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Lubeck MarjaMARJA LUBECK (Labour): Thank you Madam Speaker. It's a pleasure to take a call on the Health and Safety at Work (Health and Safety Representatives and Committees) Amendment Bill. Unlike the previous speaker Sam Uffindell who was smiling all through a very serious issue of people getting seriously injured hurt and even killed in our workplaces I would like to talk a little bit about what the bill actually does. I also want to make a comment on the words that the ACT member used a few times during his speech which was the word offensive". But what I find terribly offensive is referring to this bill and the measures that it takes to keep our workers safe as an "imposition". I also take offence to the previous speaker talking about "playing games" when it has been pointed out by the Green Party member very eloquently that we still have hideous rates of injury at our New Zealand workplaces: 64 people die a year in their workplaces. And that member called it playing games. Now that is offensive.Nobody on this side of the House is saying that employers are bad but our levels of harm need to reduce because the rates of injuries and killing of workers is too high in comparison to other countries. We have made good progress as the Minister pointed out previously but we need to keep doing that work to reduce the harm done to New Zealand workers.Now the previous speaker and others have also mentioned: what is the problem we're trying to solve? It is serious injuries of so many workers in our New Zealand workplaces; it's 64 workers not returning home to their families from a day's work—now that is the problem we're trying to resolve and I commend the Minister for bringing this bill to the House and not kicking the can down the road because this Government actually does tackle the long-term challenges we see in this country. It is international research. So I say to the people that are saying we don't know what a risk assessment is and a cost-benefit ratio read the international research. The evidence is really clear that worker representations make a real significant difference to the health and safety outcomes in a workplace and that is why this bill is so important.Now it is no surprise to me that ACT or National advocate for the status quo because that is what they do. But "status quo" in this case means that the rates of fatalities per 100000 workers are roughly double what we see in Australia and they're four times what we see in the UK. Now our Government doesn't think that's good enough so our Government is taking measures to change that with this bill—this very good bill that the Education and Workforce Committee chaired by the excellent Camilla Belich has tackled. I thank the committee for their work. I thank the Minister for having the courage to bring so many good bills to this House addressing some of those long-term challenges addressing the gaps that the National Government left us and I commend it to the House. Thank you Madam Speaker."
Rosewarne Dan; Dean JacquiDAN ROSEWARNE (Labour): Kia ora Madam Speaker. It's my pleasure to take a call on the Health and Safety at Work (Health and Safety Representatives—Hon Gerry Brownlee: Well what about the rest of us?DAN ROSEWARNE: —and Committees) Amendment Bill. Mr Brownlee's woken up over there. Now during the committee stage of the bill and today you know the Opposition have focused the debate around productivity. They say the two days' training per year for small businesses would equate to too much lost productivity but it doesn't appear that they have considered the lost days of productivity across those businesses due to preventable workplace injuries and I want to point out that according to ACC the average care hours per serious injury claim is 58 days. That's 58 days where that worker would be away from work which will be at significant cost—not only for the businesses but also the workers' families and the workers themselves. Now if that serious injury was prevented by a trained health and safety rep I would argue that investment in that two-day course is money well spent.So I suppose my question for the Opposition is: what would be the Opposition's message for the family of an employee who has suffered a life-changing injury at work in a small business? That could be entirely preventable had that employer invested in that two-day course for that health and safety rep. On all injury claims in New Zealand 36 percent are still not back working after 10 weeks. So if that trained health and safety rep prevents one serious injury in the workplace or in other words if a serious injury is prevented in 5000 of those businesses with under 20 employees you're saving around 250000 days in lost productivity. The point I'm making is that injuries arising from accidents demand an attack on three fronts. The most important is obviously prevention. Yes the employee has a role in that but so does the employer. Next in importance is the obligation to rehabilitate the injured. Thirdly there is the duty to compensate them for their losses.Now to ensure the longevity of our world-renowned ACC scheme we need the likes of the Opposition to consider the financial sustainability of the scheme and to consider the potential burden that preventable injuries place on future levy payers including the Government. And given that around 575000 small businesses exist in New Zealand making up 97 percent of the total firms and 29.3 percent of our workforce small businesses play a valuable role in contributing to the improved health and safety outcomes of New Zealand workplaces. This legislation will help small businesses do just that. So I commend this bill to the House. Thank you Madam Speaker.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Sam Uffindell—five minutes.
Roberts AngelaANGELA ROBERTS (Labour): Thank you Mr Speaker. It is good to be standing here and taking a call on the Health and Safety at Work (Health and Safety Representatives and Committees) Amendment Bill. The reason it is good is because looking after workers means we look after businesses. Looking after workers means we look after the economy. When we talk about sustainability it is as much about the people in our economy as any other input. I just want to reflect for a moment on some of the submissions and valid concerns that were raised in the select committee. One of them was from Business New Zealand who suggested that smaller persons conducting a business or undertaking would know their workers and would know each other and that informal supervision would be effective. Well if that is the case and a firm already has great health and safety systems and great relationships with their workers the workers may not need or feel the need to go down this road. But it is their option—their right—that we are giving to the 500000 workers who work in these smaller enterprises. They were concerned that the existence of official appointees sends a signal that health and safety is that person's responsibility and not that of every worker. It's not true; it's the opposite. In having workers who are well-trained they take up the responsibility to look after each other and they will improve things in the workplace. We keep hearing about the cost of workers. Actually workers are an investment and we know that when we invest in these workers and their education health and safety improves productivity improves and staff turnover reduces. Sometimes the most costly investment that a small business makes is in its team and its workers and this investment is impactful. It is really important. We heard about the cost of sending them off for two days' training. Well I think now that's a great thing—a grand incentive to have that on your CV. Imagine valuing a worker who's got really good skills when it comes to health and safety and working collegially with their workmates to make their workplace safer and thus more productive—imagine valuing that. I've got this on my CV employ me."—what a wonderful conversation to be having. This is about enabling workplaces to be great; this isn't about clamping down. This is a great piece of legislation and I commend it to the House."
Ngobi TerisaTERISA NGOBI (Labour—Ōtaki): Ni sa bula vinaka Mr Speaker. As always it's an honour and a privilege to take a call in this House of change as the member of Parliament for the Ōtaki electorate. While I wasn't on the select committee who heard the submissions and worked on this bill I do want to thank the Primary Production Committee for their mahi on the Forests (Legal Harvest Assurance) Amendment Bill as we come to the third reading today.Our Government has been working and focused on addressing the issue of illegally logged wood for over a decade now. Under this bill Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to trading only in legally harvested timber. This bill will establish a legal harvest system that will require the log traders the importers and the exporters to register and to ensure the timber that they are dealing with is legally harvested only. This bill brings us into line with other trading partners in other countries—for example Australia the US Indonesia the Republic of Korea Japan Vietnam and China.When countries around the world trade with us here in Aotearoa New Zealand—particularly in the timber industry—they will know that they are trading with a country that is doing the right thing that is ethically right in the way that we harvest and trade in terms of our legal timber. Like the member Stuart Nash talked about earlier that is really important for the way people perceive us overseas and for our import and export business. So just a short call today. This is a great piece of legislation and I commend this bill to the House.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
Peke-Mason SorayaSORAYA PEKE-MASON (Labour): It's good to take a call on the Forests (Legal Harvest Assurance) Amendment Bill third reading. When I spoke on this bill during the second reading I reflected on the 400000 hectares of indigenous forest and some 238000 hectares on Māori land. These lands contribute significantly to Māori socio-economic development. When I hear the word forestry" I think of my whānau. I think of my whānau because this sector provides bread and butter—yes bread and butter—for some of my whānau to survive.In the 1960s thousands of hectares of what was left of inaccessible undeveloped Māori land were put into forestry leases encouraged by Government at the time. I want to talk about one of those lands: Ngāporo Waimarino Forest Trust. But before I do I want to acknowledge last Thursday the passing of one of my whanaunga Robert Cribb known back home as "Boy" a humble caring soft persistent man and leader committed to Māori land development from Kāhui Maunga ki Tangaroa Te Awa Tupua o Whanganui [the Assembly of Mountains to the sea the mystical river of Whanganui]. He dedicated his life to achieving the aspirations of his whānau his marae his hapū and his iwi and that was in land development through forestry and environmental conservation. This was always for the greater good of not just Māori but for the wider community that he lived in. E moe e moe mai rā tōku kaihana. [Sleep rest in peace my cousin.]This trust has 43 Māori land blocks located next to the Whanganui River. You can imagine back in the 1960s my kaumātua and kuia hearing about "Oh you better do something about your land because this is what might happen or what might not happen." But nevertheless they got themselves together and they entered into lease arrangements. Half of the lands in this block this trust are in pine and the remainder is in beautiful plush untouched natural ngahere. I remember the stories of a time—actually not too long ago—where blocks were stripped of their natural native trees logs helicoptered out tree poaching illegal forest harvesting activities and persistent contractors seeking harvesting permits to take our trees to take our taonga without permission. As the Minister said illegal harvested timber has been debated in this House for over 10 years and it seems even more. It is good to see this progress.A newcomer to the Primary Production Committee I acknowledge the culmination of a lot of the hard work that's gone on the former chair Jo Luxton and the committee at the time and the committee now led by Steph Lewis and also the Ministers involved over those times and years. I am grateful to them all for the hard work for the diligence and to see this bill commended to the House. Kia ora."
Nash StuartHon STUART NASH (Labour—Napier): Thank you very much Mr Speaker. Forestry and wood products will play an increasingly important role in the New Zealand economy across our varied and many communities especially rural and provincial communities—this is the growing the harvesting the processing and the trading of course of lumber and logs—so maintaining or enhancing the fragile social licence to operate is vital. This Forests (Legal Harvest Assurance) Amendment Bill provides this in the domestic and international trade space both to importers and exporters so those who are buying timber through stores or who are exporting it know that the timber they are buying is legitimate is from sustainable sources and can be trusted.We know that our global reputation as a country of integrity is vitally important. If we don't get this right and work to meet if not exceed the expectations of global markets and international consumers then we run the risk of becoming just another small economy at the bottom of the world importing and trading in exporting commodities and we don't want that. This bill addresses international concerns around integrity of imports and exports and that's the reason why a number of other jurisdictions are also implementing similar regimes. It's not to say that our current system or forest owners or importers and exporters lack integrity at all—far from it—but this just ensures we are meeting global best-practice codes of compliance.There's been a lot of work across the forest and timber industry to make sure we get this right and workable to ensure that the benefits far outweigh the costs. In fact it's my experience that anything that increases compliance and the integrity of a process and that weeds out cowboys is actually welcomed by the industry because as mentioned it brings a level of integrity that is vitally important to the successful operation of our trade practices and our forestry business up and down this country. It's the reason why we've supported this bill it's the reason why it's important for our forestry sector it's the reason why it's important for our international trading sector and it's the reason why it is supported by the vast majority in the industry and right across this House. Thank you.
Lorck Anna; O'Connor GregANNA LORCK (Labour—Tukituki): Thank you Mr Speaker. I rise as a member of the Primary Production Committee in the third reading debate on the Forests (Legal Harvest Assurance) Amendment Bill. It's been a lot of work that the Primary Production Committee has been doing on forestry as has the Government and this particular bill is about making sure that we establish a legal harvest system which would require log traders primary processors importers and exporters to be registered and do due diligence on the timber they are dealing with to ensure it is not being illegally harvested.One of the things that I can say having sat through the select committee process and as part of the select committee is that there has been a lot of collegial support including industry to work in partnership and work together on ensuring that we do have a legal harvest protection mechanism in New Zealand. Now this is something that the industry has been focusing on for over a decade and it's also something that's in line with many other export trading partners so it gives me pleasure to stand and take a call and to see this bill go through.It's also probably worth a mention when we talk about forestry that we've just completed our forestry slash inquiry report into what was happening in Wairoa and Tairāwhiti. Through that the Minister of Forestry—as we go through and look at how we are harvesting our forestry—has also just announced $10.5 million in Budget 2023 to provide to local government to support the clean-up of slash and debris in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti and implement short-term medium-term solutions around how we do that and also looking at $25.2 million for the next four years to protect 21000 hectares of hill-country farmland across Aotearoa and New Zealand.So on top of the bill that we're putting through today there is much more work to do in the forestry space. Thank you Mr Speaker.DEPUTY SPEAKER: This is a five-minute call—Nicola Grigg.
Lorck AnnaANNA LORCK (Labour—Tukituki): There are those of us who are focused on supporting each other on backing each other and helping each other. When the going gets tough the tough keep it together and keep working together. Never have we seen that more than in Hawke's Bay over the past 12 weeks—it's only been 12 weeks; it can feel like a year sometimes. But in 12 weeks we have seen such an incredible amount of spirit grit and determination from our region to work together. It is times like this that we see the best in people where people dig deep and support and work together.And yet right now all I have heard from that other side of this House for the last three-quarters of an hour are negative stories; negative pulling down of people over and over again. We've heard negative National Party Nicola Willis go on and on and on about how terrible it is in New Zealand dragging down—dragging down—the economy where back on this side of the House in Government we fight. We fight for the people of New Zealand we fight for the people of Hawke's Bay—we back the people of Hawke's Bay and we back this country to go forward and be proud.The only thing that's going up in the National Party right now is the pension age. That's right they want to raise the pension age—pension age is going up from 65 to 67. That's what the National Party want to do—not on this side of the House—and so does the ACT Party. They want to make hard-working New Zealanders who pay their taxes for years and years and years—when you get to 65 when you get to 66 under the National Party and the ACT Party they're going to cut it from you. They're going to cut your super. You've heard it here: the National Party—the only thing they're going up on is the pension age. Everything else—everything else—they have no plan. They don't want to help New Zealand. They don't want to help Hawke's Bay either. I can tell you that the National Party has shown absolutely nothing that they would give to Hawke's Bay—not like this side of the House.Here's where we're delivering: in the last 12 weeks this Government has provided $230 million to Hawke's Bay as part of our recovery response. That's $10.15 million to clean up the slash. That's $133 million to clean up debris and silt. That's $3.25 million for mental health. That's $31.2 million to help businesses in their immediate response and recovery. I can go on and on around the amount of investment and backing that this Government is supporting and helping Hawke's Bay with. We've seen over $50 million going into our immediate response to getting roads open. We've had Bailey bridges been built. And yes the thing I can commit to here right now is we will continue to back business we will back our horticultural industry.We are in this for a partnership—a partnership with Hawke's Bay. That's what's wanted: where people work together. People need to work together stand together and be united. That's how we get through this. That's what you see on this side of the Government—a Government who cares and a Government that will continue to work and back the Bay through and through.
Rurawhe AdrianPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Social Justice Aotearoa requesting that the House amend section 52 of the Corrections Act to require rehabilitation programmes for prison inmates be established within 12 months of imprisonmentpetition of Kate Stone requesting that the House pass a motion formally recognising the State of Palestine and urge the Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine.SPEAKER: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee. Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Annual Report 2021-22Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Statement of Performance Expectations 2022-23.SPEAKER: Those papers are published under the authority of the House. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Justice Committee on the petition of Hāpai te Hauorareport of the Petitions Committee on the petition of Hayley Liu.SPEAKER: No bills have been introduced.
Dean JacquiWEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2023The 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 King 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.
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Thursday 11 November 2021 - Volume 755
10. Question No. 10—Commerce and Consumer AffairsNAISI CHEN (Labour) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsQuestion No. 10—Commerce and Consumer Affairs10. NAISI CHEN (Labour) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What recent progress has been made towards regulating merchant service fees?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): This Government is following through on its manifesto commitment to take action on merchant service fees. COVID-19 has changed the way we all spend our money. Online and contactless transactions are now the norm. The Retail Payment System Bill has progressed through first reading and is now at select committee. It's expected to result in savings of approximately $74 million each year for New Zealand small businesses and consumers.Naisi Chen: What benefits will these changes deliver for businesses?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Whilst all merchants benefit from these changes it's small businesses that will breathe the biggest sigh of relief. There's growing demand for all shops and services to offer contactless credit or online transactions. Many have faced a choice of absorbing higher fees or risk losing customers. This Government does not believe that's fair and that's why we're doing something about it.Naisi Chen: How will these changes benefit ordinary consumers?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: These changes will mean being able to go to your local dairy greengrocer or butchery knowing your payment options aren't likely to be limited to EFTPOS or cash. COVID-19 has changed the way we spend our money. It's also made us much more conscious about how to keep each other safe when going about our daily lives. Therefore it's essential all retailers feel they have affordable access to contactless payment services.SPEAKER: Now before I call Harete Hipango I'm going to indicate that despite my displeasure with Nicola Willis I accept that the next question is one where there is a lot of public interest and the member can have supplementaries that she would otherwise have. But can I just say that yelling at members while other members are asking questions is something which is not acceptable.
8. Question No. 8—TransportGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 8—Transport8. GREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu) to the Minister of Transport: What recent progress has been made to improve transport in the regions?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): We are making progress on a number of important projects around the regions to keep New Zealand moving and support the economic recovery. The first of three new safer link road connections into Tamahere opened recently as the Hamilton section of the Waikato expressway drives towards completion. Later this year stage 2 will see the on-ramp over Cambridge Road bridge open and next year stage 3 will see the on-ramp from the link road to the city open completing the southern interchange connections. Looking to the Coromandel I'm also happy to report that Tairua locals have safer walking and cycling options following the opening of a new footbridge across Grahams Stream at the northern end of the town.Greg O'Connor: What other regional projects have reached important milestones?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Te Ahu a Turanga the Manawatū Tararua highway has completed its first earthworks season with over 650000 cubic metres of earth moved since construction began in January of this year. The landscaping team have been out in all weather and have met their goal of getting close to 250000 native plants in the ground. Around 630000 plants are growing at a number of nurseries for planting next year. Work is also starting on a new walking and cycling path in Napier on State Highway 50 between Battery Road and Prebensen Drive roundabout and work will include the construction of a pedestrian and cyclist - shared path level crossing upgrades and new road markings to improve safety and efficiency for everyone.Greg O'Connor: How are other transport projects supporting the regions?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I'm pleased to note that our investment to reopen the Napier to Wairoa rail line is supporting the Hawke's Bay. While log trains have generally been running on weekends due to increased demand to get logs to port KiwiRail is now running log trains every weekday on this new line. This helps to reduce the number of heavy log trucks on regional roads which boost the forestry supply chain improves safety and cuts emissions. Work is also about to begin on sealing State Highway 43 the Forgotten World Highway which will create jobs and support the recovery. The project is estimated to contribute up to $45 million in economic activity to the region while improving safety for everyone on the route. This is a Government that invests and delivers for our regions.
6. Question No. 6—GCSBGINNY ANDERSEN (Labour—Hutt South) to the Minister responsible for the GCSBQuestion No. 6—GCSB6. GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour—Hutt South) to the Minister responsible for the GCSB: What recent announcements have been made in the GCSB portfolio?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister responsible for the GCSB): This morning the GCSB's director-general announced the agency's operational decision that two of the satellite communications interception dishes and radome coverings at Waihopai will be retired and deconstructed while the station near Blenheim will remain an operational facility. The nature of telecommunications has changed over the past 30 years and our needs and capabilities have overtaken the sort of satellite communication interception that has been carried out at Waihopai. This Government has invested $150 million in Budgets 2019 and 2020 with about half of that funding going to procure new capabilities and maintain New Zealand's technological advantages in intelligence gathering. The announcement by the director-general shows a contemporary intelligence agency being open about the national security challenges we face today.Ginny Andersen: Will the functions of the GCSB change now the domes are being retired?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: No. The mission of the GCSB has not changed. Technology changes and the retirement of the domes reflects that reality. The GCSB collects signals intelligence and is primarily externally focused. Their intelligence insights help keep New Zealanders safe and help Government to better direct resources and manage risks. The GCSB also has a number of non-covert functions—for example hosting the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) that helps New Zealand's nationally significant organisations to protect their information systems. Over the past 5 years the NCSC has prevented more than $284 million of harm to those organisations.Ginny Andersen: How have New Zealand's Five Eyes partners reacted to the GCSB's decision to remove the domes?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The GCSB discussed their plans and operational decision with the Five Eyes. Our partners understand the domes are obsolete and their removal is part of the normal operational evolution and modernisation of the intelligence agency. I've seen the contribution New Zealand makes to the Five Eyes. Just recently intelligence collected by the GCSB disrupted terrorist attack planning overseas. Our partners value the unique work New Zealand does as part of the Five Eyes partnership.
4. Question No. 4—COVID-19 ResponseSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for COVID-19 ResponseQuestion No. 4—COVID-19 Response4. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister for COVID-19 Response: What recent progress has been made on New Zealand's COVID-19 vaccine programme across the regions?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response): We continue to steadily move towards our goal of 90 percent of the country being fully vaccinated. Currently 89.6 percent of the eligible 12-plus New Zealand population have now had their first dose; 79.6 percent have received both doses. I want to pay particular acknowledgment to the efforts of the people in Waitematā Auckland Counties Manukau Capital and Coast Canterbury and Southern DHBs all of whom have reached 90 percent of their first doses being administered. I can't overstate the importance of those 3.35 million people who have now all been fully vaccinated. It is a hugely significant step forward for the ongoing protection of New Zealand.Shanan Halbert: How is the vaccine programme progressing across northern regions particularly for different age bands?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: One point four million - plus people across Northland and the Auckland metropolitan DHBs have received at least one dose of the vaccine—that's 91 percent of the eligible community—1.3 million have received both doses and are now fully vaccinated. We're also seeing really positive numbers from those 65 and over in the North. Over 244000 or 95 percent of that age cohort have had their first dose while 237000 or 92 percent have received their second. Northland DHB is looking to utilise every opportunity to increase demand. They're currently operating weekly prize draws they've engaged with all sorts of community groups and they've got the mayors and businesses in the district highlighting support for the vaccination programme.Shanan Halbert: And how is the vaccine programme progressing across the southern region particularly for different ethnic communities?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Nine hundred and two thousand people across the South Island have received their first dose or 91 percent of the eligible community; 789121 individuals have received their second and have therefore been fully vaccinated. Commendably 99 percent of eligible Pacific people across the southern DHBs have had their first dose; 82 percent have received both. Seventy-nine percent of eligible Māori have had at least one dose and 61 percent have had both. The South Island is focusing on each DHB in the region reaching 90 percent first doses and the five DHBs have developed a joint campaign to make sure they reach that target. There's great work happening in communities across the southern region including with Māori health providers iwi and DHBs. They're working in partnership on locally led innovative solutions and that includes young people from ethnic communities running targeted vaccination clinics to vaccinate their communities in Christchurch and the establishment of more after-hours clinics which has been particularly successful with some of our ethnic communities including Middle Eastern and Latin American communities.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Confidence among New Zealand investors has returned to pre-pandemic levels according to the latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey. This shows that net investor confidence rose from 14 percent to 25 percent for the three months to October matching the last peak in the March 2017 quarter. Confidence in Auckland reached a seven-year high up from 18 percent to 31 percent. ASB said Investment confidence [had] remained resilient in a similar way to the strength that we have seen in other business confidence surveys over recent months". The huge uncertainty and volatility experienced during last year's lockdown has not been repeated through investor confidence. Our approach that the Government has taken to support the economy and give people confidence through the period of restrictions is clearly contributing to this.Dr Duncan Webb: What reports has he seen on the resilience of the labour market and its impact on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The SEEK NZ Employment Report rose at a faster pace in October up a seasonally adjusted 0.7 percent from the 0.3 percent gain in the previous month. The annual rate of growth was 36.8 percent which BNZ said was "comfortably above" pre-COVID levels. Auckland job ads eased by 0.6 percent in October despite the stricter restrictions and followed an 8.1 percent drop in September. The Waikato also registered a 4 percent fall in job ads last month as part of that region went into the higher alert levels. Every other region saw gains in October after rebounding in September as well.Dr Duncan Webb: What reports has he seen on international comparisons for our economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well the results show that New Zealand has performed favourably against the countries we measure ourselves against. If we just look at unemployment on comparable measures New Zealand's 3.4 percent rate stands against 4.6 percent in Australia 4.5 percent in the United Kingdom 5.1 percent in the United States and 7.2 percent in Canada with the OECD average at 6 percent. Overall New Zealand's unemployment rate is among the lowest in the OECD ranked fifth equal among the 38 countries in the September quarter moving up from eighth place the last quarter. And New Zealand's employment rate for people aged 15 to 64 years old was 79.1 percent placing us third among the OECD rankings."
Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People's Commission Bill — First Reading
Special Debates — 150th Anniversary of the Māori Affairs Committee
Chhour KarenKAREN CHHOUR (ACT): I stand here today to speak on 150 years of a committee that was formed to bring a stronger voice to our people. I didn't know much about the Māori Affairs Committee so I myself wrote to the library and asked them to do a bit of research into how this committee was formed and why it was formed and I was quite surprised that there was actually no reason given to why this committee was formed and there were a few assumptions as to why that happened. I'd like to think it was because more Māori were showing an interest in having a voice in the way that their people were being represented. Petitions were being presented and voices were being heard and I think that's huge progress. I stand here proud speaking about my ancestors who paved the way for somebody like me to be able to stand here today and represent New Zealanders and the Māori people. So Tāmati Coffey has spoken to the facts of how this all happened and the progress of the select committee rooms and representation within this building. But I'd like to speak to the fact that the fight to get here and the fight to be able to speak was a hard road but now I am so proud that even if the Māori select committee was no longer here and the Māori seats weren't here look at the representation we've managed to achieve and the pride we can have standing here because the people of our past made this happen. We started with four MPs 153 years ago. That was 3 percent representation. Look at where we are now in 2021: 21 percent representation in this House. We might have different opinions and different views and come at it from different angles but that's what democracy is. It's about representing the wide variety and Māori now have a voice here. I would like to make a commitment that in my time here I want to make my ancestors proud I want to make my grandmother proud and stand up for what I believe is right for my people. We are overrepresented in a lot of statistics that we're not proud of but we are doing well in other areas and just fighting for better opportunities for our people to make the fight that they went through mean something. So thank you for the opportunity to stand here today and I will make sure that the ACT Party fights just as hard for our children to have the opportunities that everybody in this country has. That includes for me the education system because unless our Māori children have better opportunities within education we will always be overrepresented in these statistics. I would like to finish off just by a prayer that was read out by Joseph Gordon Coates actually at the opening of the Māori Affairs Committee room: He hoped that the race that owned the country previously the race that we were proud of as fellow-citizens and as brothers would long continue to flourish and that the two races Maori and pakeha would always live together in unity. When they entered the room as members of Parliament they entered it as equals" and our hope is that that is what people see here today. Every time we walk in here we enter as equals. Thank you."
SpeechSPECIAL DEBATESMāori Affairs Committee—150th Anniversary
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: A petition has been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Angelo Dumlao requesting that the House urge the Government to grant permanent residence class visas to residence from work applicants who have been in the non-priority queue for 27 months or more.SPEAKER: That petition stands referred to the Petitions Committee. A paper has been delivered for presentation.CLERK: United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and the accompanying national interest analysis.SPEAKER: I present the report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment entitled Space invaders: A review of how New Zealand manages weeds that threaten native ecosystems. Those papers are published—Hon Members: Ha ha!SPEAKER: No pleading guilty! Those papers are published under the authority of the House. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Reports of the Health Committee on the COVID-19 Public Health Response Amendment Bill (No 2) on the petition of Simon Wallace and on the report of the Controller and Auditor-General Preparations for the nationwide roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine.SPEAKER: The bill is set down for second reading and the report is set down for consideration. The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of bills.CLERK: Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill introductionCanterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill introduction.SPEAKER: Those bills are set down for first reading.
Wood Michael; Woodhouse Michael; Mallard Trevor; Hipkins ChrisBUSINESS STATEMENTHon MICHAEL WOOD (Deputy Leader of the House): Next week legislation to be considered will include further stages of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Amendment Bill (No 2) the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Bill and the Drug and Substance Checking Legislation Bill (No 2) and the first reading of the Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill. On Wednesday there will be a special debate that makes up time lost in the Estimates debate while Wellington was at higher alert levels. Wednesday's sitting will be extended into Thursday morning.Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National): I thank the Deputy Leader of the House for that update. The Minister for COVID-19 Response has indicated that it's the Government's intention to introduce a past legislation to give effect to the traffic light framework. I wonder if the deputy leader could inform the House when that legislation might be introduced and whether it's the Government's intention to pass it through urgency.SPEAKER: Either Minister can answer.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): The reason I was late of course is actually Chris Bishop's fault. He held up the media before me so they were late in questioning me. The Government's intention next week is to pass the current COVID-19 bill that is before the House and to introduce legislation the following week that deals specifically with vaccinations and the response framework.
Mallard TrevorTHURSDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSSPEAKER: Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal 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.
Wednesday 10 November 2021 - Volume 755
New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Fair Residency) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Fair Residency) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 12Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
11. Question No. 11—Local GovernmentCHRISTOPHER LUXON (National—Botany) to the Minister of Local GovernmentQuestion No. 11—Local Government11. CHRISTOPHER LUXON (National—Botany) to the Minister of Local Government: Does she stand by all of her statements and actions regarding the Three Waters reforms?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Deputy Prime Minister) on behalf of the Minister of Local Government: Yes including the statements that there is widespread agreement that the status quo is unsustainable and that the case for change is urgent that it is irresponsible to not act given that we all know that this issue affects every New Zealander and as we've seen can cause serious health issues and even death. I've seen an alternative put forward by the member's party that would deliver safe drinking water ensure value for money—an estimated $180 billion investment over 30 years—but that has not been made available. I also stand by the statement that families and communities who suffer when three waters infrastructure fails are not interested in endless debate; they want action.Christopher Luxon: Does she agree that ownership rights entail financial recognition a formal shareholding and control of assets; and will councils have those rights under her model?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: On behalf of the Minister the member is aware that for example formal shareholding rights are not part of this. The only reason to have those would be if you intended to sell those shares.Christopher Luxon: Does she agree that businesses are owned by shareholders who have a defined number of shares and know how much of the business they actually own and if so how can her collective ownership model seriously be described as ownership?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: On behalf of the Minister it's called public ownership; but I'm not surprised that the member doesn't understand that.Christopher Luxon: Which of her Government's various definitions of Crown ownership public ownership local ownership and now collective ownership—if any—mean that councils would keep any control of their local water assets?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: On behalf of the Minister councils will collectively own the water service entities. What we are changing here is decades-long under-investment in our water infrastructure that has made people sick and has meant that people are paying far more than they need to in support of their water. The easy answer here is to do nothing. That's the Opposition's path. We are actually getting on with giving New Zealanders better water.
9. Question No. 9—Economic and Regional DevelopmentIBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Minister for Economic and Regional DevelopmentQuestion No. 9—Economic and Regional Development9. IBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Minister for Economic and Regional Development: What changes has the Government made regarding the payment of the living wage to Public Service contractors providing cleaning catering and security services?Hon STUART NASH (Minister for Economic and Regional Development): I have today announced a Cabinet decision to direct core Public Service departments to ensure that contracts for cleaning catering and security guards pay at least the living wage rate of $22.75 per hour. These contractors are employed via third parties and are some of the lowest-paid workers in Government. It was a manifesto commitment to extend the living wage guarantee to these workers to address significant disparities in wages across the State sector. The changes will take effect for contracts signed or renewed after 1 December. I want to acknowledge the amazing work of advocates in the living wage movement and its allies in pushing for this change.Ibrahim Omer: What levers does the Public Service have to drive change for vulnerable workers through its purchasing practices?Hon STUART NASH: Government agencies have incredible buying power. We're using our procurement levers to drive real and progressive change across a number of areas from climate change goals to providing work for a more diverse range of businesses that supply the Government. In this case we are using it to pay people a wage they can live on. The Government wants to send a signal to the market that improving the conditions of workers is something that we want to make progress on and to do that we have to lead by example.Ibrahim Omer: What other parts of the Public Service are paying the living wage to their contractors?Hon STUART NASH: I would like to shout out once again to those working on our COVID response and in our managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment's own procurement team has recently ensured the living wage was implemented through their procurement of MIQ commercial contracts. This means all staff across all 32 facilities are now on the living wage equivalent or higher and there is a provision built in that the wage will continue to increase as the living wage increases. The living wage will improve living standards for workers and their whānau which is even more important during a global pandemic. We absolutely recognise that low-paid workers are particularly vulnerable to economic impacts of the crisis.
8. Question No. 8—EducationHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 8—Education8. Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of Education: Does he stand by all of his actions and statements in education?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): Yes in the context in which they were made.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Which statement is correct—his reported comment on RNZ that teachers would not be pitched out of the classroom" if they had not had their first dose by Tuesday or his ministry's guidance that said staff who "refuse to meet vaccination requirements cannot return to work on site from Tuesday 16 November"?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Both are correct but the latter one is more correct. [Interruption]SPEAKER: Quite the opposite.Hon Paul Goldsmith: So is that the new legal standard that he's operating for so after all the time he's had to prepare for a vaccine mandate the current advice to each of the 2500 schools is they have to go and get some legal advice on how to handle the employment issues?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: No the reason I'm not absolutely definitive in choosing between the two statements is that there are some exceptions.Hon Paul Goldsmith: What exceptions?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: If people get an exemption.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Having swiftly adopted two parts of National's education plan reopening schools and postponing the curriculum review when will he adopt the rest—specifically a plan to catch up on lost education ground?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I would instead describe National's plan as a return to the failed policies of the past.SPEAKER: For which he has no responsibility."