edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Smith Nick; Hipkins Chris; Mallard TrevorQuestion No. 9 to MinisterHon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson): I seek leave of the House to table the draft report of the Justice Committee with respect to the Electoral (Integrity) Amendment Bill and the factual matters that National wanted included in the report that meant the committee was unable to provide a commentary to the House.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): My understanding is that when a bill is reported back to the House all of the information that the committee had relating to that bill is then publicly released.SPEAKER: It's certainly publicly available.Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson): I'm advised by the Clerk of the House that the draft report that was unable to be agreed to is not one of the documents that becomes public and the only way for it to become public was for me to seek leave of the House for it to be tabled.SPEAKER: Right. The member is correct. The Hon Dr Nick Smith is correct. This as I remember was a point of debate at the last Standing Orders review. I think it was the view of myself and some of my colleagues that they should be available but the view of members—some other members—was that they should not be automatically available. So in that case they are not automatically available. The Hon Dr Nick Smith is correct and I will put the leave. Is there any objection? There is objection. [Interruption] Order! That cross-House interjection will cease. I just want to place on my record my concern at the members who did object and their lack of commitment to transparency.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The issue here which was well canvassed is that a draft report has been prepared by the clerk. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the members. Unless the committee agrees a report it has no standing and in no way reflects the view of the meeting or the members who attended the meeting.SPEAKER: The member is absolutely right and if he remembers his colleagues also argued at the same Standing Orders Committee that draft reports to Ministers are available under the Official Information Act. Ministers can differentiate themselves from those draft reports if they wish and it was the view of the minority of the Standing Orders Committee that members of Parliament were big enough and able enough to differentiate themselves in that way.Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: I hope the member's not going to extend this because it's—Hon Dr NICK SMITH: No I was simply going to say having had your further advice I wonder whether the Government members might allow me to seek leave again.SPEAKER: Well I'm certainly not going to put that. If it can be negotiated with the Government that that approval will be given then the member might want to try and do it tomorrow.
Mallard TrevorVISITORSUnited Kingdom—Secretary of State for ScotlandSPEAKER: I'm sure that members would wish to welcome the Rt Hon David Mundell Secretary of State for Scotland Parliament of the United Kingdom and his delegation who are present in the gallery.
Mallard Trevor; Ngaro AlfredTUESDAY 31 JULY 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.PRAYERSSPEAKER: Members in order to celebrate Cook Islands Language Week I asked the Hon Alfred Ngaro to recite a prayer today.Hon ALFRED NGARO (National): Te Atua Mana te akameitaki atu nei matou iakoe no toou takinga meitaki taau i riringi mai ki runga ia matou. Te akaruke nei matou i to matou tu tangata te akamaara nei matou i te ariki vaine e te pure nei matou kia arataki koe i ta matou uriuri anga manako kia rave matou I ta matou angaanga i roto i teia ngutuare na roto i te pakari te tuatua tika e te akaaka no te meitaki e te au o to matou basileia Nu Tireni na roto i te ingoa o Iesu Mesia Amene.SPEAKER: Meitaki—thank you.
Thursday 26 July 2018 - Volume 731
Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Monetary Policy) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Monetary Policy) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Bill read a first time. Bill referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
4. Housing—HomelessnessPAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai) to the Minister of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHousing—Homelessness4. PAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai) to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development: What progress if any has the Government made in reducing homelessness this winter?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): At Te Puia Marae in May the Government announced urgent action to tackle homelessness this winter. This week I announced that the Government has delivered more than 1000 extra transitional public and Housing First places so far this winter with many more expected to be ready soon. We know there's a lot of work to do to end homelessness but our winter 2018 plan is delivering the first step.Paul Eagle: What will the winter 2018 plan mean for homelessness this winter?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well we know that homelessness will continue to get worse before it gets better. The winter 2018 response is an all hands on deck" approach to helping people in need this winter. It's strongly focused on working with the wider community to have more than 1500 additional public transitional and Housing First places available compared to the end of last year.Paul Eagle: What response has there been to the winter 2018 plan?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The Government's incredibly grateful to the public who responded in droves to the Prime Minister's call to action. More than 280 members of the public—private landlords landowners NGOs iwi and developers have contacted us about potential housing opportunities. These contacts have so far resulted in 122 more housing places being made available with nearly another 73 expected to be ready shortly.Simon O'Connor: Does the Minister still stand by his pledge and that of the Prime Minister that there would be zero homelessness this winter including "No one needs to live in a car this winter."?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: I stand by the Prime Minister's statement that no one needs to live in a car this winter and I urge anybody who is without decent shelter this winter to come forward to Work and Income New Zealand. The Government will do its absolute darnedest to make sure that anybody who needs a roof over their heads gets one."
2. Climate Change—Economic Impact and EmissionsDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister for Climate ChangeClimate Change—Economic Impact and Emissions2. DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister for Climate Change: Can he confirm that modelling by NZIER under the wide innovation scenario in the Zero Carbon Bill discussion document shows that the average per household gross national disposable income for the net zero emissions target is $223000 which is $10000 lower than the 2018 to 2050 baseline; if so what will be the impact on global temperatures under this scenario?Hon EUGENIE SAGE (Minister of Conservation) on behalf of the Minister for Climate Change: Yes I can confirm that the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research modelling shows that scenario but the modelling doesn't take account of the many ways in which action on climate change will improve people's lives through reduced traffic congestion and health benefits from more cycling and walking. As the member will know there is a range of analysis including Westpac modelling that says New Zealand could save $30 billion in GDP growth by acting now on climate change.David Seymour: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It was a question on notice which had a second part about the impact on global temperatures under this scenario which she didn't address at all.SPEAKER: I think that is a fair point. The Minister will address part two.Hon EUGENIE SAGE: Countries like New Zealand which emit 1 percent or less in individual emissions are estimated to have a combined total of around 30 percent of greenhouse gases globally. That's around the same level as China the US and Europe so we need to take action otherwise we contribute to 30 percent of the emissions.
1. Cost of Living—Policies and ReportsDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister of FinanceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSCost of Living—Policies and Reports1. Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the cost of living?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): This morning Statistics New Zealand released its household living-costs price indexes for the June 2018 quarter. This shows what we have heard from many New Zealanders over the last few years—that they have struggled to make ends meet—and it shows why the policies of this Government to lift incomes and living standards are necessary. The data shows that beneficiaries and those on the lowest incomes face a sharper increase on the cost of living than those with the highest incomes. This is consistent with the long-term trend we've seen in these indexes which show that in the last nine years the increase in the cost of living for the lowest 20 percent of income earners was 65 percent higher than for the top 20 percent of income earners.Dr Deborah Russell: What is the context for these increases in the cost of living?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I've seen a range of information that shows that the increases for the cost of living for New Zealanders have gone up over a long period. For example Consumers Price Index inflation was 14.9 percent from the December 2008 quarter to the September 2017 quarter yet according to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment's bond data over the same period average weekly rent for a two- or three-bedroom house increased by 38.4 percent compared to that 14.9 percent for inflation. This demonstrates a consistent long-term trend that while some people benefited from economic growth for many meeting their needs became harder and harder year after year.Dr Deborah Russell: What is the Government doing to help address the increasing cost of living for New Zealanders?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: This Government has a number of initiatives designed to address this issue. The changes we've made through our Families Package will make 384000 families better off by an average of $75 per week once it's fully rolled out. Low-income families in particular will benefit from this package including through the winter energy payment and increases to Working for Families and the accommodation supplement which will help them meet their basic needs. In addition to this our KiwiBuild programme will deliver tens of thousands of affordable homes which will help to slow rent increases by decreasing pressure on the supply of housing. This Government understands the pressures New Zealanders face in meeting their costs of living. Turning this around will take time but we are putting measures in place to assist hard-working New Zealanders and lift wages which have stalled for so many years.
Dyson RuthSITTINGS OF THE HOUSEHon RUTH DYSON (Senior Whip—Labour): I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. Despite the differences of opinion in the final vote I think it was a very constructive debate and as such it's a good note—Hon Gerry Brownlee: Oh come on! We've just had a week off! Come on!Hon RUTH DYSON: Ha ha! I wondered why the member had come down. Ha ha!Hon Gerry Brownlee: Can't believe it! Oh dear Lord!ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): Order! Let's hear this point of order.Hon RUTH DYSON: On that note I'd like to seek leave for the House to rise rather than start the next bill just for a couple of minutes.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.The House adjourned at 5.55 p.m.
Robertson GrantHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I move That the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Monetary Policy) Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 3 December 2018.Motion agreed to.
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. It gives me pleasure to rise to speak in favour of this most excellent bill. I'm surprised that the Opposition doesn't understand the idea of balance the idea of tension and the idea of reconciling those tensions because that's exactly what this bill does and what is needed. I'm extremely surprised that the member for ACT doesn't even seem to understand monetary policy given his party's so-called monetarist approach.The official cash rate is not about printing money; it's about overnight interest rates to set the market for interest. It's not the only lever of interest rates in the country; the fact is we're a small economy and we're affected by overseas markets as well. In fact this bill in terms of monetary policy is simply about balancing the economy ensuring the best employment outcome and the best inflation outcome and we need to balance those things against each other. Anyone who doesn't know that those two things are related needs to go back to university.Look that feeds right into the fact of the wellness framework which also underpins this and which I congratulate our Minister on: the fact that there is more than one thing we need to measure more than one goal that we need to achieve. Frankly there's not a lot more to say than that in respect of this bill. This bill is about balance—balance in our economy and balance in our monetary policy—and on that basis alone I recommend it to this House.
Scott AlastairALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. I too would like to speak against the bill for a couple of reasons. I do agree with Lawrence Yule in that there is a real problem when we've got two—at times conflicting—targets.It wasn't that long ago when stagflation was rife: where you have a situation when inflation is high and unemployment is high. It wasn't that long ago. In which case cutting rates would help one and hurt the other. Dr Russell mentioned that unemployment was already too high so therefore she would I assume want to cut interest rates further today because unemployment in her view is too high. But we know that cutting interest rates today has risks associated with inflation but more importantly with price stability. House prices will go north if we have Deborah Russell's way.Hon Andrew Little: So what have they been doing for the last 10 years?ALASTAIR SCOTT: So what I'm trying to do here Mr Little is explain the conflict that is inherent in having two targets. Already we hear in the current settings the problem that the Reserve Bank Governor has when he's already got an inflation target but also has to consider price stability. So look back at his reports over the last three years and he's often in a dilemma as to whether to cut rates to kick in the inflation rate to get it back to his target but knowing that cutting rates creates pressure on house prices. So you've got a conflict when you've got these two targets and that is why I oppose this bill.
Wood MichaelMICHAEL WOOD (Labour—Mt Roskill): Madam Assistant Speaker thank you very much. Can I start off this speech firstly by acknowledging Minister of Finance Grant Robertson for introducing this piece of legislation—and it's a significant piece of legislation. Can I also acknowledge other members of the House who have spoken on it. I think the debate despite the fact that the Opposition has indicated their intention to vote against at this stage has been a constructive and quite a considered debate. I think some of the points that have been raised can be well considered at select committee to see just where we can get to on those issues. I might note that the original debate on the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act back in 1989—I checked out Hansard—was a little more fiery. There was quite a good interjection I noted in it. When the speaker Ruth Richardson said What does the Minister know that we do not know?" Mike Moore yelled out "Most things!" So the debate today has been a little more low-key and a little more considered.One of the things I just want to put to the House and to members of the Opposition is there are basically I think two things—two themes—that you can read into this bill. One is that it is an evolutionary bill and a number of members who have spoken have made the point quite well and quite fairly that some of the things contained within this bill are kind of picking up on practice that is already beginning to emerge. So for example the Reserve Bank tells us that they have been shifting more in the direction of a committee decision-making model. I don't think that it's therefore a weakness to actually have legislation which transparently reflects that in terms of the way that the public can view it.The second point is around transparency and I want to pick up on one thing that hasn't been noted in the debate here today: that by having a committee process and by ensuring that the minutes of the committee are published—which is one of the other aspects of this bill—the people of New Zealand the people who rely on these decisions can actually get more of an insight into the decision-making process not just of the governor but of the whole committee and can begin to see where that committee might be moving over time. I think that will be of interest to New Zealanders. I think it is fair and reasonable that New Zealanders have access to that information given how significant the decisions are and I actually think it is market information that will be extremely useful to a range of other people.I think most of the points in this debate have been made very well so I'm probably going to leave it there but I do look forward to the further discussion at select committee and I would urge all members to reflect on those two points. This is an evolutionary piece of legislation not a revolutionary one and it certainly does increase the transparency of some very important decisions that are made within our economy. Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker."
Russell DeborahDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. I'd like to echo some of the comments made by our colleagues on the other side of the House. The Finance and Expenditure Committee while we may fight tooth and nail over some policy issues is nevertheless quite committed to arguing through the technical details of many bills and getting them right so I'm looking forward to working with the Hon Amy Adams and the Hon Judith Collins and the Rt Hon David Carter and other members of the Finance and Expenditure Committee to work through the technical details of this bill.I do want to address just one point that has been raised by the members of the Opposition—though I might say in passing if they think we are surprised to be a Government I think they're even more surprised to be in Opposition. They possibly need to learn how MMP works. But getting back to this idea about the dual mandate and particularly looking at maximum sustainable employment now the honourable David Carter raised an interesting point here that perhaps we weren't even sure what this term means. Well may I suggest that this select committee will work hard on that phrase of maximum sustainable employment".We've talked a little bit in this debate about how pernicious high inflation could be how the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act was brought in in order to deal with high inflation. May I suggest that high unemployment is pernicious as well. Even that 4 percent unemployment figure we've had it disguises partial employment it disguises the gig economy and it disguises the fact that many people have not had long-term employment and that has a long-term effect on them. Graduates who don't get work coming out of university—it holds them back right throughout their lives. People who don't have sustained employment find that it affects not just their bank balance but their actual place in the community so focusing on employment is a worthy goal. It is something that we do need to focus on. I'm looking forward to working through this bill and working out just exactly how we can ensure that our Reserve Bank can work towards focusing on these dual goals of keeping inflation under control and keeping unemployment under control too. I commend this bill to the House. [Interruption]"
Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Bill — Second Reading
Motions — Korean War—65th Anniversary of Ceasefire
Rurawhe AdrianASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): Members this bill is set down for committee stage next sitting day.Otirā e tika ana kia tuku mihi atu ki a koutou kia whakapiri taku mihi ki a koutou Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Kei a koutou te wā he waiata.[It is only right that I acknowledge one and all and add my thanks to Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The floor is yours to sing.]Waiata
Visitors — Mexico—President of Senate and Delegation
Little Andrew; Tolley AnneNGĀTI TŪWHARETOA CLAIMS SETTLEMENT BILLSecond ReadingHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations): I move That the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Bill be now read a second time.Before I begin I'd like to extend a warm welcome to those members of Ngāti Tūwharetoa who have travelled here today to attend the second reading of their settlement bill especially Sir Tumu te Heuheu and the Tūwharetoa Hapū Forum negotiation team. Ko aku mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa.[My warmest regards to you all.]This bill gives effect to the deed of settlement signed by Ngāti Tūwharetoa and the Crown at Waitetoko Marae last year on 8 July. This deed will be the final settlement of the historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Ngāti Tūwharetoa that arose from the Crown's acts and omissions before 21 September 1992. The bill defines and settles the historical claims and comprises five parts detailing the cultural and commercial redress and significant Crown apology redress. This redress has been carefully negotiated with Ngāti Tūwharetoa and represents a restorative strategy for progress that is both enterprising and meaningful. The aim of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Treaty settlement is to resolve the historical grievances of this iwi and restore Ngāti Tūwharetoa's trust in the Crown by rebuilding our partnership based on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. I'd like to keep my remarks regarding this second reading short and I look forward to describing the bill in more and further detail and sharing my reflections about its intended impact at the third reading. I'd like to acknowledge the work of the Māori Affairs Committee who have progressed this bill in a timely and professional matter. The committee began their consideration of this bill in December last year and considered 80 submissions in total from interested individuals and groups. In March this year the committee travelled to Taupō to hear 29 oral submissions. Consequently the committee recommended several minor and technical amendments to improve the bill including the addition of 24 Wai claims that relate to Ngāti Tūwharetoa. I'm satisfied with these recommendations as they ensure that the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Bill has been robustly considered by the committee. I note a further amendment will need to be considered by way of a Supplementary Order Paper during the committee of the whole House stage. This amendment relates to the Waipāhihi Stream Conservation Area scheduled to return to Ngāti Tūwharetoa as a recreation reserve on settlement date.The second reading of this bill brings Ngāti Tūwharetoa and the Crown closer still to the conclusion of their settlement negotiation and their first steps together in a renewed relationship as partners. I commend the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Bill to the House. Nō reira tēnā koutou tēnā koutou tēnā tātou katoa.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Before I call the next speaker can I just confirm that our time clocks are still not functioning and remind you that I'll give you a bell at two minutes remaining.
Lee MelissaMOTIONSKorean War—65th Anniversary of CeasefireMELISSA LEE (National): I seek leave to move a motion without notice or debate to acknowledge the 65th anniversary of the Korean War ceasefire taking place tomorrow 27 July.SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that action. Is there any objection? There is none.MELISSA LEE: I move That this House acknowledge and recognise the 65th anniversary of the Korean War ceasefire and that this House further acknowledge those 6000 Kiwi service personnel who served in the cause of Korea's freedom and the 47 who never returned home to their families.Motion agreed to.
Hipkins ChrisBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Thank you Mr Speaker. Next week the remaining stages of the Appropriation (2018/19 Estimates) Bill will be completed with the Estimates debate continuing on Tuesday and Wednesday and the third reading taking place on Thursday. An Imprest Supply Bill will be taken along with the third reading. The committee stage of the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill will be held on Wednesday.
Mallard TrevorTHURSDAY 26 JULY 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VISITORSMexico—President of Senate and DelegationSPEAKER: I'm sure that members will wish to welcome Senator Ernesto Cordero Arroyo President of the Senate of the Republic of Mexico and his delegation who are present in the gallery and note that he is on the left of the Chair.
Wednesday 25 July 2018 - Volume 731
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Motion not agreed to.
Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill — Second Reading
Domestic Violence—Victims' Protection Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Domestic Violence—Victims' Protection Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Bill read a third time.
12. Mining on Conservation Land—Policy ConsultationSARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill) to the Minister of ConservationMining on Conservation Land—Policy Consultation12. SARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill) to the Minister of Conservation: What progress on policies or principles has she made in relation to the implementation of no new mines on conservation land as detailed in the Speech from the Throne?Hon EUGENIE SAGE (Minister of Conservation): Tēnā koe Mr Speaker thank you. Minister Woods and I are making good progress on how to implement the policy. We will consult our Treaty partners local government the minerals industry environmental and community groups and the wider public through a discussion document to be released within the next three months. That consultation document will be a chance for the public to contribute their views on the issues the Government should consider in implementing the policy the best tools to use and any transitional measures.Sarah Dowie: Does she agree with regional economic development Minister Shane Jones that for areas like the West Coast the extractive industry must have a future and that mining would be made possible on stewardship land by reclassifying it?Hon EUGENIE SAGE: There were several questions in that. Mining is important on the West Coast but so are the other sectors like agriculture dairy farming forestry fishing and tourism. We need a diverse economic base and that's what the Minister for Regional Economic Development is ensuring we have throughout the regions. The whole number of mines—the member should be aware that the two largest gold mines in New Zealand are not on public conservation land. There are 112 mining access arrangements on the West Coast; only 54 of those are active. [Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! Before I call the member I am going to ask Mr Jones just to turn down the volume on his interjections. I have an open mike and he is coming through my mike so use your inside voice Mr Jones.Sarah Dowie: If we are to have no new mines does she agree with energy and resources Minister Megan Woods who is promoting the potential use of the West Coast to be a source of rare minerals which are essential for wind turbines and electric cars?Hon EUGENIE SAGE: Not all mines are on conservation land. Areas like minerals for new technology can be found equally on private land.Sarah Dowie: Does she agree with the Hon Damien O'Connor that We need to continue with mining in order to construct key infrastructure around the country."?Hon EUGENIE SAGE: Yes and mining will continue because the two largest goldmines in New Zealand are not on conservation land. There are coalmines that are not on conservation land.Sarah Dowie: Why doesn't the Minister admit that her policy has become a farce and it is now Government policy to allow mining on stewardship land by simply carving it out of the conservation estate?Hon EUGENIE SAGE: The member is confused. There has been a review of stewardship land which has been going on for some time. On the West Coast there are a million hectares of stewardship land. Stewardship land is conservation land to be managed to protect its conservation values."
8. Health Services—Mental Health Services for Young PeopleDr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of HealthHealth Services—Mental Health Services for Young People8. Dr LIZ CRAIG (Labour) to the Minister of Health: What recent progress has been made to improve access to mental health and counselling services?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Three-quarters of all lifetime cases of mental illness start by age 25 and we need to do more to support young people with mild to moderate mental health needs. That's why on Monday tenders opened for the Integrated Therapies Pilot programme which will trial free counselling for 18- to 25-year-olds. This excellent initiative reflects the confidence and supply agreement between the coalition Government and the Green Party.Dr Liz Craig: What's this pilot programme designed to achieve?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: There is increasing international evidence that psychological therapies can help improve the mental health of young people. This pilot programme is adapted from the UK's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme which looks at people's needs and responds accordingly. The pilot will help us find out what works in the New Zealand context including what works for young Māori and Pacific people rainbow young people and those with disabilities.Dr Liz Craig: So what other Government initiatives to support young people's mental health are being rolled out?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: On Monday a second cohort of mental health support workers started as part of the Mana Ake programme in Canterbury and Kaikōura. Mana Ake supports children in school years 1 to 8 living with the legacy of earthquakes. It helps them to be resilient and experience positive mental health so they can engage and learn at school. There are now 21 Mana Ake workers including psychologists social workers and counsellors working across 38 schools in the region with more to come later this year—more good news.
7. Health Policy—Medicinal CannabisDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of HealthHealth Policy—Medicinal Cannabis7. Dr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by the Government's Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill and the Government's medicinal cannabis policies?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Yes. New Zealanders are a compassionate people. No one wants to see people suffering and medicinal cannabis provides another option to find relief. This legislation that we've put to the House goes further than any previous Parliament has gone. It represents real progress in making these products more widely available. Dr Shane Reti: In what sorts of locations will medicinal cannabis be allowed to be grown under this bill? Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Those details will be worked through by the regulatory body that's been set up. Today a bill—which has not yet been tabled—was entertained in front of the media by the National Party. They haven't consulted more widely on it so we haven't seen it. But one thing that seems clear is that the regime that they're putting forward from what we can see from the media would compromise the ability of the regulators to respond to an emerging market situation with an evolving safety profile and changing technologies. It doesn't look like any solution at all at this stage. Dr Shane Reti: Is the use of loose-leaf cannabis allowed under this bill?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I think that's unlikely but we will see what the experts say. This member wants to politicise the issue rather than listen to the experts. It's all a political game. If they'd really wanted to make progress they had nine years to do that.Dr Shane Reti: How does that answer reconcile with the reply to written question No. 489 where the Minister states The Bill will not restrict the exception and defence to the possession and use of cannabis to any particular dosage form."?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I haven't got that particular detail in front of me—and what the member's question was because the member's question is a critical point in that and how it was framed—but I will be taking advice from experts. This is not a political game for us on this side of the House. We are going further than any Government has gone before. And we're very proud of it because people suffering shouldn't be made into a political game like that member is trying to do.Dr Shane Reti: Why has the Minister not done the work and presented a detailed and workable medicinal cannabis scheme as we have presented today?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I don't think anybody believes the member let alone himself. We have just put through a select committee process which was thorough. The member is risking disrespecting those people who presented to that committee. There was an opportunity for constructive engagement to make real meaningful change and that member's party is just playing a game with it."
6. Health Services—Adult Cochlear ImplantsHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of HealthHealth Services—Adult Cochlear Implants6. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by all his statements policies and actions?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): I stand by all my actions including my defence of the former acting Director-General of Health against the spurious attacks by Jami-Lee Ross which were this week totally rejected by the State Services Commissioner. Mr Ross should apologise for attacks on this hard-working public servant's integrity—attacks which Mr Ross did not find himself able to make outside this House.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Has his Government cancelled the previous Government's commitment to increase the number of publicly funded adult cochlear implant surgeries from 40 to 100 from the 2017-18 financial year at a cost of just $6.5 million?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The previous Government got a long way behind on cochlear implants. I agree with the member that they did put some more money forward in election year for a short-term hit to make a number of cochlear implants and I congratulate them on finally putting some response forward after years of neglect. We are working on a sustainable solution to follow on from that.Hon Michael Woodhouse: So when the Minister claims that there is $8 billion short that he will fix when he has an opportunity in Budget 2018 to sustainably fund the increase in adult cochlear implant surgeries why did he not take that opportunity?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The member has not listened clearly. I have not claimed an $8 billion shortfall; I claimed a shortfall in health spending. This Government has pledged to spend an extra $8 billion in health over the term of this Government.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Can he understand the sentiments expressed by people like Danielle McKay who was so upset and disappointed in the new Government." and will he revisit his decision not to fund more of these life-improving surgeries?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Again I reject the member's assertion that we will not fund more of these. He has not been listening. During the last election campaign the previous Government responded to unfavourable media attention by reprioritising money from other initiatives—taking money off others—in order for a one-off funding boost that's running out and that funding has been used up. They simply did not fund this sustainably and they should look at themselves in the mirror because I don't know how they can do this. After nine years of underfunding to do one thing and then claim that they've fixed the whole system is outrageous. We will find a sustainable solution unlike that crowd who simply underfunded health for years and years and years.Hon Michael Woodhouse: When will he find a sustainable solution?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The member will have to wait and see."
5. Families Package—Salvation Army Survey and Winter Energy PaymentWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour) to the Minister for Social DevelopmentFamilies Package—Salvation Army Survey and Winter Energy Payment5. WILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development: Will the Families Package address concerns raised in the recent nationwide survey commissioned by the Salvation Army; if so how?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): The findings from the recent nationwide Salvation Army survey reflect what this Government has been saying: too many children and families have been doing it tough. That's why we put $5.5 billion into our Families Package to provide extra support for low and middle income families. The Families Package has given 1 million people access to the winter energy payment 26000 more people will be eligible for Working for Families 65000 children will benefit from the Best Start payment each year and 136000 people have an increase in their accommodation supplement. These changes will improve incomes for 384000 families by an average of $75 per week and will lift 64000 children out of poverty by 2021.Willow-Jean Prime: What does the Salvation Army survey show about the impact of winter heating costs on families?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: The Salvation Army survey was conducted in June this year and it showed 45 percent of those surveyed had gone without heating in the last year due to the cost. The Salvation Army reported that one in 10 people surveyed were warming their home using their oven or stove. They said that we are seeing our most vulnerable people struggle this winter. That's why the winter energy payment is so important. This payment provides financial support for all beneficiaries and superannuitant households effective as of 1 July this year. The survey showed that families need more support in order to keep homes warm over the winter and the winter energy payment provides that extra assistance.Willow-Jean Prime: What impact has the winter energy payment had so far?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: We have received an overwhelmingly positive response to this extra support. One of the comments received was I just want to thank you on behalf of the elderly for your consideration in this matter. I am sure to many superannuitants this would be critical for their health and well-being." Another person emailed me to say "I would like to say a big thank you for the winter energy payment. It is going to make a big difference to me. My husband is seriously ill under hospice care at home. He feels the cold so much and we have to have our heat pump on day and night. The payment means I don't have to worry." I am proud that this Government has made life easier for those families so they can stay warm and healthy over winter."
3. Economy—ReportsDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceEconomy—Reports3. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I've seen a range of reports that highlight the strong fundamentals underlying the New Zealand economy. This includes the IMF's annual article IV report which forecasts GDP growth remaining strong at around 3 percent over the medium term unemployment continuing to fall and wages continuing to rise above inflation. The IMF said New Zealand's economic expansion remains solid and that the economic outlook is favourable. There is always more to do to ensure New Zealand has an economy fit for purpose for the 21st century but we have strong foundations to build on.Dr Duncan Webb: What do recent reports on the economy say about the environment for business investment?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: In its report Infometrics has said We do not believe current … confidence levels signal a major contraction in business investment." This is consistent with the views I've seen expressed by some business leaders such as Rob Campbell who said recently that "The worst thing that we can do as the business sector is to be drawn into the negativity of lobby groups or media outlets. This is a great place to open and operate a business. Negativity is for those who stand on the sidelines watching and commentating." This Government is getting on with the job of governing and making sure the economy is more productive sustainable and inclusive—Hon Simon Bridges: What a joke. He's the only guy you can get quotes from—he's the only guy you can get quotes from.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: —and Mr Bridges' negativity won't do him any good at all. [Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! Order! Before the member does a call—I think it's happened most days in the last couple of times that we've sat or couple of weeks that we've sat; Mr Bridges do you know what I mean?Hon Simon Bridges: No I don't.SPEAKER: OK. In your interjecting—Hon Simon Bridges: We weren't sitting last week.SPEAKER: In the last weeks that we sat—you are constantly interjecting bringing me into the debate. You will learn not to.Dr Duncan Webb: What do recent reports on the New Zealand economy say about wage growth?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The report from Infometrics said that wage growth is finally feeding through into a better outlook for household spending. This has been backed up by others such as ASB senior economist Mark Smith who recently said "It's been pretty tough going for a lot of those people at the lower end of the income scale. The New Zealand economy's doing very well but a lot of people are asking 'where's the pay off for me?' " This Government is determined to lift the wages of the lowest-paid New Zealanders to improve the incomes of families and to make sure that economic growth continues but that all New Zealanders get to have a share in it."
Penk ChrisCHRIS PENK (National—Helensville): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker for the opportunity to speak in support of the Patents (Advancement Patents) Amendment Bill. Ironically we see that the purpose of the bill is for providing intellectual property protection rights to advancements that are novel useful and non-obvious" and I thought that might be an interesting way to analyse some of the arguments against. Some of them have been novel others not so and certainly not useful. But indeed non-obvious is perhaps a kind interpretation of some of the objections we've heard so far.In my remaining time it seems really a very beneficial aim of this bill to enhance New Zealand's innovative performance. Indeed it's not only the individual person seeking this step on to the ladder of intellectual property but indeed the whole of our country our economy and our society that will benefit thus.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 10 p.m."
Bayly AndrewPATENTS (ADVANCEMENT PATENTS) AMENDMENT BILLFirst ReadingDebate resumed from 16 May.ANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It is a pleasure to be talking on this Patents (Advancement Patents) Amendment Bill at its first reading. I've got to say that it's a very good bill I believe—a very good bill proposed by a hard-working spokesperson someone who has thought about this issue deeply. In compiling this bill I know that she's carefully looked at international precedence for such a scheme to be introduced. I'm ably informed that there are many such schemes in place around the world. I did understand Mr Iain Lees-Galloway the previous speaker and he referred to the issue of why we should be doing this when it looks like Australia's repealing it. Of course he gave his speech some time ago. What we now know is that Australia's doing a U-turn on that. It is doing a U-turn and they're going to retain this scheme that the good Dr Parmar has proposed in this bill.Hon Member: What are you talking about?ANDREW BAYLY: Yes it is. I'm just looking across to my opposition. They need to do a bit more research. They're dealing with old information. They need to get more current. Of course what this bill does—she has picked up the best parts of some of the international precedence and brought it forward into this bill. I think that's a really good thing because creating a dynamic economy—which New Zealand has to some extent and it has the potential to be even more so—is a really important facet if we're going to grow the productivity of New Zealand over time.For those who have been through the traditional patent system—and I have been involved too to some extent—the time and cost of getting intellectual property properly registered and the process for authenticating the design or the copyright or the intellectual property (IP) is a significant cost. So this results in a very expensive cost and in many instances the—Madam Deputy Speaker I'm just looking at the time.DEPUTY SPEAKER: It's all right. I've got it here.ANDREW BAYLY: Oh you have? I don't know how long I've spoken for. OK. So the cost of the traditional system is very significant not only in time but actually the financial cost.Of course we want New Zealand companies to create IP. We want our universities to be creating IP and be doing this. What this does is create a good second level for the advancement of what can be termed as sort of the next level of IP. It relates only to New Zealand. It means that IP can be captured can be used by the inventor and can mean that we can protect that IP in New Zealand. It's a different case if you want to take it overseas.I've got to say that I think this is an excellent bill. I've got to say that I highly recommend it. I believe it is worthy of the support of the Government. I'm looking across to the Minister over there. I hope she's well informed. I hope she takes the position of supporting this excellent member's bill.
Hipango HareteHARETE HIPANGO (National—Whanganui): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I rise to take a very brief call on this and I speak not only in the capacity as a member of Parliament but also as a mother and also as a lawyer who's worked with our most vulnerable highest-deprivation members in the community for the last 30 years. That is not only as counsel for child and advocate for mothers in the court but also as a member of the local district health board that I served on. The concern is that so many of our young mothers and their babies cannot access general practitioner services and that's during antenatal care and at the time their babies are born. I commend Dr Parmjeet Parmar—everyone's talked about this legislation being well-intentioned. This is practical. This is pragmatic. This is what Whānau Ora is all about. It is about our newborns our pēpi. It is about our mothers being able to access through their babies that necessary health support.I've heard talk in this House this evening about the compliance and the imposition that is there for Māori or the expectation that Māori would have to do this by way of legislation. This is about extending a helping hand and reaching for those who most need it in our vulnerable communities requiring the maternity carer to link our most vulnerable our most needy those requiring the services of health support practitioners—requiring that that service be provided them. In taking this brief call it's disappointing that the importance need and recognition of our most needy in the community are being denied by this Government. This is about Whānau Ora our babies our mothers and the wider network within our communities.