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Warren-Clark AngieANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour): Thank you Mr Speaker. Look it is a real pleasure to be the last speaker on this bill the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.We did have a very busy select committee period but I do want to add my voice to everyone who has spoken before me in regards to acknowledging the chairperson the Hon Eugenie Sage who was very diligent. I swear she read everything twice—and with over 966 submissions I think that's pretty amazing—and she kept a very calm demeanour. It's quite an exhausting pace that we set so I want to acknowledge the chairperson for her good work. I also want to recognise Nicola Willis who during the sitting of the select committee was elected as deputy leader of the National Party. I want to acknowledge that you continued to do this work while also busily doing other things obviously. My Ministers both the Hon David Parker and the Hon Megan Woods—I want to acknowledge them for their work together to bring this bill together. We know that there is a significant issue in this country. The homelessness issue and the housing crisis that we have has happened over generations. We know that each and every party that has come here today has probably had part of the responsibility of not solving that problem and so that's why I'm very delighted that today we have pretty much pretty much—almost—Tangi Utikere: Still a chance.ANGIE WARREN-CLARK: Still a chance. Everyone is in agreement that this is something that needs to happen. I spoke to my husband actually who is a builder. In part of when I was talking about the bill after the first reading I explained to him what was going to be happening and he said Boy that will absolutely shift things. It will absolutely shift things." Papa kāinga it will enable the brownfields developments and it will enable people to put that granny flat on the back of their house for their mum or dad or even their children and some of these things are about solutions. The—Kieran McAnulty: Well said.ANGIE WARREN-CLARK: —way that we—thank you—particularly want to see things go is to ensure that there are people in houses and that there are people in communities that have good warm dry places. Therefore I commend this bill to the House."
Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill — Discharge—Declined
van Velden BrookeRESOURCE MANAGEMENT (ENABLING HOUSING SUPPLY AND OTHER MATTERS) AMENDMENT BILLDischarge and Referral to Environment Committee—Not AgreedBROOKE VAN VELDEN (Deputy Leader—ACT): Point of order Mr Speaker. Thank you. I move That the order of the day for the second reading of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill be discharged and that the bill be referred to the Environment Committee for further consideration.A party vote was called for on the question That the motion be agreed to.Ayes 20Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 98New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33.Motion not agreed to.
Urgent Debates — COVID-19—Report into Deaths in Self-Isolation (continued)
Urgent Debates — COVID-19—Report into Deaths in Self-Isolation
Dean JacquiURGENT DEBATESCOVID-19 Response—Report into Deaths in Self-IsolationASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members earlier this afternoon the Speaker accepted an urgent debate application on the findings of the independent review panel into two COVID-19 deaths in self-isolation and the House gave leave for it to be held following the third reading of the Ahuriri Hapū Claims Settlement Bill. I therefore call on Brooke van Velden to move that the House take note of a matter of urgent public importance.
Ahuriri Hapū Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading
Rurawhe Adrian; Mallard TrevorHouse resumed.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Mr Speaker the committee has considered the Ahuriri Hapū Claims Settlement Bill and reports it with amendment. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.SPEAKER: In accordance with a determination of the Business Committee this bill is set down for third reading forthwith.
SpeechHARETE HIPANGO (National): Thank you Mr Chair. I stand as the National Party representative for this committee of the whole House stage and concur with the Minister in the address to the committee this afternoon that the report on the bill reported back by the Māori Affairs Committee dated 10 August 2020 indicated that the recommendations were for proposed amendments which are minor and technical and that the committee does not recommend any amendments to the bill as a result of the submissions that have been written and also heard. There were 34 submissions from interested groups and individuals and oral evidence from nine submitters. There was some contention in relation to the process around ratification and mandated authorities. It was deemed appropriate by the select committee after hearing those submissions that the matter was not something that was addressed within the bill's provisions and therefore the committee deemed it appropriate that the recommendations regarding the elections were not something to be duly considered.The only other aspect in relation to the submissions—there were three submissions that were heard by the committee in relation to the summary of the historical account and as is often the case with many of these Treaty settlement bills there are variable accounts based on whakapapa and based on the history that is recorded and passed down. The committee was of the view that in terms of addressing and resolving some of those recordings or differing perspectives as to what the hapū's version as has been recorded in the bill it was agreed that those differences in perspectives would be published on Te Arawhiti's website. And accordingly the committee came to the view that there was no need for any further amendments to the bill's provisions. So accordingly at this committee of the whole House stage I commend the bill to the House for the third reading passage.
Little AndrewParts 1 to 4 Schedules 1 to 5 and clauses 1 and 2Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations): This is an opportunity for the House in committee to deal with a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) that deals with some technical matters. It amends the bill so that it is consistent with the most recent Trusts Act—the Trusts Act 2019—and so that those things line up. Nothing material changes in relation to the rest of the bill and the settlement and therefore the deed. So this just makes sure that those things are consistent. The SOP has been prepared in consultation with the relevant agencies and the Mana Ahuriri Trust and everybody has agreed with the proposed changes and on that basis I commend the bill to the House.
Mallard Trevor; Rurawhe Adrian; Little AndrewSPEAKER: I declare the House in committee for consideration of the Ahuriri Hapū Claims Settlement Bill.AHURIRI HAPŪ CLAIMS SETTLEMENT BILLIn CommitteeCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members the House is in committee for the Ahuriri Hapū Claims Settlement Bill. We come first to Part 1.Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations): I seek leave for all questions to be taken as one.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none. Therefore the question is that Parts 1 to 4 Schedules 1 to 5 and clauses 1 and 2 stand part.
Motion — Parliamentary Precincts—Addition and Exclusion of Premises
Hipkins Chris; Mallard TrevorMOTIONSParliamentary Precincts—Addition and Exclusion of PremisesHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That under section 25(1) and (2) of the Parliamentary Service Act 2000 and effective on 25 November 2021 this House—revoke the Parliamentary Service (Additional Parliamentary Precincts) Resolution 2006 and exclude from the parliamentary precincts the land and premises that are subject to the Bowen House lease andadd the following land or premises to the parliamentary precincts:the land and buildings at 147 Lambton Quay Wellington contained in record of title WN53A/210 and leased by the Parliamentary Corporation as at the date of this resolution comprising levels 1 - 14 of the building being 8129.30m2 more or less and the bike cage and 11 carparks in the basement of the building:the land or premises known in the Bowen House lease as the Executive Wing Link being the underground tunnel under Bowen Street linking Bowen House and the Executive Wing:that part of the ground level of the building known in the Bowen House lease as Bowen House required for the purposes of maintaining access through to the Executive Wing Link:the land and buildings at No. 1 The Terrace and No. 3 The Terrace in Certificate of Title WN 41C/804 and Certificate of Title WN 41C/805 and leased by the Parliamentary Corporation as at the date of this resolution comprising:the Sub-Basement (Viewing Gallery) at No. 3 The Terrace being an area of 567.3m2 and(ii)the Sub-SubBasement (Debating Chamber) at No. 3 The Terrace being an area of 770.6m2:the land or premises on the ground floor of the building at No. 1 The Terrace Wellington contained in record of title 583197 and record of title 264739 and leased by the Parliamentary Corporation as at the date of this resolution having a net lettable area of 327.3m2. SPEAKER: The question is that the motion be agreed to. Those of that opinion will say Aye to the contrary No. No amendment for the Backbencher? The Ayes have it.Motion agreed to.
Hipkins Chris; Mallard TrevorOFFICES OF PARLIAMENTAddress to Governor-GeneralHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That a respectful Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor-General commending to Her Excellency the alteration to the appropriation for the 2021/22 financial year in respect of Vote Audit.Motion agreed to.SPEAKER: The proposed Address is available on the Table of the House. Address adopted.
Motions — Black Caps—Ajaz Patel's Success
Mallard Trevor; Hipkins ChrisURGENT DEBATESCOVID-19 Response—Report into Deaths in Self-IsolationSPEAKER: I have received a letter from Brooke van Velden seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the findings of the independent review panel into two COVID-19 deaths in self-isolation. This is a particular matter of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. The report was presented during the last adjournment. The matter is an important one. The report found that the deaths were potentially preventable. There is no other foreseeable opportunity to debate it.Before I call Brooke van Velden to move that the House takes note of this matter of urgent public importance I do want to note that we have within the precinct a very large group of people who are here to view on screens Government order of the day No. 3 and therefore I seek the leave of the House for the urgent debate to take place after the conclusion of order of the day No. 3. Is there any objection to that occurring? There appears to be none. I'll now call therefore Chris Hipkins for Government notice of motion No. 1.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Before I do that a point of order Mr Speaker. In making your decision on the urgent debate I just wanted to check you were aware that that matter is still subject of a coroner's investigation.SPEAKER: It might well be but the Government through its agency has responded.
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: A petition has been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Peter Ruffell requesting that the House investigate Nelson City Council's removal from its Coastal Plan on the Bishops Peninsula boat launch site at Delaware Bay Estuary.SPEAKER: That petition stands referred to the Petitions Committee.Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK: Annual reports 2021Climate Change CommissionMuseum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaNew Zealand Defence ForceMinistry of HealthFire and Emergency New ZealandDiversity WorksStatement of performance expectations 2021-22Museum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaStrategic intentions 2021 to 2025Ministry of HealthVote Health Report in relation to selected non-departmental appropriations for the year ended 30 June 2021Annual report 2020-21 erratumMinistry of Social DevelopmentGovernment response to Report of Transport and Infrastructure Committee on the Inquiry into Congestion Pricing in AucklandGovernment response to referral of a petition requesting entry for sibling and parent on humanitarian groundsGovernment response to referral of a petition urging Immigration New Zealand to revisit its decision about the Parent Resident Visa category.SPEAKER: I present the Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests of Members of Parliament summary of amendments to annual returns and initial returns from newly elected members December 2021. Those papers are published under the authority of the House.Select committees reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Education and Workforce Committee on the petition of Amanda DrummReport of the Environment Committee on the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment BillReport of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment BillReports of the Petitions Committee on the petitions of Alexander Woods Linzee McCutcheon Luke Chandler Richard Stein Santiago Gonzalez NovilloReport of the Primary Production Committee on the Biosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Amendment BillReports of the Regulations Review Committee on a briefing about orders made under section 70 of the Health Act 1956Complaint about the Coroners (Pathologists Fees) Regulations 2007 on COVID-19 public health response orders and on the Subordinate Legislation Confirmation Bill.SPEAKER: The bills are set down for second reading. The reports of the Regulations Review Committee are set down for consideration.The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of bills.CLERK: Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) introduction.Accident Compensation (Maternal Birth Injury and Other Matters) Amendment Bill introduction.Maniapoto Claims Settlement Bill introduction.CLERK: Those bills are set down for first reading.
Robertson GrantMOTIONSBlack Caps—Ajaz Patel's SuccessHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister for Sport and Recreation): I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate to celebrate the achievement of Black Cap Ajaz Patel.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There appears to be none.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I move That this House congratulate Black Cap spinner Ajaz Patel on claiming all ten wickets in the first innings of the recent test against India becoming only the third bowler in the history of men's test cricket to achieve the feat; that this House further acknowledge that this remarkable achievement was made all the more special in that it happened in Mumbai the city of his birth on a ground that he had dreamt of playing on; and that the House acknowledge him his family and all those who have supported him to get this far and note our enormous pride in his achievement and his newly acquired place in cricket history.Motion agreed to.
Rurawhe AdrianTUESDAY 7 DECEMBER 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSADRIAN RURAWHE (Deputy Speaker): E te Atua kaha rawa ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi mātou ki te Kuīni me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga kia mōhio ai kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei mō te oranga te maungārongo me te aroha o Aotearoa. Āmene.[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 and humility for the welfare peace and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]
Wednesday 8 December 2021 - Volume 756
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a first time.DEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is That the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill be considered by the Māori Affairs Committee.Motion agreed to.Bill referred to the Māori Affairs Committee.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Members it has come time for me to leave the Chair for the dinner break. The House will resume at 7 p.m.Sitting suspended from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
8. Question No. 8—Building and ConstructionTĀMATI COFFEY (Labour) to the Minister for Building and ConstructionQuestion No. 8—Building and Construction8. TĀMATI COFFEY (Labour) to the Minister for Building and Construction: What recent reports has she seen on the construction sector?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister for Building and Construction): I've seen a report which shows that activity in the construction sector is strong and is playing a key role in supporting our COVID-19 recovery. The National Construction Pipeline Report shows that despite disruptions from COVID-19 construction activity is forecast to grow to about $48 billion in 2024 driven largely by our residential sector. The report also projects a healthy increase in infrastructure activity which is expected to grow from $9.2 billion in 2020 to reach $11.2 billion in 2026 reflecting the high levels of Government investment in this area.Tāmati Coffey: What does this report show for employment opportunities in the construction sector?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Employment opportunities in this sector are on the rise with the report highlighting that the industry is now the fourth-largest employer in the country employing over 281000 people. This has been helped by the Government's ongoing investment in skills and training with the Construction Skills Action Plan which was launched in October 2018. The action plan has a target of supporting 4000 people into education and employment opportunities in the sector. I'm pleased to report that it has exceeded the target by more than sevenfold supporting 29000 people into education or employment opportunities in the building and construction sector.Tāmati Coffey: What does the report show for activity in the residential construction sector?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: In the year to October we saw a 26 percent increase in the number of new homes consented. The report shows that this level of growth will continue with 265000 new homes projected to be consented across the country in the next six years. The report also notes that the outlook for residential construction in Auckland is positive with an estimated 11 percent increase in activity by 2026. The growth we are seeing in the sector illustrates the Government's ongoing commitment to enabling more homes to be built and will support the Auckland economy by providing more jobs and apprenticeships.
6. Question No. 6—HealthDr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 6—Health6. Dr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of Health: What medicines has New Zealand recently secured access to for treating COVID-19?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): It's important that we have a range of medicines to treat those who do get sick with COVID-19. That's why I'm pleased to say that on Monday we announced that the national drug funding agency Pharmac has secured from Pfizer 60000 courses of another antiviral medicine which like molnupiravir which we secured in October can be taken as a tablet. Both medications stop people with mild symptoms from becoming very sick. Alongside vaccinations our hospital treatments are already reducing the likelihood of people needing ICU care with the ICU rate in Auckland dropping to 3 percent of hospitalisations down from 5.7 percent previously. Of course vaccinations and following the scan mask pass" routine are still the best ways of stopping the spread of COVID-19.Dr Liz Craig: How do these medicines support those recovering from COVID-19?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: Pfizer's antiviral drug which does not yet have a brand name in New Zealand inhibits replication but in a different way—by preventing the cleavage of certain proteins necessary to create a fully functioning virus. This means you're less likely to get a fully functioning virus. This is similar to molnupiravir which works by introducing copying errors during replication which means you're less likely to get a fully functioning virus.Chris Bishop: "Chippy" talked about this yesterday. The House knows about all this.Hon ANDREW LITTLE: Just trying to assist Mr Bishop with the science of this virology. Both drugs are still subject to approval by Medsafe but trials look promising and by securing access to both we are doing everything possible to make sure New Zealanders have available medicines that are easy to administer and prevent most people who contract COVID-19 from being so sick that they need to go to hospital.Dr Liz Craig: When will these drugs be available alongside the broader COVID-19 therapeutics New Zealand has access to?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The Pfizer antiviral is expected to be delivered to New Zealand in April once approved by Medsafe. These medicines will be an important asset as we continue to prepare for winter in 2022 and will work alongside our wider suite of COVID-19 medicines already secured by Pharmac which includes baricitinib remdesivir tocilizumab and ronapreve. We've made sure Pharmac can continue to secure early access to new and promising COVID medicines as soon as possible with $175 million allocated for medicines and supply chain costs and another $300 million available for purchasing more COVID-19 therapeutics."
4. Question No. 4—EducationMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 4—Education4. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What reports has he seen about numbers of people undertaking vocational education and training?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): I've seen reports about the take-up of the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund which has been supporting fees-free training for all apprentices and those who have been undertaking vocational education and training in targeted industries where demand for skills will continue to be strong or is expected to grow as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Between 1 July last year and 30 November this year over 175000 New Zealanders have been supported by that fund. More than 83000 of these were in apprenticeship programmes more than 52000 were trainees in the workplace and 47000 were at our polytechs and other vocational education providers. The Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund is attracting learners from across the community: Māori account for 20 percent of all of those being supported Pacific people around 9 percent Asian New Zealanders 14 percent and encouragingly around a quarter of the learners being supported are over the age of 40 so are being supported to increase their skills whilst in work.Marja Lubeck: What support have employers received from the Apprenticeship Boost initiative in relation to vocational learners in their workplaces?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The Apprenticeship Boost which sits alongside the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund is part of our COVID-19 support initiatives. The increase in spending that we've done as a result of COVID-19 helps employers keep their early-stage apprentices employed and training towards their qualifications. Since it started in August last year we have paid out support to over 15500 employers and that has allowed them to retain in their jobs 38000 first- and second-year apprentices whilst also taking on new apprentices. As a result of that we now have record numbers of apprentices which is in stark contrast to the global financial crisis when apprenticeship numbers fell. To the end of October we funded support for 70000 apprentices compared to 52000 in the same period last year—that's an increase of over 32 percent.Marja Lubeck: What responses is he aware of regarding numbers in vocational learning and the support provided by Government?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Well I was recently made aware of the response by the Concave Construction co-chair Graham Burke who discussed the 49 percent jump in apprenticeship numbers since August of 2019 with my good friend Mike Hosking yesterday. Mr Burke told Mike Hosking that the increase was a direct result of the Government's Apprenticeship Boost policy and to quote him directly he said It's had amazing results.""
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): ANZ's latest Quarterly Economic Outlook has reported that economic momentum heading into the Delta outbreak was nothing short of remarkable" and during the higher alert level restrictions the wider economy has been performing very well—"better than anyone dared hope". It reports that it is clear that macroeconomic stimulus has done what it can to limit the economic fallout from lockdowns. Domestic demand remains strong unemployment at record lows while business confidence is above pre-crisis levels. The growth in goods export prices has outstripped import prices and led to good returns in dairy meat and horticulture. Looking ahead the ANZ expects low unemployment and a robust household sector which will underpin a sustainable growth path for the economy of 4.2 percent in 2021 and 3.9 percent in 2022.Dr Duncan Webb: What reports has he seen on the labour market and its impacts on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well the jobs market is supporting our recovery. Stats NZ reported last week that seasonally adjusted filled jobs continue to grow rising 0.1 percent in October compared with a month earlier to reach a new high of 2.28 million. The number of jobs for men rose by 37526 and for women by 37414 on the same period. On an annual basis the biggest gains have been in healthcare construction and professional services. Interestingly accommodation and food services also rose by 5.3 percent adding 7559 jobs. Despite ongoing restrictions Auckland added more jobs rising by 3.4 percent for the September year with gains also in the Waikato Canterbury Wellington and the Bay of Plenty.Chris Bishop: Point of order Mr Speaker. I'm sorry to do this but I feel like I have to. There's a prominent member of the House not actually wearing a mask at the moment. [Member puts mask on]Dr Duncan Webb: What other reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?SPEAKER: Order! I'm going to warn the member that his first two answers have been far too long.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Right. So much good news! The OECD Economic Outlook for December—SPEAKER: Order! Order! That's the end of it."
Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill — Third Reading
Belich Camilla; Rurawhe AdrianCAMILLA BELICH (Labour): Thank you Mr Speaker. It's a pleasure to rise to take a very short call on this Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill and again I want to commend the member for bringing this bill to the House. This is an important issue that she's addressed with dignity and respect. It's shown the best side of Parliament really with the collaboration that parliamentarians have shown on the select committee. The bill as it stands is well thought through. It's not a simple change it is a thorough change that allows what I see as a very well thought-out and thorough law to be put into place.Just to reiterate some of the points that my colleagues have said the reason that Labour supports this is that we do think that this bill does look towards increasing justice for victims and for their families increases transparency. It also increases and really focuses on a victim-centred approach. So I think that's really important. So in conclusion we support this bill. We commend the committee for their incredibly hard work and you would have seen the amount of expertise and knowledge that members both on the Government side and on the Opposition side have in relation to this bill.Also just to finish off by acknowledging the victims of insane offenders. This is why we're here debating this bill today. It's for them. It's to focus on them and it's to make their journey a little bit easier. Nothing can take away the trauma that people suffer when they're victims of insane offenders. What we can do is make sure that the laws we put in place when these people are facing the criminal justice system are sensitive to the needs of families and look towards making the best of a really terrible situation.That's why I personally support this bill. I think that it will make the journey much much easier for many people as they go through what has obviously been a very very difficult time. And so in conclusion I commend this bill to the House.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Members the House is suspended and I will resume the Chair at 9 a.m. tomorrow for the extended sitting. Pō mārie.Sitting suspended from 9.56 p.m. to 9 a.m. (Thursday)
Bridges SimonHon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga): I support this bill. It was good to be on the Justice Committee. I know that the member in charge of the bill's wish is that it passes so that it has a maximum effect and that in the rare cases that it does pertain to those people involved and the victims particularly get the effect of this bill. So I'm not going to speak at all long. I do normally speak to the substance of the bill and things about this bill that are why I support it but I'm not going to do that.I do just like other members though want to acknowledge Louise Upston. She's a fine MP. She's done a great job here. There are member's bills and then there are member's bills—those that are sort of passed to someone and they don't necessarily have a passion for it but she has had a huge passion for it. She's dare I say it been very protective of it in fact and wanted to ensure that at every stage—it's had twists and turns and this bill has had a lot of twists and turns—that the right thing was done. So I do pay tribute to you Louise. You've done a great job here and this will be among many other things a lasting legacy of your contribution in this Parliament—not that you're going anywhere any time soon at all. But it's a good bill. I support it. It was great to be a small part of it.
Prime Willow-JeanWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour—Northland): Tēnā koe e te Māngai o te Whare. I'm really conscious of the time so my contribution will be very short. I just want to acknowledge the member the Hon Louise Upston for ushering this bill through the House. I want to acknowledge your constituent who brought the issue in the first place and also that of the Hon Nick Smith who was the petitioner that we also dealt with the two together. I really want to thank all sides of the House. We really did work hard on this. It's been well described by all the speakers before me. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be part of this piece of legislation and I really do hope that it brings something forward for those families for those victims. I hope that it has been a worthwhile process for them and I hope that the courts are able to work with this in the future. So with that I commend the bill to the House.
Omer IbrahimIBRAHIM OMER (Labour): Thank you Mr Speaker. It's a pleasure to take a call on the Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill. This is the second time that this House is coming together to pass bills tonight. I've had the privilege of speaking on both bills.Can I first start with acknowledging and congratulating the Hon Louise Upston for bringing this important bill to this House and the contribution from the members across the House. The heart of this bill adjusts for the victims and their families who will go through a lot and their only mistakes are that they are just the victims.This bill aims to better align the treatment of victims of offenders found guilty-insane with the victims of regular offenders of our justice system. It simply addresses an inconsistency. Labour supports this bill because it aligns with our values because it simply promotes justice and transparency while also protecting survivors of crime and their community. Tonight is a good night; it's good to see that at the forefront of our politics is the people and victims and that when we do that we do things well. So I commend this bill to the House.
Mitchell MarkHon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa): I'll be very brief. I want to acknowledge my colleague Louise Upston. At the end of the day if a family member is assaulted is badly injured or is even killed and they turn up to court and they hear a verdict Not guilty on account of insanity" all they hear is not guilty. That's all that they hear. There's no one that's actually been held to account. Louise Upston recognised that she realised there needed to be a change the committee's worked on it there's been a very good change now where it is now "Act proven but not criminally responsible on account of insanity". It means that there is accountability and it means that victims get treated properly inside our criminal justice system and that families feel like they get the justice that they deserve. Thank you."
Pallett SarahSARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam): Thank you Mr Speaker. This evening I rise to give my grateful thanks to the Hon Louise Upston for bringing this bill to us in the House. I'm not on the Justice Committee but I was privileged to be able to sit in substituting in for one of my colleagues on some of the submissions that were profoundly moving. I don't mind sharing that some of them brought members of the committee to tears myself included and the bravery of these submitters was profound.It was really clear that what had been done to these people was profoundly wrong. By that I don't simply mean the acts committed against them but what the law had done unintentionally. I'm very very pleased to be able to see those changes come before us this evening. The words act proven but not criminally responsible on account of insanity" are significant as are the rights of victims. For that reason I heartily commend this bill to the House."
Baillie ChrisCHRIS BAILLIE (ACT): Thank you Mr Speaker. I rise on behalf of ACT to take a very short call on the final reading of the Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill. Unfortunately Nicole McKee who sat on the select committee can't be here tonight as she would have wanted to have been. I'm sure she's a passionate member of the select committee.I was a policeman in Nelson in 2009 when Wendy Hamer was viciously attacked. And while I wasn't directly involved in the inquiry and the investigation the effect it had on the police and the community was huge. Wendy's strength to not only survive but to launch a petition for victims' rights was a major influence in this bill I believe and it shows an amazing courage and determination. I'd have to acknowledge Nick Smith for his advocacy for Wendy over the years too.The bill gives victims of insane offenders the same rights as other victims of crime. It allows the victims to be recognised as victims and get fair access to services and entitlements. The rewording of the verdict now accurately reflects the offence and words do matter. I sat in on a select committee yesterday and the Police Commissioner stated that mental health call-outs have increased 60 percent in the last five years. Unfortunately this issue isn't going to go away. We must continue to put victims first and we must start looking at the social fabric of our society. I was disappointed to read today the death of a 16-year-old girl in a car accident and a 20-year-old driver who was speeding texting over the drink-drive limit and driving on the wrong side of the road who was given a four-month and two-week home detention plus a fine. We've got a lot of work to do.It's obvious everyone in the Justice Committee worked really hard on this bill with cross-party support and special thanks to Louise Upston and Ginny Andersen and the officials from the Ministry of Justice for their advice and their assistance. I understand the bill went back and forth a couple of times to get things right. And a good example that good process produces good law and that laws should not be rushed. A huge thanks to the victims for their perseverance and for submitting and sharing their stories. This outcome is yours and your strength will always be appreciated. Thank you.
Brown SimeonSIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga): Thank you Mr Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to take a call on the Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill which is at its third reading.Let me just start by acknowledging my colleague the Hon Louise Upston who has brought this piece of legislation to Parliament not only as someone who's been a local MP listening to her constituents but someone who has a deep respect for the law but also a deep appreciation and understanding for victims of crime. I just want to acknowledge the heart and the passion that she has brought to this Parliament when it comes to making sure that at the heart of our criminal justice system we put victims first. I think that's the message that Parliament is sending tonight to the criminal justice system: that we want to see victims put at the heart of our criminal justice system.We've heard from the previous speaker Ginny Andersen and we've heard from Louise Upston about the many challenges this bill has faced to get to where it has got to. One point I just want to make to all of those victims who are listening tonight is that we hear you that we see you that we are listening and that we are making sure that Parliament puts its stamp on the law and on the criminal justice system.It is ultimately Parliament who sets the law in this country. It is ultimately Parliament that gets to decide what the law says and that is what we are doing tonight by changing the verdict in these cases from not guilty on account of insanity" to "act proven but not criminally responsible on account of insanity". Whilst some may say it's only words when we here heard from those victims who came and who shared their tears in front of us at the select committee who shared their stories and their anguish the pain and their suffering; not just in the courtroom on that day but in the years following we realise that actually these words deeply—deeply—matter. And not just the words but also the other parts in this bill which make a real difference to those victims and their lives.I'm very pleased that we've been able to have agreement across the House. I want to acknowledge the Labour Party; the chair in particular of the Justice Committee Ginny Andersen—it's been great working with them. And I want to acknowledge the contribution that everyone on the Justice Committee has made. I commend this bill to the House and I look forward to continuing to see more legislation brought to this Parliament which puts victims first in our criminal justice system."
Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill — In Committee—Clauses 1 and 2
Rurawhe Adrian; Andersen Ginny; Dean JacquiClauses 1 and 2CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): We now come to the debate on clauses 1 and 2 title and commencement. The question is that clauses 1 and 2 stand part.GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour—Hutt South): Thank you very much Mr Chair. Look I just wanted to make a short contribution in relation to the commencement date. I think it was really important to highlight that it was further extended for a whole year. So initially the view of the commencement date was—I think we had it down as July but through consideration with the committee that there were so many significant changes and that this bill made such I guess a leap in terms of trying to take into account criminal justice procedures as well as mental health processes that the necessary changes that would have to be done would require significantly longer than what a typical passage of legislation would need. So for those reasons we heard from officials and took advice from both Health and Justice that a longer period for the commencement date for this bill would be required in order to do that. Look I just think that it reflects in general the high level of cooperation from both sides of the House to take into account and try and have the best passage forward for these changes to be able to be bedded in and to take a long-term improvement not only to our mental health services but also to those rights of victims who have had an offence committed by someone who has been stated as being insane or unfit to stand trial.So I welcome any comments from the member but I think it was important to highlight to the committee the level of cooperation that enabled a longer commencement date in order for the substantive changes that will be required and the coordination required as well between two quite different worlds to make sure that these are bedded in appropriately to make those changes lasting.Clause 1 agreed to.Clause 2 agreed to.House resumed.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Madam Speaker the committee has considered the Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill and reports it with amendment. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): In accordance with a determination of the Business Committee this bill is set down for third reading forthwith.
Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill — In Committee—Part 5
Rurawhe AdrianPart 5 Consequential amendments to other enactments and Schedule 5CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members we now come to Part 5. This is the debate on clause 16 and Schedule 5 consequential amendments to other enactments. The question is that Part 5 stand part.The question is that the Hon Louise Upston's amendment to Part 5 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 98 be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.Part 5 as amended agreed to.Schedule 1 agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Hon Louise Upston's amendments to Schedule 2 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 98 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Schedule 2 as amended agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Hon Louise Upston's amendments to Schedule 3 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 98 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Schedule 3 as amended agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Hon Louise Upston's amendments to Schedule 4 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 98 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Schedule 4 as amended agreed to.Schedule 5 agreed to.
Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill — In Committee—Part 4
Rurawhe AdrianCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Hon Louise Upston's amendment to Part 4 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 98 be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that Part 4 as amended stand part.Part 4 as amended agreed to.
Upston LouiseHon LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō): Thank you Mr Chair. For many people listening to this committee of the whole House they will realise that the amendments to the Victims' Rights Act are probably the most critical in terms of achieving the policy intent of this bill.One of the questions that was asked before about the introduction of the victim impact statements—and again standing in the shoes of a victim: that they are a victim of a crime through no fault of their own and so many of them have no or very little understanding of the justice system and definitely probably less of the health system around mental health. As we as a country have progressed the rights of victims one of the areas that has become more and more important for—and closure" in this instance just sounds trite but I can't think of a better word. The ability of the victim to give a victim impact statement in court is a really important part of the process for them to resolve some of the trauma that they have dealt with by the very nature of being a victim. That trauma exists whether you are a victim of a sane person or an insane person. So these amendments in Part 4 provide more of that equivalence between the health and justice system that we talked about before but very much in the ability of a victim to get some form of closure or to get to the next stage of their grief and trauma.But the other part when the member refers to new section 30A inserted by clause 14O that I think is important to put on record—because in the submissions from victims there was not one that had ill-feeling or blame or hatred or anything for the special patient. In fact it was in many cases quite the opposite. There was deep concern by the victim about the ability of the special patient to recover. And I think that's a really important part of this particular clause with new section 30A because the victim wants to know: is that special patient getting treatment? Are they being supported on their journey back to their community and their family? Because to many of them it felt like a black box: there was a special patient they were found not guilty on account of insanity and then the victim heard zero about what happened to that special patient. I was really moved by the submitters and their very generosity and need for them to understand and be kept informed in some way shape or form of what happened to the special patient."
Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill — In Committee—Part 3
Dean JacquiPart 3 Amendments to Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003 and Schedule 3CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members we now come to Part 3. Part 3 is the debate on clauses 12 to 13A and Schedule 3 amendments to the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003. The question is that Part 3 stand part. The question is that the Hon Louise Upston's amendments to Part 3 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 98 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Part 3 as amended agreed to.
Dean JacquiCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jacqui Dean): The question is that the Hon Louise Upston's amendments to Part 2 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 98 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.Part 2 as amended agreed to.
Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill — In Committee—Part 2
Stanford EricaERICA STANFORD (National—East Coast Bays): I move That the question be now put.Motion agreed to.
Upston LouiseHon LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō): Thank you Madam Chair. I just want to quickly address a couple of the matters raised by the member who has just resumed her seat Camilla Belich. The first thing is just to actually correct—it is the Minister of Health who grants the leave to the special patients not the Minister of Justice.The other thing is from the public's perspective they just expect that the systems of Government work together and they're quite shocked when they don't. So we have to move more into the world of the New Zealanders who access Government services and support as opposed to living in the world of the system for the system's sake. That is exactly what's happening with this bill. It is from the world of the victim and the world of the special patient and the collective efforts of the Justice Committee and the officials who nutted out things in the background have meant this is a piece of legislation that is for the New Zealanders who this bill should serve as opposed to the systems themselves.