1. Question No. 1—FinanceTAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of FinanceTUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2020The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.ORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Finance1. TAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of Finance: He aha ngā rīpoata hou kua kitea e ia mō te ōhanga o Aotearoa?[What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?]Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. Tēnā koutou e Te Whare. Statistics New Zealand's latest labour market statistics show good news for Kiwi workers. According to data for the December 2019 quarter average hourly earnings growth remains strong. Total average hourly earnings across the economy were up 3.6 percent over 2019. There are other measures too. The Labour Cost Index rose 2.6 percent over 2019—its strongest annual increase in over a decade. By comparison Stats New Zealand Consumers Price Index inflation data for the December quarter showed annual inflation at 1.9 percent in 2019. For this Government it's increasing wages that's the key to supporting New Zealanders to meet their cost of living.Tamati Coffey: How is the Government supporting wage growth in New Zealand?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: This Government is committed to a productive sustainable and inclusive economy where all New Zealanders get their fair share. We have a range of policies and measures in place which I'll just run through a few of. These include increases to the minimum wage; backing business productivity through our R & D tax incentive; negotiating pay equity agreements; more money going into Mana in Mahi He Poutama Rangatahi and other initiatives to boost the productivity of workers; and significantly boosting pay for teachers nurses and the police.Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern: Has the Minister seen the reports from Statistics New Zealand's household income and housing-cost survey which surveyed the period June 2018 to June 2019 which show that more than 46000 people have been lifted out of poverty?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I'm working my way through that survey that's come out today and I believe that the Prime Minister is correct. What we are seeing is the impact of a Government that actually cares about ensuring all New Zealanders get a fair share.Tamati Coffey: What reports has he seen on other approaches to growing wages in New Zealand?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I've seen reports from some commentators who appear to be against higher wages. For example one commentator this morning suggested that cancelling the Government's minimum wage increase to $20 per hour is something that they are thinking about. That would cost a full-time worker on the minimum wage—SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order!David Seymour: Has the Minister seen any reports of growth in activity in the photography sector?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I don't analyse it down to that level and since the member stopped his dancing career I think people are less interested in taking photos of politicians.David Seymour: Who might be employing these photographers if there were any?SPEAKER: Order! It's not something that member has responsibility for.Hon Damien O'Connor: What reports has the Minister seen on economic growth in the Buller region?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Buller region on the West Coast of New Zealand has shown this year a 2.3 percent economic growth rate. This stands in contrast to three years ago when the economy in the Buller region shrank 18.3 percent. The local mayor Jamie Cleine labelled the growth as a major turn-around and I just want to quote him briefly: The figures show we have turned a corner and reflect the feeling on the street that is … positive. Town is really busy and people are talking about the parking problems on Palmerston Street."SPEAKER: That might be stretching it."