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Sosene Lemauga LydiaLEMAUGA LYDIA SOSENE (Labour): It is my honourable pleasure to speak on the Local Government Electoral Legislation Bill. I came from this world in Auckland Council.This is a choice that gives Auckland Council the ability to strengthen and we've heard from this side of the House and also our friends from the Greens the reasons why Māori representation is critical at the decision-making table. So just a couple of reflections. We in South Auckland on local boards—the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board; I want to do a shout-out to them—led the way in terms of working within the current system to have mana whenua and maata waka at the table giving their kōrero to us. This bill will strengthen that process. Also New Zealand is in the South Pacific. Diversity is important for this country. Tāmaki-makau-rau leads the way and I'm sure our friends across the House—and it's a shame that Mr Court has gone. We do not assume because we know; we come from those communities. And so just a couple more points—Joseph Mooney: Point of order. I think there's a longstanding principle that members can't refer to members who aren't in the House.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): That's correct.LEMAUGA LYDIA SOSENE: I apologise.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): Thank you.LEMAUGA LYDIA SOSENE: Thank you for pointing that out but I just wanted to help my friend over there to understand.In terms of what councils need to consider they do need the levers. This bill will do that once it is passed and do not underestimate the strength in diversity. In Auckland with the low voter turn-out under the council process this will help strengthen and help representation around the governance table to have a fair presentation of not just iwi but those individuals who are interested to stand from a diversity background. This bill will strengthen that. I want to thank the Governance and Administration Committee and also the submitters and the officials. I commend this bill to the House.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): The next call is a split call. I call on Simon O'Connor for five minutes.
SpeechHon EUGENIE SAGE (Green): That preceding speech was a key reason why the ACT Party definitely should not be part of the Government post October. They are not interested in strengthening our democracy; they want to weaken it and they misrepresent what is in legislation before the Parliament. This bill is not doing all of the things that the ACT member claimed it was. It is improving the whole process at the review of representation arrangements to ensure that there is a clear process to consider Māori wards and that is likely to give Māori greater representation and voice around the table. But it is a process to consider that and to consult with the community. We need that stronger representation so we better have councils who represent their communities. That is quite fundamental. What is the problem that ACT and National have with that?Chlöe Swarbrick: Democracy. Hon EUGENIE SAGE: Thank you. The other issues that this bill is dealing with are things like very logical things to do in Auckland so that the boards can adjust their boundaries. Auckland is the only council that has local boards. They are a key in ensuring that connection with local communities. At the moment those boards have to go through something similar to a whole review a many-step statutory process that's equivalent to a local government reorganisation if they want to adjust their boundaries. So the bill is providing a simple clear process to enable that to happen so that they represent their communities of interest. This bill is about fair representation and it's about improving the processes as the Minister of Local Government has outlined. It's not what ACT and National are saying it is.It should go further though. Golriz Ghahraman had two Supplementary Order Papers with one to ensure that 16-year-olds could vote and stand for candidates. We're disappointed that that didn't pass but we're delighted that that is now being looked at and we also need in local government a move to proportional representation like STV voting systems because it is with proportional representation that you get much more diversity around the council table as we have here in the Parliament with MMP.So this isn't sweeping electoral reform. But it is a number of useful improvements to actually strengthen the process which happens at representation review and the Green Party supports it.
SpeechNAISI CHEN (Labour): Thank you Madam Speaker. I would just encourage the members of the Opposition to actually read the bill. This is a great bill especially from someone who lives in Auckland. Currently right now the Auckland Council is frozen at 20 people in their council in the super-city and we are bringing it up to line so that it actually can grow with the population.It took us 30 years to get from 3 million to 4 million; only took us 16 years to get from 4 million to 5 million. We have almost doubled the rate of growth in our population and we need the make-up of our local government bodies to be able to reflect that. We need more diversity on councils. We need to make sure that there is an equal voice for everyone in our communities reflected in the Auckland Council.But what I'm particularly proud of in this bill—I think it's a great idea—is actually aligning some of those boundaries of our local boards to the councillor wards as well so that there is less confusion in local council and there's more efficiency through all the different bodies in local council. That's why I commend this bill to the House.
Smith StuartSTUART SMITH (National—Kaikōura): Thank you Madam Speaker. I think the 12 a.m. finish this morning has clearly coloured some of the debate this morning. It's fantastic; I enjoy an early start anyway so it's great to be out here. I note the Minister said this bill is technical; it's not technical it's autocratic. That's what it is—it's actually autocratic. We believe in localism on this side of the House and consulting with councils—we do talk to our councils; I talk to mine. What they don't want is us telling them what to do and this is exactly what this is doing it's telling them what to do. It's putting in place that every six years they have to put an agenda item on their agenda through this legislation—it's outrageous. These people are elected to represent their constituents. They're ratepayers; they should be able to make that call not us here. That is outrageous and to put it up there I'd have to say I think even saying that they have to consult with iwi and communities—that's round the wrong way. You should have to consult with your community and iwi in that order because the community is the majority—covers everyone and that's what they are elected to represent. They want to consult other groups? Fine. That's fantastic. And should there be Māori wards? That's a decision for the community.This is the major step towards making that decision for them. I think it's outrageous and it shows I think in the dying days of this Government—thank goodness—they have a priority of trying to bring this up. It really shows and that's why we're getting such positive feedback in the electorate for us coming into Government. People are sick of the ideology-driven Government and so let's bring on 14 October and see the end or the back of this Government.
Boyack RachelRACHEL BOYACK (Labour—Nelson): What an utterly bizarre speech from the member opposite Joseph Mooney given that his own community of Southland asked for these changes. The member opposite needs to listen to his community. Coromandel did as well. I'm sure the good Mayor of Marlborough would appreciate this legislation.This bill ensures there is choice provided to councils. It's a very straightforward bill. Every six years there is a review and consideration of how democracy is organised in a local council area. We look at the number of wards the number of councillors the geographic boundaries the voting system and whether or not there should be Māori wards. It is a choice and the members opposite obviously aren't listening to their communities. It will be up to the council to make the determination following consideration Mr Mooney so I suggest that you talk to the Southland council who are one of the organisations who have asked for this. It's an excellent bill and I commend it to the House.
Mooney JosephJOSEPH MOONEY (National—Southland): Thank you very much Madam Speaker. I rise to take a brief call on the Local Government Electoral Legislation Bill. The National Party opposes this bill. It's yet another example of Labour riding roughshod over local government—the Labour Government knows best and will tell the local community what they can and can't do. This is not good.National does not oppose Māori wards when they comply with the principles of democracy and are wanted by the community but that should be a choice for those communities not a mandate from the Government. While there are some positive elements in the bill that we believe will help local government we strongly oppose the requirements surrounding Māori seats. It's just another example unfortunately of a Labour Government that thinks it knows best. It requires councils to consider the introduction of Māori wards every six years and finalise provisions that Labour passed under urgency. So a brief call from me but it's one that—unfortunately another example by the Labour Government where we're considering a bill under urgency right at the end of the Parliament and Labour has shown an increasing tendency to centralise things and tell local communities how they should operate their business. We think that there needs to be localism and local communities need to be able to decide these things for themselves.
Salesa JennyCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The committee has considered the Local Government Electoral Legislation Bill and reports it with amendment. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): This bill is set down for third reading immediately.
VoteTUESDAY 22 AUGUST 2023(continued on Thursday 24 August 2023)LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTORAL LEGISLATION BILLIn CommitteeDebate resumed.Parts 1 to 3 Schedules 1 to 3 and clauses 1 and 2 (continued)CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): Good morning. Ata mārie members. The committee resumes its consideration of the Local Government Electoral Legislation Bill. The question is that Parts 1 to 3 Schedules 1 to 3 and clauses 1 and 2 stand part. I see members are so keen to take a call especially after the 12 a.m. finish last night! The question is that Golriz Ghahraman's amendments to the Minister's amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 358 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 397 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments to the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 9; Kerekere.Noes 106New Zealand Labour 62; New Zealand National 34; ACT New Zealand 10.Amendments to the amendments not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the Minister's amendments set out on Supplementary Order Papers 367 and 358 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 72New Zealand Labour 62; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 9; Kerekere.Noes 44New Zealand National 34; ACT New Zealand 10.Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): Golriz Ghahraman's amendment to insert new Part 1A set out on Supplementary Order Paper 263 is ruled out of order as being outside the scope of this bill.A party vote was called for on the question That Parts 1 to 3 Schedules 1 to 3 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 62; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 9; Te Paati Māori 2; Kerekere; Whaitiri.Noes 44New Zealand National 34; ACT New Zealand 10.Parts 1 to 3 Schedules 1 to 3 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment.House resumed.
Thursday 14 April 2022 - Volume 758
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill be now read a third 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 third time.
COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That this House approve the following orders made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020: COVID-19 Public Health Response (Protection Framework) Amendment Order (No 4) COVID-19 Public Health Response (Self-isolation Requirements and Permitted Work) Amendment Order (No 2) 2022 COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Amendment Order (No 2) 2022 and the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Self-isolation Requirements and Permitted Work) Amendment Order 2022.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10. Noes 12ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Orders approved.
12. Question No. 12—JusticeVANUSHI WALTERS (Labour—Upper Harbour) to the Minister of JusticeQuestion No. 12—Justice12. VANUSHI WALTERS (Labour—Upper Harbour) to the Minister of Justice: How is the Government supporting courts to operate safely during COVID-19?Hon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Justice): Kia ora Mr Speaker. This afternoon the COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill will be read for a third time. The bill clarifies the ability of the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to set and enforce safety requirements for entering the courts and some tribunals it enables the judiciary to set safety requirements for selecting and managing juries it confirms that legislative protections for the public and media to access criminal hearings are satisfied proceedings are being held remotely and entry requirements are in place. These changes are temporary and will ensure the safe operation of our courts while the COVID-19 outbreak continues. The Government has heard the calls from the judiciary and the others working in the sector so they can manage the COVID-19 risks in their courts.Vanushi Walters: How have courts been able to operate safely while maintaining the right to justice and will the courts safety bill help to maintain that?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: Yes the courts have been incredibly adaptive to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years. I thank the judiciary the Ministry of Justice and all the other practitioners in our justice system for their innovation patience and determination to maintain access to justice. Courts have increased their use of audiovisual links and put in place several locations where appropriate to ensure people's court hearings can go ahead. The Government has also invested $50 million from the COVID-19 recovery Budget initiative to ensure challenges that have arisen because of COVID are able to be tackled. The bill supports the maintenance of access to justice as the judiciary and the ministry can only set their requirements where reasonably necessary in the interests of justice and to respond to COVID-related health and safety risks. Vanushi Walters: How will the courts safety bill support the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to continue adapting to COVID-19?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: We want to ensure that the judiciary and the ministry can assess the requirements needed for the courts to implement them on the basis of public health advice. The changes in the bill are not prescriptive—it does not mandate vaccination or any other specific measures. What it does do is give the judiciary the ability to manage their courts safely and according to their judgment as the pandemic continues. The bill gives certainty to the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary that the decisions that they make in keeping their courthouses and rooms safe from COVID have a solid legal backing.
6. Question No. 6—EnvironmentRACHEL BOYACK (Labour—Nelson) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 6—Environment6. RACHEL BOYACK (Labour—Nelson) to the Minister for the Environment: How has Jobs for Nature supported regional communities?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): Today the Government announced another Jobs for Nature project to significantly scale up protecting whitebait spawning habitat īnanga in Northland. Whitebait numbers sadly are declining and it's important that we act now to restore habitat. The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust will improve spawning habitats in 25 waterways across the Far North; around 20000 streamside plants will be planted; kilometres of fencing together with animal and weed control will help restore the habitat for whitebait.Rachel Boyack: How is Jobs for Nature supporting communities in the Nelson region?Hon DAVID PARKER: In the Nelson region Project Mahitahi is a collaborative programme between the local council iwi and community partners to restore the ecological health of the Mahitahi Valley forest ecosystems. It's a five-year project which will plant around 125000 plants restore wetlands and carry out pest and plant control. It aims to enhance water quality reduce the spread of invasive plant species and preserve rare indigenous tree species. It's another example of Jobs for Nature making a tangible difference.Angie Warren-Clark: How is Jobs for Nature supporting regional communities in the Bay of Plenty?Hon DAVID PARKER: Another Jobs for Nature project is backing the Accelerating Bay of Plenty Freshwater Improvement project helping fence 174 kilometres 450000 native plants and these steps will help protect the region's waterways and enhance biodiversity. Catchments covered in the project are the Pongakawa River tributaries of the Waihī estuary the Poraiti and Kaituna Nukuhou catchments and the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes. They're all experiencing high levels of contaminants from sedimentation and livestock nutrients which is impacting on ecosystem health swimming and tuna. It's a great example of central and local government working together with private landowners and iwi to put the health of the waterway first.
5. Question No. 5—HousingCHRIS BISHOP (National) to the Minister of HousingQuestion No. 5—Housing5. CHRIS BISHOP (National) to the Minister of Housing: How many KiwiBuild houses were built in January 2022 if any and is KiwiBuild performing to her expectations?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing): As of the end of January 2022 there were 917 new KiwiBuild houses being built and 591 have been contracted and are due to begin construction soon. These will be in addition to the 1304 KiwiBuild homes completed to date. None were completed in January. I note that January is always the quietest month in the building sector where builders typically and traditionally take a well-deserved break. So this is in line with my expectations.Chris Bishop: Was her expectation of KiwiBuild that it would have built more than 1304 houses since it began?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I notice the new spokesperson for housing for the National Party is taking the easy classic Lite FM line on KiwiBuild. He may not have noticed that there was a reset of the KiwiBuild scheme in September 2019 when targets were removed. KiwiBuild is performing to our expectations.Chris Bishop: In light of that answer can she confirm that her expectation is that KiwiBuild will have only built just over 1300 houses around 4½ years into the programme?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: What I can and will happily confirm to that member is that we are happy with the record of 1304 houses being built 917 currently under construction and a further 591 due to begin construction very soon over a 4½ year period. I will put that against the 100 affordable houses the National Party in Government delivered over nine long years.Chris Bishop: Why has KiwiBuild only built 1304 houses since it started?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Because the KiwiBuild programme had to start from a zero position of any Government support for the building of affordable housing. I point to the 100 houses that the special housing areas the National Party put in place delivered over nine years of Government.Chris Bishop: How many houses have been built at Ihumātao following the purchase of land there through the KiwiBuild Land for Housing Programme?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: As the member well knows the land at Ihumātao was not purchased for the purposes of KiwiBuild; it was purchased through the Land for Housing Programme. So there was never any intention of building KiwiBuild houses on that land.Chris Bishop: Has she received any advice in recent days in how changes either up or down in the official cash rate—including changes of up to 100 basis points—may affect how easy it is for people to purchase a KiwiBuild home and service the mortgage on it?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Ours is a Government that is always committed to policy settings that will help first-home buyers and have a steady programme of work—so on most days I receive advice.
2. Question No. 2—Climate ChangeMARK CAMERON (ACT) to the Minister of Climate ChangeQuestion No. 2—Climate Change2. MARK CAMERON (ACT) to the Minister of Climate Change: Does he stand by the position he took in Parliament on 31 March that we do not need to reduce the national herd size or the position he took on One News on 12 April that we do need to reduce the national herd size? Hon JAMES SHAW (Minister of Climate Change): Yes. Mark Cameron: Why did the Minister change his position regarding herd sizes so abruptly in the space of just two weeks and how can farmers have confidence in this Government when Cabinet Ministers are flip-flopping on their livelihoods? Hon JAMES SHAW: Well in answer to the second part of the question as I've said before in this House that member needs to have more faith in New Zealand farmers and in the agricultural community. Farmers up and down the country have been reducing their emissions and increasing their profitability for a number of years. Mark Cameron: Has the Minister asked his ministerial colleagues about expediting methane mitigation technologies—which the Minister stated that the Government has invested roughly $200 million into over the past decade—to avoid slashing herd numbers and farmers' bottom lines? Hon JAMES SHAW: In the member's question there he equates a drop in productivity to a drop in the bottom lines of farmers and actually what the research shows is that farmers can actually increase their profitability whilst reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. That is the frustration with this particular debate. What the debate needs to focus on is the reduction in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions rather than a really simplistic debate about the methodology that you might take to get there. Mark Cameron: Does he believe that reducing herd sizes is a wise decision when New Zealand's agricultural sector feeds approximately 40 million people globally—roughly eight times our population—and contributes to global food security? Hon JAMES SHAW: Farmers themselves are actually the ones who are amongst the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The report that came out earlier this week demonstrated that the intensity of weather events including droughts—that of course affect our agricultural sector—are increasing by about 15 percent as a result of climate change and also that the frequency of those events is increasing by about 20 percent. That in itself cuts farmers' bottom lines more than anything.
1. Question No. 1—Research Science and InnovationJAMIE STRANGE (Labour—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Research Science and InnovationORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Research Science and Innovation1. JAMIE STRANGE (Labour—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Research Science and Innovation: What action is the Government taking to support innovation in the aerospace sector?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Research Science and Innovation): Last week I announced the Government is supporting Christchurch aerospace start-up Pyper Vision to develop a solution that could help make fog delays a thing of the past in offering a solution to a multibillion-dollar problem. Pyper Vision's solution uses drones to dispense a safe water-absorbing and environmentally-friendly product that soaks up moisture in the air and clears runway fog so that pilots and air traffic controllers can operate safely. The development of Pyper Vision's technology will be supported through the Government's Airspace Integration Trials programme which supports the safe integration of autonomous aviation technologies into our existing transport system.Jamie Strange: Why is the Government supporting New Zealand's aerospace sector?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: The Government has a vision for the New Zealand aerospace sector to be a diverse and inclusive sector that is thriving; supporting tens of thousands of high-wage jobs. The sector will be safe innovative and productive with aerospace activities actively contributing to achieving our environmental goals. This could be a multibillion-dollar industry that leads the world in disruptive aerospace technologies yet has low environmental impact and could enhance sustainability across the New Zealand economy.Jamie Strange: What else has the Government done to support New Zealand's aerospace sector?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: The Airspace Integration Trials programme was established in 2019 with Wisk a leading international advanced aviation company to support the trialling of autonomous passenger aircraft in Canterbury. Since then the programme has received strong interest from both domestic and international companies despite the impacts of COVID-19. The programme has now grown to have eight industry partners developing autonomous and remotely-piloted aircraft across a range of areas including environmental monitoring conservation agriculture cargo transport and medical deliveries.
Wednesday 13 April 2022 (continued on Thursday 14 April 2022) - Volume 758
Public Finance (Prohibition on Providing Funding to Gangs) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteDEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is that the motion be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Public Finance (Prohibition on Providing Public Funds to Gangs) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion not agreed to.
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that Tangi Utikere's amendment to clause 4 replacing section 54H(3) set out on Supplementary Order Paper 146 be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Simon Court's tabled amendment and amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 150 are out of order as being outside the scope of the bill. The question is that Part 1 and Part 2 and clauses 1 to 3 as amended stand part.Part 1 and Part 2 and clauses 1 to 3 as amended agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): I will report this bill with amendment.House resumed.
Local Government (Pecuniary Interests Register) Amendment Bill — In Committee
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the Hon Poto Williams' amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 144 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that Chris Bishop's amendments to clause 4 and clause 37 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 149 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 10ACT New Zealand 10.Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that Chlöe Swarbrick's amendment to insert new clause 9A set out on Supplementary Order Paper 141 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; ACT New Zealand 10.Amendment not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that Chris Bishop's amendment to insert new clause 9B set out on Supplementary Order Paper 147 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to. Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; ACT New Zealand 10.Amendment not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that Chlöe Swarbrick's amendment to clause 35 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 142 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Amendment not agreed to.Parts 1 and 2 Schedules 1 to 3 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment.
Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Bill — In Committee
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): The question is that Penny Simmonds' amendment to replace clause 4 set out in Supplementary Order Paper 145 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 55New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 65New Zealand Labour 65.Amendment not agreed to.Clause 4 agreed to.
Human Rights (Disability Assist Dogs Non-Discrimination) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Clause 4
Wednesday 13 April 2022 - Volume 758
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the report be adopted.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.Report adopted.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): The Appropriation (2020/21 Confirmation and Validation) Bill is set down for further consideration in committee next sitting day and the COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill is set down for third reading next sitting day. In accordance with the determination of the Business Committee the House is suspended and I will resume the chair at 9 a.m. tomorrow for the extended sitting to consider members' orders of the day. Pō mārie.Sitting suspended from 9.57 p.m. to 9 a.m. (Thursday)
VoteWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Assistant Whip—Labour): I move That the question be now put.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.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.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 3 be agreed to.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.Clause 3 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 1 be agreed to.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.Schedule 1 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 2 be agreed to.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.Schedule 2 agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 3 be agreed to.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.Schedule 3 agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.House resumed.
COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill — In Committee—Clause 3
VoteWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Assistant Whip—Labour): I move That the question be now put.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.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.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 be agreed to.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.Clause 2 agreed to.
COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill — In Committee—Clause 2
COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill — In Committee—Clause 1
VoteWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Assistant Whip—Labour): I move That the question be now put.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Clause 1 agreed to.
12. Question No. 12—PoliceHon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 12—Police12. Hon MARK MITCHELL (National—Whangaparāoa) to the Minister of Police: How many more gang members are there on the National Gang List today compared to October 2017 and how many shootings related to gang activity have police recorded if any over that same period?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police): In October '17 the National Gang List had 5343 gang members on it and has since increased by 2348. The National Gang List is an intelligence tool used by police. While the number of gang members on the list has dropped by around 500 since August last year it remains an unreliable tool for measuring gang membership. I'm advised that police do not record shootings specifically related to gang activity; however they do report violent offences which involve those on the National Gang List. These offences can include the use of firearms. In 2017 there were 2138 violent offences committed by gang members; in 2021 this number was 1704. The number of violent offences committed by gang members peaked in 2010 at 2362. Hon Mark Mitchell: Does she agree with Police Association president Chris Cahill who said Without a doubt gang crime is up"?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: I agree with much of what Chris Cahill says. My view around gang numbers and gang activity and operations is that when you know there's a problem you have to do something about it. That's why you invest in your police that's why you build up the numbers and that's why you give them the legislative tools to do the job.Hon Mark Mitchell: What is the split of firearms seized from Operation Tauwhiro as against general duties operations?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Operation Tauwhiro as I've quoted often in this House has taken around 1500 firearms off the streets. Operation Tauwhiro has only operated for a year; over the last three years there have been 10000 firearms taken out of the hands of gangs. Hon Mark Mitchell: Point of order Mr Speaker. I specifically asked how many had been taken by Operation Tauwhiro and how many had been taken from general duty operations and she hasn't answered that. She's answered only Tauwhiro.SPEAKER: Well I'll make two points. First of all the constant reference to "she" in this House—I think the member should be polite and say "the Minister". The second point that I'd make is that the member asked for two figures and he got them. Hon Mark Mitchell: If Operation Tauwhiro is responsible for all firearms recovered—1531—how many have the general duties operations recovered?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: I gave him a figure for over the last three years which is 10000. If the member would like me to give him the Gun Safe figures I'd be happy to do that. I don't have them with me—if he would care to put that in writing I will supply them to him."
7. Question No. 7—HealthSARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 7—Health7. SARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam) to the Minister of Health: What recent support has been made available for New Zealand's health system to learn from our response to COVID-19?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): This Government has taken seriously its responsibility to keep New Zealanders safe from avoidable harm and on this basis tens of thousands of lives have been saved because of the way we responded to COVID-19. However it's important that we also capture what we've learnt from the response so far and for this reason I've announced today the establishment of a $9 million research fund to look at our response and ways that will contribute to future health system planning. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have far-reaching impacts on our communities and while research so far about New Zealand's COVID-19 response and conduct of the National Immunisation Programme has already provided valuable insight and enabled the rapid application of national and international evidence today's funding will allow a deeper look into how we responded. A request for proposals for research opens on 19 April and I look forward to seeing how many successful proposals we get to use this important opportunity.Sarah Pallett: What will the priorities of this research fund be?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: With this fund we're looking at a whole range of things such as how different sectors of society including Māori Pacific and disabled communities have been affected by COVID and what we've learnt about working with these communities. This will help us understand what still needs to be done and to prepare for future pandemics. There are also a lot of valuable lessons to be learnt from the COVID-19 vaccination programme including how we manage disruption to other vaccination programmes and how we improve other vaccination programmes as well. During our response we have vaccinated 4 million people against COVID-19. That's the largest vaccination programme we've ever seen in this country and we need to see how we can apply what we've learnt in that programme to other programmes.Sarah Pallett: What benefits does he expect from this research?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The key benefit we are focusing on for this research is how lessons from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be brought to bear on future responses and mass vaccine roll-outs. We'd also expect that equity should be a key element of any proposal. It's become clear that systemic inequities in access to healthcare existed in the system and played out during the course of our response to COVID. This is why one of the criterion for assessments of research proposals will be how rapidly the evidence can be translated into practice or interventions in New Zealand and for our underserved communities particularly Māori.
4. Question No. 4—PoliceCHRIS BAILLIE (ACT) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 4—Police4. CHRIS BAILLIE (ACT) to the Minister of Police: Does she stand by all her statements and policies?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police): Yes in the context that they were made and undertaken.Chris Baillie: Does she stand by her statement from earlier this month that We have put 1400 extra cops on the beat." and how does that square with the Prime Minister's statement from last month that 1800 new police officers were "promised and delivered."?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Yes.Chris Baillie: So is the Prime Minister wrong when she said 1800 new police officers had been recruited?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Eighteen hundred new police officers in terms of the lift and then 1800 growth which means we have lifted the number of police—we will when we reach the target in June 2023—by 1800 taking account of attrition.Chris Baillie: How does her statement that "We have 1400 extra cops on the beat." square with the Police Association's statement that "Just 1273 new police officers had been recruited."?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Well it would depend on when the Police Association did their count. I know from the latest figures the police have given me it is 1400.Chris Baillie: Does the Minister think policing success should be measured by how much the Government spends or by whether the crime rate goes down?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: Whatever happens in terms of the crime rate if you don't have sufficient resource to deal with it you cannot deal with it. This Government has spent the last four-and-a-bit years rebuilding the police after the National Government froze budgets and dropped the numbers. They are the facts."
Tuesday 12 April 2022 - Volume 758
Retail Payment System Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Retail Payment System Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 110New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 10ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill be now read a second 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 second time.
COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill — Second Reading
12. Question No. 12—EducationCAMILLA BELICH (Labour) to the Associate Minister of EducationQuestion No. 12—Education12. CAMILLA BELICH (Labour) to the Associate Minister of Education: What steps is the Government taking to lift literacy in Aotearoa New Zealand?Hon JAN TINETTI (Associate Minister of Education): The Government has released our literacy strategy that sets out our plan to improve outcomes for Kiwi kids in literacy communication and Te Reo Matatini. The strategy has been well received by the sector as it sets up new and innovative ways of doing things to break the mould of the past. Through our plan we are ensuring that solutions are customised to our kids' needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach fixing assessments so that kids are assessed as individuals and supports are tailored to the learner and providing clarity for teachers about what they need to teach and when backed up with professional learning development and effective resources.Camilla Belich: How does the strategy draw on expert advice research and science? Hon JAN TINETTI: For far too long approaches to literacy teaching haven't had a strong research base. Our strategy is evidence based and draws on domestic and international best practice and expert advice. However importantly it also caters to the New Zealand context and ensures that we place the learner at the centre and leave nothing to chance. This strategy combines both phonemic awareness and whole language. To understand how these approaches work in practice Pauline Jones from Wollongong University said it well recently when she said There'd be time for instruction in phonics but there'll be also time for looser less explicit teaching where the students are learning to employ those skills in other domains".Camilla Belich: What work is under way to foster strong literacy in a child's first year of school? Hon JAN TINETTI: Through our Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) all new entrant and year 1 teachers have access to training in an integrated approach to developing vocabulary oral literacy spelling writing and reading skills in the first year of school. This approach is steeped in the best of international and domestic research and evidence developed by the University of Canterbury over the last 10 years. BSLA focuses on the link between spoken and written language systematically supporting children's phonological and phonemic awareness letter sound knowledge and oral language and it is delivering exciting results. This Government believes investing in our children as early as possible is critical to ensuring better life-long learning opportunities for our Kiwi kids."
10. Question No. 10—DefenceINGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri) to the Minister of DefenceQuestion No. 10—Defence10. INGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri) to the Minister of Defence: What recent announcement has the Government made regarding the provision of support to Ukraine?Hon PEENI HENARE (Minister of Defence): Yesterday I joined the Prime Minister to announce that New Zealand would provide significant extra support to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's invasion. Building on the extensive support we have already announced over preceding weeks—I won't labour this as the Prime Minister has already detailed those—but I will highlight of course the deployment of a Hercules is significant; so too is the eight-person team of logistics specialists given the huge wave of support and goods that have flooded Europe in support of Ukraine; on top of that our significant further financial contribution of $13.1 million towards military legal and human rights support.Ingrid Leary: What is the significance of the additional support announced yesterday?Hon PEENI HENARE: The additional support we announced yesterday builds on our comprehensive response to date which covers every aspect of this conflict—humanitarian legal military transportation and people—and is in addition to the economic and trade sanctions we have already put in place to help weaken the Russian economy. In the defence space alone we have already authorised the deployment of nine New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel to Europe to support our partners in intelligence work over the next three months; provided surplus tactical NZDF equipment including body armour helmets and vests; and contributed $5 million to the NATO Trust Fund which provides fuel military rations communications and military first aid kits to support Ukraine. The decision announced yesterday is of course—as I've already highlighted—important because of the huge wave of support for Ukraine that's flooded into Europe. Logistics and our speciality in this area will continue to support Ukraine in their defence.Ingrid Leary: How has the Government's support for Ukraine been received by our international partners?Hon PEENI HENARE: New Zealand's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been well received by like-minded partners. The Ukrainian Prime Minister in his conversation with our Prime Minister thanked New Zealand for being one of the first countries to take swift practical action against Russia's aggression. I myself met with the Ukrainian Defence Minister who also acknowledged New Zealand's significant support. In terms of our close partners the United Kingdom Secretary Wallace their secretary of defence has also been very complimentary of our support specifically referring to New Zealand to exemplify the breadth of the coalition in support of Ukraine and in opposition to Russia's invasion and war crimes. Given our position a long way away from the conflict New Zealand may be a long way from Europe but we know that such a blatant attack on a country's sovereignty is a threat to all of us. That's why we are doing our bit to support Ukraine.
8. Question No. 8—AgricultureJO LUXTON (Labour—Rangitata) to the Minister of AgricultureQuestion No. 8—Agriculture8. JO LUXTON (Labour—Rangitata) to the Minister of Agriculture: What recent announcements has he made about supporting the workforce in the dairy and meat processing industries?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister of Agriculture): This morning I was pleased to announce an additional border exemption for 1000 additional experienced workers to come to New Zealand for jobs in the dairy and meat processing industries to support the momentum of New Zealand's economic recovery from COVID-19. All of these workers will be paid above the median wage which ensures that while meeting demands for additional labour we continue to increase wages for those already in the sectors and encourage more Kiwis into these sectors. The border exemptions for meat workers now total 650 which will help to tackle workforce challenges that are crucial for preserving vital supply chains. The addition exceptions for dairy workers brings the total to 800 for the sector ahead of calving season in June and July. This Government has stood by the primary sector throughout COVID-19 with border exceptions granted for the primary sector second only to those granted in the health sector.Jo Luxton: How does this announcement support the meat and dairy sectors' COVID-19 recovery?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: COVID-19 has thrown up many challenges and labour shortage is one of those so these additional border exemptions will go a long way to alleviate the pressures. They are in addition to this Government's efforts to encourage more New Zealanders into the primary sector through the Opportunity Grows Here programme which has seen over 10000 Kiwis going into work in the primary sector since its launch including almost 9000 through direct placements. The Government's work alongside the primary sectors in particular our meat and dairy sectors sees us on track this year to surpass $50 billion in annual food and fibre exports for the first time despite the challenges of COVID-19.