Committee 
I have received your letter dated 15 February 2007 with the enclosed Report of the Privileges Committee. 
Rodney Hide 
: I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I do not think anyone can hear. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Perhaps members would like to be quiet. I am trying to do the best I can but members do tend to chat amongst themselves while they get themselves settled in the House.  
In your letter you invited me to send … an unqualified apology to the House and to make an unqualified apology to Mr Dunne through [my] email newsletter or a similar vehicle.  
The apologies were in relation to comments about Peter Dunne’s voting record on tobacco and alcohol issues in my newsletter Robson-On-Politics in the 1 November 2006 issue.  
I have issued such an apology to Peter Dunne in my Robson-On-Politics in the last issue dated 19 February 2007.  
I now send an unqualified apology to the House of Representatives through you as Speaker for the remarks about Peter Dunne and his voting record that were made in my Robson-On-Politics of 1 November 2006. 
Yours sincerely  
Matt Robson
Privilege — Contempt of House—Apology from Hon Matt Robson 
Privilege — Contempt of House—Apology from Hon Matt Robson 
[Volume:637;Page:7871] 
Tuesday 13 March 2007 
Madam Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Privilege 
Contempt of House—Apology from Hon Matt Robson 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have received the following letter from the Hon Matt Robson: 
26 February 2007 
The Hon Margaret Wilson 
Speaker 
Parliament 
Wellington 
Dear MargaretRe: Report of the Privileges Committee 
I have received your letter dated 15 February 2007 with the enclosed Report of the Privileges Committee. 
Rodney Hide 
: I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I do not think anyone can hear. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Perhaps members would like to be quiet. I am trying to do the best I can but members do tend to chat amongst themselves while they get themselves settled in the House.  
In your letter you invited me to send … an unqualified apology to the House and to make an unqualified apology to Mr Dunne through [my] email newsletter or a similar vehicle.  
The apologies were in relation to comments about Peter Dunne’s voting record on tobacco and alcohol issues in my newsletter Robson-On-Politics in the 1 November 2006 issue.  
I have issued such an apology to Peter Dunne in my Robson-On-Politics in the last issue dated 19 February 2007.  
I now send an unqualified apology to the House of Representatives through you as Speaker for the remarks about Peter Dunne and his voting record that were made in my Robson-On-Politics of 1 November 2006. 
Yours sincerely  
Matt Robson 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I just say in response to that letter that I appreciate the response from Mr Robson. I appreciate the apology and the tenor in which it has been offered and now regard the matter as closed.
Vote: Criminal Procedure Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Criminal Procedure Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:638;Page:8252] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendment be agreed to. 
Ayes 60 
New Zealand National 48; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Noes 61 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field 1. 
Amendment not agreed to. 
The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 51 in the name of Kate Wilkinson to omit clause 8 be agreed to.
Smith Nick: Urgent Debates Declined — Laboratory Services—District Health Boards 
Smith Nick: Urgent Debates Declined — Laboratory Services—District Health Boards 
[Volume:638;Page:8192] 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) 
: 
 Dr Cullen makes mention of precedent. I would like to remind you of the precedent regarding your ruling about a snap debate in respect of the Whangamata marina—an issue that involved a $10 million project when on this issue we are talking about a $650 million contract. I further point out to you Madam Speaker that on the issue of ministerial responsibility a decision was made by Ministers in 2003 to delegate the decision on lab testing away from central government and the Ministry of Health to the district health boards which led immediately not just in Auckland but throughout the country to the tendering of lab services. For you to now rule that such decisions of district health boards are beyond the purview of this House to be able to debate is an extraordinary ruling involving a very large portion of public expenditure and the proper accountability of this Parliament for it.