edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Faafoi KrisHon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): Not wanting to be out of order but responding to the member's question I'll refer to the document here around the changes to clause 2. Part 1 of the bill has to come into effect on the day after Royal assent. Part 1 previously commenced by Order in Council to allow time for regulations to be made and regulations are no longer necessary following changes at the select committee so Part 1 can now come into force immediately after the Royal assent. So the Supplementary Order Paper 294 amends what I'm being told is the backstop commencement date in clause 2(3) from six months to 12 months and this is to ensure that there is sufficient time to make regulations necessary to support Part 2 of the bill. So I guess in plain English that means that because of the changes that the select committee made the regulations that we thought we were going to need to have the original commencement dates are no longer necessary. So in my reading of that I think that we can get on to things a bit quicker.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 294 in the name of the Hon Kris Faafoi to Part 2 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Part 2 as amended agreed to.Schedule 1 agreed to.Schedule 2 agreed to.Schedule 3 agreed to.Schedule 4 agreed to.New Schedule 4AThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 294 in the name of the Hon Kris Faafoi to insert new Schedule 4A be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.New Schedule 4BThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 294 in the name of the Hon Kris Faafoi to insert new Schedule 4B be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.Schedule 5The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 294 in the name of the Hon Kris Faafoi to Schedule 5 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Schedule 5 as amended agreed to.Clause 1 agreed to.Clause 2Clause 2 agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Ruth Dyson): The question is that the Minister's amendment—I'm sorry members I omitted to put the Minister's amendment and I'd like your indulgence for my error. Hon Member: Aye. CHAIRPERSON (Hon Ruth Dyson): Thank you I appreciate that. I know this has been such a riveting debate that it's quite hard to concentrate on the voting.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 294 in the name of the Hon Kris Faafoi to clause 2 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Clause 2 as amended agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Ruth Dyson): I appreciate your indulgence members. I will report this bill with amendment.Bill to be reported with amendment.House resumed.The Chairperson reported progress on the Appropriation (2019/20 Estimates) Bill and reported the Financial Markets (Derivatives Margin and Benchmarking) Reform Amendment Bill with amendment. Report adopted.
SpeechCHAIRPERSON (Hon Ruth Dyson): I think the member has foreshadowed a question that he would have asked later in the debate and I think the Minister is happy to foreshadow an answer he would have given later in the debate in the interests of progressing this matter.
SpeechBRETT HUDSON (National): Thank you Madam Chair. I think I might have stood precipitately on this particular part because I'm particularly interested in the financial benchmarks but my more substantive question for the Minister is going to be his Supplementary Order Paper 294 that changes the date of commencement for the provisions in Part 2 which will of course come under those clause 1 2 and 3 debates.There has been no argument across the importance of this bill and indeed the importance of ensuring that we are meeting the regulatory requirements of not only trading partners but particularly the power—authority—of a large trading bloc the European Union. So we have no particular issue and I won't rise now to raise an issue with the benchmarks themselves nor who may participate and be the inputs into the sitting of those benchmarks. My question will come up in the proper part of this bill which will be clauses 1 2 and 3 because I don't believe we are debating the Minister's amendment that changes the commencement date for Part 2 as part of Part 2. Although the Minister is in the chair and if he would not mind—slightly a little bit out of sequence—answering the question as to why at this stage we have changed the commencement date for this part when it wasn't a matter that was canvassed at all in select committee. Officials didn't recommend that we do so and there certainly was no controversy nor disagreement with the provisions as related to financial benchmarks. So if the Minister is in a position to respond now it would save a call a little bit later in the evening—to describe why in the SOP that was handed in quite late in the piece we've got a split in the commencement dates. So perhaps given the Minister has talked to his officials and I think he is prepared to say something to that very point it might be best that I just sit down and allow him to respond.
SpeechPart 2 Amendments relating to financial benchmarksCHAIRPERSON (Hon Ruth Dyson): Members we move now to debate on Part 2 clauses 21 to 36 and Schedule 5—amendments relating to financial benchmarks.
Faafoi KrisPart 1 Amendments relating to derivative marginsHon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): Thank you Madam Chair. I think you've just stolen my first-pass speech. I don't think I'm going to be able to drag many people back to Parliament TV as we discuss the Financial Markets (Derivatives Margin and Benchmarking) Reform Amendment Bill but it is an important piece of legislation. Just to give a little bit of context in plain English for this our banks here in New Zealand do fund their activities in part by raising money offshore and to protect against exchange rate risk associated with borrowing money overseas they do enter into financial contracts called derivatives. I understand also that large public sector entities—for example the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and ACC—also rely on these derivatives for their activities as do many in the private sector as well.The banks the super fund and ACC are currently facing an issue around new rules introduced by the G20 countries relating to derivatives. They require that parties to certain types of these arrangements also exchange security and this security is also referred to as collateral or a margin which is in the aptly named title of the bill. So if one party defaults in that contract or becomes insolvent the other party can call on or enforce a margin agreement and is therefore protected to some extent from the party's financial distress. Part 1 of the bill amends various Acts here in New Zealand to ensure that parties to these derivative-type contracts with overseas entities aren't limited or prevented from exercising rights to enforce those security interests over collateral that is posted by the derivatives.Can I acknowledge the Finance and Expenditure Committee (FEC) that deliberated over this piece of legislation. They made three changes to the bill: specifically removing an amendment that was intended to clarify that an outright transfer of collateral does not create a security interest for the purposes of Acts; requiring that before a counter-party to a qualifying derivative can also exercise their rights over collateral the collateral must be in their position or control; and finally amending some transitional provisions so that amendments in Part 1 also apply to other derivatives entered into before the amendments come into force. So can I thank the select committee for that and particularly a number of members who worked on both sides of the House to ensure that this piece of legislation was as good as it can be I think. I want to acknowledge certainly Duncan Webb on my side who came to me as a member of FEC to sort a number of issues. So with that I'll leave it to any of the members of that committee that may want to make a contribution or not.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 294 in the name of the Hon Kris Faafoi to Part 1 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Part 1 as amended agreed to.
SpeechFINANCIAL MARKETS (DERIVATIVES MARGIN AND BENCHMARKING) REFORM AMENDMENT BILLIn CommitteeCHAIRPERSON (Hon Ruth Dyson): Members we now turn to the Financial Markets (Derivatives Margin and Bench-making) Reform—(Benchmarking) Reform Amendment Bill. That may be the lightest moment in the debate.
SpeechHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Deputy Leader of the House): I move That the committee report progress presently and move to consider the Financial Markets (Derivatives Margin and Benchmarking) Reform Amendment Bill.Motion agreed to.Bill to be reported with progress presently.
SpeechEducation and Workforce SectorCHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): Colleagues we come now to the votes in the education and workforce sector B.5 Volume 2. The question is that Vote Education Vote Education Review Office Vote Labour Market Vote Pike River Re-entry and Vote Tertiary Education stand part of the Schedules.
SpeechESTIMATES DEBATEIn CommitteeCHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): I've got quite a bit to read out members so bear with me.We turn first to the Appropriation (2019/20) Estimates Bill. The Standing Orders provide for 11 hours of debate on the Estimates divided into 10 separate debates covering the sectors set out in the Estimates of Appropriations (2019/20). Each debate will be led by a call from the chairperson of the select committee nominated by the Government as the major committee reporting on the sector. Other calls are allocated to parties on a proportional basis and may be taken as parties see fit during the 10 sector debates. At the end of each debate the question will be put that the votes in each sector stand part of the Schedules.The times taken on each question is in the hands of members depending on the parties' use of their allocation of calls. However this debate does expire after 11 hours. The Estimates debate should be relevant to the Government's current spending plans as contained in the Estimates of Appropriations. All of the votes are available for debate and a compendium of the reports of the select committees on the votes is available here on the Table.Members will be aware of the joint venture package on family and sexual violence which is funded under eight different votes falling under three different sectors. The Finance and Expenditure Committee's report on its briefing on the joint venture package has also been included in the compendium. In accordance with a determination of the Business Committee members will be able to debate the joint venture package and the committee's report as part of the debate on the social services and community sector.I understand that it may be the Government's intention to adjourn the debate at some time in order to move to other business. A motion to report progress on the bill must be moved on a call not a point of order. Because the Estimates debate will run for a fixed period of time and the calls have been allocated proportionately it would harm the proportionality of the debate to treat the motion to report progress as a member's entire call. Therefore when a member moves to report progress in this Estimates debate the presiding officer will call on that member first when the debate resumes.Colleagues we come first to the votes in the economic development and infrastructure sector B.5 volume 1. The question is that Vote Business Science and Innovation and Vote Transport stand part of the Schedules and it's my understanding that the chairperson is not available today and therefore the deputy chairperson will be taking the call.
Urgent Debates — Statistics New Zealand
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATESStatistics New Zealand—Resignation of Government Statistician and Report on Census 2018 ReviewSPEAKER: I call on the Hon Dr Nick Smith to move that the House take note of a matter of public importance.
Urgent Debates Declined — Department of Corrections—Prisoner Mail Management
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDDepartment of Corrections—Failure to Prevent Prisoners Sending LettersSPEAKER: I have received a letter from David Seymour seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the failure of the Department of Corrections to prevent prisoners from sending letters from prisons. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. Public confidence in our corrections system is critical particularly when it comes to matters relating to the 15 March shootings. However I have also received a letter from the Hon Dr Nick Smith seeking to debate the resignation of the Government Statistician and the report of the independent review of New Zealand's 2018 census. This is also a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. The resignation of a public servant would not usually warrant an urgent debate but the census is of great significance to the public and to this House. There can only be one urgent debate each day. Where I receive more than one application that I consider would otherwise justify a debate I must choose the most urgent under Standing Order 391.In light of the fact that the House has had an opportunity to respond to a ministerial statement on the failures of the Department of Corrections I'm inclined to select Dr Smith's application for debate. That approach enables the House to debate both issues today. The Minister of Corrections has announced that the Government will review the Corrections Act 2004 to ensure that it is fit for purpose. I would consider a further application for urgent debate following the results of that review.
Speaker's Rulings — Tabling of Documents—Accuracy and Delivery
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER'S RULINGSTabling of Documents—Accuracy and Delivery of DocumentsSPEAKER: Before we started question time Tracey Martin raised a point of order I made a ruling and the Hon David Parker made an intervention. Since that time I have had the opportunity to read the Standing Orders report to which he referred the 2008 report and the changes which occurred in Standing Orders which made the Speaker's ruling on which I relied out of date. It does however leave us with a problem and that is where an absolute obligation to table a document is created but the Clerk's Office has an obligation not to let documents be tabled that do not fit the description of the document for which leave has been given. I am now going to rule that in future if this occurs the member and the Clerk or the member or the Clerk will refer the matter to me and it will be a matter of a ruling in each particular case which is likely to if I find with the Clerk that the document is not the one described result in some criticism of a member who wrongly described a document.
Points of Order — Tabling of Documents—Accuracy and Delivery
Shaw JamesHon JAMES SHAW (Minister for Climate Change): I want to start by acknowledging the re-traumatising effect that the recent failure of the prison mail handling system must have had on the surviving victims and on the families of all of the victims of the 15 March terrorist attack. Our law and processes for handling mail sent from prisons needs to uphold public safety interests including stopping the spread of violent incitement. At the same time this must be done with minimal interference with low-risk prisoners. The right to send and receive mail is crucial for enabling prisoners to keep in touch with their families and supports better rehabilitation outcomes and better reintegration on release.However the Department of Corrections also has a responsibility to ensure that prisoner correspondence is not used to endanger the safety of any person or to incite offences. We support ongoing work to ensure that our law is fit for purpose for stopping the online spread of content that dehumanises particular groups in our society and legitimises the use of violence. This incident demonstrates the importance of considering how we ensure online spaces enhance our democracy and freedom of expression for all.
Ministerial Statements — Department of Corrections—Prisoner Mail Management
Thursday 8 August 2019 - Volume 740
Abortion Legislation Bill — First Reading
VoteA personal vote was called for on the question That the Abortion Legislation Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 94Allan (P)Falloon (P)Mark (P)Simpson AndersenGenterMartinSio ArdernGhahramanMcAnulty (P)Smith SBall (P)Goldsmith (P)McClay (P)Stanford Barry (P)Guy (P)McKelvieStrange (P)Bayly (P)Henare (P)Mitchell C (P)Swarbrick (P)Bennett DHipkins (P)Mitchell M (P)Tabuteau (P)Bennett P (P)HudsonMuller (P)Tinetti (P)BidoisHughes Nash (P)TolleyBishopHuo (P)O'Connor D (P)TwyfordBridges (P)Jackson (P)O'Connor Gvan de MolenCarterJones (P)Parker (P)Wagner (P)Clark (P)KayePattersonWallCoffey (P)KingPeters (P)Warren-ClarkCollinsKurigerPrime (P)Webb (P)Craig (P)Lee D (P)RadhakrishnanWhaitiri (P)CurranLees-Galloway (P)RobertsonWilliams Davidson (P)LittleRossWillisDavis (P)LogieRussellWoodDoocey (P)LubeckSageWoods (P)Dowie (P)Luxton (P)Scott (P)YuleDyson Mahuta (P)Sepuloni (P)Eagle MallardSeymour (P)Teller:Faafoi (P)MarcroftShaw AdamsNoes 23Bakshi (P)Kanongata'a-SuisuikiPugh (P)Young (P)BrownLee MReti BrownleeLoheniRurawhe Dean (P)MacindoeSalesa (P)Garcia O'Connor SSmith N (P)Hayes (P)Parmar (P)Tirikatene (P)Teller:HipangoPenk Woodhouse (P)UpstonBill read a first time.Bill referred to the Abortion Legislation Committee.
12. Question No. 12—Pacific PeoplesJAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister for Pacific PeoplesQuestion No. 12—Pacific Peoples12. JAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister for Pacific Peoples: What progress if any has been made regarding opportunities for Pacific people in the regions?Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO (Minister for Pacific Peoples): Kia orana Mr Speaker. Recently I announced that seven expert providers had been selected by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples for Tupu Aotearoa a programme to help young Pacific people towards employment education and training pathways so that we can assist them to turn their potential into success and create prosperity in their local communities in the Bay of Plenty Waikato Whanganui and Manawatū regions. Tupu Aotearoa is made possible with the support of my coalition partner the Hon Shane Jones first citizen of the regions and father of the Provincial Growth Fund.Jan Tinetti: What is the point of difference with this new regional approach?Hon Gerry Brownlee: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. If a bill can't be described as sensitive" then I'm sure it's not appropriate to describe a Minister particularly Mr Jones as being any sort of "champion".SPEAKER: Aupito William Sio.Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO: Again we're looking ahead 30 years and not just three. Tupu Aotearoa is a new name that young Pacific people can relate to as new beginnings or new opportunities which will empower young Pacific people aged 15 to 39 years to grow new life skills kick-start their career prospects earn a good living and provide employers with the skilled motivated talent pool they need. Each of the seven providers brings with them local knowledge and experience that will enable them to tailor support to back the needs of young Pacific people local communities and businesses.Angie Warren-Clark: What other regions will benefit from the Tupu Aotearoa programme?Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO: In addition to the providers announced for the Bay of Plenty Waikato and Whanganui-Manawatū areas work is currently under way to identify providers for the Hawke's Bay Southland and Otago regions. In addition to the focus on the regions the Wellbeing Budget allocated another $14.5 million to extend Tupu Aotearoa further to cover wider Auckland Wellington and Christchurch. This approach will allow us to look long term and tackle the long-term issues facing Pacific Aotearoa."
10. Question No. 10—EmploymentWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour) to the Minister of EmploymentQuestion No. 10—Employment10. WILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour) to the Minister of Employment: What did the recent Household Labour Force Survey show regarding labour market outcomes for youth?Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister of Employment): Kia orana. The household labour force survey shows that in the last quarter the not in employment education or training (NEETs) rate for both young men and young women dropped to 9.5 percent and 11.1 percent respectively. This is reflected in more young men who are both now earning and learning and more young women who have gone into paid employment.Willow-Jean Prime: What is significant about the drop in the rates for those previously classified as not in education employment or training?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: This is significant as people always focus on the percentages but I want to share with the House today the actual numbers that these percentages represent. In the June quarter there are now 19000 fewer young people classified as not in education employment or training. This Government is very proud of that fact. Despite all the predictions of doom and gloom we've been able to reduce our NEETs.Willow-Jean Prime: What other indicators did the recent household labour force survey reveal for youth?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: I'd like to inform the House that of the 19000 referred to in my previous answer we are seeking increases in young people entering some form of training education or employment—specifically around 14000 more young people moving into employment and 5000 into some form of training or education. This is 19000 young people who are active and engaged in their future and contributing to their community. I've seen examples of this all across the country in communities that were not invested in before by the previous Government: Ōpōtiki Whakatāne Tolaga Bay alongside Shane Jones' Provincial Growth Fund—Hon Gerry Brownlee: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Well Mr Speaker you can just hear in the answer being given by Willie Jackson the extensive amount of extraneous material relevant to the necessary answer that appears to be going completely unchecked.SPEAKER: I think it is fair to say that the question had been adequately answered some time before the point of order. I don't think the member was out of order with his extra material but he had finished.
7. Question No. 7—HealthDr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 7—Health7. Dr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of Health: How is the $40 million funding increase for Pharmac announced in Budget 2019 set to benefit New Zealanders?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Pharmac is the reason New Zealanders pay some of the lowest prices in the world for pharmaceuticals and every year more people get access to more medicines. Yesterday Pharmac announced it is looking to fund three new medicines: two for treating cancer and one for treating multiple sclerosis. I'm advised that if approved these new drugs will be paid for out of the extra funding we put into Pharmac in the Wellbeing Budget.Dr Liz Craig: So which new medicines is Pharmac looking to make publicly funded?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Decisions on which medicines are publicly funded are made independently by Pharmac based on expert advice and evidence. Pharmac is currently consulting on three new drugs: Alectinib to treat non - small cell lung cancer Ocrevus for multiple sclerosis and Kadcyla for advanced breast cancer. It is great to see Pharmac making the most of the Government's investment in it by funding more new medicines for more people who need them.Dr Liz Craig: When will these new medicines become available to the public?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Pharmac is currently conducting a two-week consultation on funding the three new medicines as well as widening access to an existing treatment for respiratory disease. Following that the board of Pharmac will make its formal decision. If it approves their funding these medicines will be fully publicly available from 1 December.
1. Question No. 1—Prime MinisterHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime MinisterORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Prime Minister1. Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her Government's statements policies and actions?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister) on behalf of the Prime Minister: Yes.Hon Paula Bennett: Has she or any member of her staff had conversations with Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter regarding the letter she sent to transport Minister Phil Twyford about the Let's Get Wellington Moving transport plan?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: On behalf of the Prime Minister I can't answer that question but if the member would like to put it down in writing so we could get it prepared we would be able to answer the question. But to imagine that 20-plus busy Cabinet Ministers are able to record all these conversations whether they arose or not is somewhat fanciful but I'm happy to help the member out. If she puts the written question to us we'll find out for her.Hon Paula Bennett: Did she her office or any of her other Ministers or staff advise Julie Anne Genter to refuse to release the letter under the Official Information Act?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: On behalf of the Prime Minister it's not my wont to behave in illegal behaviour and we'd never think to do that.Hon Paula Bennett: Does she agree with her Deputy Prime Minister that the abortion legislation came out of left field"?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: With respect on behalf of the Prime Minister it came from the Law Commission not from left field. It came from the Law Commission.Hon Gerry Brownlee: No it didn't.Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: Yes it did actually. It was a report from the Law Commission. I know that the amateur wouldn't know but every legally trained person here does know that fact. And that being the case it's now before the Parliament which it is quite entitled to be. But "out of left field"? No.Hon Paula Bennett: Was Andrew Little correct when he said in the media that he discussed the possibility of different referenda with New Zealand First their coalition partner last year and that when the abortion issue came up all the indications were that this wasn't going to be called for by anybody?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: At the time Andrew Little said that he was being precisely correct.Hon Paula Bennett: Is she managing her relationships with confidence and supply partners now via the media?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: No. On behalf of the Prime Minister I am handling these relationships with a great deal of assurance and aplomb and everybody's getting on just fine. We're not a wrecking ball of diffidence and egotism like the other side is.SPEAKER: Again I'm not sure that that's the Prime Minister's voice but we'll carry on."
SpeechDr JIAN YANG (National): I rise to speak on the Statutes Amendment Bill second reading. As we know the Statutes Amendment Bill is an omnibus bill that seeks to amend various statutes. It is not designed to make policy changes but to provide a legislative vehicle for technical short and also non-controversial amendments to existing legislation. Now this particular bill as introduced seeks to amend 42 Acts administered by various Government agencies. This bill was referred to the Governance and Administration Committee on 20 September 2018 and the closing date for submissions was 8 November 2018. The committee considered eight submissions from interested groups or individuals. None of them wanted to be heard in the committee. But nevertheless we received advice from Government officials particularly Ministry of Justice officials. Now the Ministry of Justice officials consulted with various departments including the Department of Internal Affairs Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Health Ministry for Primary Industries and also the New Zealand Defence Force State Services Commission Treasury Parliamentary Counsel Office and Parliamentary Services. So the bill itself covers a range of departments because it does cover 42 Acts. For that reason we do need to consult a wide range of departments. Then the Governance and Administration Committee made numerous amendments; some are major some are minor. So those main amendments are listed in the committee's report. The main amendments are related to about 10 Acts. Now these Acts include the Burial and Cremation Act Coroners Act Criminal Procedure Act Disputes Tribunal Act District Court Act Food Act Immigration Act Parliamentary Service Act and the Public Finance Act.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 6 p.m.
Subordinate Legislation Confirmation Bill (No 4) — First Reading
Twyford PhilSUBORDINATE LEGISLATION CONFIRMATION BILL (NO 4)First ReadingHon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister for Economic Development) on behalf of the Leader of the House: I move That the Subordinate Legislation Confirmation Bill (No 4) be now read a first time. I intend to move that the bill be reported by 9 December 2019.Bill read a first time. Bill referred to the Regulations Review Committee.Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister for Economic Development) on behalf of the Leader of the House: I move That the bill be reported by 9 December 2019. Motion agreed to.
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER: Members I do want to remind members that when there is a personal vote one may not vote and then leave the Chamber. If that happens the vote does not count.
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER: Members I have determined that the subject of this vote will be treated as a conscience issue. In this case I know that there are members who will want a personal vote and I am prepared to accept one. This is the process we're going to follow: I'm going to put the question; I'm going to announce a result. At any stage after that a member can ask for a personal vote.
SpeechPAULO GARCIA (National): Thank you very much Mr Speaker. Everybody knows in this House that I am a Christian and I am Catholic and this is part of my life. This is how I live and how I think and how I make decisions. I stand now to say this: that my being my faith my religion does not make me stand in judgment. It does not make me stand in disdain. It makes me stand because I am saddened. The most number of abortions happen when women find themselves with unwanted pregnancies. For me every time I hear the words unwanted pregnancy" it is a saddening combination of words. When this is said it mirrors an absolute absence of love from a mother to her child. That absolute absence of love is a reflection of the circumstances that this mother finds herself in. It is a reflection of the absolute lack of love in her circumstances in her environment that prevents her from feeling love for her child—thus the unwanted pregnancy. I am amazed at what everyone has said and I see so many positions so well defended and supported. I must stand in plea for the understanding that people with faith and religion do not especially in this situation—it's not an imposition of our faith. It is part of our life that life is sacred that it is a product of a creative process where mother and father are involved. It is to be treasured.I know that this is all sounding ideal. In ideal circumstances the love would be there. In the absence of love the difficulties arise. But as we speak as members of a House of a Parliament that is focused on caring for the most vulnerable then in a situation where mother and child are the most vulnerable I stand and plea that both be recognised.The bill as it is written carries a number of areas that need attention. Treating conscientious objection in a way that there is reference to it but in a way penalises it needs to be looked at again. There was mention of the safe spaces. I have stood with others in such situations and every single time there has not been intimidation but in my sense love. So I stand opposed to the bill and I will continue to be opposed to the bill for reasons like this. Thank you Mr Speaker."
Hipkins Chris; Brownlee GerryTHURSDAY 8 AUGUST 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Today the House adjourns until Tuesday 20 August. On that day the committee stage of the Appropriation (2019/20 Estimates) Bill will begin. This is the start of an 11-hour-long Estimates debate. Other legislation to be considered will include the remaining stages of the Financial Markets (Derivatives Margin and Benchmarking) Reform Amendment Bill the second reading of the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill and the third reading of the Contempt of Court Bill. Wednesday 21 August will be a members' day.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): Could the Leader of the House give us some indication of when the House will be dealing with the backlog of Treaty settlements that now appear to be piling up on the Order Paper.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): We've had feedback from those involved in Treaty settlements around the best timing for those. They've indicated that in terms of travel to and from Wellington Thursday afternoons work better for them than having them in the morning. So I've been working with the Minister for Treaty settlements to try and accommodate that time frame. It allows more people time to get here and to be here for an after-match function once the bill has been passed which many people have indicated is important. In terms of the scheduling of the individual settlements I do that based on the advice that I receive from the Minister responsible for the bills.
Wednesday 7 August 2019 - Volume 740
Contempt of Court Bill — In Committee
VoteThe question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 289 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to Part 2 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to. Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross. Amendments agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 as amended be agreed to. Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross. Part 2 as amended agreed to.
Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Bill read a third time.
12. Question No. 12—WomenHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Minister for WomenQuestion No. 12—Women12. Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Minister for Women: Does she stand by her statement We know there is a huge amount of work to do to make things better for women … and this Government is absolutely committed to that work" and does that work cover unacceptable behaviour ranging from bullying and intimidation to sexual harassment and sexual assault?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER (Minister for Women): Yes the Government is particularly proud to be making changes to end family and sexual violence including Budget 2019 which had a record $320 million package to break the cycle of family and sexual violence. We've also passed legislation to update the definition of family violence increased police safety orders to 10 days enabled them to be issued at the same time as an arrest and encouraged agencies to share information to keep people safe. Justice under-secretary Jan Logie's bill provided a new right to 10 days' domestic violence leave. I am proud of the Government finally apologising to Hayley Browne after many years of legal battles for the working conditions she experienced in the New Zealand Navy including the sexual harassment that she experienced.Hon Paula Bennett: When she said that the most important thing we can do in dealing with sexual harassment is to "create an environment where we are listening to women where we trust women" does she agree that a safe environment is driven by those in positions of leadership? Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: Yes.Hon Paula Bennett: Does she believe leadership and accountability starts at the top when dealing with allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault? Hon Kelvin Davis: It's everyone's responsibility. Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: Yes I believe it's everyone's responsibility. [Interruption]Hon Paula Bennett: What then would she say in response—SPEAKER: Order! Can I just say to members that this is—some of us regard this as a very serious area of questioning and laughing while the member is asking questions is just not appropriate.Hon Paula Bennett: What then would she say in response to allegations from sexual assault victims that they feel they are not being heard by those in positions of leadership who have a responsibility to protect them? Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: It's difficult for me to answer when the member's question is quite vague as to what the specific allegations are and who they are regarding. I'm very happy to answer specific questions if the member wants to put them to me. Hon Paula Bennett: Would she expect accountability from the top if that leader had earlier promised to take the time to go and look into it personally? Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: Again these are hypothetical questions. If the member wants to ask me a specific question about a specific person or circumstance I can try to answer it for her."
10. Question No. 10—EmploymentKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of EmploymentQuestion No. 10—Employment10. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of Employment: What recent labour market reports has he seen that show outcomes for Māori and young people?Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister of Employment): Mr Speaker kia orana.SPEAKER: Kia orana.Hon WILLIE JACKSON: Yesterday the household labour force survey was released and I was very pleased to see a drop in the unemployment rate to 3.9 percent—the second-lowest in 11 years. I'm encouraged by the continued positive trends in the reduction of the unemployment rate for young people and for Māori.Kiritapu Allan: What did the household labour force survey released indicate for Māori?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: Things get even better there. There are now 6400 less Māori unemployed—SPEAKER: Fewer.Hon WILLIE JACKSON: —with the unemployment rate for Māori dropping to 7.7 percent the best in over a decade. What I continue to be encouraged by is the supporting data that shows the underutilisation of Māori is also decreasing which means for those who want more work they're getting it.Kiritapu Allan: What did the household labour force survey say for those young people who are not engaged in earning or learning?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: The survey released yesterday was positive with the rate for those not engaged in education training or employment falling to 10.3 percent. What this indicates is that we have successfully activated and engaged 5000 more rangatahi into employment or skills training with great support from the Provincial Growth Fund and Shane Jones. Programmes such as He Poutama Rangatahi Mana in Mahi and Pae Aronui are really making a difference for our young people their whānau and our communities all around the country.
7. Question No. 7—Workplace Relations and SafetyMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and SafetyQuestion No. 7—Workplace Relations and Safety7. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What reports has he seen this week regarding salary and wage growth?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety): Kia orana Mr Speaker. Statistics New Zealand yesterday reported that the average ordinary-time hourly earnings rose 4.4 percent in the year to June this year. That was the biggest increase since 2009. We're tackling the big long-term issues and this Government's economic plan focuses on making sure that everyone shares in our economic success. The figures show that we are delivering a more inclusive economy that raises the living standards of all New Zealanders.Marja Lubeck: What does the Minister attribute this increase to?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Well Statistics New Zealand attributed much of the increase to increases in the minimum wage and the settlement of significant collective agreements. I also attribute it to the coalition Government's balanced approach of delivering more jobs for New Zealand and sound fiscal management to maintain a strong underlying economy in the face of global headwinds.Marja Lubeck: What message does this increase send to New Zealand workers?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Well I think the message is that after nine years of neglect there is a lot to fix but the Government's plan is working. We can grow the pie and share it better. It also says: don't listen to the doomsayers. We can improve wages we can improve workers' rights and we can grow the economy at the same time. We can't solve everything straight away but we are making good progress.SPEAKER: I do want to say to the Minister who just answered the question that many of us noted his voice.Hon Iain Lees-Galloway: Thank you.SPEAKER: Well no I'm not asking for thanks. I'm recommending to him that if what is bothering him is viral he not come back in here and do it again.
4. Question No. 4—Trade and Export GrowthJAMIE STRANGE (Labour) to the Minister for Trade and Export GrowthQuestion No. 4—Trade and Export Growth4. JAMIE STRANGE (Labour) to the Minister for Trade and Export Growth: What progress if any is the Government making on increasing trade and growing exports?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for Trade and Export Growth): The Government is helping deliver strong progress on trade to grow our exports. In the first six months of this year goods exports have grown by more than 7 percent compared to the previous half-year. From January to June New Zealand sold around $31 billion of goods to the rest of the world the highest half-yearly figure on record. Increasing exports is vital to job and income prospects in New Zealand and so it's no surprise that with strong growth in exports the unemployment rate is the lowest it's been in more than a decade and income growth is strong.Jamie Strange: What have been the standout export sectors and markets in the first half of 2019?Hon DAVID PARKER: Despite some ill-informed commentary from some so-called experts at the start of the year our trade relationship with China is very strong. Exports to China grew 29 percent to $8.1 billion in the first half of 2019. Elsewhere under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership which came into force at the start of the year New Zealand exports have grown strongly into Canada and Japan. For example Kiwi volumes to Canada have gone up by 30 percent and 18 percent to Japan. Sheep meat exports to Canada have gone up by 14 percent milk fat and butter to Canada has tripled in volume beef exports to Japan—frozen beef—are up 44 percent and cheese is up 10 percent. These exports are delivering jobs and higher incomes and are benefitting everyone from the farm to the factory floor to the boardroom.Jamie Strange: What progress is the Government making in establishing further trade agreements?Hon DAVID PARKER: We are active at trying to strengthen our trade ties bilaterally and plurilaterally. The upgrade to the free-trade agreement with China is progressing well. Our talks with the EU are continuing—you know they're not without challenges but they're continuing well. This past week the Hon Damien O'Connor made positive progress at the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership talks which are also important and I met with the new UK trade secretary where we agreed to rapidly progress a high-quality agreement with the UK as soon as they're in a position to do so. It's vitally important that we push ahead with these plurilateral and bilateral agreements given the problems with the World Trade Organization and the rising protectionism abroad. These storm clouds are affecting global confidence and trade flows and one of the ways that we can protect the interests of our exports is with better market access.
2. Question No. 2—Prime MinisterDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 2—Prime Minister2. DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by her statement that GJ Thompson took a leave of absence" to work in her office as chief of staff; if so did he take leave as an employee or a director?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Mr Thompson took a leave of absence from his day-to-day duties at Thompson Lewis for the duration of his fixed-term agreement. The management of any conflicts of interests as the member knows is a matter for Ministerial Services. I'm advised that Ministerial Services followed standard process and no issues were raised in the management of Mr Thompson's conflicts of interest. I would add that GJ Thompson was only ever appointed on a temporary basis 18 months ago while the intended permanent chief of staff was receiving medical treatment. This appointment should be seen in that light: a temporary appointment that lasted four months over a year and a half ago.David Seymour: Does the Prime Minister accept that during that temporary appointment Mr Thompson as a director had all of the obligations under the Companies Act to act in the best interests of his lobbying firm?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I accept that Ministerial Services had responsibility for managing any conflicts of interest. I've been advised that the conflict was managed based on Ministerial Services' practice and also the Department of Internal Affairs' (DIA) code of conduct.David Seymour: Can the Prime Minister elaborate for the House on how those conflicts were managed—such as that with his firm representing the firm Huawei that the Government was making important decisions about at the time?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Again I highlight that this temporary employment was 18 months ago. I'm advised by the department that the employment offer made to Mr Thompson for the position of interim chief of staff in the office of the Prime Minister was conditional on Mr Thompson taking a leave of absence from Thompson Lewis for the duration of the employment agreement. Mr Thompson confirmed in writing to Ministerial Services that he had taken that leave of absence from Thompson Lewis. It's also a requirement as part of the DIA's standard employment process that office staff sign two codes of conduct and a completion of conflict of interest declarations—and that was completed.Rt Hon Winston Peters: I wonder if the Prime Minister could point out to the previous questioner that the obligation to act in the interests of the business is when you're about that company's business; not when you're not—which he wasn't?SPEAKER: The Prime Minister can answer right up to the last bit which was an assertion.Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Obviously the primary focus here of course was that the person in question fulfilled the obligation set out by Ministerial Services; they managed the conflict and obviously were satisfied that that was dealt with appropriately—particularly given the length of the contract."