edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Wilkinson Kate: State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited andAsure New Zealand Limited) Bill — In Committee 
Wilkinson Kate: State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited andAsure New Zealand Limited) Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9721] 
KATE WILKINSON (National) 
: 
 I am absolutely delighted to rise to take a call on this bill— 
Jill Pettis 
: You want to get out more Kate if this delights you. 
KATE WILKINSON 
: I am actually grateful I say to Mrs Pettis that it has a long title which is the State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited and Asure New Zealand Limited) Bill. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: No no—we’re doing Part 1 not clause 1. 
KATE WILKINSON 
: Yes I appreciate that we are doing Part 1. 
In relation to Part 1 I particularly want to talk about clause 4 because I think clause 4 is quite a telling clause. I know that it is simple and that it states: “This Act binds the Crown.” but as any student of law would know one of the first sections one goes to when attempting to read legislation that has been passed by this House is the section stating whether the Crown is bound by the legislation. So that clause is very important. 
The second most important section is usually the interpretation clause because again one needs to know whether the Act is applicable. 
In relation to the Act binding the Crown we have to go back to what the purpose of this legislation is—that is to reduce competition. The explanatory note of the bill states that the Government wishes to prevent this competition from occurring. So we can understand why this particular Government wants the Crown to be bound by this legislation. 
Progress reported. 
Report adopted.
Guy Nathan: State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited andAsure New Zealand Limited) Bill — In Committee 
Guy Nathan: State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited andAsure New Zealand Limited) Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9719] 
NATHAN GUY (National) 
: 
 I wish to take a call on Part 1 “Preliminary provisions” of the State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited and Asure New Zealand Limited) Bill. The National Party has some concerns about the bill. It was interesting to hear the Minister try to wind into us and say it was great to work hard on select committees. He said the Opposition members are a bit of a lazy lot on the Commerce Committee. I do not think that is fair. National has a concern that there has been a bit of a mad rush with this bill and I look forward to hearing the Minister explain why the Commerce Committee had to rush it through. 
In terms of clause 3 “Interpretation” it is important to realise that New Zealand’s processing plants have very very high-quality standards particularly with regard to animal products and animal material which are defined in this clause. Mr Locke will know that from being I think a former meat inspector. 
The National Party has a concern that if this bill goes through it will reduce competition and that will drive up the cost at the farm gate—it will drive up the cost for the purchaser at supermarkets and butchers shops. That is why National has concerns overall. I look forward to the Minister taking a call and letting us know why the bill was rushed through in this fashion. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: That’s in clause 2. We will get to that. 
NATHAN GUY 
: That is right. I am just shadowing that— 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Foreshadowing. 
NATHAN GUY 
:—under Part 2 which is really the meat of this bill I know—[ 
Interruption 
] I hope Mr Mallard can take a call and let us know why we had to rush this bill through the select committee. 
The main thing under Part 1 is that this bill will raise some big concerns for people who are producing the animal material and the animal products. I am talking about farmers because they are up in arms about this legislation and particularly about how it will affect their costs which will go up.
Simich Clem: Business of the House 
Simich Clem: Business of the House 
[Volume:639;Page:9718] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: I put it to the House that Jill Pettis be the temporary Chair. Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is none.
Vote: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:639;Page:9718] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the motion be agreed to. 
Ayes 67 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; United Future 2; Progressive 1; Independents: Copeland Field. 
Noes 48 
New Zealand National 48. 
Motion agreed to.
Cosgrove Clayton: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Cosgrove Clayton: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:639;Page:9718] 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Minister for Building and Construction) 
: 
 I move  
That the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill be considered by the Social Services Committee 
referred to Social Services Committee 
 that the committee report finally to the House on or before 18 June 2007 and that the committee have the authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting except during oral questions and during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House despite Standing Orders 192 and 195(1)(b) and (c).
Jones Shane: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Jones Shane: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:639;Page:9717] 
SHANE JONES (Labour) 
: 
 I rise to support this Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (Remedies) Amendment Bill to support the Minister who has brought it to our attention and to point out three key things. That man Mr Nick Smith stood in this House and poured some form of political hemlock upon the anguished souls who have been stood up and disappointed by the High Court. Our colleague has come here with a solution to reverse a decision of the High Court and to amplify the original intention in the legislation but Nick Smith refuses to support it. He goes one step further. He refers to a minority report that he sought to table on his understanding that it refers to some sort of prescient observation he made but I can tell members because I have it in front of me that it says nothing of the sort. 
Hon Clayton Cosgrove 
: Table it. 
SHANE JONES 
: I seek leave to table that. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: What is it? 
SHANE JONES 
: In the absence of any dissension I will table the National minority report in relation to the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill that I have in front of me. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House. 
The truth carries great weight. 
However I must turn my attention to Miss Judith Collins. In the context of fraternal relations at the Finance and Expenditure Committee I want to say that Bill English is absolutely right. Her ambitions and her pretensions are inversely related to talent. She has become lunar. She is trying to climb to the moon on a spider web to enjoy her ambitions. Not even Tobey Maguire would be capable of coping with her— 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: It’s a broomstick not a spider web. 
SHANE JONES 
: I stand corrected. 
However I come back to the bill. This bill goes over territory that was already addressed in the first attempt. Two lower courts upheld the purpose and the intention of the legislation. The High Court in a fit of enthusiasm wandered off into territory inversely related to the actual intention of this court—the highest court in the land—and it falls to the sovereignty of Parliament to correct some of the wayward ways of that particular part of the judiciary in the context of this bill which now remedies that situation. So there should not be a single person possessed of any thoughts of charity concern or compassion for the people who have suffered from this dreadful problem who would stand and oppose it. On the question of mental anxiety and other forms of distress listeners may very well need to make a claim based on what that man Mr Nick Smith said. 
Bill read a first time.
Bradford Sue: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Bradford Sue: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:639;Page:9714] 
SUE BRADFORD (Green) 
: 
 The Green Party will also be supporting the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill today even though it does seem somewhat ridiculous that we are debating it so soon after we passed the last Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Bill in December 2006. 
As the Minister has pointed out the need for this new legislation has arisen because of a judgment made on 29 March 2007 in the High Court by Justice Stevens. The judgment was to the effect that Weathertight Homes Resolution Service adjudicators could not award general damages for the mental distress caused by finding oneself the proud owner of a leaky home. Justice Stevens believed that the primary purpose of the original Act was to offer speedy flexible and cost-effective procedures to deal with leaky homes and that the awarding of general damages unnecessarily complicated and extended the stated purpose. He seemed to feel that having mental distress and anxiety included in damages not only lengthened hearings which were supposed to be happening at maximum speed but also highlighted the fact that adjudicators appointed under the Act were not necessarily lawyers and were not “appointed for this type of expertise.” 
Although the Green Party can understand the learned judge’s reasoning we are also well aware of the reality of the anguish that is caused when people see the value of their homes suddenly disappear due to poor building practices. I sat on the Social Services Committee that dealt with the earlier bill last year and sympathised hugely with submitters who had basically seen the value of their life-savings taken from them through no fault of their own at the same time that they were having to live with a huge sense of insecurity about every aspect of their future. 
I believe that if parties are able to establish that genuine stress and anxiety have arisen from their leaky homes situation then they should be compensated for it. I also think that was what we intended when we did the work on the earlier bill and voted for it. While removing “general damages” from the menu of available remedies will deliver faster more cost-effective resolutions I do not think that these are just resolutions. The removal of general damages from this jurisdiction leaves claimants no alternative but to run parallel proceedings in the District or High Court if they are to seek compensation for mental distress and anxiety. That is hardly an efficient use of their already depleted resources or the resources of those involved in the justice system. 
The Green Party therefore welcomes the Government’s decision to take action on the High Court ruling in the interests of fairness to leaky home claimants and we look forward to this bill going through the House in as short a time as practicable.
Paraone Pita: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Paraone Pita: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:639;Page:9714] 
PITA PARAONE (NZ First) 
: 
Tena koe Mr Deputy Speaker. I signal right from the start that it does not take too long to stand up in this House and express support for a bill so I am indicating that I will not take too long. However I note that the previous speaker alluded to some polls and I want to remind that member that she and her party prior to the last election were putting their faith at that time in polls that indicated something quite different from the outcome. So all I say is that only one poll counts and that poll is coming up in 2008. 
New Zealand First is quite happy to support this bill because the problem requires immediate attention. Although some comment has been made about the expediency with which this bill has been dealt with as a result of the recommendation by the Minister I support the Minister in the attention he has given this bill. That is particularly so when we read in the  
New Zealand Herald— 
that wonderful publication that supports a particular party in this House—that reports from leaky building experts actually praise the Government for moving fast to close the legal loophole that might deprive victims of rotting homes from getting money for their mental distress and anxiety. That view was expressed by John Gray of the Leaky Homes Action Group. When we have an industry leader like Mr Gray extolling the virtues of the time and action that the Minister has taken to ensure that this issue is rectified then this House ought to support the Minister in his efforts. 
I note that Opposition parties on previous occasions when these issues were brought before the House supported the legislation. This bill recognises that yes the High Court made a decision that was contrary to the intent of those previous efforts by this House to rectify this issue and I think it is only proper that this House should now lend support to the efforts the Minister is making to remedy the issue. 
I will not take too long as I indicated but I will say that New Zealand First will be supporting this bill and the intent to have the select committee report back within the time limit the Minister has set. Kia ora.
Smith Nick: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Smith Nick: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services(Remedies) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:639;Page:9711] 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) 
: 
 The member said in his contribution that National had not drawn the defects of the Minister’s Weathertight Homes resolution Services Amendment Bill to his attention. For the purposes of assisting the debate I seek leave to table the National minority view that was included in the Social Services Committee report on the bill and that points out its defects. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave has been sought for that course to be followed. Is there any objection? There is.
Mark Ron: Personal Explanations — Question No. 5 to Minister—Correction 
Mark Ron: Personal Explanations — Question No. 5 to Minister—Correction 
[Volume:639;Page:9706] 
RON MARK (NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I rise to correct something that I said earlier on today in question time when I made a statement that the information was fresh out of the Minister’s office. I should have said that it was fresh out of the Minister for Courts’ office.
Paraone Pita: Appointments — Ombudsman 
Paraone Pita: Appointments — Ombudsman 
[Volume:639;Page:9705] 
PITA PARAONE (NZ First) 
: 
 Speaking on behalf of New Zealand First I say we support the extended appointment of Mr Smith. Mr Smith is well known in public service circles. As the Leader of the House Dr Cullen has alluded he is in the middle of a very important task and it is important that he has the necessary warrant to complete it. On behalf of New Zealand First we will be supporting this Government motion. 
Motion agreed to.
Guy Nathan: Appointments — Ombudsman 
Guy Nathan: Appointments — Ombudsman 
[Volume:639;Page:9705] 
NATHAN GUY (National) 
: 
 Speaking on behalf of the National Party I say we agree with this Government motion and the extension of Mel Smith’s term for another 6 months. The office of Ombudsman is a very important role and Mr Smith does a particularly good job. National has no problem with supporting his appointment for another 6 months.
Cullen Michael: Appointments — Ombudsman 
Cullen Michael: Appointments — Ombudsman 
[Volume:639;Page:9705] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That pursuant to section 8 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975 this House recommend His Excellency the Governor-General appoint Melwyn Purefoy Smith of Wellington as an additional Ombudsman for a period of 6 months commencing on 8 June 2007.  
This matter has been considered by the Officers of Parliament Committee which has unanimously recommended that his appointment be extended by a further 6 months which will complete the maximum amount of time that Mel Smith is allowed to be an additional Ombudsman. This will enable him to complete an inquiry that he is engaged in at the present time.
Vote: Budget Debate 
Vote: Budget Debate 
[Volume:639;Page:9705] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Appropriation (2007/08 Estimates) Bill be now read a second time. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; United Future 2; Progressive 1; Independents: Copeland Field. 
Noes 50 
New Zealand National 48; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Bill read a second time.
Vote: Budget Debate 
Vote: Budget Debate 
[Volume:639;Page:9705] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That all the words after “That” be omitted and the following words inserted: “this House has no confidence in the Government led by Helen Clark because it has presided over a decline in New Zealand’s competitiveness and has failed after eight Budgets to deliver a meaningful reduction in taxes for New Zealand workers.” 
Ayes 50 
New Zealand National 48; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Noes 61 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; United Future 2; Progressive 1; Independents: Copeland Field. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Amendment not agreed to.
Guy Nathan: Budget Debate 
Guy Nathan: Budget Debate 
[Volume:639;Page:9701] 
NATHAN GUY (National) 
: 
 That was the Minister of Transport Annette King spouting on like so many of the other members on the other side of the House and blaming National for all these problems of the past when that Minister has failed even to mention the problems in her portfolio to do with the Resource Management Act. Her acting chair told the select committee the other day that one of the difficulties of gaining consent under the Resource Management Act was the costly process of going to the Environment Court which adds huge cost to each project. Project after project has to go through the roadblocks and the hurdles of the Resource Management Act. Not once did we hear from the Minister of Transport about how less asphalt is being laid per dollar spent because of the problems of the Resource Management Act. 
So we are now seeing a minority Budget in front of us today that is not supported by the majority of New Zealanders. We have a Government that is not thinking about the rest of New Zealand. It wants to talk about KiwiSaver when only half of the people of New Zealand are going to sign up for it. They will be the people who can afford to do so not the hard-working New Zealanders who are on the minimum wage. Those people will be sitting there wondering where they should put their $18 and whether they should put it into paying off their mortgage or into KiwiSaver. I look forward to seeing the Government roll around the country trying to sell this policy to hard-working New Zealanders. 
What this Budget does not do is talk about how we need to have a balanced approach to savings. It does not talk about how we need to get the economy moving. We need a decent education system whose standards can actually be understood by parents. We need infrastructure that can deliver for our country not be hurdled by the Resource Management Act. We do not need more taxes which we have not heard about from Annette King today and which will slap on another tax of 10c a litre for Auckland and for Wellington. I look forward to the proprietors of the Levin petrol stations grinning with glee in the knowledge that they will be able to sell petrol more cheaply than those in the Wellington region. We need an economy that encourages young New Zealanders so that they will not leave these shores to head over to Australia—700 are leaving each week. 
We have seen Dr Cullen deliver his eighth Budget without a vision for our country going forward. The National Party leader and future Prime Minister John Key will deliver that vision for New Zealand.
Benson-Pope David: Budget Debate 
Benson-Pope David: Budget Debate 
[Volume:639;Page:9686] 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 During the debate last evening a National Party member challenged my statements in relation to benefit reductions on the East Coast and in Opotiki. I seek the leave of the House to table the Work and Income statistics from those areas for last month compared with those for 1999. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Street Maryan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Street Maryan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:639;Page:9683] 
11.  
MARYAN STREET (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Commerce 
: What was the response to the standards and conformance infrastructure review and what changes will be made as a result? 
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL (Minister of Commerce) 
: 
 The review confirmed that the standards and conformance infrastructure plays a pivotal role in facilitating innovation as well as contributing to the Labour-led Government’s economic transformation and sustainability goals. The proposals include a reduction in the size of the membership of the Standards Council and Telarc so that they can focus on the governance of Standards New Zealand and International Accreditation New Zealand respectively. The Standards Council will establish sector advisory boards to develop strategic plans that set the standardisation priorities across their sectors—a very good review. 
Maryan Street 
: How will the announcement ensure that New Zealand’s standards and conformance infrastructure drives innovation and assists international trade? 
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL 
: Overseeing the whole standards and conformance infrastructure will be a regulatory forum that will include regulators policy makers standards and conformance bodies and invited industry representatives. The forum will ensure that a strategic approach is adopted and that standards drive high-quality regulatory regimes in accordance with international best practice. This is good for New Zealand and I look forward to the National Party’s question.
Mackey Moana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mackey Moana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:639;Page:9672] 
2.  
MOANA MACKEY (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Communications 
: What reports has he received on financing improvements to New Zealand’s broadband network? 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister of Communications) 
: 
 Yes I saw reported yesterday in the Dunedin newspaper  
The Star 
 Katherine Rich proposing Government investment in broadband infrastructure in Dunedin—siding with her leader John Key against Bill English and Maurice Williamson who oppose the other leader’s initiative. 
Moana Mackey 
: Has the Minister seen any further reports on investment in broadband infrastructure? 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE 
: Yes in the same report in  
The Star 
 Katherine Rich again backed John Key saying that National would commit taxpayers’ funds before key decisions with industry have taken place thus contradicting Mr English who says: “We wouldn’t favour investing as anything other than a last ditch thing.” and who “doubts the ability of local or central government to manage broadband investment.” I understand there are more such delicious contradictions in the pipeline and I undertake to keep the House fully informed in the next session.
Hobbs Marian: Motions — Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles—Return to Greece 
Hobbs Marian: Motions — Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles—Return to Greece 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
Hon MARIAN HOBBS (Labour—Wellington Central) 
: 
 I move  
That this House joins its voice to that of other countries throughout the world and urges the British Government to support the return of the Parthenon (Elgin) marbles to Greece stressing the need for the collections of marbles in different locations to be reunited so that the world can see them in their original context in relation to the Temple of Parthenon as an act of respect to one of the most significant monuments of western heritage. 
Motion agreed to.
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I imagine there will be another Statutes Amendment Bill at some point in the foreseeable future. I can assure the member that there will be plenty of work in the next sitting to consume his enormous energy.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 Can the Leader of the House tell us whether there is likely to be another Statutes Amendment Bill this year or will the Government continue its practice of taking statute amendments and turning them into whole bills in order to fill up the Order Paper and make it look a little more substantial?
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Next week the House will go into a 2-week adjournment. When the House resumes on Tuesday 12 June priority will be given to the remaining stages of the State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited and Asure New Zealand Limited) Bill the Social Security Amendment Bill the Arbitration Amendment Bill and the Criminal Justice Reform Bill. Wednesday will be a members’ day.
Wilson Margaret: Obituaries — Hon Dean Jack Eyre 
Wilson Margaret: Obituaries — Hon Dean Jack Eyre 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I regret to inform the House of the death on 19 May 2007 of the Hon Dean Jack Eyre who represented the electorate of North Shore from 1949 to 1966. He was Minister of Industries and Commerce and Minister of Customs from 1954 to 1956 Minister of Social Security from 1956 to 1957 Minister of Housing in 1957 Minister of Police from 1956 to 1957 and Minister of Defence in 1957 and from 1960 to 1966. He also held a number of other portfolios. He was subsequently New Zealand’s High Commissioner in Canada. I desire on behalf of this House to express our sense of the loss we have sustained and our sympathy with the relatives of the late former member. I now ask members to stand with me and observe a period of silence as a mark of respect for his memory. 
Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.
Wilson Margaret: Visitors — Russia—State Duma of Federal Assembly 
Wilson Margaret: Visitors — Russia—State Duma of Federal Assembly 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have pleasure in informing members that a parliamentary delegation from the State Duma of the Russian Federation Federal Assembly led by Mr Victor Kolesnikov is present in the gallery. I am sure that members would wish that the delegation be welcomed.
Business of the House 
Business of the House 
[Volume:639;Page:9718] 
Business of the House 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: I put it to the House that Jill Pettis be the temporary Chair. Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is none.
Personal Explanations — Question No. 5 to Minister—Correction 
Personal Explanations — Question No. 5 to Minister—Correction 
[Volume:639;Page:9706] 
Personal Explanations 
Question No. 5 to Minister—Correction 
RON MARK (NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I rise to correct something that I said earlier on today in question time when I made a statement that the information was fresh out of the Minister’s office. I should have said that it was fresh out of the Minister for Courts’ office.
Appointments — Ombudsman 
Appointments — Ombudsman 
[Volume:639;Page:9705] 
Appointments 
Ombudsman 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That pursuant to section 8 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975 this House recommend His Excellency the Governor-General appoint Melwyn Purefoy Smith of Wellington as an additional Ombudsman for a period of 6 months commencing on 8 June 2007.  
This matter has been considered by the Officers of Parliament Committee which has unanimously recommended that his appointment be extended by a further 6 months which will complete the maximum amount of time that Mel Smith is allowed to be an additional Ombudsman. This will enable him to complete an inquiry that he is engaged in at the present time. 
NATHAN GUY (National) 
: 
 Speaking on behalf of the National Party I say we agree with this Government motion and the extension of Mel Smith’s term for another 6 months. The office of Ombudsman is a very important role and Mr Smith does a particularly good job. National has no problem with supporting his appointment for another 6 months. 
PITA PARAONE (NZ First) 
: 
 Speaking on behalf of New Zealand First I say we support the extended appointment of Mr Smith. Mr Smith is well known in public service circles. As the Leader of the House Dr Cullen has alluded he is in the middle of a very important task and it is important that he has the necessary warrant to complete it. On behalf of New Zealand First we will be supporting this Government motion. 
Motion agreed to.
Motions — Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles—Return to Greece 
Motions — Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles—Return to Greece 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
Motions 
Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles—Return to Greece 
Hon MARIAN HOBBS (Labour—Wellington Central) 
: 
 I move  
That this House joins its voice to that of other countries throughout the world and urges the British Government to support the return of the Parthenon (Elgin) marbles to Greece stressing the need for the collections of marbles in different locations to be reunited so that the world can see them in their original context in relation to the Temple of Parthenon as an act of respect to one of the most significant monuments of western heritage. 
Motion agreed to.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
Business Statement 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Next week the House will go into a 2-week adjournment. When the House resumes on Tuesday 12 June priority will be given to the remaining stages of the State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited and Asure New Zealand Limited) Bill the Social Security Amendment Bill the Arbitration Amendment Bill and the Criminal Justice Reform Bill. Wednesday will be a members’ day. 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 Can the Leader of the House tell us whether there is likely to be another Statutes Amendment Bill this year or will the Government continue its practice of taking statute amendments and turning them into whole bills in order to fill up the Order Paper and make it look a little more substantial? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I imagine there will be another Statutes Amendment Bill at some point in the foreseeable future. I can assure the member that there will be plenty of work in the next sitting to consume his enormous energy.
Obituaries — Hon Dean Jack Eyre 
Obituaries — Hon Dean Jack Eyre 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
Obituaries 
Hon Dean Jack Eyre 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I regret to inform the House of the death on 19 May 2007 of the Hon Dean Jack Eyre who represented the electorate of North Shore from 1949 to 1966. He was Minister of Industries and Commerce and Minister of Customs from 1954 to 1956 Minister of Social Security from 1956 to 1957 Minister of Housing in 1957 Minister of Police from 1956 to 1957 and Minister of Defence in 1957 and from 1960 to 1966. He also held a number of other portfolios. He was subsequently New Zealand’s High Commissioner in Canada. I desire on behalf of this House to express our sense of the loss we have sustained and our sympathy with the relatives of the late former member. I now ask members to stand with me and observe a period of silence as a mark of respect for his memory. 
Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.
Visitors — Russia—State Duma of Federal Assembly 
Visitors — Russia—State Duma of Federal Assembly 
[Volume:639;Page:9669] 
Thursday 24 May 2007 
Madam Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Visitors 
Russia—State Duma of Federal Assembly 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have pleasure in informing members that a parliamentary delegation from the State Duma of the Russian Federation Federal Assembly led by Mr Victor Kolesnikov is present in the gallery. I am sure that members would wish that the delegation be welcomed.
Tabling of Documents — Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament 
Tabling of Documents — Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament 
[Volume:641;Page:10978] 
Tabling of Documents 
Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament 
Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 I seek leave to table my signed copy of the code of conduct for members of Parliament. I was away at the time when our parties put this forward. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Points of Order — Auditor-General—Officers of Parliament Committee Select Committees—Official Business 
Points of Order — Auditor-General—Officers of Parliament Committee Select Committees—Official Business 
[Volume:641;Page:10977] 
Points of Order 
Auditor-General—Officers of Parliament Committee 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. On 26 July I raised with you a point of order relating to the Public Audit Act the role of the Auditor-General and the oversight of his work programme by the Officers of Parliament Committee. You undertook to come back with a report. I was wondering when that report might be available and whether it will also include questions as to the accountability of the Auditor-General to Parliament for his actions and just how that accountability is exercised. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I thank the member. I was considering that this morning and hope to have a report to the House next week. 
Select Committees—Official Business 
RON MARK (NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. Before I commence my point of order can I say to you that I have a slightly long point of order and I ask for your indulgence in the House if I am to get to the core of this matter. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Well as long as the point of order is consistent with the Standing Orders that is fine. 
RON MARK 
: My question Madam Speaker is to you and asks you to consider whether it is appropriate and what the implications are for a member of the Justice and Electoral Committee currently visiting Australia on an official select committee tour on official select committee business to go AWOL from that committee to the point where not even the party the member belongs to is sure exactly where he is to take a film crew with him to the Northern Territory and then to proceed to unleash a tirade of abuse on the Australian authorities for the second time particularly at a time when New Zealand Maori MPs are back here trying to deal with child abuse in this nation. 
I ask whether you will investigate this matter in respect of Mr Hone Harawira and report back to the House. We have issues that must be addressed. He is away on official select committee business and on that basis his vote counts—his proxy counts. The question has to be: how many times has his vote been cast in this House improperly? The second question has to be the financial implications of a member being away on select committee business funded by the House but using that opportunity to do other business; whether that ‘financially’ is or is not appropriate and where the adjustments need to be made. This is a serious issue. It impacts on select committees on how they operate and on how members operate in this House. I ask you to look at it. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I understand the point and I can inform the member and the House that the matter is already under consideration by the Clerk’s Office. Once there has been a full report then the suitable and recommended action will be taken including a report to this House if that is required.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:641;Page:10977] 
Thursday 9 August 2007 
Madam Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Business Statement 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Next week in the House priority will be given to the Appropriation (2007/08 Estimates) Bill and the Imprest Supply (Second for 2007/08) Bill which is a 3-hour debate. The Government will also seek to make progress on the remaining stages of the Major Events Management Bill the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Remedies) Amendment Bill the second reading of the Income Tax Bill and the first readings of the Limited Partnerships Bill the Gambling Amendment Bill (No 2) and the Immigration Bill. Wednesday of course is a members’ day.
Goodhew Jo: Electricity (Disconnection and Low Fixed Charges) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Goodhew Jo: Electricity (Disconnection and Low Fixed Charges) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:640;Page:10810] 
JO GOODHEW (National—Aoraki) 
: 
 I rise to take a call on the Electricity (Disconnection and Low Fixed Charges) Amendment Bill. The National Party supports this bill going to the select committee. The previous speaker Jeanette Fitzsimons mentioned that this bill is perhaps harmless. I have to say straight up that if one reads the  
Timaru Herald 
 one would think that some parts of it are not only harmless but also useless. But I digress. 
I will start by saying that there are of course two parts to this bill: the disconnection of electricity for domestic consumers and the regulation-making powers relating to that and the low fixed-charge tariff options for domestic consumers. I want to start by talking about the first part the disconnection of electricity for domestic consumers. In this day and age we have become very very reliant on our electricity. We do not like being cold. 
Debate interrupted.
Burton Mark: Electoral Finance Bill — First Reading 
Burton Mark: Electoral Finance Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:640;Page:10797] 
Hon MARK BURTON (Minister of Justice) 
: 
 I seek leave for the membership of the Justice and Electoral Committee for the purpose of its consideration of the Electoral Finance Bill to be increased to 13 members through the addition of one further member from each of New Zealand Labour New Zealand National New Zealand First ACT New Zealand and United Future with those members to be appointed by the leaders or whips of each respective party; and for Hone Harawira to have the right to vote on any question put to the committee in relation to this bill. 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Leave has been sought for that course to be followed. Is there any objection? There is not.
Vote: Electoral Finance Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Electoral Finance Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:640;Page:10797] 
A party vote was called for on the question That t 
he Electoral Finance Bill be now read a first time 
. 
Ayes 65 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; United Future 2; Progressive 1. 
Noes 54 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 4; Independents: Copeland Field. 
Bill read a first time. 
Bill referred to the Justice and Electoral Committee.
Woolerton R Doug: Points of Order — Reserve Bank (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill— Leave to Introduce 
Woolerton R Doug: Points of Order — Reserve Bank (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill— Leave to Introduce 
[Volume:640;Page:10775] 
R DOUG WOOLERTON (NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I seek leave for the Reserve Bank (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill to be introduced and set down for first reading as a members’ order of the day despite Standing Orders 276(1) and 277(1). 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Laban Luamanuvao Winnie: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Laban Luamanuvao Winnie: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:640;Page:10771] 
Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN (Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. At the conclusion of my answer to question No. 9 I heard Nick Smith make a comment that I take great offence to. I ask that he be asked to withdraw and apologise. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: The member should have raised that at the time.
Barnett Tim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Barnett Tim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:640;Page:10769] 
9.  
TIM BARNETT (Labour—Christchurch Central) 
 to the  
Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector 
: What is the Government doing to encourage and support volunteering? 
Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN (Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector) 
: 
 This Labour-led Government values the work of our volunteers and continues to support them. The first round of 2007’s Support for Volunteering Fund has just opened. It will support Volunteering New Zealand and 10 volunteer centres around the country to continue serving their communities—volunteers like Hamish Hickley who mentors disadvantaged children in Porirua and Sonya Ford who helps international students in Wellington. 
Tim Barnett 
: What is being done to support and encourage volunteering among Pacific peoples? 
Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN 
: Volunteering New Zealand has recently received funding for a new project to explore encourage and promote Pacific volunteering. Work is also in progress on a new study about Pacific people volunteering and cultural obligations. This Labour-led Government promotes volunteering in our diverse communities. Volunteers contribute to our national identity as proud Kiwis.
Woolerton R Doug: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Woolerton R Doug: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:640;Page:10767] 
7.  
R DOUG WOOLERTON (NZ First) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: What impact has the Reserve Bank’s primary function to focus on price stability had on New Zealand’s interest and exchange rates over the last 6 months? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 I think that to answer the question completely would be almost impossible because to do so would assume a series of scenarios about what would have happened if the primary focus were different. At a purely factual level retail interest rates have risen on average by somewhat less than the 1 percent increase in the official cash rate over that period. The trade-weighted index of the exchange rate has risen by 10.3 percent but much of that will be due to very strong growth in milk prices and a weakening US dollar and cannot be assigned solely to movements in the official cash rate. 
R Doug Woolerton 
: Has the Minister seen any alternatives proposed to change the status quo and widen the primary function of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act; and would he agree that a $2 billion tax cut package would do nothing to combat inflation in the short to medium term? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: I have seen many suggestions for alternatives particularly in terms of widening the focus of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act. I am yet to be convinced that that would actually help the Reserve Bank in its work. Certainly a large tax cut feeding further demand into the economy would clearly place further inflationary pressure into the economy thereby leading to even tighter monetary policy. 
R Doug Woolerton 
: Is the Minister concerned that the 20c increase in the exchange rate of the New Zealand dollar in the last year has wiped at least $2 billion from the revenues of the seafood and sheep and beef industries alone; and would he agree that our prospects as an exporting nation are grim if the level of our interest rates continues to be the highest in the developed world? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: There has to be major concern about that rise in the exchange rate of the New Zealand dollar. Clearly therefore what it tells us is that the interest rates are probably less important for the success and viability of the exporting sectors than the level of the exchange rate is despite the obvious connection between the two in terms of the way things operate. I think that underlines the utility of what the Finance and Expenditure Committee is engaged in which is actually a very thoroughgoing review with some very useful submissions coming in that may well assist in the further development of the operation of monetary policy in New Zealand. 
Hon Bill English 
: You don’t believe that. 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: I do actually believe that. 
Hon Bill English 
: No you don’t. 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: I do believe that. The member is silly enough to think that he arrived at perfection 18 years ago in his life. At least he should get a mirror which would demonstrate that that is not true.
Gallagher Martin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Gallagher Martin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:640;Page:10765] 
5.  
MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) 
 to the  
Minister of Local Government 
: What reports if any has he received on the uptake of the Rates Rebate Scheme? 
Hon MARK BURTON (Minister of Local Government) 
: 
 I can advise that by the end of this week for the 2006-07 financial year ratepaying Kiwi households will have rebated approximately $50 million. That is a seventyfold increase in Government funding when compared with rebates for the 2005-06 financial year. The expanded scheme has proved a success for tens of thousands of New Zealand ratepaying households particularly those on fixed or lower incomes such as the elderly. 
Martin Gallagher 
: Has he seen any other reports on local government funding? 
Hon MARK BURTON 
: Yes. I have seen a report of a recent speech made by a politician to the Local Government New Zealand conference that described John Key’s proposals as to quote the  
Otago Daily Times 
 editorial “irritatingly non-committal”. It said that Mr Key vaguely suggested “there would be more money for local authorities”—more money I note again—“but did not say why where it was coming from or how much or what it would be for.” In contrast this Government through initiatives such as the Rates Rebate Scheme Working for Families and KiwiSaver is helping New Zealand families to build secure futures. 
Hon Brian Donnelly 
: Has the Minister noted within the reports on the uptake of the Rates Rebate Scheme that many eligible people were not claiming a rebate because of embarrassment at having to reveal personal income information to their local councils often to people who live in their close vicinity and if he has does he believe some changes are required to the way the system operates? 
Hon MARK BURTON 
: Although there has not been a high level of reporting of that concern certainly there is some indication of it. One of the things with the massive increase in the utilisation of the scheme is that I have officials reviewing a number of factors to look at whether we have got it just right or whether further refinements can be made in order to ensure that as many people as possible make use of their entitlement.
Dunne Peter: Points of Order — Auditor-General—Officers of Parliament Committee 
Dunne Peter: Points of Order — Auditor-General—Officers of Parliament Committee 
[Volume:640;Page:10759] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. It is one that you may wish to reflect upon and it is with regard to the Officers of Parliament Committee. Under the Public Audit Act 2001 the Auditor-General has certain powers to inquire into the use of resources by any public entity as defined in the Act or its schedules. But he is also required to submit an annual work plan to the Speaker. The question I want you to reflect upon Madam Speaker is whether the annual work plan prepared by the Auditor-General this year included reference to a conflicts of interest register and whether that has been considered by the Officers of Parliament Committee to whom the Auditor-General reports. If that has not been the case will you be convening a meeting of the committee to remind the Auditor-General of his primary role as the auditor of the Government’s books not to be the new Senator McCarthy? 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I thank the member for raising that point. As he rightly said I will reflect on it and report back to the House.