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Russell Deborah; Salesa JennyDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn): I wish to begin by thanking the Minister of Internal Affairs for bringing this Supplementary Order Paper 59 to the House and for sending it to the select committee for an inquiry. I wish to thank all the speakers tonight who have approached this matter very carefully and I think respectfully. I want to reflect on the words of a wise man—Damien O'Connor for the record. It's something that Damien—Mr O'Connor Damien whatever: that man—Hon Peeni Henare: Chainsaw" "Chainsaw".Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL: —"Chainsaw" "Chainsaw"—said to me as a relatively new parliamentarian and some others about a year in. He said that in this House we don't legislate for the ordinary case; we legislate for the margins. And tonight we are here legislating for the marginalised to try to help make the world a better place for people who have been pushed to the margins of our society. I've reflected on that for a long time that legislating for the margins realising that our job here as parliamentarians is to protect the vulnerable is to support those who need extra help and is to support people in unusual circumstances who just wish to lead ordinary lives. That is what we hope to enable them to do. I know that some of the people listening in tonight won't understand what it's all about. They just don't get it. You know what's the problem with birth certificates and sex and official documents and the like? And you know that's a pretty easy position for someone who is cisgender to take for someone who just exists in the body they were born with and no worries about it. But actually those of us who are cisgender don't need to understand. All we need to understand is that our trans whānau would like us to make this change to make their lives better. So that is what we are about. So tonight I stand here for Kate for Lissa who comes to see me in my electorate office from time to time for Roy for Sarah for Cushla's stepson for Anna's boy and for Emma's boy. These are friends and friends' children who are working through this difficult process which should not be difficult. That is who we are here for tonight: for the marginalised. I urge those who submit to the select committee to remember to treat this process with care and respect. Why? Because we are talking about the marginalised and we should have more care and more respect when that is what we are doing. And so with those words I commend this to the House.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is That the amendments recommended by the Governance and Administration Committee by majority be agreed to. Amendments agreed to.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time."
Births Deaths Marriages and Relationships Registration Bill — Second Reading
O'Connor SimonSIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki): The key thing whenever we get into the space of rights and particularly what we're talking about here at the core of one's identity or the community at large is there's competing views. And there's probably nothing more essential than the sense of one's biological sex and then the sense of one's gender identity and how it's expressed not only in itself but then how the community receives that. So I think it's a very positive decision tonight that the House by the sound of it is going to pass this second reading but importantly put the bill—or parts of the bill effectively—back to the select committee through an inquiry mechanism to have a discussion because if one thing has been very very clear it is that there are if you will two sides to this discussion this debate and both have said they want a chance to speak. So I think that's a very healthy way forward but the key too for any debate and discussion is respectful rational debate. That's something I'm looking forward to I'm sure from members of Parliament who sit on that committee and it's something that I look forward to seeing much more of from the communities who come before the Parliament to share their views.
Bennett GlenGLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth): Thank you Madam Speaker—and as I say that I think maybe Standing Orders need to be reviewed when it comes to Madam Speaker" or "Mr Speaker" and other forms again as we are here looking at titles. Firstly this evening I want to say a big thankyou to our transgender non-binary intersex takatāpui and gender-diverse whānau—thank you for bearing with us; thank you for waiting for us to get to this point.Now this bill brings our Births Deaths and Marriages register into the 21st century. Now this isn't just a technology thing creating greater access; this is also a cultural thing. This is also a space that brings modern society into this legislation. As we know and as Tāmati Coffey spoke about earlier—around Māori language in terms of those pronouns or lack of and of course in our English language if you're referring to others there's the four: there's he she he—him her—sorry that wasn't that hard was it! But of course if we go back in time good-old English actually didn't have that back many many centuries ago; "thee" and "thou" were used commonly. So we are always on the move as a culture and as a nation. I'm proud to be part of this Parliament as we progress and as we ensure that we are an inclusive nation.I came into this House because I knew what it was like to be on the margins and I came into this House to ensure that my voice was part of the voice of the margins here at Parliament. I want to speak up for our community. I want to give a voice. I hope that this piece of legislation helps to remove the shame and the trauma that comes when having to negotiate paperwork and birth certificates.Thank you to our Minister Jan Tinetti as she said earlier and was referred to just before in that survey in 2019 83 percent of our transgender intersex and non-binary whānau did not have the correct gender represented on their birth certificate. I dream of a nation that loves nurtures and includes all people where our transgender intersex and non-binary whānau feel affirmed empowered and free to have their gender that they want on their birth certificate.I want to thank all the parties in this Parliament for supporting this piece of legislation. This bill is a bill that is deeply affirming for some in our community. I look forward to the day when gender identity is not even considered. I don't know about going back to a day when we use "thee" and "thou" but maybe a day when "they" and "them" is common place. I commend this bill to the House."
Utikere TangiTANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North): Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise in support of the second reading of this bill the Births Deaths Marriages and Relationships Registration Bill. It is a bill that has been on the Order Paper for quite some time. It is historical in nature I guess and I just want to acknowledge the Minister the Hon Jan Tinetti for effectively pushing the go button again to kickstart the process. I have to say that I'm pleased to learn this evening that the Opposition will be supporting the progress of this legislation.There are many things in life the integrity of which is so important. Births deaths marriages and civil unions are four examples that are covered by that level of importance. They are important for those who are subject to the issue of the certificate itself or who are subject to the issue of the licence but they're also important to those further down the track: for family research historical research and genealogical purposes as well. But what is also important is the accessibility of those documents—that apart from being accurate they are also accessible in a way that is meeting the desires of modern times. And that is exactly what this bill does do.Many people will know for example that when it comes to marriage licences the old approach was that you would have to trot down to the District Court complete the paperwork and then the celebrant would be required to lodge that with the District Court. That is not the case anymore. People can apply for those licences online and a celebrant simply needs to take a snap—a photo—of the documentation and email it through. So times have very much changed.I want to thank the Minister for her tabling of draft Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) 59 because what that does is seek to address discrimination pain and hurt that is experienced and felt by members in our community because the current law actually prevents them from truly in an administrative sense identifying themselves as who they wish to be in a non-complex way. The current law actually does not support the validation of identity for many who face other barriers around being identified as who they truly wish to be. And so Supplementary Order Paper 59 effectively delivers on that.I want to indicate that as the deputy chair of the Governance and Administration Committee I am looking forward to the select committee availing itself of its inquiry powers to consider the draft SOP. I know that is a committee that is collegial. It works really hard and I look forward to the public submissions and that process being open to allow members of our community to submit and we look forward to hearing from them. But I do expect to hear from members of our rainbow community. I expect to hear from members of our Māori Pasifika new migrant community and also other communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. I'm delighted that the second reading has come and that this draft Supplementary Order Paper 59 in the Minister's name will be referred to the select committee. I commend this to the House.
Dean Jacqui; Salesa JennyHouse resumed.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): I move that the committee report progress.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the report be adopted. I'll put it again. The question is that the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.
Estimates Debate — Economic and Regional Development
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Junior Whip—Labour): I move That the committee report progress. Motion agreed to.
McClay Todd; Nash StuartHon TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua): Minister I just want to clarify if you could clarify this for me in the remaining time. Filming for The Lord of the Rings had already started last year there were 800 people locally employed in production and filming at a time before your Government decided to sign a memorandum of understanding for an extra 5 percent and that was signed on 23 December when you were Minister. My second question would be: has your Government committed to fund or build any studios or facilities for Amazon and Lord of the Rings as part of this away from the 5 percent from tourism funds or Film Commission funds or from the various funds that you have available to you or others in Government to help with this facility?Hon STUART NASH (Minister for Economic and Regional Development): I mean I made an announcement last week I think it was might have been the week before of a $30 million investment into two sound stages in Auckland.Hon Todd McClay: No I'm asking about Amazon.Hon STUART NASH: It is not specifically for Amazon; it is to increase the infrastructure we've got there to attract a whole lot of different businesses and movies—Hon Todd McClay: But I'm asking about Amazon specifically.Hon STUART NASH: —into this space. Keeping in mind that the Screen Production Grant has been accessed by a hundred different film companies. So there's a lot that's been done in the space. This is not specifically for Amazon this is to ensure that we are the best in the world so that we can attract the best in the world. But as mentioned at this point in time Amazon has not committed to series two. They've finished filming series one they've announced the date when it's going to be released. If it is successful as we all believe it will be then there is the potential for another seven seasons which is about another ten years' worth of filming which I think would be fantastic in terms of providing a level of certainty in an industry which is a little bit precarious. Keeping in mind—and I reiterate—this is the most expensive series ever filmed the most technologically advanced series ever filmed and also what it did is it leveraged off the expertise of a whole lot of New Zealand companies so it actually grew the tech sector the film sector—86 percent of people on-set were Kiwis.The other thing I will say is there's a study that was done in 2020 which showed that 60 percent of money spent by the film industry was spent in other sectors of the economy. So keeping in mind when Amazon started filming we were in a very precarious state in terms of our economy. We didn't know what was happening right. We were actually forecasting 10 percent unemployment. So these were guys that were going hard out putting money into our economy employing a whole lot of people when we were at a very precarious state of the economy. Look I'm a huge fan of what Amazon and what Lord of the Rings has done I think we should be celebrating this and I'm certainly one to do that.
Brown SimeonSIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga): Thank you Madam Chair. Well I note that the Minister spent a lot of time reprimanding me but she didn't answer the question which was Are police working on expanding the role of the armed offenders squad to effectively introduce armed response teams?" because I tell you what the people listening don't care whether the Minister and I have a disagreement. The people listening and the police officers out there want to know what this Government is doing to keep them safe and keep the community safe. And the Minister has failed to answer the question—rather trying to create some sort of pathetic name-calling in the House which I think's unacceptable. So I'd like an answer to that question when the Minister next takes a call.The other topic I'd like to raise here in the House is around the number of police officers on the front line and on the beat. And I note that the number of police officers has fallen from 10244 in March to 10117 today as attrition creeps up and the number of graduates has stalled as the college was closed for six weeks. The question I have is: what is the Government doing to fill this gap in the short term to ensure that they are able to keep police on the beat? Also noting that there are 210 officers currently in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) serving at our MIQ facilities. And the other question I'd like to ask around that is: what is the future of police being at MIQ given the fact that our police on the front line are feeling the strain of the fact that they are finding it challenging with the increased violence and the increased callouts in a number of areas? And is it Government policy to continue with this in the longer term? I'd appreciate some comments from the Minister on that."
McKee NicoleNICOLE McKEE (ACT): Minister Williams I saw that there was an appropriation that's been put aside for a firearms investigation team also known as FIT and I of course have some concerns that that team is looking to investigate licensed firearm owners—and a big emphasis on them. I'm hoping that I'm incorrect on that and am looking for some clarity as to what that appropriation means for the firearms investigation team please.
Brown SimeonSIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga): Thank you Madam Chair for the opportunity to take a call in this debate. My question is to the Minister regarding the increased gang violence we're seeing on our streets across New Zealand. This subject was raised in the select committee and the question was put then to the Minister: when will the promised legislation that this Government promised on 11 May 2021 three months ago to introduce firearm prohibition orders be introduced to this Parliament? The supplementary question to that: has the legislation even been drafted yet because there have been 66 gang-related firearm incidences that the police have reported since the Minister made that announcement but we still haven't seen any legislation?
McKee NicoleNICOLE McKEE (ACT): Thank you Minister. Minister I see in the answers to Estimates questions that were asked that $23.5 million has been allocated for an effective administration of the arms regulatory system for meeting Police's obligations in regard to implementing recent legislative changes to the Arms Act and the ongoing improvement programme designed to meet public safety objectives and be a more effective regulator". My question Minister is: when we are seeing extensive delays in renewing and new applications for firearm licences where we have now thousands of people waiting over 12 months my question comes down to with the worsening inconsistencies that we're seeing in administration where is that $23.5 million being spent is it going towards those licensed firearm owners who are now caught up in the changes of the regulatory system and will we in fact see that money being used to establish the promised independent firearms administration authority? Thank you."
Waititi RawiriRAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader—Te Paati Māori): Will the Minister acknowledge that there is systemic racism in the police force rather than just unconscious bias? Why are the police refusing to agree to an inquest into the death of Shargin Stephens who was shot by police? Is there a specific programme focused on the rise of white supremacist violence and if so why is it not known and have an identifiable name like Operation Tauwhiro? How much funding has been committed to internal programmes focused on eliminating racism and bias in the police and to programmes focused on Te Tiriti education decolonisation and inclusivity training?
Dean JacquiPoliceCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): The debate on the Police portfolio—the first call goes to the chairperson of the Justice Committee Ginny Andersen.
Luxon ChristopherCHRISTOPHER LUXON (National—Botany): Look I think that something the Minister said before is actually important to call up. He said It's all about the deal." And actually he talked a lot about the cash that he actually was getting out to his announcements but there is a big difference between announcements and deals and actual outcomes. That's actually what we're interested in is outcomes on this side.I just want to spend a little bit of time just talking about education because you know educational attainment leads to higher wages and salaries which ultimately leads to more freedom and choices for people—Māori people non-Māori people everybody all New Zealanders. I guess I really want to understand from the Minister: fundamentally what work does he think needs to be done to lift Māori attendance at school? Because when we look at it actually getting kids all kids New Zealanders into school is actually really important. And Māori are at around about 48 percent regular attendance at schools versus 60 percent for the rest of the country.So I'm interested in what strategies does he think needs to be done to lift attendance? Does he agree that we need to be setting some targets to improve the number of students attending? And thirdly we had a really good model of charter schools that were actually achieving fantastic outcomes for Māori and that's been thrown out the door. Why wouldn't we do that again?Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister for Māori Development): Madam Chair—and I'll be leaving in two minutes because I certainly respect our whips saying that our time is over. I just want to quickly say to our Green member Teanau Tuiono that kōhanga and kura kaupapa has been looked after by Minister Davis who has actually put in funding that National refused to fund for five years. Rawiri Waititi's whanaunga Hekia Parata refused to fund them and went down a track of not funding them and the Ministers working in collaboration with the kuia Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi and kōhanga reo. I agree in terms of the equity arguments in terms of kōhanga reo and kura kaupapa.In terms of Māori health there will be bids put up next year and in terms of all those questions from Mr Luxon he can see me later on if he wants to have a cup of coffee. Kia ora tātou katoa."
Estimates Debate — Māori Development
Tuiono TeanauTEANAU TUIONO (Green): Madam Chair probably my original question got lost in the cacophony over He Puapua but I just wanted to follow up again around Māori education. There's this movement towards a Māori Health Authority there are a lot of needs within Māori education acknowledging that there is stuff in the Budget that was announced for Māori education but what is the future for kōhanga reo kura kaupapa and wharekura within that aspect? Another question which is not related to that one is around Matike Mai. We hear about all the politics of distraction and all the confusion over there and I would say that perhaps the solution is within the many many numerous hui that were held to actually pull the Matike Mai report and what the Minister's next steps would be in terms of responding to that report—so two things. Thank you.
Waititi Rawiri; Dean JacquiRAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader—Te Paati Māori): Point of order. The question on Te Mātāwai was clear around doubling the funding and he didn't answer that at all; he talked about conflicts of interest.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): Thank you for that point of order. It is at the discretion of the Minister which questions he wishes to address.
McAnulty Kieran; Dean JacquiKIERAN McANULTY (Chief Whip—Labour): Point of order. Thank you Madam Chair. In response to the concerns raised by members opposite about the shortening of time I would therefore point out that the point of the Estimates debate is solely to discuss what is in the report and He Puapua does not feature once. CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): Thank you for that point of order. I'll just have a yarn about that.Nicola Willis: The Minister was happy to talk about it. CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members will be silent. Thank you for that point of order. I'm looking at Speakers' ruling 134/4 The Estimates debate is confined to current spending plans as contained in the Estimates document." Thank you."
Mooney JosephJOSEPH MOONEY (National—Southland): Thank you Madam Chair. I thank the Minister for that kōrero. I unfortunately think I ended up knowing less than I did at the beginning of it! There were a few statements in there that seemed to contradict one another and I'd just ask if the Minister would clarify those for the benefit of those watching and members in the House. On one hand he said that the He Puapua report is over and gone. On the other hand he said it's a catalyst for a kōrero with Māori. He's also said in other statements outside of the House that he's consulting with iwi and in July in fact was going out for consultation on indigenous rights. I wonder if he would clarify as well whether he's communicated to Dr Claire Charters that the He Puapua report is over and gone because he's also appointed her to the working group.
Tuiono TeanauTEANAU TUIONO (Green): Thank you Madam Chair. Could the Minister also talk to us in terms of the way that they've been rolling out the aspirations of tangata whenua in terms of the Māori Health Authority about whether there is scope in foundation within this year's Estimates to build up those same aspirations in Māori Education? And could he also be specific and talk to us about how that aspiration would work for kōhanga reo kura kaupapa also for wharekura?
Mooney JosephJOSEPH MOONEY (National—Southland): I would ask the Minister what is the time line for public consultation on a national declaration plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples? I would ask the Minister what is the time line for developing a national declaration plan for implementation on the rights of indigenous people and releasing it for public consultation?
Waititi RawiriRAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader—Te Paati Māori): What advice did the Minister receive and from whom that the Māori procurement scheme is only for 5 percent rather than the 25 percent as proposed by Te Paati Māori? What progress has the Minister made on the procurement scheme has it been implemented and how many contracts have been signed off? Will the Minister double funding for Te Mātāwai so that our people can lead their own te reo Māori revitalisation strategies? Does the Minister's plan for implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples include supporting the push for constitutional transformation according to the Matike Mai report? Is it Labour's policy to entrench the Māori electorates or will they continue to force Rino Tirikatene to put this up as a member's bill which may never even get debated in this House?
Tuiono TeanauTEANAU TUIONO (Green): Kia ora Madam Chair. Could the Minister the Hon Willie Jackson talk to us about the aspiration of indigenous peoples talk to us about the aspiration of Māori talk to us about the aspiration of tino rangatiratanga as outlined within this Estimates and talk about how the foundation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples signed by that corner of the House by the then Prime Minister John Key will actually help to meet those different expectations and the dreams and aspirations of tangata whenua?
Mooney JosephJOSEPH MOONEY (National—Southland): Thank you Madam Chair. I would ask the Minister if the Government is developing a national declaration plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a priority for this Government and if so why was it not listed as a policy initiative in Budget 2021/22? I would also ask the Minister if any funding has been allocated for the development of a national declaration plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and if not why not?I would note that Minister Jackson in a speech at Ngā Whare Waatea said He Puapua is a collection of ideas suggestions aspirations and hopes for Māori—something to add to our discussions … the Declaration can be a bit scary when you first look through its gates. But once we talk about it together wananga and even argue back and forth about it—it will become a place where talking about self-determination is welcomed a place where we can share our aspirations and debate our future. It will be something that brings us together as a country."I note that a declaration working group was set up by Labour in 2019 and consisted of five non-State representatives and four Government officials. Government promised transparency and all New Zealanders deserve an opportunity to understand and engage in the issues being proposed in the He Puapua report. One of the report's writers associate law professor Dr Claire Charters told me that she wished the report was used as an instrument to have a genuine discussion about what realising our international obligations and what Te Tiriti o Waitangi requires. I would ask the Minister to clarify what his position is on the authors of the He Puapua report commissioned by Te Puni Kōkiri briefing the Māori Affairs Committee on their thinking and the recommendations contained within that report."
Dean JacquiESTIMATES DEBATEIn CommitteeDebate resumed from 3 August 2021 on the Appropriation (2021/22 Estimates) Bill.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): Buckle in folks I've got a bit to tell you OK? Standing Orders provide for 11 hours of debate on the Estimates. There are nine hours and 11 minutes remaining in the debate. The House has given leave to organise the debate by portfolio so there will be no sector-specific debates. All Votes are available for debate but only specific Ministers will be available each day to speak to the indicated portfolios only. So the Government has indicated that—[Interruption] I'll look at you OK? I'll look at you.The Government has indicated that the Minister for Māori Development the Minister of Police and the Minister for Economic and Regional Development will be available today. Each debate will be led by a call from the chairperson or a member of the committee that considered the Estimates most closely related to the Minister's portfolio. The debate expires after 11 hours at which point questions will be put that the Votes stand part of the schedules and on the provisions of the Appropriation (2021/22 Estimates) Bill.The time in the debate has been allocated to parties on a proportional basis and may be taken as parties see fit during the debate. New Zealand Labour has four hours 54 minutes remaining. New Zealand National has two hours 46 minutes remaining. The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand has 44 minutes remaining. ACT New Zealand has 47 minutes remaining. Te Paati Māori has eight minutes remaining.The Estimates debate should be relevant to the Government's current spending plans as contained in the Estimates of Appropriations. A compendium of the reports of select committees on the votes is available on the Table. Finally I do urge members when seeking to take a call to stand up and seek the call. So the question is that the Votes contained in the Estimates of Appropriations for 2021 stand part of the schedules.
Salesa JennyASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): I declare the House in committee for further consideration of the Appropriation (2021/22 Estimates) Bill.
Urgent Debates — Electricity Supply—Power Outages
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATESElectricity Supply—Power OutagesSPEAKER: Members yesterday I indicated that I had received letters from Simon Court and Barbara Kuriger seeking a debate under Standing Order 399 on the widespread power outages on the evening of 9 August. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. Confidence in the electricity supply is a very significant matter. There is no other reasonably foreseeable opportunity to debate it and there appears to me to be matters further to consider beyond the scope of the ministerial statement. Parliament is the place—while not all are matters to do with the electricity sector some of which are private responsibilities—where it can be debated. It is the place where Ministers are held responsible for the overall system and the particular parts of the system which report to it. So I am going to grant the debate. When I receive two applications for urgent debates on the same matter preference is given to the application received first. Barbara Kuriger's application was the first received so I call on her to move that the House take note of a matter of urgent public importance.
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: No bills have been introduced. Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Barbara Joyce requesting that the House increase benefit levels or provide additional income support to Chatham Islands residentspetition of Democracy for Myanmar Working Group New Zealand requesting that the House urge the Government to recognise the National Unity Government (NUG) as the legitimate Government of Myanmar.SPEAKER: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee. I present an erratum to the report of the Controller and Auditor-General entitled Results of our 2019/20 audits of port companies. That paper is published under the authority of the House. A select committee report has been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the briefing from the New Zealand Bankers' Association.SPEAKER: That report is set down for consideration.
Dean JacquiWEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Tuesday 31 August 2021 - Volume 754
Urgent Debates Declined — Defence Force—Afghanistan Evacuation Deployment; COVID-19 Resurgence—Alert Level Change
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDDefence Force—Afghanistan Evacuation DeploymentCOVID-19 Resurgence—Alert Level ChangeSPEAKER: I've received a letter from the Hon Judith Collins seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the Government's decision to deploy a C-130 and accompanying personnel to support international efforts to evacuate foreign nationals from Afghanistan and an in principle decision to provide residence to Afghan allies. I have also received a letter from David Seymour seeking to debate the decision of Cabinet to raise the COVID-19 alert levels to level 4 across the country on Tuesday 17 August in response to community transmission of the Delta variant of COVID-19. Both are particular cases of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. Each matter is significant. However members have had the opportunity to question Ministers on them following ministerial statements. The applications are therefore declined. In accordance with a determination of the Business Committee the House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow.The House adjourned at 3.51 p.m.
Speaker's Rulings — Allocation of the Call—COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER'S RULINGSAllocation of the Call—COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4SPEAKER: Members just a brief ruling. While the House is sitting with parts of the country at alert levels 3 and 4 I will apply my discretion about giving the call in debates slightly differently. If a party does not wish to take a call and has not assigned it to another party I will not give that call to another party. This will mean that members who do not wish to speak in the debate will not need to come to the Parliament or to the Chamber to do so. My reason for doing that is to minimise movement to the buildings and within the buildings to those that are absolutely necessary.
Ministerial Statements — Afghanistan—New Zealand Defence Force Involvement in Evacuation
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER: Order! Before I call the Leader of the Opposition I didn't want to interrupt the Minister who went about a minute over his time. I will give both Opposition leaders the opportunity to have a little longer as well.
Ministerial Statements — COVID-19 Alert Level Changes (continued)
Hipkins Chris; Mallard TrevorLeave to Adopt Rules for Remote Participation in Sittings of the House DeclinedHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response): Point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave for the House to adopt a sessional order to allow the remote sittings of Parliament based on the draft plan as presented to the Business Committee.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that? Yes there is.
Sessional Orders
Seymour David; Mallard TrevorSESSIONAL ORDERSLeave to Re-establish Epidemic Response Committee DeclinedDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave for the House to re-establish the Epidemic Response Committee on the same terms as it resolved on 25 March last year.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that taking place? Yes there is.
Ministerial Statements — COVID-19 Alert Level Changes
Mallard TrevorTUESDAY 31 AUGUST 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSSPEAKER: Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interest we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Thursday 12 August 2021 - Volume 754
Education and Training (Teacher Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 16 September 2021 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 and outside the Wellington area despite Standing Orders 193 195 and 196(1)(b) and (c).Ayes 65New Zealand Labour 65.Noes 52New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill be now read a first timeAyes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 52New Zealand National 32; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a first time.SPEAKER: The question is That the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill be considered by the Education and Workforce Committee. Motion agreed to.Bill referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.
10. Question No. 10—TransportMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 10—Transport10. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): As is the case with all new sections of State highway Waka Kotahi assessed the potential for tolling the Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway. Tolling can be a useful tool that can help fund the construction and maintenance of new roads or significant upgrades to existing roads so the Government will continue to look at it where it makes sense. However earlier this week I was pleased to announce that this particular motorway project will not be tolled when it opens next week.Marja Lubeck: What factor led to that decision?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: There was strong community feedback about this particular issue with a large part of the affected community opposing the toll. This is a factor which I have to consider. I've listened and this was a factor that led me to declining the proposal. Another very important factor was the fact that commuters could be forced to pay two tolls given the Northern Gateway is already tolled between Silverdale and Ōrewa. This is especially important since there is no southbound exit from the road before the Northern Gateway. I want to acknowledge the local List MP Marja Lubeck for raising these issues and advocating for her community.Marja Lubeck: What feedback has he received on this decision?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I've received some very good feedback from locals and stakeholders. The AA's Northland district chair Tracey Rissetto congratulated the Government on this decision saying With this decision out of the way it now means Northlanders can look forward to the new road opening next year without having to worry about how expensive the tolls will be." The AA's Auckland district chair Mark Yates also commended the decision saying "The Minister of Transport has clearly listened to the strong community feedback on the Waka Kotahi tolling proposal"."
8. Question No. 8—EducationIBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Associate Minister of EducationQuestion No. 8—Education8. IBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Associate Minister of Education: What recent progress has she seen in education on implementing Recommendation 36 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019?Hon JAN TINETTI (Associate Minister of Education): The royal commission's Recommendation 36 falls within the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and asks us to invest in opportunities for young New Zealanders to learn about how we can value ethnic and religious diversity conflict resolution and self-regulation. We have made great progress in a number of areas to realise this aspiration including the successful delivery of the learning hubs model in Christchurch to support ethnic families in the education system investing over $5 million into social and emotional learning programmes such as self-regulation skills in early learning and primary schools strengthening evidence-based bullying and prevention responses in schools and providing quality teaching resources and professional development for teachers so our classrooms are safe and inclusive learning environments.Ibrahim Omer: How has the learning hubs model in Christchurch contributed to achieving Recommendation 36?Hon JAN TINETTI: As part of the Government's ongoing commitment to work with the victims of those affected by the March terror attacks the Government funded Learning Community Hubs in Christchurch help families to connect and engage with their school communities. This initially started as a 10-week pilot programme and was so successful we now have seven Learning Community Hubs in Christchurch supporting 158 families across 18 ethnicities. When I visited a hub parents and children were overwhelmingly positive about how the hubs have helped families thrive in the education system and increased their sense of belonging. Parents say their involvement with the hub has improved their relationships with their local school and encouraged more engagement with their child's learning such as through reading time at home. Teachers and students have also benefited through this collaborative and inclusive approach.Ibrahim Omer: What further plans are there for the learning hubs model?Hon JAN TINETTI: Based off the success of the learning hubs model in Christchurch we are rolling the programme out to Auckland and Wellington later this year. Support will be available through the learning hubs and this will include delivering Reading Together to support children to improve their literacy skills academic mentoring for students information around internet safety parent education workshops to provide an overview of the New Zealand education system and assistance in understanding career pathways for young people. These are all practical ways this Government is responding to Recommendation 36 by investing in opportunities for young New Zealanders and supporting our ethnic communities to feel included and valued in Aotearoa New Zealand.
6. Question No. 6—Social Development and EmploymentARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 6—Social Development and Employment6. ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How is the Government delivering more pathways into mahi for job seekers?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): Yesterday I announced a total of $24.1 million to support job seekers on pathways into employment education and training. We're investing $18.4 million in Māori trades and training and $5.6 million in He Poutama Rangatahi. These two programmes focus on providing bespoke wraparound support pastoral care and free employment training. Yesterday's announcement accelerates our efforts to fill demand for skilled workers improve employment social and whānau outcomes and support businesses to grow and take on apprentices.Arena Williams: Who will benefit from the latest tranche of investment?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: The latest tranche of funding will help prepare over 800 more people for the workforce. Māori are also set to benefit from the boost to Māori trades and training. While there are many elements that make this programme successful one particular and integral part is the wraparound support that is offered from a te ao Māori world view. It's something that is not common across many employment programmes but as we look to support more Māori into jobs and lift incomes it must be front of mind for employers and the workforce as it is for Government. Arena Williams: What feedback has she seen on the announcement?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Helmut Modlik chief executive of Ngāti Toa applauded the Government for its authentic sincere willingness" to do better in the Māori unemployment space and to "not just accept the inequalities are entrenched and immovable". Aspiring tradesman George Fermanis also said these initiatives will help rangatahi get the support they need. He said "For the iwi it's a good family base way of knowing each other and being supportive of one another in everything so when I make mistakes they will be able to lift me up back on my feet.""
1. Question No. 1—FinanceHELEN WHITE (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Finance1. HELEN WHITE (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The resurgence support payment was triggered in June following an Australian traveller coming to Wellington with COVID-19 and the subsequent alert level rise to alert level 2. This is the payment that assists businesses with one-off costs during these alert level rises. I can say the latest and almost final report for the resurgence support payment shows that 4146 applications were received with $6.61 million being paid out.Helen White: What other reports has he seen on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well today the Government set out its plan to reconnect New Zealanders to the world which will mean that the economy can continue to operate and recover strongly. It does include as part of the announcement today the setting up of a pilot as we move towards investigating the way in which different border settings can work and work towards the establishment of low- medium- and high-risk pathways into the country from 2022. The pilot—or the trial there's a self-quarantine one for the medium-risk pathway. This will include a small number of people being able to use different forms of isolation and this will be done by working with businesses and their employees to ensure we get a good understanding of how such a system can work.Helen White: What reports has he seen on the impact of the construction sector on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: One important indicator of construction activity is concrete production and Stats New Zealand reports that concrete production rose 12.6 percent in the three months to June compared with the previous quarter and for the year production is up 46 percent along with a number of other indicators that show the construction sector's confidence in the recovery that we're experiencing—including the Government's moves to increase the supply of housing and the $57.3 billion investment in infrastructure.
Simmonds PennyPENNY SIMMONDS (National—Invercargill): We stand in opposition of the shortened select committee process. As we've already heard from our Green Party colleague there has been significant interest in this. There has been a petition already from the teachers—a significant number of teachers—Eugenie Sage was able to tell us. During this shortened period every teacher will be teaching. There is no holiday period in that shortened time. So we are expecting our teachers to not only do their job and we know it's a very big job. They work long hours and we are expecting them to put their time into their submissions without even their break period to do it. There will be exams coming up. And we know how much heightened interest there is around this. It's like adding insult to injury. They weren't consulted on the first time. That was one of the five findings that the High Court had—they weren't consulted on. So we're not going to allow them time to be consulted with this time either. To me it's an absolute insult to our teachers to say they have taken a case to the High Court they have won it has been found that they weren't consulted with and so now retrospective legislation is going to be put through and they won't have time to be consulted with again. It's absolutely insulting to our teachers to do that. So we oppose that shortened consultation period.