edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Douglas Roger: Holidays Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
Douglas Roger: Holidays Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15681] 
Hon Sir ROGER DOUGLAS (ACT) 
: 
 We have just been listening to the “we know best” mob. They are the mob who say to workers “We do not trust you. We do not trust you to be able to make up your own mind. We do not trust you to make the trade-off involved in taking 1 week’s holiday or working that week and getting the extra income.” This group of people Labour and the Greens are simply not of the real world—they are not of the real world. 
Let me give members two or three real-world examples of the trade-offs that people might make. Imagine a family who is $1000 in arrears on their mortgage and that is of particular concern to the family and is causing friction in the home. They have the opportunity to work 1 extra week and pay off a large part of that $1000. But Labour and the Green Party say to that worker: “Thou shall not work. Thou shall not pay off that mortgage. We know best for you.” 
There is a family they have 4 weeks’ holiday and cannot afford to take their kids away. The kids want to go to the beach for a week they would love to go to the beach for a week and the parents would love to take them to the beach for a week. So what do they decide to do under the Holidays Amendment Bill? Under this bill they will be able to work 1 extra week trade that in and take the kids to the beach. That is a real possibility. But what do the Greens say? What do Labour members say? They say: “Thou shall not do that. You have to stay at home for the 4 weeks.” 
These are decisions that individual New Zealanders are fully capable of making for themselves on whether to catch up with the mortgage or have 1 week less holiday but be able to take the children away to the beach. But no Labour and the Green Party say: “We do not trust you. We do not trust you to be able to make those decisions.” Frankly I trust the average New Zealander a lot more than I trust Labour or the Green Party.
Woodhouse Michael: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
Woodhouse Michael: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15672] 
MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) 
: 
 I also add my voice of concern and support for the people of the West Coast in the Pike River disaster. 
I want to pick up the issue of equality that Carol Beaumont talked about. She described this bill as disgraceful and that it also promotes what she described as the inherent inequality in employment relationships. Indeed that is what the object of the bill points out. Many of the stories from members on the other side about fat cat employers always focus on the extremely large organisations or the high-profile errant companies. Notice how when the issue of tax cuts comes up they quote the chief executive officer of Telecom. But what they do not mention is the plumbers the builders the start-up information technology companies and the small manufacturers that are negotiating through the worst recession in 80 years. That is what our economy is made up of. Overwhelmingly it is built on small and medium sized organisations that bob along in the wake of the recession and are increasingly frustrated by the way the previous Labour Government neither understood small business nor could get over its animosity towards small businesses that through their own sweat and innovation and risk taking have bettered themselves their families and their staff. 
Many small-business owners tell me that they agree with the inherent inequality as set out in the object of the bill. But many of them think it goes the other way. They tell me how disappointing the attitude of the Labour Party and its union affiliates is at the complete lack of empathy for the back story. It is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employees against employers without ever understanding the back story—the 100 percent effort that is put into building a company which will eventually employ staff the poor diet the rusty Toyota not having time to date spending all one’s weekends working to build the company while friends are out celebrating and partying and being effectively married to that small business. Small-business owners put their time their money and their lives into the business in the hope that eventually some day they and by association their staff will be successful. 
When the fruits of their effort are seen such as the improved opportunities to employ staff and increase their wages and yes make profits for themselves does the Labour Party celebrate the fruits of that effort? No; it is envy—“fat cat” comments higher taxes more red tape and more envy. What Labour describes as a disgraceful bill I describe as a bill that makes common-sense balanced and flexible improvements to our labour laws. I strongly support them.
Blue Jackie: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
Blue Jackie: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15669] 
Dr JACKIE BLUE (National) 
: 
 I also express my support for the West Coast families facing this terrible uncertainty about their loved ones. 
I am pleased to speak to the third reading of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2). This bill is very straightforward. The Government is firmly focused on providing greater choice and creating more opportunities for New Zealanders. The Government is working hard to lift the long-term performance of the economy create more jobs raise living standards and deliver world-class public services to New Zealanders. 
New jobs will not be created unless businesses have confidence and can expand and diversify. It is in businesses’ best interests that they have good relationships with employees and employers hiring and firing at will in a repeated way as members have suggested will happen does not lead to good relationships in the working place let alone productivity. The 90-day trial has encouraged employers to take on new staff and to give people who do not have a work record for whatever reason—such as students migrants and women returning to the workforce—the chance to enter the workforce. This bill is aimed at those at the margins and will give them that opportunity. 
The changes in this bill are both pragmatic and practical with regard to the issues currently facing employees and employers. The bill will reduce compliance costs and give businesses more confidence to grow and take on the staff they need. It will help resolve workplace disputes fast and provide choices for employees. We want our businesses to have confidence to take on the new staff they need to create the productivity we need for this economy to go forward. I commend this bill to the House.
Parata Hekia: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
Parata Hekia: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15667] 
HEKIA PARATA (National) 
: 
 Tena koe e te Mana Whakawa. Tena tatou huri noa i to tatou Whare. I am delighted to stand to take a short call on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2). In recent weeks in the Mana electorate we have been debating a whole range of issues that this bill speaks directly to. In particular they are about how we grow and establish sustainable long-term employment opportunities and how we support businesses—small medium and large—to take risks on employing what otherwise might not be very employable young people. 
We have an unemployment problem which my colleague has outlined statistically and which we experience and observe in the Mana electorate. This bill encourages businesses to take on these young people to give them an opportunity of employment to invest in them and to recognise that with this opportunity young people can join the workforce and participate positively in it. 
I am delighted with this bill. I know small businesses in the Mana electorate that have taken that risk and have been delighted that they have done so. As a result they are building their confidence and encouraging other businesses to do so. Jobs cannot be manufactured out of thin air; they are manufactured out of businesses that are prepared to take that risk. 
As the previous speaker Rahui Katene also said it is not in the interest of any employers to have bad relationships with their employees. It is in the interests of all businesses to attract keep and grow their business through good relationships with their employees. As a business owner in the past I know that we relied absolutely on the quality of the people we employed and that it would have been a very costly matter to find that they did not work out. That is why small businesses are disinclined to take that kind of risk and that is why this bill and the provisions within it help build a stronger more sustainable more successful economy to deal with the opportunities that otherwise might not be available for young and less qualified people. 
I commend this bill to the House and I congratulate the Minister of Labour on her leadership in this area. Kia ora.
Bennett David: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
Bennett David: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15660] 
DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) 
: 
 I want to take just a short call on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2). I congratulate the Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson on her leadership in putting this bill through the House and the members of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee who did a fine job in going through the legislation and making any changes that were necessary. To all those who provided form submissions or submitted in person who took their time to show their interest in the bill I say very well done to them as well. 
Carol Beaumont 
: Why didn’t you listen to them? 
DAVID BENNETT 
: Labour members are asking why we did not listen to them. We did listen to them and this bill is the result of that. 
This bill is in the best interests of New Zealand workers and in the best interests of our country and our economy. Labour members will put all the slants they wish on to this bill but in reality it gives people the opportunity to get employment. It gives people within the labour force the flexibility to move in their jobs. Unlike what the previous speaker said they have to agree to be part of this legislation. That agreement will not be forthcoming if people think that in moving they risk losing their position. Labour members will try to put out a lot of fear in regard to this bill and that fear is unnecessary and unjustified. 
This bill is in the best interests of New Zealand workers. It will help in the rebuilding and the recovery of this country. We look forward to its passing through this House and providing an opportunity for many people going forward to get that job and that start in their life that they have so long been wishing for. Thank you.
Flavell Te Ururoa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Flavell Te Ururoa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:15656] 
12. 
TE URUROA FLAVELL (Maori Party—Waiariki) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: Has she seen reports that secondary school teachers and principals say that some classes can get as large as 40 and what is the best-practice advice about the relationship of class size to learning outcomes? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) 
: 
 I have seen some reports from the secondary teachers union along those lines. However the Ministry of Education advises me that no secondary school has contacted it with concerns about classroom overcrowding. Research shows that effective teaching has the biggest single impact on student achievement regardless of class size. 
Te Ururoa Flavell 
: Does she agree with a paper presented to the School Staffing Review Group by the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers Association in June 2000 that there is strong evidence that small classes assist with the academic success of students from low socio-economic backgrounds and what has changed a decade on to suggest that small classes are no longer a priority? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Actually the evidence is very clear that effective teaching is the most important factor in student achievement. Research by Auckland University’s Professor John Hattie has shown that in comparison with other changes that can be made to improve student outcomes and achievement class size has a considerably small effect. 
Te Ururoa Flavell 
: Does she support the goals of Ka Hikitia—Managing for Success specifically to increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning for Maori students in years 9 and 10 and how does a class size of 40 enable that goal to be achieved? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Absolutely I support the goals of Ka Hikitia. We must do much better for our Maori students. But as I said to the member in the primary question I have no evidence before me about overly large classes in secondary schools. This Government is investing with the support of the Maori Party in Te Kotahitanga to increase the effectiveness of teaching in secondary schools. The introduction of national standards will ensure that students arrive at secondary school with good literacy and numeracy skills which we know they need in order to remain engaged at secondary school. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Is she prepared to approach the Minister of Finance for additional funding in order to settle this teacher pay and conditions dispute; if not why not? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: This Government has a responsibility to keep faith with those members of the Public Service who have already settled and who have recognised the very difficult financial times we are facing. So no I will not.
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:15651] 
9. 
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
 to the  
Minister for Tertiary Education 
: What benefits will be realised from the merger between Lincoln University and Telford Polytechnic? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Tertiary Education) 
: 
 Students will benefit from the creation of one larger institution with a stronger base to support education and research in the land-based sector. Having a specialist research and teaching university combining the best of Lincoln University and Telford Rural Polytechnic will improve the speed reach and effectiveness of knowledge transfer as we continue to build up our skills base to support the export-led recovery. 
Colin King 
: What can students expect from a combined institution? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: Effective from 1 January next year the merged entity will provide quality land-based training for around 3600 full-time domestic students. Lincoln University will retain Telford Rural Polytechnic’s sub-degree courses but also provide students at the southern campus with access to higher-level study especially in agriculture and agricultural science. With the combined scale the institution will be more efficient and more effective bringing better results for students and for taxpayers who fund the tertiary education system.
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:15648] 
7. 
PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie) 
 to the  
Minister of Commerce 
: What recent steps has the Government taken to enhance cooperation and coordination between New Zealand and Australian competition regulators? 
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Commerce) 
: 
 Today I can advise that the New Zealand Government and the Australian Government have finalised cross-appointments between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the New Zealand Commerce Commission. Dr Mark Berry the chair of the New Zealand Commerce Commission has been appointed to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission as an associate member and Dr Jill Walker a member of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been appointed to the New Zealand Commerce Commission also as an associate member. Cross-appointments will improve consistency in the way the two regulators approach similar interests and issues under competition and consumer law. 
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga 
: How does this announcement fit into the single economic market work programme? 
Hon SIMON POWER 
: This cross-appointment is one of the key regulatory outcomes under the single economic market outcomes framework identified in the joint statement of intent by New Zealand and Australian Prime Ministers. That framework is now reflected in the revised Memorandum of Understanding on Coordination of Business Law as we continue to deepen the economic relationships between the two countries. 
Hon Lianne Dalziel 
: Why if he is committed to enhancing cooperation and coordination between competition regulators has he introduced a bill that will place completely different obligations on our respective stock exchanges which appears to breach the very competition principles the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the New Zealand Commerce Commission are designed to protect? 
Hon SIMON POWER 
: I do not accept that assertion from the member but I am confident that the smarter members of the Commerce Committee will be able to work that out.
Vote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
Vote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15673] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) be now read a third time. 
Ayes 64 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; United Future 1. 
Noes 56 
New Zealand Labour 41; Green Party 9; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1. 
Bill read a third time.
Hide Rodney: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Hide Rodney: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:15644] 
2. 
Hon RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) 
 to the  
Attorney-General 
: Is it the Government’s intention to notify local residents that the Minister responsible is considering an application to grant iwi customary marine title over the foreshore and seabed of their local beach; if so will the procedure for that notification be set out in the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill? 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) 
: 
 An application is made to the High Court and the Minister is not responsible for notifying anyone about the application. The notification procedure is set out in clause 102. 
Hon Rodney Hide 
: Is it the Government’s intention that the Minister will hear before granting an application from the local residents; if not why not? 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON 
: I believe that the member is muddling up the procedure. The Minister will not hear any application. As I said applications are made to the High Court. A person wanting to enter into an agreement with the Crown gives notice of an intention to seek an agreement under clause 93(2). 
Hon Rodney Hide 
: Before the Minister responsible grants the application is it the Government’s intention that that Minister hear from other people; or how will they get their views put across to the Crown? 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON 
: Once again the member is muddling up the procedure. The Minister does not grant any application. An agreement is entered into with the Minister on behalf of the Crown and the agreement will be subject to very intensive scrutiny by Cabinet committees and then Cabinet. Then there is a notification procedure for agreements which is set out in clause 95 of the bill.
McClay Todd: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
McClay Todd: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:15647] 
5. 
TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) 
 to the  
Minister for Biosecurity 
: What recent developments have there been in response to the kiwifruit disease Psa? 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister for Biosecurity) 
: 
 Last Friday night after 2 days of intensive grower consultation the Kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council announced that it strongly supported the $50 million Government and industry plan to aggressively contain the  
Pseudomonas syringae  
pv.  
Actinidiae ( 
Psa) disease. This is great news and gives the green light for the fight against Psa to get under way. The response is a first-rate example of Government and industry working in partnership in real time to tackle an urgent and serious biosecurity issue. 
Todd McClay 
: What are the next steps in the Psa response? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: With funding approved from both industry and Government the aggressive containment strategy is now under way. A technical advisory group has been convened and vine prunings from quarantined orchards are being incinerated or deep buried by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at a site near Te Puke. As of yesterday evening 61 properties have tested positive for Psa with the vast majority of those properties centred in the Te Puke region. This is the approximate level of spread that had been anticipated within the agreed response plan. 
Hon Steve Chadwick 
: Has he made any commitment to kiwifruit growers that he will reinstate the 54 front-line biosecurity jobs that were cut last year? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: No.
Anderton Jim: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Explosion 
Anderton Jim: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Explosion 
[Volume:669;Page:15641] 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Leader—Progressive) 
: 
 I speak on behalf of the Progressive Party to express its support for the Prime Minister’s motion before the House. It is clear that the immediate task is to get to the miners and rescue them. We must at the same time support and care for their loved ones their families and friends in every possible way. It is a harrowing time for them waiting hoping and—in quieter moments—despairing at the time it has taken. 
Once this period of waiting is over and the immediate priorities are settled there needs of course to be an intensive inquiry into why this has happened how it has happened and how we can ensure that it does not happen again. Questions over these matters need answers. However now is not the time for them to be answered; there is other work to do.
Power Simon: Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill — Procedure 
Power Simon: Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill — Procedure 
[Volume:669;Page:15642] 
Hon SIMON POWER (Deputy Leader of the House) 
: 
 Following discussion at the Business Committee last week I seek leave for the Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill and the Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill to be treated as cognate bills and to be taken together for the purpose of the debates on their respective second and third readings but with separate questions being proposed on each bill at the conclusion of each debate. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Hide Rodney: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Explosion 
Hide Rodney: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Explosion 
[Volume:669;Page:15639] 
Hon RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) 
: 
 I rise on behalf of the ACT Party to join all other parties in Parliament today to say along with everyone else in Parliament that our hearts and our prayers go out to the miners of Pike River Coal and their families. Today 29 miners face their fifth day in the mine; 29 men—husbands sons and fathers—all of whom are well known within the tight-knit West Coast communities in which they live and work. None of us can imagine what their families and friends are going through right now. On Friday these men left their families as they would have done every day with light-hearted talk of the day ahead and probably just a quick goodbye. We now all know that that was not just another day down the mine. The explosion on late Friday afternoon and the subsequent efforts to rescue the trapped men have left the residents of Greymouth and the entire country anxiously waiting. We wait for every update for each new piece of news hoping for any sign from the mine that the 29 men will return home safe and sound. On behalf of the ACT Party our thoughts go to the men their families their community and the rescue crew who must be champing at the bit. Being forced to wait must surely be heart-wrenching. We all want nothing more than to see those 29 men brought back to the surface alive and well. The ACT Party along with all New Zealanders and members in this House continues to wait and to hope. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you.
Hague Kevin: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Explosion 
Hague Kevin: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Explosion 
[Volume:669;Page:15639] 
KEVIN HAGUE (Green) 
: 
 Mining culture runs deep on the West Coast. It is an important part of our history and our traditions and it is the breeding ground for some of our values of sticking together bravery self-reliance commitment to social justice and independence. Mining disasters therefore cast a long shadow on the West Coast. Memory of the Strongman disaster in 1967 is still strong and the events at Pike River will have reawakened memories of that disaster and several others since for many of us. These disasters stand in a kind of cultural memory where everyone in our community honours those who have been lost. Right now all of us are standing in solidarity with those who are still in the mine their families and their friends and those who are supporting them. There would not be a family in and around Greymouth where I live without at least some connection to at least someone in the mine and for many of us it is to many of those in the mine. 
Speaking for the Green Party we specifically express our thanks to and our extreme admiration for the Red Cross the Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union the company the emergency services the Mines Rescue team and everyone who has so far been involved in providing support and services. I also specifically acknowledge the contribution and the support of the Prime Minister Phil Goff Gerry Brownlee Kate Wilkinson Rick Barker and in particular my fellow Coasters Damien O’Connor and Chris Auchinvole. At a time like this the boundaries between our parties dissolve and I express my thanks for the work they have done on behalf of all of us. I also especially thank and express appreciation for the leadership shown by the Mayor of Grey District Tony Kokshoorn. In this time of crisis Tony has been the voice of our community and it is appreciated by all. 
Both the Prime Minister and the Hon Phil Goff so far have spoken of the feeling of helplessness and I have to say I share it. There have been times over the last few days when I have looked back and wished I had my old job back because then at least I could feel I was doing something useful. That feeling of helplessness and frustration is one that is shared by all. Still I have asked my colleagues on the Coast what message I should be bringing to this discussion this afternoon and the overwhelming message that they have asked me to convey is one of hopefulness and positivity. We know that it is possible for the people down that mine to have survived what has occurred. We must believe that they are alive and that they will come home. Please bring them home.
Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill — Procedure 
Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill — Procedure 
[Volume:669;Page:15642] 
Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill 
Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill 
Procedure 
Hon SIMON POWER (Deputy Leader of the House) 
: 
 Following discussion at the Business Committee last week I seek leave for the Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill and the Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill to be treated as cognate bills and to be taken together for the purpose of the debates on their respective second and third readings but with separate questions being proposed on each bill at the conclusion of each debate. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Vote: Environmental Protection Authority Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Environmental Protection Authority Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15722] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Environmental Protection Authority Bill be considered by the Local Government and Environment Committee that the committee report finally to the House on or before 28 March 2011 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions) and during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House despite Standing Orders 187 and 190(1)(b) and (c). 
Ayes 78 
New Zealand National 58; Green Party 9; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 5; United Future 1. 
Noes 42 
New Zealand Labour 41; Progressive 1. 
Motion agreed to.
Vote: Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
Vote: Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
[Volume:669;Page:16465] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill be now read a third time. 
Ayes 116 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 5; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 5 
ACT New Zealand 5. 
Bill read a third time. 
Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill read a third time.
Power Simon: Electoral Referendum Bill — Third Reading 
Power Simon: Electoral Referendum Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16465] 
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) 
: 
 I move  
That the Electoral Referendum Bill be now read a third time 
. This bill fulfils the Government’s pre-election promise to hold a referendum on MMP. It offers New Zealanders another chance to have their say on the voting system. After five elections under the MMP system National was of the view that it was time for voters to consider whether this system was working for them. The bill provides an indicative referendum on the voting system to be held with the 2011 general election. Voters will be asked whether they would like to keep MMP and if New Zealand were to change to another voting system they will be asked which of the four alternatives they would prefer. 
The alternative voting systems are first past the post preferential voting single transferable vote and supplementary member. If there is a vote to keep MMP the Electoral Commission will review MMP and report on whether any changes to it are necessary or desirable. If voters opt for change this Government is committed to holding a second binding referendum with the 2014 general election. Voters will then be asked to choose between MMP and the most preferred alternative voting system from the first referendum. If the majority of voters prefer the alternative voting system in 2014 then the new system will be implemented in time for the 2017 general election. 
This approach is similar to the staged process made in 1992 and 1993 that resulted in the introduction of MMP for the 1996 general election. This process is lengthy but the alignment of the referenda with general elections is designed to maximise participation from the electorate on such a constitutionally significant issue. There also needs to be sufficient time for public debate and to ensure that the legislative framework for the alternative voting system if required is robust prior to a second referendum. 
Once again I would like to express my appreciation for the work done by the all-party Electoral Legislation Committee. I acknowledge the membership of that committee and the many submitters we had on this bill. I am very grateful for the constructive way in which all parties in the House have approached this matter. That cooperation has been in keeping with the constitutional significance of this legislation which should not be underestimated. As I said in my first reading speech in New Zealand the triennial election of representatives to this House is arguably the most significant constitutional check on executive power. The decision as to how those votes are translated into seats is rightly one for the people to make. I commend this bill to the House.
Power Simon: Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
Power Simon: Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
[Volume:669;Page:16455] 
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) 
: 
 I move  
That the Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill and the Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill be now read a third time 
. These two bills are part of a package of legislative measures giving effect to the Government’s electoral reform commitments. As I have said many times in this House electoral law should be based on a broad consensus so that the rules are enduring and certain across elections. In that sense the most important aspect of the new electoral finance regime has been the process used to construct it. The law also needs to be fair and transparent so the public can have confidence in the integrity of the outcome of elections. In February 2009 the Government repealed the Electoral Finance Act 2007 and replaced it with an interim regime. We then undertook to introduce new laws after a thorough and lengthy consultation process involving all parliamentary parties and the public. Only those proposals that had widespread support would proceed. 
The Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill has resulted from the work of many people including those who submitted throughout the consultation process all parties represented in this House through the Electoral Legislation Committee and officials who have worked extremely hard on this particular package. The bill reforms the election advertising and donation rules in the Electoral Act 1993 to provide greater clarity transparency and accountability in election campaigns. Candidates political parties and third-party promoters will better understand their obligations and the Electoral Commission’s enforcement role will be made simpler. Additional regulation of third-party promoters is introduced to improve transparency and accountability and to uphold public confidence in the conduct of elections. The bill also makes a number of changes to the donations regime to provide for administrative efficiency and again greater transparency. I am confident that this bill strikes the right balance between participation and fairness. 
The Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill provides a permanent definition of the term “funding entitlements for parliamentary purposes”. The bill also aligns with the proposed electoral finance rules to ensure that Parliamentary Service funding is not used for election advertising. Together these bills will enhance the public’s confidence in the integrity of our elections. 
Finally I thank all parties and the public for their participation and interest in this area and their desire for an enduring legislative framework for electoral finance laws. I commend these bills to the House.
Beaumont Carol: Points of Order — Credit Contracts (Oppressive Lending Provisions) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
Beaumont Carol: Points of Order — Credit Contracts (Oppressive Lending Provisions) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
[Volume:669;Page:16455] 
CAROL BEAUMONT (Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave for the Credit Contracts (Oppressive Lending Provisions) Amendment Bill to be set down as a members’ order of the day. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is objection.
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:16455] 
12. 
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
 to the  
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture 
: How will fisheries officers be helping to better protect New Zealand’s fisheries this summer? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture) 
: 
 This summer while most people are enjoying the Christmas break fisheries officers will be working hard to protect New Zealand fisheries. In particular I would like to acknowledge the now 200 honorary fisheries officers who complement the work of the 150 warranted fisheries officers around the country. These volunteers willingly give up many hours of their spare time to provide a valuable service in protecting our fisheries. New Zealand’s coastline is very long and one can appreciate that it is very remote so the assistance of volunteers is essential for the protection of our fisheries resources. 
Colin King 
: What steps has this Government taken to better protect our fisheries for all New Zealanders? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY 
: This Government is committed to increasing front-line capacity. By June 2011 a record number of 225 honorary fisheries officers will be deployed across the country. Also this month the Ministry of Fisheries opened a new office in Kaikoura with seven staff. For the last two decades the Kaikoura coast has mainly been patrolled by staff travelling all the way from Christchurch Blenheim and Nelson. This new office is a significant boost to the ministry’s presence and capacity in an area where fishing activity is increasing.
Harawira Hone: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Harawira Hone: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:16453] 
10. 
HONE HARAWIRA (Maori Party—Te Tai Tokerau) 
 to the  
Minister of Foreign Affairs 
: What steps has the New Zealand Government taken to denounce the shooting by Chilean forces of indigenous Rapa Nui during an operation to evict them from stolen ancestral lands that they were seeking to reclaim? 
Hon MURRAY McCULLY (Minister of Foreign Affairs) 
: 
 The New Zealand Government views with concern reports of clashes between Chilean police and indigenous Polynesian residents of Rapa Nui also known as Easter Island. It is understood that the clashes occurred as the police attempted to remove indigenous protestors from buildings they occupied approximately 3 months ago. The New Zealand Government urges the parties to find a peaceful resolution to this matter and will convey that view to the parties as appropriate. 
Hone Harawira 
: Does the Minister support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as endorsed by the Governments of both New Zealand and Chile which states that indigenous peoples have the right to not be forcibly removed from their lands or territories and what steps will he recommend the New Zealand Government take to ensure that the rights of the Maori people of Rapa Nui are properly recognised? 
Hon MURRAY McCULLY 
: With regard to the first part of the question the Government’s support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is well known and is a matter of public record. With regard to the second part of the member’s question the land as I understand it was occupied by protestors because they regard it as ancestral land that was unlawfully taken many years ago. The Government of Chile takes the view that it has acted to try to maintain law and order. I was delighted to see the statement of President Piñera in recent days that he hoped the land claim could be settled in a peaceful and harmonious manner through dialogue. I understand that that sentiment has been reciprocated by some of the protestors and that some progress accordingly is being made. 
Hone Harawira 
: What steps can the Minister take to support the recommendation that the Maori Affairs Committee of the New Zealand House of Representatives travel to Rapa Nui to monitor the events there as New Zealand’s way of supporting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and in particular the rights of indigenous peoples to prompt resolution of disputes with States and to effective remedies for all infringements of their rights? 
Hon MURRAY McCULLY 
: I have to confess to the member that I was not previously aware of that recommendation from the Maori Affairs Committee but the Government of course always gives the most serious consideration to representations made by the committee as it will on this occasion.
Calder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Calder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:16451] 
8. 
Dr CAM CALDER (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Corrections 
: Has she received any progress reports on the Government’s Prisoner Skills and Employment Strategy? 
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections) 
: 
 Over the past year there has been a significant increase in the number of New Zealand Qualifications Authority qualifications achieved by prisoners. In the last financial year 495 New Zealand Qualifications Authority national certificates were achieved by prisoners. This compares with 275 in the previous year and represents an increase of 80 percent. There was also a big increase in the number of level 3 and level 4 qualifications achieved during the year. The qualifications cover building construction horticulture mechanical engineering and crane operation. These are real qualifications that will help prisoners to find jobs when they are released which means they are less likely to reoffend and end up back in prison. 
Dr Cam Calder 
: What progress has been made towards increasing numeracy and literacy education for prisoners? 
Hon JUDITH COLLINS 
: The number of prisoners undertaking literacy and numeracy education has increased by 15 percent over the last financial year. The number has grown from 1300 in the 2008-09 year to 1496 in the past year. The department has been able to do this by providing literacy and numeracy tuition as part of prisoner employment training. Last month a further 14 employment instructors gained adult education qualifications which will enable them to provide that tuition. This Government is determined to increase the number of prisoners who can read write and do maths as this will help offenders to get their lives back on track when they leave jail.
Cosgrove Clayton: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Cosgrove Clayton: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:16449] 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Labour—Waimakariri) 
: 
 I neglected to seek leave to table another email. This one is from Roger Thomas in response to Nicky Wagner’s email. It is dated 8 December 2010 and says: “You must be pleased you are a list member of Parliament as I struggle to see how you could ever be elected”— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: What is interesting here is that the member has used the point of order process to seek leave to table a document to read out an email. I guess it is possible to do that but it is hardly in the spirit of the process of seeking leave to table a document. However leave is sought to table a document that would not otherwise be available. Is there any objection to that course of action? There is objection.
Peachey Allan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Peachey Allan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:669;Page:16445] 
3. 
ALLAN PEACHEY (National—Tamaki) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: What feedback has she received about the quality of school reports to parents this year? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) 
: 
 I have received a lot of positive comments about the changes to school reports this year due to this Government’s national standards. Parents are welcoming the plain language information about the progress of their children and about what they can do to help at home. They tell me that it is a huge improvement on previous years and that they have a much better understanding of how their child is doing in reading writing and maths. 
Allan Peachey 
: What feedback has the Minister received about other information schools are providing to parents with school reports? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: I have been informed that many schools are including information sheets like the one I am holding from the ministry with their school reports this term. This information contains helpful tips for parents to help their child’s learning over the summer break. Parents wanted better and clearer information. I am proud to say that this Government is delivering for parents and for students. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: How many communications to her has she read that have described the reports based on the template her ministry has published on her behalf as narrow and shallow? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: A couple of people have talked to me about their unwillingness to use those templates. The advice I have given them is the advice I have given in this House before—actually that is just an indication of what schools might deliver. The really important discussions those schools should be having is with the parents so that they are delivering the information parents want from those schools.
Brownlee Gerry: Business of the House 
Brownlee Gerry: Business of the House 
[Volume:669;Page:16441] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Following discussion in the Business Committee yesterday I seek leave for there to be no general debate today and for the House to sit beyond 6 p.m. to complete the adjournment debate. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Points of Order — Credit Contracts (Oppressive Lending Provisions) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
Points of Order — Credit Contracts (Oppressive Lending Provisions) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
[Volume:669;Page:16455] 
Points of Order 
Credit Contracts (Oppressive Lending Provisions) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
CAROL BEAUMONT (Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave for the Credit Contracts (Oppressive Lending Provisions) Amendment Bill to be set down as a members’ order of the day. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Business of the House 
Business of the House 
[Volume:669;Page:16441] 
Wednesday 15 December 2010 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Business of the House 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Following discussion in the Business Committee yesterday I seek leave for there to be no general debate today and for the House to sit beyond 6 p.m. to complete the adjournment debate. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Smith Lockwood: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Tragedy 
Smith Lockwood: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Tragedy 
[Volume:669;Page:15815] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Honourable members with our thoughts and prayers firmly focused on the families and friends of the 29 miners we have so tragically lost I ask all members to stand with me and observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect. 
Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.