edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
11. Pike River Mine Re-entry—ProgressDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister responsible for Pike River Re-entryPike River Mine Re-entry—Progress11. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister responsible for Pike River Re-entry: What progress has been made on the Pike River re-entry project?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister responsible for Pike River Re-entry): I'm very pleased to convey yet more good news from this Government to the House. Two weeks ago I visited the mine site and with family representatives personally entered the mine portal. This week technical experts along with family representatives have been meeting in Greymouth to work on a draft plan for re-entry into the Pike River drift. This meeting has been a positive experience and good progress is being made. I expect the agency's recommendation on a proposed approach to re-entry will be presented to me in six to eight weeks' time.Dr Duncan Webb: What is the time line for the drift re-entry project from here?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: Once I receive the agency's recommendation I will consider their proposed approach and if I believe this is sound and safe—and subject to the advice I get from my independent adviser—I will approve it for more detailed planning. To some extent re-entry will be season dependent because of barometric pressures. All things going well the re-entry process could be able to start before the end of the year.Dr Duncan Webb: How have the Pike River families been involved in this process?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The coalition Government has been clear about the genuine involvement of the Pike River families in this project. As Bernie Monk stated yesterday hand on heart I can't see why it's taken eight years to get to this stage that we've done in four days." It is positive after years of the previous Government saying it could not be done that it turns out it can be done can be done safely and with the full blessing of the families involved."
10. Energy and Resources Minister—Statements on Industry Consultation and Gas ReservesJONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesEnergy and Resources Minister—Statements on Industry Consultation and Gas Reserves10. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does she stand by all her statements?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): Yes in the context in which they were given.Jonathan Young: When she stated on Q+A that she met with Methanex before their 12 April announcement and has now corrected that to say she didn't and when answering questions on her behalf her colleague Andrew Little said he met with them on 12 April but Methanex says he didn't when will she admit to the people of New Zealand that she has dismally failed to consult the petrochemical sector?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I completely reject the premise of the questioner's question. My colleague Andrew Little said that Methanex were present at a meeting on 12 April that he attended in Taranaki and that is correct.Jonathan Young: When she stated on Q+A that New Zealand's seven to 10 years of gas reserves is probably a pessimistic figure why would the New Zealand public believe her and what is her basis for making that statement?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Every year there is the Energy in New Zealand publication which puts out the forecast reserves of gas. The last quality assured forecast that we have is the 2017 figures. That is currently at around 10 years. The 2018 figures are currently being quality assured and will be released in the coming months. I have no reason to believe that they will be at the pessimistic end of the number that I used on Q+A.Jonathan Young: Will the Minister release the names of all of those people who attended the meeting on 12 April that Andrew Little was delegated to attend?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: A number of people attended that meeting. It was advertised and people were issued invites. If we're able to collate that information we would have no problem releasing it given that it was a public meeting. I will need to consult with my colleague to see whether it is possible to collate that information.
8. Tertiary Education—Trades Training and Fees-free PolicyMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of EducationTertiary Education—Trades Training and Fees-free Policy8. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What reports has he seen about the need for training in trades occupations?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): I have seen reports that New Zealand is facing a significant shortfall of construction-related workers. It's expected that 56000 additional construction-related workers will be needed over the next five years. The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation one of the industry's biggest training organisations has said it's on track to produce around a third of that number. Clearly we need to do a lot more to attract people into trade training and support them through it. That is what this Government is committed to.Marja Lubeck: What action has the Government taken to date to make it easier for young people to train in the trades?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Our fees-free policy has already made choosing a trades qualification either on-job or pre-job much more affordable. Over half of the students and trainees who benefit from fees free are outside of the universities. Previously employers and apprentices had to pay training and assessment fees to their industry training organisation. Now for all eligible apprentices and programmes those fees are covered under the fees-free policy for up to two years. We're reducing the cost burden for training for the future building and construction workforce.Marja Lubeck: Does he consider that the fees-free policy is sustainable?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Yes it's financially and educationally very sustainable. We cannot burden future generations with the cost of tertiary education or block access when we need to incentivise them to get the right skills and training to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Fees fee has reduced student loan borrowing by up to $140 million in the first calendar quarter of this year with 25000 fewer students having to borrow for their fees. That includes thousands undertaking vocational courses at polytechnics and private training establishments.
5. Auckland Transport Alignment Project—ImpactsPRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister of TransportAuckland Transport Alignment Project—Impacts5. PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister of Transport: What effect will the proposed $28 billion Auckland Transport Alignment Project have on congestion in Auckland?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport): The joint investment of $28 billion over the next decade will unlock Auckland's potential and drive economic growth and wealth creation. It is a game-changer for Auckland commuters and the first step in easing congestion that currently costs Auckland $1.3 billion every year. Projects such as the new rapid transit network electrification of rail to Pukekohe the third main rail line Penlink and Mill Road will make an incredible difference to commuters and businesses across Auckland. Priyanca Radhakrishnan: What effects will the rapid transit network have on congestion in Auckland? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well the light rail line from the city to Māngere will have the capacity to move 11000 people an hour each way. That's the equivalent of four lanes of motorway. It will connect the CBD with one of the country's biggest concentrations of jobs at Māngere. Three-quarters of the people using this service will be commuters. The Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) will also extend the northern busway and build the eastern busway from Panmure to Botany and a busway from Puhinui to the airport. The Auckland Unitary Plan allows 531000—SPEAKER: Order! Order! The answers are far too long as they were yesterday. Priyanca Radhakrishnan: Does ATAP plan for future greenfields growth? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The ATAP package prioritises projects which address the most critical growth challenges so that Auckland can for once get ahead of the growth. That's why the Government and Auckland Council are investing $500 million in Mill Road are building Penlink and will continue to widen the Southern Motorway and electrify the rail line to Pukekohe investing $1.3 billion in major greenfield growth areas. Jami-Lee Ross: Can he confirm that the Mill Road and Penlink projects were already part of ATAP before he made his announcement recently and that he's taken to re-announcing policies that were already there in this portfolio just like his other portfolio? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well I can confirm that Mill Road and Penlink were included in the old ATAP but that plan had a $9.7 billion fiscal hole and the public of Auckland had no idea when those roads would ever be built.
4. Beneficiaries—ObligationsHon LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō) to the Minister for Social DevelopmentBeneficiaries—Obligations4. Hon LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō) to the Minister for Social Development: Does she stand by her statement that we as a state have to give people what they are entitled to and so that is where our obligation lies."?Hon PEENI HENARE (Associate Minister for Social Development) on behalf of the Minister for Social Development: Yes.Hon Louise Upston: Given the State has obligations does the Minister also believe that those receiving benefits have obligations and that those that can work should be looking for work?Hon PEENI HENARE: On behalf of the Minister yes. What we also want to make sure is that beneficiaries and all those in receipt of benefits from this Government receive their full and correct entitlement. In order to do that we have some challenges but we have a plan to fix it.Hon Louise Upston: Does the Minister believe that job seekers without children who refuse work experience or training or recreational drug rehabilitation should lose part of their benefit entitlement after four weeks of not meeting their obligations?Hon PEENI HENARE: On behalf of the Minister the rules are very clear around the work-test sanctions for those who find themselves not available for work or breaking their job seeker obligations. But what we want to make sure of is that first and foremost we must work with these people to ensure that we address the reasons why they aren't meeting those job seeker obligations and not simply take a punitive approach that will see them fall into more hardship.Hon Louise Upston: Is the Minister planning on removing any obligations in her significant welfare overhaul; if so which ones?Hon PEENI HENARE: On behalf of the Minister that member and the House will have to wait and see the work of the group that have been allocated this significant task.Hon Louise Upston: Has the Minister given any instructions to the Ministry of Social Development about prosecutions for taking what they're not entitled to and committing benefit fraud?Hon PEENI HENARE: On behalf of the Minister I'm unaware of any such advice but I'm sure if the member would like to submit that question in writing she'll get the answer she's looking for.Hon Louise Upston: Does she believe people on benefit are entitled to more; and if yes how much will benefits rise by on 1 July 2018?Hon PEENI HENARE: On behalf of the Minister as I have mentioned earlier fair and correct entitlement is what all New Zealanders are entitled to not just beneficiaries and can I make it clear to that member that one in five Kiwis actually receive support from this Government. So we want to make sure first and foremost they get the support and they know what their fair and correct entitlement is."
Andersen GinnyVIRGINIA ANDERSEN (Labour): Well it's a surprise isn't it? I can't think what it would take to actually keep Nick Smith satisfied. I reckon if he won a cruise trip around the world and a Ferrari he'd say I get seasick and fast cars are just plain dangerous." It wouldn't matter what Nick Smith was given he wouldn't be happy with what he had.There are two local government bills—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): Members should refer to other members by their correct titles.VIRGINIA ANDERSEN: The Hon Nick Smith thank you. The real boost for local government comes with trialling the possibility of online voting which is a real issue for engaging youth in local government and being represented. We have an incredibly low turnout and we need local government to have the autonomy and the ability to explore the methods that work safely and securely with very valuable data. This is a bill that enables that process to happen.In areas like Lower Hutt where I live we see the lowest turnout of engagement from people who are young who are Māori and who are Pacific on basic things like the annual plan like things that want engagement from people on a daily basis. Having greater access to online services would enable that younger generation to engage with the daily practices that local government has and which directly affect their lives. This is why we need changes.We've already seen a bill come through along with this one that's restored the four well-beings.Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 6 p.m."
Crown Minerals Amendment Bill — First Reading
Families Commission Act Repeal Bill — Second Reading
Pugh MaureenMAUREEN PUGH (National): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. I will take a short call on the Families Commission Act Repeal Bill today in its second reading. National clearly does support this bill and the question is Why wouldn't we?" The former Government actually initiated the social investment approach and I'm very proud to have been part of that regime that took that initiative. I think everyone of us knows the stories that these social investment approaches are hoping to turn around and I take note of the contribution by my colleague the Hon Mark Mitchell and the story that he told. We all know stories similar to that one where young people are caught in that ever-decreasing cycle of habitual and soul-destroying dependency on the State. This bill has been through the select committee process and I'm confident it was given due consideration given it had a very shortened report-back time but what it does is it actually just repeals the Families Commission Act of 2003 and that just has the effect of disestablishing the Families Commission.The social investment approach is all about changing lives and breaking those cycles that we've talked about. I do acknowledge the current Government for giving it such high priority and such a high position on the Order Paper. I believe that that is because they do understand the importance of breaking those cycles and taking a new approach; or the alternative is that they simply sat on their hands for nine years and had no other legislation ready to go.The commission's functions have already started to be transferred and we have seen that through the non-legislative measures that have enabled that process to take place. Some of them have gone to the Ministry of Justice the Ministry of Social Development and the Social Investment Agency. I think it's time for us to get on and get the job done and I commend this bill to the House."
Mallard Trevor; Willis NicolaSPEAKER: I call Nicola Willis—welcome to the Parliament.NICOLA WILLIS (National): I rise in support of the Families Commission Act Repeal Bill. What an appropriate bill it is for me to speak to this first time after my maiden statement because we in this House cannot delegate responsibility for families to a special Government agency because it is our responsibility. It is our responsibility as parliamentarians as representatives of New Zealanders to ensure we put families at the heart of policy.When we look at what this bill is repealing the original legislation should be a warning to us of what can happen if we are seen to get out of step with everyday families everyday parents and people working hard to get ahead in this country if they feel like politicians aren't listening to them. This was a very popular idea back when it was promoted by the Hon Peter Dunne because people felt they weren't being listened to. And if we take a step into today and we all agree that it is now time to move on from it what is it that we now need to do instead of having a Families Commission? What we need to do members of this House is we need to make sure that we don't allow our various Government agencies to continue to act in silos. We need to break down those silos. We need to see that the Ministry of Education works with the Ministry of Social Development works with the Ministry of Justice and in doing that that they make sense of the limited funding and resources we will always necessarily have and focus them where they can make the biggest difference.What is the single biggest lever we have had in recent years for achieving that—the biggest imagination the biggest idea? Social investment. Social investment is the idea that says we can break down those silos we can leverage data and evidence and we can focus resources where they'll make the biggest difference. So it should be a great disappointment to this House that the incoming Government has said Oh no. We don't like the sound of that approach. It sounds far too much like we'll be targeting taxpayer money where it might really make a difference!"So it is very important that in repealing this Act we keep a focus on ensuring that Government agencies do continue to work together. I am a Wellingtonian and I can tell you that public servants do great work but they are incentivised to work within votes within departments and not always to work together. What the responsibility of the Government to do is to make sure that they do in fact put families at the heart of social policy.I'm very pleased to stand and speak in support of this bill. I say again what I said in my maiden speech yesterday which is that parents are the heroes of New Zealand's homes. We need to respect their efforts in this House. We need to adapt to the changing face of the modern family and make sure our public institutions and services deliver for whānau. Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker."
Hayes JoJO HAYES (National): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker and I'm pleased to stand and support the second reading of the Families Commission Act Repeal Bill. This is another outstanding piece of work that was started by the former National-led Government and it wraps up a number of changes to the disestablishment of the Families Commission as we've heard that was restructured in 2014 to the social policy evaluation and research unit.We've heard a number of contributions today about what the meaning of this piece of legislation will be and I'm really pleased that all of the work that's been done to date will continue through its reconfiguration of agencies and resources designed to support the Social Investment Agency and social investment. Social investment as one of my colleagues said today in her contribution is about changing lives—changing the lives of everybody.The previous speaker Priyanca Radhakrishnan touched on the areas around Māori whānau concepts within one of the research areas of what this particular bill will end up doing. I'm really pleased that that is happening because Māori whānau concepts—being Māori coming from a whānau—are so different to the concepts as an example from whence my husband came who is French and Irish. We have so many things to contribute under the repeal of this bill as Māori whānau that many people can learn around whanaungatanga and what that means. But in stating that you know just like every other whānau or family we have our ups and downs. But I'm amazed and very happy that Māori whānau concepts are one of the key areas.I do want to thank the current Government for taking on and carrying on with this piece of work. I think that it's great when we can all view this through one lens and it is about as I said before changing the lives of all families. It's good that we all acknowledge that and can come together every now and then to agree on such important pieces of legislation like this.Some of the commission's functions have already been transferred through non-legislative measures and that's good. This is the final part of the changes and so when we start to look at it we can see that these changes will actually aim towards ensuring that Government agencies are accountable for the well-being and the changes—the good changes—in the lives of whānau.There is not really a lot more that I can add in this second reading just that I'm really pleased that we've moved this far down in this piece of legislation and I do look forward to its Royal assent not too far down the line. So without any further ado I commend this bill to the House. Thank you.
Hughes GarethGARETH HUGHES (Green): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. I just want to take a very quick call because it hasn't been often in many parliaments that we have seen increases to all these three entities through this process. It's quite a unique process—different from the traditional Budget.I want to single out in particular the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's increase. The two areas where we're seeing the increase is for staff which is important to make sure that office is well funded but also what we're seeing is an increase in research support for economics in Mātauranga Māori. Often there's quite a distinction between the environment and the economy; they're seen as different things. But a new approach to dealing with the environment is to consider the fact that our economy is in fact a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment. So we need to make sure we live within those natural boundaries but also that within the economic space we provide for all New Zealanders so that we can have a thriving richer society. So we're very pleased to see these developments within the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's office. We support the appropriation and the motion entirely. Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker.Motion agreed to and Address agreed to.
Kuriger BarbaraBARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki - King Country): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. It's a pleasure to stand and support the notice of motion that's just been put forward. It was a privilege to be part of the Officers of Parliament Committee who had the opportunity to sit and listen to the presentations made by all three respective parties. They do a good job in their interaction with New Zealand and it's a pleasure to commend this. I recommend it to the House. Thank you.
Hipkins ChrisOFFICES OF PARLIAMENTAddress to Governor-GeneralHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move that a respectful Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor-General commending to Her Excellency the alterations to the appropriations and capital for the 2017/18 financial year in respect of Vote Audit and Vote Ombudsman and the estimates of expenses and capital injection for the 2018/19 financial year in respect of Vote Audit Vote Ombudsmen Vote Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
Ngāti Tamaoho Claims Settlement Bill — Second Reading
Brown SimeonSIMEON BROWN (National—Pakuranga): Thank you very much Madam Deputy Speaker. It is a pleasure to take a call on the Ngāti Tamaoho Claims Settlement Bill for the second reading this afternoon. As this House progresses through another stage another Treaty settlement we reflect on the principles of the Treaty that this House is seeking to redress and in terms of what we able to do as a Parliament to be able to ensure that we make progress in regards to our Treaty settlements. This is about ensuring that we as a House recognise the wrong which has taken place over the history of our country about strengthening the partnership between the Parliament the Government the Crown and the iwi and about ensuring that our iwi have the economic potential so that they can determine their own future. This bill does those things and is based upon those principles.When we look at the wrong that was done to the Ngāti Tamaoho people it is shameful on our history. It is good to see that while over a hundred years has gone past we are now doing something about that and it is good to see that this legislation is progressing. I thought it was very fitting for the Minister of Justice whose name this bill is in to recognise that there were only two submissions and both submissions were in favour of this bill and that for the first time there was no opposing submission. I thought that showed a level of partnership in the process. It showed that good faith had been entered into by both parties and that the issues were appropriately dealt with to get us to this stage. As we progress now to committee stage and then through to the third reading I know that that will continue.This bill does a number of different things. It vests a number of sites with iwi jointly vests management of the Hunua Ranges with the iwi and Auckland Council statutorily acknowledges a number of sites with Ngāti Tamaoho changes a number of names and grants cultural and financial redress and commercial redress of four sites. As I said earlier that is about the principle of ensuring that the iwi is put in a position where they are able to leverage that opportunity to ensure that they can advance the economic potential for the people of Ngāti Tamaoho of which there are 2500 and ensure that their future is a bright one.I commend this bill to the House. I commend Minister Little for progressing this and Minister Finlayson as well. It is good to see it going through with the support from both sides of the House. Thank you very much Madam Deputy Speaker.
Rurawhe AdrianADRIAN RURAWHE (Labour—Te Tai Hauāuru): Tēnā koe e Te Mana Whakawā otirā e tika ana kia tuku mihi atu hoki ki a Ngāti Tamaoho; tēnei ahau e tuku mihi atu ki a koutou e mātakitaki mai nō reira tēnā koutou katoa.[May I formally greet you Madam Deputy Speaker and it is only proper to offer greetings to Ngāti Tamaoho; I stand here to welcome those of you who are watching therefore greetings to you all.]It's always a pleasure to speak on Treaty settlement bills and this one in particular. As my colleague Jan Logie pointed out in terms of the history of Ngāti Tamaoho everything that they suffered in the scale of Treaty settlements is very near the top end of breaches to the Treaty that they have endured. One of the things that I thought I might do today is just say thank you—thank you on behalf of my constituents thank you on behalf of New Zealand. I think New Zealand should say thank you to Ngāti Tamaoho: thank you for accepting a framework which is imperfect; thank you for working diligently through the process of getting to this point of accepting a settlement that addresses the breaches to the Treaty.We all know that it's not compensation and it's really important for us to always remember the difference. The difference means that Ngāti Tamaoho has accepted a way forward as they stated in their submission so that they can move forward as a people. I think this House ought to acknowledge that and I'm sure each one of us in this House—and I acknowledge all of the contributions so far that have made the same kinds of comments about Treaty settlement bills. I think that this along with other settlement bills shows how we can as a nation move forward and I too want to acknowledge the Hon Andrew Little and the Hon Christopher Finlayson for their work on this bill.Where I come from if there's something wrong and we call a hui then a lot of people turn up and a lot of people will be complaining. I think the fact that there are only two submissions indicates that the work done behind the scenes to address overlapping issues was a very considered constructive one delivered by Ngāti Tamaoho because if there were outstanding issues with overlapping claimants and others we would have seen a number of submissions objecting to the settlement. In this case as has been pointed out before in this debate for the very first time there were no opposing submissions.I think again we should give thanks in particular to Ngāti Tamaoho Trust Board and I want to acknowledge the chairperson Dennis Kirkwood for all of the work that they have done on getting their settlement to this point. I think that in acknowledging Ngāti Tamaoho we should also acknowledge the length of time that it's taken. It's been a really long time and I wonder why it has to be that way. I think we probably in every settlement should be as expeditious as we can. I'm not certain why this one has taken so long but I suspect it was how I've already acknowledged—there were overlapping issues to deal with. It is a pleasure to speak on this bill and I commend the bill to the House.
Little AndrewNGĀTI TAMAOHO CLAIMS SETTLEMENT BILLSecond ReadingHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations): I move That the Ngāti Tamaoho Claims Settlement Bill be now read a second time. This bill gives effect to a deed of settlement between the Crown and Ngāti Tamaoho signed at Mangatangi Marae on 30 April 2017. The deed of settlement settles all the remaining historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Ngāti Tamaoho.Ngāti Tamaoho is one of the Waikato-Tainui - affiliated Waiohua groups located within Tāmaki-makau-rau. Their interests are centred on the Manukau Harbour and extend to include the Franklin District Hunua Ranges Āwhitu Peninsula Waikato wetlands and central Auckland. I acknowledge the work of the Ngāti Tamaoho negotiators and the governance entity the Ngāti Tamaoho Trust Board. I also acknowledge the previous Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations the Hon Chris Finlayson; Government agencies; and local authorities for their contributions to the bill. I also thank the chair and members of the Māori Affairs Committee which has done an excellent job in progressing this bill.The proposed bill gives effect to those elements of the deed which require statute. The bill was referred to the committee on 6 July 2017. The committee received two written submissions both in support of the bill—one from Ngāti Tamaoho Trust and the other from the Auckland Council. This was the first time in the Treaty settlement process that no submission in opposition to a settlement bill was received. Consequently there was no requirement for public hearings to be held.The committee's commentary on the bill focuses on the settlement matters discussed during consideration of the bill and after careful consideration the committee has recommended the bill proceed with two minor technical amendments. This second reading brings us closer to the concluding stage of settling the historical claims of Ngāti Tamaoho. I intend to talk in more detail in the third reading when we fully celebrate this settlement. Until then I commend this bill to the House.
Hipkins ChrisBUSINESS OF THE HOUSEHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I seek leave to clarify the statement that I made in response to Mr Woodhouse's question.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In response to Mr Woodhouse's question I indicated that I had informed the Business Committee of the Government's intention. I did not do that as part of the meeting's proceedings. If necessary as I'm required to do under the Standing Orders I will do so.Question time resumed.
Hipkins Chris; Woodhouse MichaelTHURSDAY 3 MAY 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Next week the House will consider a range of legislation including the first readings of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Amendment Bill the Accident Compensation Amendment Bill the Local Electoral Matters Bill and the Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngati Porou Bill (No 2). The Brokering (Weapons and Related Items) Controls Bill will have its committee stage. The Social Security Legislation Rewrite Bill will have its second reading and committee stage. The Families Commission Act Repeal Bill will have its committee stage and third reading.Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National): I thank the Leader of the House. I wonder if for planning purposes the House leader could indicate whether parliamentary colleagues should be clearing their diaries and planning for urgency on Friday 18 May.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I can assure the House that I have fully informed the Business Committee of the Government's intentions in that regard.
Wednesday 2 May 2018 - Volume 729
Litter (Increased Infringement Fee) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Litter (Increased Infringement Fee) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 109New Zealand National 55; New Zealand Labour 46; Green Party 8.Noes 10New Zealand First 9; ACT New Zealand 1.Bill read a first time.Bill referred to the Environment Committee.
Oaths and Declarations (Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Oaths and Declarations (Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 54New Zealand Labour 46; Green Party 8.Noes 65New Zealand National 55; New Zealand First 9; ACT New Zealand 1.Motion not agreed to.
Health and Safety at Work (Volunteer Associations) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Health and Safety at Work (Volunteer Associations) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 65New Zealand National 55; New Zealand First 9; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 54New Zealand Labour 46; Green Party 8.Bill read a first time.Bill referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.
12. Forestry Minister—Announcements and StatementsJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister of ForestryForestry Minister—Announcements and Statements12. JENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister of Forestry: What recent announcements has he made regarding the forestry sector?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister of Forestry): Yesterday I announced the new national environmental standards for plantation forestry. It provides a uniform set a consistent set of regulation; strips red tape; and enables the forestry sector to proceed with confidence across all of the regional council areas of New Zealand.Jenny Marcroft: How will these standards encourage investment in our forestry sector?Hon SHANE JONES: The encouragement of investment in terms of forestry and the regions has grown immeasurably since the election. These rules ensure that less time is wasted on having to change strategies of operation as a consequence of dilatoriness under the former regime.Jenny Marcroft: What other forestry announcements has he made recently?Hon SHANE JONES: First there is the Gisborne tree planting—the symbolic start of the billion-tree strategy. Secondly there is the announcement of the Matariki Tu Rākau kaupapa—Matariki being the arrival of the Māori New Year—where a whole host of community groups will work to plant more trees. It will acknowledge not only that this year is 100 years since the end of World War I but it will celebrate and give our young people an opportunity to do something a lot more formidable under the rising stars Matariki the seven sisters.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Was the Minister correctly reported when he said that the 1 billion tree planting goal was fanciful"?Hon SHANE JONES: From time to time in the House the allegation has been thrown at me that the figure is fanciful but just as I will demonstrate under the rising of Matariki the star of the new year I will show that in that case the member is talking not about a star but a planet—off the planet.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Did he or did he not tell the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce that that figure was fanciful?Hon SHANE JONES: I've said so many things in Rotorua. As the member on the other side would know a visit to Rotorua can have gaseous consequences. But I repeat what I said: the reference to "fanciful" comes from the nature of the allegations and taunts unwisely thrown in my direction by the Opposition lost in space."
10. Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Permits—Impact on Existing PermitsJONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesOffshore Oil and Gas Exploration Permits—Impact on Existing Permits10. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does she stand by her statement to the Petroleum Conference we have 10 years or so of natural gas consented for drilling and potentially many more years that could be discovered under existing exploration permits. Some of these permits run as late as 2046. They are not under threat"?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): Yes in the context it was given. I especially stand by the assurance I gave to the assembled industry delegates that this Government saw the need for a careful long-term and managed transition of 30-plus years and that the coming changes would honour existing permits.Jonathan Young: In light of that will she guarantee the Government will not bring any legislation during this term that would amend the conditions of the area covered by the 24 offshore exploration and production permits already approved?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: What I can assure and have given an assurance to industry of is we will not make changes to the existing permits to make them harder to get. We are currently discussing with industry changes that they may like to see and we are having those discussions.Jonathan Young: When does she plan to inform the already shell-shocked oil and gas industry of her Government's intention to introduce the Marine Mammals Protection Seismic Surveying Bill?SPEAKER: Order!Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I don't have any ministerial responsibility for that legislation.SPEAKER: That as well as the fact that it doesn't derive from either the primary question or the supplementaries. Have another go—if the member wants to have another go at a supplementary.Jonathan Young: When does she plan to inform an already shell-shocked oil and gas industry of her Government's intention to introduce any further legislation affecting their permit areas?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: As I said in answer to the previous question that was in order I have begun preliminary discussions about changes to the Crown Minerals Act and what they may take."
9. School Buildings—Marlborough Girls' and Boys' Colleges RebuildJAMIE STRANGE (Labour) to the Minister of EducationSchool Buildings—Marlborough Girls' and Boys' Colleges Rebuild9. JAMIE STRANGE (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What progress can he report on a rebuild of new secondary schools in Blenheim?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): Last Friday I visited Marlborough Boys' College and Marlborough Girls' College to discuss options for moving forward with the rebuilding of both colleges on a new or existing site. Discussions about this started over five years ago and the Marlborough community is still waiting. The biggest challenge is that over the last two years since co-location on a new site was approved by the previous Government a viable site still has not been identified. I've asked officials to update all of the options and report back to me as a matter of priority so that we can get this moving and give the community what they were promised so long ago.Jamie Strange: What reports did he hear about the condition of the existing Marlborough Boys' College and Marlborough Girls' College buildings?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: It wasn't necessarily just about reports that I heard; I saw first-hand that the staff at the Marlborough Boys' College have a 82-year-old building with large cracks and bursting pipes. I was told of a leaking indoor gymnasium and library. When I visited Marlborough Girls' College they had leaky internal guttering in their science and technology classroom and issues with almost every other block in the school. In one block I entered the smell of mould was so overpowering we left within a moment or two. It's time to see some action on that site and the new buildings that they were promised so long ago actually coming to fruition and that's what this Government is going to deliver.Stuart Smith: Will he confirm that at least $60 million will be invested in the co-location of Marlborough Boys' College and Marlborough Girls' College?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: If we continue to go ahead with the option of co-location on a new site it's likely that it will be significantly more than that. The experience of Shirley Boys' High School and Avonside Girls' High School in Christchurch for example suggests that the costs could be well over $100 million to go ahead with the previous Government's proposal—something that they did not budget enough money to cover the cost of.
8. Regional Economic Development Minister—StatementsHon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) to the Minister of State ServicesRegional Economic Development Minister—Statements8. Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) to the Minister of State Services: Is the Government committed to a professional competent and politically neutral public sector; if so how is the reported statement by Regional Economic Development Minister Hon Shane Jones that Ministers be able to appoint their shit-kickers" consistent with this?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of State Services): In answer to the first part of the question yes; in answer to the second part of the question I have no responsibility for Shane Jones' comments and I suspect that both of us are probably quite happy about that.Hon Dr Nick Smith: Has the Minister had a discussion with the Minister for Regional Economic Development on the specific skill set that would be required by the new Government in leading the public sector to be able to qualify as a "shit-kicker"?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I have a very collaborative working relationship with the Hon Shane Jones and discuss a wide range of issues with him on a regular basis. I have had a short conversation with him this week about this matter and I'm sure that that conversation will be ongoing.Hon Dr Nick Smith: What specifically was the content of the conversation he had with the Minister for Regional Economic Development about his desire for Ministers to be able to appoint shit-kickers to senior Public Service roles?SPEAKER: Before the member answers I allowed the question because it was a direct quote. Having used it now three times I think the member might be able to use his imagination just a little and avoid using the word.Hon Dr Nick Smith: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: I fail to see what it could be.Hon Dr Nick Smith: Well when you have Ministers of this Government during their ministerial roles—SPEAKER: Order! The member will resume his seat.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The nature of the conversation was a very preliminary one and I'm sure that we will be having further discussions on an ongoing basis about the matter. I am aware that this is a contested issue. Other Ministers at various times have argued that Ministers should have a greater role in appointing senior public servants—including Ministers in the last National Government notably one Hon Simon Bridges.Hon Dr Nick Smith: Does the Minister share the view of the Minister for Regional Economic Development that the State sector has too many useless "phantom bureaucrats"; if so what measures will the Government be taking to get rid of these phantom bureaucrats?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: No."
6. Housing—KiwiBuildANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHousing—KiwiBuild6. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development: What progress has been made on the affordable housing policy?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): On Saturday we unveiled the first 18 KiwiBuild homes currently under construction by Housing New Zealand in Papakura. We were able to get these houses under way quickly because plans to sell the land to private developers had fallen through. Housing New Zealand was also barred by agreements made under the previous Government from building more State houses. If not for KiwiBuild grass would still be growing there. This follows on from the purchase of land from Unitech where up to 4000 homes will be built. We're working tirelessly on the acquisition of other blocks of Crown land for KiwiBuild developing opportunities for Housing New Zealand for their vacant land and preparing to launch our programme to buy KiwiBuild houses from private developers.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How will KiwiBuild numbers ramp up over time?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well obviously you can't go from zero to 10000 houses a year overnight. We are laying the foundations through Government procurement planning land acquisition and working directly with developers and builders. In KiwiBuild's first year starting on 1 July and ending on 30 June 2019 we're expecting to build 1000 KiwiBuild homes. In the next year we expect to build 5000. By the time of the election we expect to have a total of 8000 completed homes. By June—SPEAKER: Order! The member will resume his seat. There have been two speeches instead of answers to questions.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How ambitious is the KiwiBuild programme compared to historical building policies?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well the KiwiBuild programme includes a larger faster ramp-up in house building than the Christchurch rebuild. It's comparable in scale to the first Labour Government's State house building programme which went from 400 houses in the first year to 4000 in the third. We aim to go from 1000 in the first year to 10000 in the third.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How will families looking to buy their first home be able to purchase a KiwiBuild home?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: There will be a ballot system similar to that used for Axis homes at Hobsonville initiated under the previous Government. The criteria and entry details will be announced in due course before the first homes are ready in September.
5. Health Minister—Capital Spending and GP FeesHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of HealthHealth Minister—Capital Spending and GP Fees5. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by all his statements and actions?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER (Associate Minister of Health): on behalf of the Minister of Health: Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. On behalf of the Minister yes in the context they were given and taken.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Well how can he stand by his answer to question No. 7 yesterday when he said The last Budget set aside only $37.5 million for new capital spending per year" when the actual appropriation was actually $664.5 million?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: On behalf of the Minister I don't have the details to hand. I perhaps would question the second figure that the member just put forward but I'm sure that we'll be able to resolve the issue if he puts down the question in writing.Hon Michael Woodhouse: How can he stand by his statement that he was not told of other building issues at Middlemore Hospital when documents leaked to the New Zealand Herald show acting CEO Gloria Johnson specifically told the Minister of problems in other buildings and outgoing chair Rabin Rabindran said the Minister was shown pictures of mould in other buildings and commented that the Minister had "seen worse"?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: On behalf of the Minister I stand by all my statements. I recall very clearly the visit. My expectation is that district health boards raise serious issues with me and while we were given a lengthy document outlining a whole series of issues there was no mention of rot or mould in that particular document.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Does he stand by his statements on the reason for phasing the GP fees reduction initiative when having inherited a strong economy increased Crown revenue and together with a commitment to borrow $10 billion more there is no sound reason for the Government to break that promise to New Zealanders?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: On behalf of the Minister this Government is committed to reducing the cost of going to the GP and funding health more sustainably. We're also committed to managing the Government's books responsibly. But I think that member should reflect on the record of his National Government under which the cost of visiting a GP increased 44 percent and the state of our hospitals was in serious decline. I don't think any member of the public can take his concerns seriously given he had nine years to do something about it."