edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
6. Question No. 6—ConservationANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of ConservationQuestion No. 6—Conservation6. ANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of Conservation: How has Jobs for Nature supported the restoration of Rotorua lakes?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Conservation): Jobs for Nature funding has enabled jobs; environmental improvements; and connection of community hapū and iwi to the Rotorua lakes. Jobs for Nature has invested $2.5 million into the Mauri Tu Mauri Ora programme led by Te Arawa Lakes Trust. Since making the investment the project has restored wetlands; habitat for taonga species including kōura inanga and tuna; increased bird life through pest control; improved fresh water quality; and restored the mauri of ecosystems across the lakes. The programme also has a focus on investing in people and has been achieving five year goals in as little as six months.Angie Warren-Clark: What specific achievements have been made by this project to date?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: I'm advised that this project has already seen work at over 40 sites throughout the Te Arawa rohe the production of 29000 plans the treatment of 1000 hectares for weeds and the warranting of four new staff under the Biosecurity Act.Angie Warren-Clark: How is this project developing the people working on it?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Te Arawa Lakes Trust have noted the growth of individuals through Jobs for Nature experience such as gaining qualifications and that this is a wider benefit for the growth of their community. Staff have been trained to be skilled in other employment to deliver further conservation projects. This includes undertaking pest animal control working as maritime compliance officers and training to be scientific divers. Staff development and training in this field has made them readily employable to environmental organisations. Staff have obtained qualifications such as the certificate in controlled substance handling registered chemical applicators skipper certificates and biosecurity compliance officer training.
4. Question No. 4—ChildrenARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister for ChildrenQuestion No. 4—Children4. ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister for Children: Mānawatia a Matariki Mr Speaker. Ngā mihi o te wā Pipiri. How is the Government continuing to transform Oranga Tamariki?Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Minister for Children): For too long Oranga Tamariki has put itself at the centre of their work. Hapū iwi and communities know what's best for their children and need to be empowered to lead decisions locally. Work is under way so that iwi and communities are empowered to lead and deliver services to enhance their effectiveness efficiency and cultural relevance for the tamariki and whānau they support.Arena Williams: How does this new direction support our tamariki?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Well it's simple. We are investing $23 million to enable locally led initiatives to be delivered by iwi communities and partners. This will improve iwi and community collaboration and give these groups control of the services provided. This investment will empower communities and Māori to help children and their families in a way that suits them and not just Wellington.Arena Williams: What is an example of a locally led partnership?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Take the Whānau as First Navigators programme. This partnership between Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Oranga Tamariki was first signed in 2018. Its uniquely for Māori by Māori approach has benefited tamariki and whānau in the Ngāi Tahu takiwā. Between 2018 and 2021 the number of Ngāi Tahu tamariki in Oranga Tamariki's care dropped by almost 30 percent. That is why I was proud to announce a further $25 million of funding last year to continue this important work. This is an example of Oranga Tamariki being an enabler not a dictator.Arena Williams: What other work is under way in refreshing Oranga Tamariki?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Last year this Government accepted all of the recommendations of the ministerial advisory board appointed to provide advice on how to fix the child care and protection system. Oranga Tamariki created its future direction plan an internal blueprint aligned to the themes of the recommendations to ensure Oranga Tamariki stays focused on this fundamental shift. The future direction plan remains a central focus for Oranga Tamariki in the work it does. A plan has been put in place and alongside the members of my ministerial advisory board and the leadership of Oranga Tamariki we are already changing the system.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceINGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. INGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Statistics New Zealand recently released the food price index which did report that food prices were up 6.4 percent on the previous month. In the face of these rising prices the Government has intervened directly in order to make sure that we have greater competition in the supermarket sector which will flow through to better outcomes at the checkout. Parliament last night passed legislation stopping major supermarkets from blocking their competitors' access to land to set up new stores. Along with this action my colleague the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has noted that we will shortly be consulting on the mandatory code of conduct for supermarkets and already have a unit pricing scheme out for feedback and we have already committed to making sure that we open up the wholesale market. The Government is acting directly to help bring the prices that New Zealanders pay at the supermarket down.Ingrid Leary: What other reports has he seen on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment's weekly fuel price monitoring report shows that prices remain high with average prices for 91 with a discount being $3.05. Everyone across the House knows that the supply chain constraints around the world and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have pushed up the price of oil. That is why we moved quickly to help ease the pressure at the pump for New Zealanders by reducing fuel excise duty by 25c a litre cutting road-user charges by an equivalent amount and halving public transport fares. [Interruption] They don't like action to actually support people as opposed to opposing every single thing that this Government has done. They cry foul but they never support low and middle income earners. I'm proud of the action this Government has taken to do that.Ingrid Leary: What reports has he seen on rising prices that affect the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Higher prices of fuel and supply chain disruptions do flow through to the rising prices of goods and services as highlighted in the previous two reports I've mentioned. The Government is acutely aware of the cost of living pressure on New Zealanders especially those on low and middle incomes. That's why at the May Budget we announced the temporary cost of living payment for people earning less than $70000 and we have permanently halved the cost of public transport for low-income New Zealanders. On this side of the House we are taking action to support low and middle income New Zealanders rather than focusing on giving tax cuts to the wealthiest New Zealanders.
Palmerston North Reserves Empowering Amendment Bill — Second Reading
Mooney JosephJOSEPH MOONEY (National—Southland): Thank you Mr Speaker. I rise to speak on the Palmerston North Reserves Empowering Amendment Bill. This is a good local bill which has been brought before the House. National is very happy to support this as National stands up for councils as strong local voices that are essential to a thriving local democracy. This is a good example of this and I commend the member Tangi Utikere who has brought this to the House as the local member for Palmerston North.Palmerston North is a great city. I was there not that long ago actually. It's certainly come a long way from when I used to travel through there as a child and it was a lot quieter a number of decades ago but it's grown a lot. This bill will actually help with some of those growth pains.Palmerston North is experiencing significant growth. Over $7 billion in major public and private investment has been planned by the council. There's strong demand for housing over the next 10 years which is certainly an issue right across the country including in my own electorate in Queenstown Alexandra Gore and Winton—you name it it's a big issue across the country. But it's certainly one that Palmerston North is experiencing acutely with an acute shortage of affordable housing problems with rough sleepers and high occupancy of emergency and transitional accommodation. Simply more housing is needed. This bill will give the council more options and encourage the council to be innovative and think differently about increasing housing supply.Another point is local government is facing a number of issues and in Palmerston North the city council is no different. Some of the key issues are: increased rates growing debt infrastructure deficits housing affordability climate change and changing recreational needs. This Huia Street Reserve was formerly occupied by the Manawatū Bowling Club. It hasn't been used for about 15 years so it's just sitting there effectively unutilised by the local community. It gives an option for the Palmerston North City Council to do something different. It doesn't commit the council to immediately selling or developing the land but it does provide the opportunity for public consultation should the council move to rezone the land under the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act.So I think I'll leave it there. In conclusion this is a great example of a local council doing something about a need in their community and the National Party is happy to commend this bill to the House.
Dean JacquiHouse resumed.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): Mr Speaker the committee has considered the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill and reports it without amendment. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.
Lorck Anna; Dean JacquiANNA LORCK (Labour—Tukituki): I move That the question be now put.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): I'm going to allow some more debate but we are now beginning to move into the territory of becoming repetitive. We've been debating this bill so far for 2½ hours so I'm now looking for focused targeted interventions as it seems to me that the Part 2 debate is very much coming to a conclusion. However Simon Court seeks the call.
Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): I thank the member Simon Court for his contribution and questions. I think I'm able to deal with these relatively quickly. Clause 7(3) of the bill requires the appointees to be qualified to be elected so that's having all the other basic requirements that are for anyone who stands for public office. They have to be qualified to be elected but other than that it's up to Ngāi Tahu—it's their rangatiratanga—to be able to run their processes and find the right suitably qualified individuals who will take on the positions at the council table.I know that Te Rūnanga has very rigorous internal processes. They do that whether it's electing their local papatipu representatives on Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu—and I know that the calibre of the individuals that have been just looking at the predecessors are highly qualified in tikanga Māori in tribal history tribal connection to the natural environment. Obviously they are connected to the papatipu within the actual takiwā within the region of the Canterbury Regional Council but they also have outstanding professional skills in environmental resource management—highly academically qualified individuals. So rest assured the calibre and the quality of the individuals that Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu will put forward will be at the highest level and will be fantastic contributors to the council.I just want to touch also briefly on the code of conduct. Yes Ngāi Tahu representatives are the same in terms of having to adhere to the code of conduct of Environment Canterbury. They also have to swear an oath or declaration to the role that they are taking on board. It's the same as every other councillor. As we know as members of Parliament we have to take a solemn oath and that's a requirement for all members of Environment Canterbury including the Ngāi Tahu representatives. Once in that role they have to act in the best interests of the community. Yes they come from a certain perspective in terms of the background that they bring and the skills that they will be able to bring to the council table but that oath is to act in the interests of the council of the community of Canterbury as a whole.In terms of the term yes the term of office parallels the term of elected officials. So effectively it runs for the same duration as the elected members. There is no difference in terms of the expectations as to the behaviour and the quality of the work that they're expected to do. I know for a fact that past representatives are—there's obligations on reporting back to Ngāi Tahu in terms of the work that's going on in their role so that is probably more onerous than for other councillors in their reporting back to their respective wards that they represent. But they are high-calibre individuals that will enhance the decision making around the council table.
Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): I thank the member Simon Court but we won't be supporting the Supplementary Order Paper that he has brought to the committee. The issue of remuneration I've covered that previously but I just wanted to make the point that Environment Canterbury has consulted widely on this bill in its earlier iterations as to its core elements which is about Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu having the ability to appoint two representatives to Environment Canterbury. The issue about remuneration is one that has only come up on the iteration of this bill so it hasn't come up earlier. Whilst Environment Canterbury did not consult specifically on this bill the select committee process was used to ensure that as many people as possible would be able to present their thoughts and make their submissions on the bill. So that was the process that Environment Canterbury followed. What were the terms of the other aspect that Mr Court raised? Was it remuneration and—I think—Simon Court: That's it.RINO TIRIKATENE: Yeah; that's it. So that was just in response to Mr Court.
Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): Thank you Madam Chair. I thank Mr Mooney for his contribution. I'm sure as a member of the Māori Affairs Committee he would have been able to hear from submitters and also express his views at the committee as well. But this bill is about Environment Canterbury getting its Treaty relationship right and that's why it is putting its priority toward Ngāi Tahu representation. It wants to get its Treaty relationship right before any other consideration. What may happen with Māori wards that's a consideration for councils in the future and yes that could be a possibility but that again is just a provision of the law that we are leaving there. It's not relevant to this particular measure in this bill which is about putting Ngāi Tahu representation on the council to further the good work that was established between 2010 and 2019. That is the focus of this bill at this time.In relation to the Remuneration Authority Environment. Canterbury had quite a lot of dialogue with Dame Fran Wilde and the Remuneration Authority on this very issue and it goes back way before this bill was introduced to this House. Again it's an issue where Environment Canterbury and the Remuneration Authority disagree. Environment Canterbury rightly asserts that the workload with two additional Ngāi Tahu members the workload of the council does not decrease and therefore the remuneration should not decrease—and an example of that is the additional perspectives of mana whenua and of Ngāi Tahu around the council table. It requires more work from the whole council to be able to gain their understanding and engage with their communities around the concerns that Ngāi Tahu express at the council table. So it doesn't involve a reduction in workload; arguably it involves more. But on that basis it was an aspect where there was just disagreement in terms of reducing the remuneration based on the formulas that the Remuneration Authority applies towards elected council members across the country. I think hopefully that addresses that matter. As I've said the member would have heard this when he was a member on the Māori Affairs Committee in their consideration of this bill and Environment Canterbury through this provision want to ensure that quality candidates put their names forward and that quality representatives who are elected to this important office are able to be fairly remunerated for the work that they do.
Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): Thank you Madam Chair. Just in response to the matters raised as I mentioned in relation to Mr Brownlee's amendment we do not support the amendment. Environment Canterbury did consider a possible application of a Māori ward but it wasn't suitable for Environment Canterbury and that's why they have gone forward with this bill. However the legislation and the bill as it is is about leaving that possibility open for future councils to consider. But at the moment in terms of Environment Canterbury here in 2022 that is not the preferred option and that is why they are seeking the passage of this bill to enable the Ngāi Tahu representatives to be appointed. But again those are potential decisions around Māori wards. That is something for a future council to decide. In relation to the issue around consultation I do know that Environment Canterbury has undertaken significant consultation not only on this bill but on its predecessor and also within its representation reviews that have been carried out over the past—I think it was 2018 or 2019. So there has been significant consultation around the issues and the matter around remuneration again that has been included in the consultation that has long been running over the past several years. The issue around remuneration is about ensuring as I have said that all members of the council are not affected and that they will maintain the same remuneration—those that are elected—as the Ngāi Tahu members will as well. So it's about ensuring that they're not penalised and to recognise the work that they actually do and to ensure that the extra perspectives that are added at the council table level through Ngāi Tahu are also rewarded and remunerated fairly as well. I think for too long councils around the country have had Māori advisory boards or other different mechanisms in place and for many of them there is no remuneration whatsoever for the important views that iwi mana whenua and hapū groups around the country make into those local government matters. So this puts in legislation the recognition that all members of Environment Canterbury will be remunerated equally.
Watts SimonSIMON WATTS (National—North Shore): Thank you very much Madam Chair and a pleasure to take a first call in regards to Part 2 referring to clause 10A(4) which is the similar section that the previous speaker the Hon Gerry Brownlee was referring to in regards to the remuneration elements and the aspects around the Remuneration Authority. My questions to the sponsor of the bill are as follows. So my understanding is that the total salary cost for the additional roles is in the region of just under $70000 per role—so give or take 140 grand. As my previous colleague has noted in terms of the other costs that would be forming no doubt behind that often you triple that number. But let's say for the sake we just double it and say it's a quarter of a million dollars of additional cost. My question for the sponsor of the bill is: what process of consultation has been undertaken with the Canterbury community in regards to those additional costs that will in effect be borne by the ratepayers of the Canterbury region some 600000 or so individuals? And in the context of growing costs and the cost of living crisis and all of that which all Kiwis are facing out there at the moment what is the level of feedback that was received from that consultation? As any good local bill would do they are generally if not always well consulted with in the community in which they are impacting. That's good process. So I'd be looking forward to some clarity around the consultation around subclause (4) that I'm referring to there and we'll go on from there.
Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): Thank you Madam Chair. Part 2 gets down into the nitty-gritty mechanics around the appointment of the Ngāi Tahu representatives. It's very self-explanatory. There are only two parts to the bill. It also goes into the area of remuneration and that was an aspect that was considered very closely at select committee. The end result was that the remuneration of the councillors including the Ngāi Tahu members will be the same because the Ngāi Tahu remuneration will be left aside and it won't go into the calculation of the remuneration for the 14 elected members. The reason is that the workload of the councillors on Environment Canterbury will not lessen; in fact it will actually increase because the additional Ngāi Tahu perspectives that will be shared around the council table will actually encourage greater work a bigger workload from the existing councillors. So there was no justification to penalise councillors who are all upright councillors who have put themselves forward for council position to face a drop in their remuneration as a result.As we have said this bill is about enhancing the representation on the council. I am pleased that the Māori Affairs Committee left that provision as it is so that the remuneration across the council will still be the same and no members will be affected.
Dean JacquiPart 2 TRoNT may appoint 2 members to CouncilCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members we come now to Part 2. This is the debate on clauses 6 to 13 where Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu may appoint two members to council and the question is that Part 2 stand part.
Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): In response to Mr Court I guess you know we can agree to disagree but my view and Environment Canterbury's view of the Treaty and of the place that Ngāi Tahu has as the Treaty partner in relation to the Canterbury region they clearly differ because this bill is about recognising that. I say that this bill is about democracy-plus. There is the ability for the citizens of Canterbury to elect their 14 regional councillors. They still have that ability. Across the seven ward districts 14 councillors will still be elected but what's better is that there is now an enhanced representation on that council which now through this bill will incorporate the experience the knowledge and the recognition of the Treaty partner of the mana whenua at the council table. That is the purpose of this bill. We can agree to disagree but that is very much what this bill stands for and that is why Environment Canterbury has brought it to the House. Mana whenua are the Treaty partner. There's no comparison between a farmer group or a cycling interest group or a Forest & Bird. There is no comparator and that was recognised by the Attorney-General which is why this bill received a positive New Zealand Bill of Rights Act assessment. Kia ora.
Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): Thank you Mr Chair and I thank members for their contributions. In response firstly to Ms Pugh look I acknowledge the good work that is happening on the West Coast but the mana whenua reps on the West Coast don't have a vote so it's not equal. It's not equal.Maureen Pugh: They don't need one. They don't need one. Everyone agrees with them.RINO TIRIKATENE: Well that's fantastic for the West Coast but what Environment Canterbury are wanting to do here is take it even further to the next level by giving the mana whenua Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu the right to appoint two representatives to Environment Canterbury.In relation to the issue around precedent look this is a unique bespoke piece of legislation only relevant to Canterbury. It only applies to Canterbury and that's why it is a local bill. What other areas or people think of the bill is up to them but in terms of the history of this bill in terms of how the relationship that was forged between Environment Canterbury and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu came about that was completely unique to the Canterbury region and that's why this is a local bill. So I wouldn't even entertain any discussions around examples or precedents for anywhere else because as I've mentioned previously I cannot foresee any equivalent scenario in any other region of the country which is equivalent to what Environment Canterbury and Ngāi Tahu have in the Canterbury region.I want to pick up on the point around Māori constituencies or Māori wards. Yes I'm proud that the Labour Government our Government has put in place the ability for local authorities around the country to create Māori wards. That was looked at by Environment Canterbury but it was not the optimal solution to the issue that they had but it's important that that option remains and that is a future possibility for a future council that they may want to pick it up. That is a measure that we put in place as the Government to ensure that that can be applied right across the country and that is an option which is available and which we would encourage councils to be able to adopt but that is completely separate from this particular bill which is as I mentioned a very bespoke solution which Environment Canterbury have brought to the House.In relation to Mr Court I have said many times why we have this bill the purpose the objectives of it but what I would say is that Environment Canterbury are extending the recognition that the Crown has given to Ngāi Tahu and I would invite the member to read the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act and in particular the apology that's contained in that Act. At the end of that apology it talks about a new age of cooperation and that's what this bill reflects and that is captured within its objects. Kia ora.
Pugh MaureenMAUREEN PUGH (National): Thank you Mr Chair. I wasn't sure; I thought the member Rino Tirikatene may have been going to respond but maybe we'll back up all of our questions and let the sponsor of the bill have a good run next time.I'd like to cut to the chase on the purpose. We've talked a lot about the purpose of this bill but I want to get into the background of it and actually ask what it is we're doing. The sponsor of the bill said before that the result of this bill will not apply anywhere else in the country. But my question to the member is: is this bill going to create a precedent that will be rolled out across the country and is this particular piece of legislation the test case for that? The reason I ask that is because of a quote from Willie Jackson when he was on Q+A not too long ago telling the people of this country that the nature of democracy has changed. Now if the nature of democracy has changed stand up and tell the country because they have a right to know if the democracy in this country is being changed. And if this is test case No. 1 get up and deny it Willie Jackson; get up and deny it. We've already seen the Labour Government back up on the Rotorua bill. Is the Labour Government going to have the wherewithal to back up on this bill as well because this is changing the democracy in this country. I believe that if Jacinda Ardern and her Ministers no longer think that New Zealanders should have equal voting rights then simply say so and be open and honest with the country rather than this slippery slide of changing democracy by stealth.Now what I want to know from the member in charge of this bill is what the purpose of this legislation is in contrast to simply having members of Ngāi Tahu sitting around the table. I can use a very local example Mr Tirikatene. The Westland District Council has been building its relationship with Ngāi Tahu—Makaawhio Ngāti Waewae—over many years and they have been invited to sit round the council table and they do. They are a treasured partner in the local democracy and there is no issue that has come before that council where those representatives have been able to present their case in support or opposition where the council has opposed their view. They are valued partners their opinions matter but they do not need the special privilege of having an appointment and a paid position on the council in order to influence. And that is because relationships have been built over time. It is not being done by stealth and I think the democratic role that the other councillors play on the council gives credence to the voices of the public and it gives respect to Ngāti Waewae and Makaawhio and I think that is how you govern together. But this Mr Tirikatene—and the other alert that we had which came up in the select committee was a submission that was made by a Ngāi Tahu representative who said that this is the first step towards co-governance. And so I ask again: if this is the absolute purpose of this bill have the honesty to stand up and say so to the people of this country because they deserve to know where this is heading. Thank you Madam Chair.
Webb Duncan; McKelvie IanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Chief Whip—Labour): Point of order. I seek leave for the bill to be considered as one part.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Leave has been requested for that course of action. Is there any objection? There's objection. I call Simon Court.Hon Gerry Brownlee: What? No answer? I yielded time.
Brownlee GerryHon GERRY BROWNLEE (National): If the member Rino Tirikatene's assertion is correct and reasonable in all regards and if the benefits of the appointed process are so great and so wonderful why doesn't he move to strike out clause 13 Council may establish Māori constituencies"?If we look back at the part that we're actually discussing at the present time there is an appointment of two Ngāi Tahu representatives. Now given that that will raise the numbers around the council table to 16 and that in order to create those Māori constituencies or anything else like that that might be of a particular desire to that group of the community it's straightaway two votes ahead so why do we have to have in this bill that provision? This bill would be much more in line with the argument that's being advanced by Environment Canterbury and by the sponsor of the bill if in fact the bill prohibited the council once appointments are made from taking any action under section 19Z(2) of the Local Government Act 2001. But it doesn't.Dr Duncan Webb: Point of order. I understand this bill is being taken part by part. Mr Brownlee is referring to Part 2 and we're on Part 1. I'm happy for the bill to be taken as a single part and seek leave for that to be done if that helps.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Order! Thank you.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: Well that is entirely up to them but the point is that Part 1 of the bill goes right to the issue of the appointment of the two representatives from Ngāi Tahu and it would seem illogical that we can't refer to the consequences of that part reflected in other parts of the bill. So the very simple question to the sponsor of the bill: why has that dual situation been allowed?"
Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): In response to the member Simon Court again the purpose of this bill the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill is to ensure that mana whenua Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu can appoint two representatives to Environment Canterbury. Why? Diversity of representation is important. It worked successfully in the Canterbury region for close to nine years. It was well supported by members at the time. That is why Environment Canterbury has brought this bill back to the House. It worked so well that they want to make it a permanent arrangement. And they have the support of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. This process as I mentioned earlier has been going on for years. This bill came to the House a couple of years ago. So the work that Environment Canterbury has been doing amongst the wider region of Canterbury in relation to this bill is substantive.I would also say that mana whenua have a different status than just a farmers' group or Forest & Bird. We are talking about the Treaty partner here. We are talking about Environment Canterbury wanting to be a good extension of that Treaty partner through inviting and having that Treaty partner at the table of Environment Canterbury. I just want to also say that the two Ngāi Tahu representatives on Environment Canterbury are not veto rights. Two of 16 does not make a veto right. The decisions that the council makes are consensus decisions they are for the benefit of the region as a whole and so to say that it allows veto rights is just simply not the case. I hope that addresses those questions from the member.
Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): Thank you Mr Chair and I note that we are on Part 1 of this bill—is that correct sir? So Part 1 concerns the preliminary provisions and granted there is some latitude at the start of these debates to traverse a bit wider but I would just draw the attention of the committee of the whole House to Part 1. But if I may I I just want to quickly respond to the points that Mr Brownlee and Mr Court have raised. Firstly we can agree to disagree in terms of the use of the language of reinstatement or not but the end result is that from 2016 to 2019 there were Ngāi Tahu representatives on Environment Canterbury that were recommended and put through by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. They performed their jobs along with all the other elected councillors because it was a hybrid transitional group at that point. They performed their roles just exactly the same as all the other members of the council at that time. So that is what this bill does.That really goes on to the next point: what is the purpose what is the objective of this bill? The objective of this bill: Environment Canterbury has come to this House to make some bespoke changes to the local government legislation which allows Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu the mana whenua the group which has no comparison to any other group in Te Waipounamu the Treaty partner the ability to appoint two representatives to that council and they have great experience of working together. It took place over a period of nearly 10 years. So that is the objective of this bill. The reason why is because it works for Environment Canterbury. The quality of decision making the knowledge and experience that the Ngāi Tahu representatives bring to the council table actually led to better council decision-making and better outcomes in freshwater management and in other aspects of the environment. And why is that important? It is because Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has a special connection to the environment because Ngāi Tahu are the iwi the mana whenua the Treaty partner whose ancestral landscape is the Te Waipounamu; it is the whole region of Canterbury. I am the member in charge of this bill. I'm very grateful that the promoter Environment Canterbury asked me to be the member in charge but I don't represent Ngāi Tahu. I'm the member for Te Tai Tonga. I am the member that is bringing this local bill to the House. I have Ngāi Tahu whakapapa but I represent all Māori who are on the Māori roll in Te Tai Tonga. I am not the member for Ngāi Tahu—just to clarify that point—but I'm very proud to be able to bring this bill to the House. I hope that addresses those concerns and I ask the House that we get back to Part 1.
McKelvie IanCHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Members just before I call the Hon Gerry Brownlee we come first to Part 1. Part 1 is the debate on clauses 3 to 5A and Schedule 1 the preliminary provisions. The question is that Part 1 stand part. I did give the member some licence.
McKelvie IanCANTERBURY REGIONAL COUNCIL (NGĀI TAHU REPRESENTATION) BILLIn CommitteePart 1 Preliminary provisionsCHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Members the House is in committee on the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill. I remind members—and I'll do this because there are some off-site callers—that they're able to participate remotely. If you're on Zoom and want to take a call please type Call" into the chat. You should also use the chat if you want to raise a point of order. If we receive new tabled amendments I will advise members so they can refresh the House papers page to see the new amendment. Finally it would be helpful for members to ask multiple questions if they have them of the member in charge of the bill."
Rurawhe AdrianDEPUTY SPEAKER: I declare the House in committee for consideration of the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill.
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: No petitions or select committee reports have been presented. No bills have been introduced.Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK: The Statement of Performance Expectations for 2022/23 for Crown Regional Holdings Ltd and Education Payroll.SPEAKER: I present the report of the Controller and Auditor-General entitled Improving value through better Crown entity monitoring. Those papers are published under the authority of the House. I just want to thank my assistants earlier in the parade from Kamo Intermediate School. I used to think Kamo" was an All Black but it's a place as well."
Dean JacquiWEDNESDAY 29 JUNE 2022The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSHon JACQUI DEAN (Assistant Speaker): 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 28 June 2022 - Volume 760
Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 42New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That this House approve the following orders made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020: COVID-19 Public Health Response (Protection Framework) Amendment Order (No 8) 2022 (SL 2022/143) and COVID-19 Public Health Response (Protection Framework) Amendment Order (No 9) 2022 (SL 2022/165).Ayes 97New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 32.Noes 22Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Orders agreed to.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 87 Noes 22.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the motion be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 44New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.
COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 — Continuation
Imprest Supply (First for 2022/23) Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Imprest Supply (First for 2022/23) Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 44New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
Appropriation (2021/22 Supplementary Estimates) Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Appropriation (2021/22 Supplementary Estimates) Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 44New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
Appropriation (2021/22 Supplementary Estimates) Bill and Imprest Supply (First for 2022/23) Bill — Second Readings
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Appropriation (2021/22 Supplementary Estimates) Bill and the Imprest Supply (First for 2022/23) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 44New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bills read a second time.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Those bills are set down for third reading forthwith.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Imprest Supply (First for 2022/23) Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 44New Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a first time.
Imprest Supply (First for 2022/23) Bill — First Reading
11. Question No. 11—COVID-19 ResponseSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for COVID-19 ResponseQuestion No. 11—COVID-19 Response11. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for COVID-19 Response: What recent announcements has she made about boosting the health of New Zealanders throughout winter?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL (Minister for COVID-19 Response): Yesterday I was pleased to announce that this Government is boosting the health of New Zealanders by making available a second COVID-19 booster shot for those groups most at risk. The second booster will be made available to everyone 50 years and older and health aged care and disability care workers over 30. It will also be made available to people over 16 with a medical condition that increases the risk of poor health outcomes from catching COVID-19. We know immunisation plays a vital role in protecting us from the worst effects of the virus. By introducing a second booster dose for those most at risk we're helping Kiwis play their part in staying healthy through the winter.Shanan Halbert: Who should get their second booster dose?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: We know that staying up to date with the recommended COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to protect New Zealanders from the risk of severe illness hospitalisation and death. The Ministry of Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group has recommended the second booster dose for anyone over the age of 65 as well as Māori and Pacific peoples over the age of 50 and people who are severely immune comprised. The ministry will be working closely with providers to target vaccination efforts to these populations. Anyone who is eligible for the second booster dose or is still to get their first booster or primary doses can book online at bookmyvaccine.co.nz or call 0800 282 926.Shanan Halbert: What other Government announcements has she seen to keep New Zealanders safe through winter?Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: More good news. Alongside the second booster the Minister of Health has announced a widening of access to free flu vaccines this Friday 1 July. This will mean free flu vaccines for another 800000 New Zealanders in addition to the million who have already protected themselves and their whānau by getting the flu jab. Children aged three to 12 and people with serious mental health or addiction needs will now be eligible. Omicron and the flu are making this winter more challenging than normal. That's why the best thing all New Zealanders can do is make sure their whānau are up to date with their vaccinations and boosters.
9. Question No. 9—Education (School Operations)CAMILLA BELICH (Labour) to the Associate Minister of Education (School Operations)Question No. 9—Education (School Operations)9. CAMILLA BELICH (Labour) to the Associate Minister of Education (School Operations): What milestones if any have recently been met in the Government's barrier-free access to education work programme?Hon JAN TINETTI (Associate Minister of Education (School Operations)): We have reached the one-year milestone of free period products being available to all State schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. Seventy-eight percent of eligible schools have signed up to this programme. That means in the past year over 350000 female or menstruating students have had access to free period products at school. I've spoken to many young students in our schools about how the free period products programme has removed barriers to their attendance at school and stigma around menstrual health.Camilla Belich: What other achievements have been made to remove barriers to education?Hon JAN TINETTI: Under this Government 947 schools and kura have signed up to the Government's healthy school lunches programme reaching over 222000 kids. The programme has been running for two years and is called Ka Ora Ka Ako meaning when you are well you can learn" to reflect the importance of healthy food for learning minds. The Government also recognises the importance of mental wellbeing in education which is why we have funded free counselling in schools programmes for 164 schools and reaching 24000 students. In addition we have expanded the Mana Ake mental health and wellbeing programme which is being delivered in six regions across New Zealand. The removal of financial barriers to education have also been addressed through the Government's school donation schemes for deciles 1 to 7 and the removal of fees for NCEA since 2019 with more than 145000 households estimated to have benefited.Camilla Belich: Why was removing these barriers important for educational outcomes?Hon JAN TINETTI: We know that for some young people and their families the financial barriers to attending and engaging in school every day have been a real challenge. The changes this Government has made to address those are based on evidence but also from conversations we have had with schools and families on what works. Every time I go into a school that has the free healthy lunches programme I hear from teachers what a positive difference it makes to both the attendance of the students and their engagement in afternoon learning now that these kids have food in their bellies. This Government will face the challenges of attendance and engagement at school head on and we will turn this ship around. This Government is committed to doing things better for our tamariki for the future of Aotearoa because we know our young people deserve the best."