edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Hipkins Chris: Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Exemption for RNZRSA Clubs from Special Licencing Requirements for Anzac Day) Amendment Bill — First Reading Second Reading In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHipkins Chris: Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Exemption for RNZRSA Clubs from Special Licencing Requirements for Anzac Day) Amendment Bill — First Reading Second Reading In Committee[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10257. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka): Can I congratulate the member Paul Foster-Bell on having his bill drawn from the ballot and can I thank all of the members on the Business Committee for agreeing to expedite this through as quickly as we can so that the bill can be passed into law before this year’s Anzac Day.Can I acknowledge the growing significance of Anzac Day in New Zealand—and I do believe that it is growing in significance for New Zealanders—and the enormous role that RSAs play up and down the country. Many of those RSAs are now quite small organisations and they struggle to get together the money—up to $500—to get a special licence in order to do what they have always done on Anzac Day. This was never intended by the Parliament when these laws were changed in the first place.This bill simply corrects an anomaly. It removes a huge burden off the shoulders of RSAs which never should have been imposed with it in the first place and allows them to continue to do what has become an important part of New Zealand tradition in commemorating Anzac Day in the way that we currently do.I want to also acknowledge the importance of getting the wording around this right so that all of those RSAs that are now part of another organisation or cohabitate with another organisation are also covered by this bill. I think of the RSA in Upper Hutt which is now part of the Upper Hutt “cossie club” or sits within the Upper Hutt “cossie club”. I think of the Naenae RSA which is part of the Park Avenue Bowling Club. Those organisations should also be covered by this. As a result of Supplementary Order Paper 168 which Paul Foster-Bell will move in the Committee stage they will be covered by this as well as those stand-alone RSAs such as the Taitā RSA where I am proud to be a member because I think that all RSAs should be able to commemorate Anzac Day in the way that they always have.We have agreed to a truncated process for this bill so that it can be passed through the House as quickly as possible. In that spirit I will end my contribution there and simply commend the bill to the House.
Carter David: Points of Order — Tabling of Documents—Leave Given for Incorrectly Described DocumentText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Points of Order — Tabling of Documents—Leave Given for Incorrectly Described Document[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10248. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Order! I can handle this with ease. The letter from memory was accepted and tabled. Is that correct?Ron Mark: Yes yes.Mr SPEAKER: So the letter has been tabled. I think it just—Ron Mark: Sorry I have not tabled it. To clarify there was no objection to my tabling the letter that I requested but I incorrectly described the letter. It is to Local Government New Zealand.Mr SPEAKER: I think on that basis the member could proceed to table it because I think that the inaccuracy is relatively unimportant. The document may be of information to members. But I think it goes to show how careful members should be when I ask them to describe documents with accuracy. In this case I do not think it is necessary to put the leave again. The member can proceed to table that document.
Mark Ron: Points of Order — Tabling of Documents—Leave Given for Incorrectly Described DocumentText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMark Ron: Points of Order — Tabling of Documents—Leave Given for Incorrectly Described Document[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10248. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]RON MARK (NZ First): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I want to start by apologising for interrupting the debate but earlier during question time I sought leave of the House to table a letter that I described as being to the Greater Wellington Regional Council. I incorrectly stated that. The letter was actually to Local Government New Zealand. So I would like your guidance and it may be that I need to seek leave again. The letter is dated 10 August 2015 from the office of Simon Bridges to Local Government New Zealand—
Carter David: General DebateText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: General Debate[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10247. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member cannot do that. I wish he would bone up on the Standing Orders.
Peters Winston: General DebateText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePeters Winston: General Debate[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10247. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek an extension of time for that last speaker. We like a good joke.
Carter David: General DebateText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: General Debate[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10246. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! I have not called the member yet. David Bennett.
Carter David: Urgent Debates Declined — Kiwibank—Proposed SaleText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Urgent Debates Declined — Kiwibank—Proposed Sale[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10241. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from James Shaw seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the announcement today of a proposal to sell 45 percent of Kiwibank to ACC and the Superannuation Fund. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The announcement is a proposal to sell part of Kiwibank and I note that the chair of New Zealand Post has said it is “not a done deal yet”. Furthermore the proposal would result in Kiwibank remaining in Government ownership. Finally there is an opportunity to debate the performance and current operations of New Zealand Post during the upcoming annual review debate. For these reasons I am not persuaded that the issue is urgent or important enough to warrant setting aside the business of the House today. The application is therefore declined.
Hudson Brett: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHudson Brett: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10239. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.BRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister for Communications: What recent reports has she received on improvements in internet speeds?Hon AMY ADAMS (Minister for Communications): Two independent reports have found that the Government’s ultra-fast broadband and Rural Broadband Initiative programmes are continuing to drive significant improvement in speeds. In 2008 average broadband speeds were 2.7 megabits per second. The most recent Akamai State of the Internet Report found that in the past year average speeds rose 27 percent to 9.3 megabits with peak speeds of 43 megabits a second meaning that there has been a tripling of average internet speeds since 2008. For rural users the latest update from TrueNet on Rural Broadband Initiative connections has found that speeds are growing by about 7 percent per quarter. Those users under the first phase of the Rural Broadband Initiative are now able to access websites at a rate three times faster than they would otherwise have been able to thanks to this National-led Government.Brett Hudson: How will these better speeds benefit the people of Ōhāriu and wider New Zealand?Hon AMY ADAMS: As the member is aware Ōhāriu has the highest proportion of internet connections in New Zealand. For both Ōhāriu and wider New Zealand faster broadband offers the opportunity for people to make the most of improving business productivity provides smarter ways to receive health care and ensures that our youngest New Zealanders are accessing the best resources anywhere in the world while studying. It connects New Zealanders with one another and with new markets across the world and it allows our best and brightest to explore new ideas services and products. It is a vital part of the Government’s plan for developing a productive competitive economy and creating more jobs for Kiwis and their families.David Seymour: By how much has productivity in the New Zealand economy grown over the period the Minister cites?Hon AMY ADAMS: Not being the Minister for Economic Development I do not have those figures to hand but if he wishes to put them down to that Minister I am sure he can provide them.
Dean Jacqui: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDean Jacqui: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10236. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) to the Minister of Health: How is the Government supporting the protection of New Zealanders against influenza this winter?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health): Today I launched the annual influenza immunisation campaign in Porirua. More than 1 million New Zealanders get immunised against influenza each year and this year we are aiming for 1.2 million. The influenza vaccine has two new strains to ensure New Zealanders are better protected this winter from the strains of influenza circulating around the world and the vaccine will be funded for eligible patients until the end of July.Jacqui Dean: Who is eligible for these free vaccinations and does this include older people given the demographics and cooler temperatures of some parts of the Waitaki electorate?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Yes. People over the age of 65 are eligible for a free vaccination and of course that includes the Waitaki electorate. Vaccination is also free for New Zealanders with long-term health conditions such as heart disease stroke diabetes respiratory disease kidney disease and cancer. It is also free for pregnant women. In addition children aged 6 months to 4 years with a previous admission for a respiratory illness are eligible for a free vaccination.Jacqui Dean: Apart from influenza what other steps is the Government taking to increase immunisation rates?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: As one of our six health targets the Government wants to see 95 percent of infants aged 8 months complete their primary course of immunisation on time. In the last quarter our nationwide coverage increased to 94 percent the highest coverage that has ever been achieved. The Southern District Health Board which covers part of the member’s electorate made steady ground reaching 94 percent coverage.
Peters Winston: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePeters Winston: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10234. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) to the Prime Minister: Given his answer to Oral Question No. 1 yesterday how does he stand by his statements?Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister): Vertically.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Yeah challenged. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! Now we will turn to a supplementary question from the Rt Hon Winston Peters.Rt Hon Winston Peters: When the media of the small Mediterranean island of Malta claim that “The New Zealand Foreign Trust regime is a sacred cow of New Zealand law a veritable ‘Fort Knox’ of asset protection.” are they wrong and he right?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: The member is referring to the legislation that created the rules around foreign trusts which he voted for.Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I am asking the Prime Minister for an answer that concerns him and his behaviour yesterday.Mr SPEAKER: If the question was clearer I would attempt to help the member—[Interruption] Order! I had some difficulty hearing the question at the start because of interjections so on this occasion I will invite the member to ask the question—I hope it is in line with the Standing Orders—and then we will proceed to the answer.Rt Hon Winston Peters: When the media of the small Mediterranean island of Malta claim “The New Zealand Foreign Trust regime is a sacred cow of New Zealand law a veritable ‘Fort Knox’ of asset protection.” are they wrong and he right?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: On the advice I have had yes they are wrong because of the disclosure regime New Zealand has.Rt Hon Winston Peters: If his acquaintances the Prime Minister of Malta’s chief of staff and his Minister of energy avail themselves through theand the Haast Trust of this “Fort Knox” are they also wrong and he right?Mr SPEAKER: There is no ministerial responsibility for that.Rt Hon Winston Peters: When Massey University’s Deborah Russell says “It’s shameful for New Zealand to be caught up in international tax avoidance … The loophole in our laws that allows New Zealand foreign trusts to escape taxation has been known about for years but nothing has been done to shut it down. This makes us complicit in schemes to avoid tax” is she also wrong and he right?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: The OECD in 2013 gave New Zealand the highest rating possible in this area: “compliant”. We are following the rules that were established and voted for by that member. If the member was not coming to the House with big crocodile tears today he would have voted against the legislation in 2006.
Twyford Phil: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTwyford Phil: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10233. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]5.PHIL TWYFORD (Labour—Te Atatū) to the Minister for Building and Housing: Does he stand by his statement “Well of course someone has to buy the houses and so of course they will be affordable to somebody”?Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister responsible for HNZC) on behalf of theMinister for Building and Housing: Yes in the context in which they were given.Phil Twyford: Does he still maintain that when the median price of new builds in Auckland has risen to $800000 that that is affordable just because someone is buying them even when many of those new builds are being bought by speculators?Hon BILL ENGLISH: Of course the overall aim of the Government policy is to enable low and middle income New Zealanders to be able to afford housing and because Auckland is dealing with the legacy of decades of poor planning it is taking some time to achieve that. But it would help if the member would stop opposing large developments in Auckland as he has indicated today that he is opposing one.Phil Twyford: When average Auckland prices rose $5000 in the last month to $931000 how does he expect anyone to afford them other than wealthy offshore speculators?Hon BILL ENGLISH: The member may be surprised to know that even at those high price levels the proportion of sales to first-home buyers in Auckland has risen quite a bit just in the last 12 months from around 13 percent to 21 percent of all sales. But as the member knows we agree that house prices in Auckland are too high for low and middle income New Zealanders and we would like to see that member supporting the large-scale developments not opposing them and also supporting the Government in trying to influence Auckland Council to produce a plan that will enable affordable housing.Phil Twyford: When Auckland housing is among the most unaffordable in the world with homeownership falling and 18 percent of Auckland’s homes still being sold to wealthy offshore speculators is it not true that his housing policy benefits only the wealthiest 1 percent?Hon BILL ENGLISH: No. What benefits wealthy homeowners are the stupid planning processes that he and that party endorse—that is planning processes that stop development prevent more greenfield land being available and make densification harder. When we solve those problems—and I hope with that party’s support—then houses will be more affordable for New Zealanders.
Barclay Todd: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBarclay Todd: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10233. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]4.TODD BARCLAY (National—Clutha-Southland) to the Minister for Tertiary Education Skills and Employment: What progress is the Government making in ensuring overseas-based New Zealanders meet their obligation to repay their student loans?Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Tertiary Education Skills and Employment):Very good progress. Since 2010 the Government has run an initiative to ensure overseas-based borrowers repay their loans and that initiative is on track to reach its current target of lifting repayments by overseas-based borrowers by $100 million a year. Following a high-profile event in January repayments by those borrowers have increased by 31 percent over the same period last year with an additional 20000 repayments made. It is just a pity that it took the first arrest at the border to achieve that spike in activity. Overall overseas-based borrowers repaid $184.7 million in the last financial year. To the end of February this year it has already reached $134 million.Todd Barclay: Why is it important that overseas-based borrowers meet their obligations?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: It is important that overseas-based borrowers meet their obligations to taxpayers who have supported their tertiary study so that we can provide the same support for the next generation of students. Just because a borrower is overseas it does not mean that their loan will go away while they are not here. Unfortunately too many have taken that view. It is also important for the overseas-based borrowers themselves to get their loans paid off faster and minimise the interest payments and penalties.Todd Barclay: What measures are used to ensure overseas-based borrowers meet their repayment obligations?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Prior to the current Government starting the current overseas-based borrowers initiative overseas-based debt was in the “too hard basket” or worse. We still have a long way to go to get overseas borrowers fully up to speed but we have brought in fixed repayment obligations and higher repayment thresholds we have put in place ongoing information-sharing agreements between the Inland Revenue Department and the Department of Internal Affairs to collect details from passport applications we have introduced the border arrest system for the most non-compliant borrowers and from July this year we will have an information-sharing agreement with the Australian Taxation Office to share information on student-loan borrowers living in Australia without the Inland Revenue Department knowing. With the majority of overseas-based borrowers living in Australia this new agreement will be a significant step forward and will help us to collect nearly a billion dollars’ worth of overdue debt.
Brownlee Gerry: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10228. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): Responding to the comment by Mr Robertson there are a lot of Ministers who have correspondence addressed to them without having the responsibility specifically attached to it. I think that is quite common in the case of Associate Ministers receiving general correspondence about a particular portfolio but not having that particular delegation. Also I would point out that the question being asked by Mr Robertson asks whether the Minister undertook a particular course of action. That is the point where the ministerial responsibility is not exercised. The Government has I would hasten to point out no problem answering this question. It is very straightforward. But it is the principle of how transfers can be done in the future.Mr SPEAKER: I thank members for their contributions. In quoting a number of Speakers’ rulings Mr Brownlee is correct in that in most cases it is the opportunity for the Government to transfer questions when it feels that that answer would be better given by the Minister with primary responsibility. In this case I did invoke Speaker’s ruling 168/3 and did not allow the transfer because of the very specific nature of the question. I have a copy of the report that members are alluding to. It is a report prepared by the Inland Revenue Department and Treasury. It is clearly addressed to both Ministers and the recommendations that flow from the report were then to be signed by both Ministers. Mr Robertson does not want to know whether Mr Woodhouse as the Minister of Revenue received and read the report. He quite specifically wants to know whether Mr English received and read the report and then took action with the recommendations. Because it is a joint report to both Ministers I determined that the only person who could satisfactorily answer the question that Mr Robertson has raised was the Minister of Finance and on that basis I did not allow the transfer.
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10228. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I will allow one more contribution from Mr Brownlee and then I want to tidy this matter up.
Peters Winston: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePeters Winston: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10228. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First): Responding to Mr Brownlee’s argument the primary purpose of tax law is to set the rate and that is most definitely in the Minister of Finance’s purview.Hon Gerry Brownlee: Mr Speaker.
Robertson Grant: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson Grant: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10227. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): The matter raised in the question is about a specific report Tax policy report:Taxation of multinationals dated 15 August 2013. I note that the recipient of that report is the Minister of Finance.Hon Gerry Brownlee: Speaking to—GRANT ROBERTSON: Hang on. That is the fastest I have seen him move ever. The question was set down to the Minister of Finance asking whether or not he had read that report. He is the only person who can answer that question—whether or not he has read the report and whether he signed the recommendations. I do note that in full disclosure the report also went to the Minister of Revenue but that is not the Minister of Revenue we currently have. It was addressed to the Minister of Finance. He is the only person who can answer the question.
Brownlee Gerry: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10227. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I want to raise this matter now because it concerns the general view around question time being a time when the Opposition parties are able to hold the Government to account. In particular I want to talk about question No. 3 which the Government sought to transfer to the Minister of Revenue. We did that on the basis that Speakers’ rulings 167/1 167/5 and 176/5 all make it extremely clear that a question should be addressed to the Minister primarily responsible. That is a two-way street. Not only should it be addressed primarily to that Minister but also it should be answered by a Minister who can most reasonably provide the answer. In this case the Minister of Finance has no direct responsibility for tax law. The question itself goes to the heart of tax law. Further to those Speakers’ rulings that I have mentioned there is a ruling 168/3 which prescribes pretty much how the official side of the House should deal with such questions. What is concerning us is that in not allowing this transfer today effectively Speakers’ rulings 167/1 167/5 168/3 168/4 and 176/5 are being swept aside and I think it opens up the very fine line between an Opposition party seeking information on a genuine basis in order to inform the public and simply making a political point. It would be unfortunate if the new ruling that is bound to follow this decision today fell in favour of the latter. I just record that we are very unhappy about this transfer. We do not believe it is in the best interests of the House and the people who should be informed by question time.
Carter David: Visitors — Australia—Speaker House of RepresentativesText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Visitors — Australia—Speaker House of Representatives[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10227. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members I have much pleasure in informing the House that the Hon Tony Smith Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia is within the precincts of this Chamber accompanied by a parliamentary delegation which is present in the gallery. I am sure that members would wish that the Speaker be welcomed and accorded a seat on the left of the Chair.The Hon Tony Smith accompanied by the Deputy Speaker was accorded a seat on the left of the Chair.
Sittings of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSittings of the House[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10308. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Sittings of the HouseThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): And your second point of order?JAMI-LEE ROSS (Junior Whip—National): I seek leave for the House to now adjourn.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Leave is sought for the House to rise at this stage. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Business of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBusiness of the House[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10308. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Business of the HouseJAMI-LEE ROSS (Junior Whip—National): I seek leave for two things: firstly that Te Pire mō Te Reo Māori / Māori Language Bill next time it is considered in the Committee be considered as one debate and the second thing—The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): No we will deal with one thing at a time. Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? Then all questions will be taken as one question when we discuss that bill.
Points of Order — Tabling of Documents—Leave Given for Incorrectly Described DocumentText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePoints of Order — Tabling of Documents—Leave Given for Incorrectly Described Document[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10248. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Points of OrderTabling of Documents—Leave Given for Incorrectly Described DocumentRON MARK (NZ First): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I want to start by apologising for interrupting the debate but earlier during question time I sought leave of the House to table a letter that I described as being to the Greater Wellington Regional Council. I incorrectly stated that. The letter was actually to Local Government New Zealand. So I would like your guidance and it may be that I need to seek leave again. The letter is dated 10 August 2015 from the office of Simon Bridges to Local Government New Zealand—Mr SPEAKER: Order! I can handle this with ease. The letter from memory was accepted and tabled. Is that correct?Ron Mark: Yes yes.Mr SPEAKER: So the letter has been tabled. I think it just—Ron Mark: Sorry I have not tabled it. To clarify there was no objection to my tabling the letter that I requested but I incorrectly described the letter. It is to Local Government New Zealand.Mr SPEAKER: I think on that basis the member could proceed to table it because I think that the inaccuracy is relatively unimportant. The document may be of information to members. But I think it goes to show how careful members should be when I ask them to describe documents with accuracy. In this case I do not think it is necessary to put the leave again. The member can proceed to table that document.
Urgent Debates Declined — Kiwibank—Proposed SaleText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeUrgent Debates Declined — Kiwibank—Proposed Sale[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10241. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Urgent Debates DeclinedKiwibank—Proposed SaleMr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from James Shaw seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the announcement today of a proposal to sell 45 percent of Kiwibank to ACC and the Superannuation Fund. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The announcement is a proposal to sell part of Kiwibank and I note that the chair of New Zealand Post has said it is “not a done deal yet”. Furthermore the proposal would result in Kiwibank remaining in Government ownership. Finally there is an opportunity to debate the performance and current operations of New Zealand Post during the upcoming annual review debate. For these reasons I am not persuaded that the issue is urgent or important enough to warrant setting aside the business of the House today. The application is therefore declined.
Visitors — Australia—Speaker House of RepresentativesText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVisitors — Australia—Speaker House of Representatives[Sitting date: 06 April 2016. Volume:712;Page:10227. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Wednesday 6 April 2016Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VisitorsAustralia—Speaker House of RepresentativesMr SPEAKER: Honourable members I have much pleasure in informing the House that the Hon Tony Smith Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia is within the precincts of this Chamber accompanied by a parliamentary delegation which is present in the gallery. I am sure that members would wish that the Speaker be welcomed and accorded a seat on the left of the Chair.The Hon Tony Smith accompanied by the Deputy Speaker was accorded a seat on the left of the Chair.
Vote: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) BillText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10138. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 108New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 12New Zealand First 12.Bill read a second time.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 109 Noes 12.
Vote: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) BillText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10138. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That question be agreed to.Ayes 108New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 12New Zealand First 12.Question agreed to.
Mallard Trevor: Sittings of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Sittings of the House[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10138. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Putting aside any misleading of the House is there any objection to that? There is not.
Sittings of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSittings of the House[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10138. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Sittings of the HouseGRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): I seek leave for the House to rise now rather than interrupt what will be a scintillating speech from the first Opposition speaker on the Taxation (Transformation: First Phase Simplification and Other Matters) Bill.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Putting aside any misleading of the House is there any objection to that? There is not.
Robertson Grant: Sittings of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson Grant: Sittings of the House[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10138. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): I seek leave for the House to rise now rather than interrupt what will be a scintillating speech from the first Opposition speaker on the Taxation (Transformation: First Phase Simplification and Other Matters) Bill.
Mallard Trevor: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) BillText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10138. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): I think we will grant leave. I will put it back. It does show the problem with members who do not call a party vote at the right time when members are leaving. [Interruption] Both votes 31 not just the second one—right. The result of the vote on the amendment is now Ayes 108 and Noes 12. The result of the vote on the second reading is now Ayes 108 and Noes 12.
Faafoi Kris: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) BillText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFaafoi Kris: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10138. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]KRIS FAAFOI (Labour—Mana): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Is this a point of order in relation to the declaring of this ballot?KRIS FAAFOI: Yes. I seek leave to change our vote to 31. I am told that we are voting only 31 at the moment.
Mallard Trevor: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) BillText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10137. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Is the member now proposing that he vote for the bill? The member voted against the bill.Darroch Ball: I am seeking leave for the party vote to be recorded.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): You did not call for a party vote though?Darroch Ball: Yes I am seeking leave.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): I seek leave for the records to be amended to show that—[Interruption] Take it again? Right we will do it again. Going back—and this time we will get the correct bit of paper—does the member want both votes or just the second one? [Interruption] I seek leave to go back and once again attempt to sort this out. Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none.The question was put that the amendments recommended by the Finance and Expenditure Committee by majority be agreed to.
Ball Darroch: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) BillText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBall Darroch: Voting — Party Vote—Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10137. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DARROCH BALL (NZ First): I seek leave to change New Zealand First’s vote on the Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill.
Macindoe Tim: Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMacindoe Tim: Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10136. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West): I support this bill.Amendments recommended by the Finance and Expenditure Committee by majority agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Barclay Todd: Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBarclay Todd: Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10134. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]TODD BARCLAY (National—Clutha-Southland): This bill is the latest piece of tax legislation aimed at making our tax system fairer and simpler. We are a party that is in favour of a broad based - low rate tax system and we have improved fairness in our tax system over the last 5 years on a number of different fronts. Two-thirds of the value of the 2010 income tax cuts went to reducing the bottom two tax rates helping families and households get ahead and those earning less than $60000 a year are generally expected to pay a proportionally lower tax rate than they would have done 5 years ago.I just wanted to make a few remarks briefly in relation to student loans. Meka Whaitiri and I probably share something in common. Although I do not have sons who have just started university I have just paid off my student loan. As a student who has just paid off a student loan—I am proud to say that I have done that—I think that we have got a very generous system for student loans in New Zealand much more so than in other countries. I think that we need to be obviously keeping an eye on how the loan rates are increasing but it is something to be proud of at the same time because it means more people are getting a higher education. More people are getting higher degrees which means that more people can earn more and have better outcomes for their families.Just finishing that short contribution it is great that this bill is going through its second reading and I look forward to seeing it progress further through the House.
Scott Alastair: Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeScott Alastair: Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax GST on Online Services and Student Loans) Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10131. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]ALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa): I rise to take a short call in support of this bill. I would like to just address a couple of points. The first point is the tax rate that applies to the income that is derived from the churning of houses across the country. The tax rate is the lower of either 28 percent if you are a company and 33 percent if you are an individual or 10 percent of the sale price. I wonder what that tax rate would be if the Labour Opposition’s universal benefit idea was introduced where $11000 is given to every person in New Zealand naming everyone as a beneficiary. I would be interested to hear from the Opposition what the tax rate would be in this piece of legislation if its universal bad idea was introduced.The second point I would like to address is the point made by Stuart Nash. He asked for some sort of leniency for those students who are owed money to the Government simply because they live in Australia. It was also picked up by the Green speaker Julie Anne Genter who asked why we are chasing these students. Well it is pretty straightforward: it is because they owe the money. They owe the money to the taxpayer and why would they not and why should they not repay the money that is owed to the taxpayer? After all the contract was signed by the student and just because they live in Australia it does not mean they do not understand their obligations as a student.I will leave it at that. I have addressed a couple of points raised by the Opposition and I commend this bill to the House.
Hayes Joanne: Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHayes Joanne: Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10118. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JOANNE HAYES (National): Tēnā koe Mr Assistant Speaker. I am thrilled to be standing as the last speaker on the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill. I am thrilled because once this bill receives Royal assent then the work can begin for Christchurch—the regeneration plans can begin.For me Regenerate Christchurch offers a lot of potential especially—what I want to mention—around the future vibrancy of New Brighton. That area has waited and waited a long time and finally—finally—things are going to start happening for them. I want to thank the people who have worked diligently there: the people of the New Brighton Business and Landowners Association led by Paul Zaanen and supported by all the businesses in that area. They have done a lot of work and a lot of planning working alongside the council and working with other community groups and organisations in the Christchurch east area. But this is much broader than New Brighton. It will affect the whole of the eastern area—an area that residentially was severely affected by the earthquakes where whole suburbs were wiped out. But in saying that new suburbs are growing they are popping up and things are looking pretty good for the east so far.I want to take this time to also acknowledge our Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Brownlee who has worked really hard on this bill supported by his capable and dedicated Associate Minister Nicky Wagner. Together they have driven this and worked across the Parliament worked across all the parties—I want to thank Labour and the Greens and New Zealand First for their support as well and the Māori Party United Future and ACT. I also want to acknowledge the support of the Christchurch City Council and acknowledge the mayor Lianne Dalziel who is sitting up there in the Speaker’s gallery—kia ora and welcome again.I just want to say that in 5 years’ time from today the fifty-fifty partnership will go and the Christchurch City Council and the people of Christchurch will once again take ownership of their beautiful city which is yet to develop into the beauty that it is going to be. This is a very good bill. It is led by hard-working teams across Parliament. I am very privileged to stand here to be the last speaker and to commend this bill to the House. Kia ora.Bill read a third time.
Borrows Chester: Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10114. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sorry to interrupt the member. I have been trying to let her know that her time has expired.
Roche Denise: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoche Denise: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10098. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.DENISE ROCHE (Green) to the Minister of Immigration: Will he double the refugee quota?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Minister of Immigration): The Government is reviewing New Zealand’s refugee quota and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I will be taking a recommendation to Cabinet shortly in time for the new 3-year quota to come into effect on 1 July. I would point out that the Government has already made a commitment to accept an additional 600 Syrian refugees over 2½ years outside New Zealand’s normal refugee quota.Denise Roche: Will he then listen to the 20000 New Zealanders who signed a petition to double the quota and actually double the quota?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: I have been listening very carefully to a wide range of views on the question of what New Zealand’s response in the refugee area should be and they will inform the recommendations that go to Cabinet.Denise Roche: Will he take up the offer of Church leaders and other community organisations that are willing to assist with refugee settlement so that New Zealand can immediately increase our quota?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: I have been very encouraged by the offers of support and community engagement with the Syrian community in particular in my home city of Dunedin which will be the next refugee location. The issue of community sponsorship is something that has been taken into account in the next quota period.Denise Roche: Should Kiwis be proud of this Government’s refugee record when New Zealand has slipped to 90th per capita in the world for refugees accepted during the biggest humanitarian crisis since World War II?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: The primary question is about the refugee quota so it is a little disingenuous for the member to then talk about New Zealand being 90th in accepting all refugees—they are different things. New Zealand is one of only I think 21 countries that take quota refugees and it ranks seventh in the world on a per capita basis and I think we can be proud of that.Denise Roche: Does he care that thousands of women men and children are fleeing from their homes every single day because of war while he pussyfoots around with this 3-yearly quota review; why is he keeping those people waiting?Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE: In rejecting the accusations of pussyfooting around I would remind the member that there are a number of ways that countries can support the many millions of people around the world displaced by war and conflict. New Zealand has contributed significant amounts of money into some of those areas including southern Turkey where we are building schools and providing other support both through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and directly.
McKelvie Ian: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMcKelvie Ian: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 31 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:10098. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.IAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei) to the Minister for Primary Industries: How is the Government supporting sustainability in our fishing industry?Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister for Primary Industries): With Government support Sealord Sanford and Aotearoa Fisheries have launched a new premium seafood category called Tiaki. Tiaki is a result of the $48 million Primary Growth Partnership programme called Precision Seafood Harvesting. This programme is developing a new net design that replaces traditional trawl methods. When fishing inshore species like snapper Tiaki-caught fish are brought on board in pristine condition and undersized fish or unintended catch can be returned to sea with a much higher survivability rate.Ian McKelvie: So how will the Precision Seafood Harvesting programme and the Tiaki brand add value to our seafood exports?Hon NATHAN GUY: Customers here and around the world will know when they see the Tiaki label that fish have been caught and carefully selected in a new revolutionary way. They will be able to use their smartphones to connect with a specially designed traceability app showing where the fish was caught and when. The programme is expected to deliver around $44 million in economic benefits by 2025. The recent announcement of 100 percent camera coverage of the Snapper 1 trawl fleet and the vessel monitoring system shows that industry and the Government are indeed serious about greater transparency of the commercial fishing fleet.