edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Blumsky Mark: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Blumsky Mark: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:632;Page:3774] 
MARK BLUMSKY (National) 
: 
 The Minister of Internal Affairs to whom I am addressing the question appears to be snowbound. I wonder whether I could seek leave to hold back the question until a day when he is present. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Stewart Barbara: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Stewart Barbara: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:632;Page:3762] 
4.  
BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What advice if any has he received on how New Zealand - based superannuitants can supplement their incomes to improve their standard of living? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
 on behalf of the 
 Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: In an extreme version they could be the Leader of the Opposition but more generally as New Zealand superannuation is not income and asset-tested there is no barrier to earning other income. KiwiSaver of course will help provide higher levels of retirement income. We are also looking at ways to enhance opportunities for older people who want to work to be able to work. 
Barbara Stewart 
: Why does the Retirement Commissioner advocate improving retirement income through savings or work when those who take this advice but do so offshore are penalised by having these savings deducted from their New Zealand superannuation? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: People who make private provision for retirement by savings who are offshore are not penalised by deductions from their New Zealand superannuation. They receive the full rate of New Zealand superannuation on top of overseas private pensions or overseas savings. The direct deduction provisions apply to people with public or State pensions from another country. 
Steve Chadwick 
: How do New Zealand’s pension portability rules compare with those of other countries? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: It is quite difficult to make that comparison because nearly all countries have some form of public pension provision based on entitlement on a proportionate basis—in other words related to a number of years working as a proportion of a base say 40 or 45 years—whereas New Zealand superannuation is based on a relatively short residency requirement alone of 10 years. That does create some difficulty in comparing portability arrangements. 
Barbara Stewart 
: Does the Government plan to review the portability of foreign pensions for senior citizens who may be eligible for payments in addition to New Zealand superannuation; if not why not? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: The confidence and supply agreement with New Zealand First contains a commitment to investigate ways to improve options for senior citizens who may be eligible for foreign pensions as well as New Zealand superannuation. The Minister is working on those matters in conjunction with other Ministers and that work is progressing very well.
Jones Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Jones Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:632;Page:3770] 
8.  
SHANE JONES (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: What are his priorities as Minister of Finance? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 As I recently told this House— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I cannot hear the answer and I am sitting reasonably close. Would members please desist from barracking; interjections are permitted. 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: If we cleared the House of the Opposition we could have a quiet conversation. As I recently told this House the most important thing a Government can do in the modern world is to do all it can to ensure its citizens can enjoy a good life bring up their children in decency enjoy a good job have decent housing and retire with dignity. My priority as Minister of Finance is to ensure that we have the prudent fiscal settings to allow this for now and into the future. 
Shane Jones 
: Has he received any reports of alternative priorities that could be pursued by a Minister of Finance? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: As I mentioned yesterday an alternative priority I am aware of is the suggestion that the Minister of Finance’s first thoughts in the morning are to ask himself how his shares did overnight as Mr Key yesterday admitted he does about his Merrill Lynch shares. This may explain his opposition with unwonted vigour and enthusiasm to any change in the offshore investment tax regime that would increase his tax in that regard. 
John Key 
: Is the Minister aware that he is quite incorrect—my first thought when I wake up in the morning is to imagine which of the pretenders from Trevor Mallard to David Cunliffe will be the next Minister of Finance when the Minister finally gets the flick in a couple of weeks? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: Firstly all I can say is that if the first thing the member thinks of when he wakes up is Trevor Mallard that is called having a nightmare. And since the member dragged my wife into debate yesterday I think it is a terrible insult to his own wife that he wakes in the morning and thinks of Trevor Mallard. Furthermore why in that case did the member tell a dinner party the exact opposite—that he thought about what had happened to the price of his Merrill Lynch shares overnight—or was he just big-noting as usual? 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I just want to put it on the record that the feeling is not mutual. I never think of Mr Key first thing in the morning. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: That is not a point of order.
Hughes Darren: Historic Places Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Hughes Darren: Historic Places Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:632;Page:3839] 
DARREN HUGHES (Junior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 Madam Chair given that you are due to report progress in a couple of minutes I seek leave for you to report progress now. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Ann Hartley) 
: The member has sought leave. Is that agreed to? It is. 
Progress to be reported presently. 
House resumed. 
The Chairperson reported the Local Government Law Reform Bill with amendment and that the Committee had divided it into eight bills and progress on the Historic Places Amendment Bill. 
Report adopted.
Collins Judith: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Collins Judith: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:632;Page:3767] 
JUDITH COLLINS (National—Clevedon) 
: 
 I seek the leave of the House to hold this question over until the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs is in the House. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Mahuta Nanaia: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
Mahuta Nanaia: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:632;Page:3793] 
Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Associate Minister of Local Government) 
:  
I wish to inform the Committee that I will not proceed with the amendment to clause 9D in Supplementary Order Paper 43.
Vote: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:632;Page:3805] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendments be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand National 48; Green Party 4 (Bradford Kedgley Locke Tanczos); Maori Party 4; United Future 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Noes 60 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 2 (Fitzsimons Turei); Progressive 1. 
Amendments agreed to. 
The question was put that the following amendment in the name of Metiria Turei be agreed to: 
to insert the following new clause: 
9BMicrochip transponder must be implanted in certain dogs 
Section 36A(1)(c) is repealed.
Carter David: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
Carter David: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:632;Page:3804] 
Hon DAVID CARTER (National) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Chairperson. I spoke with the office yesterday and asked for advice as to how the amendments would be moved. The advice that was given to me was that it would be helpful to facilitate the votes if I seek leave for the amendments on Supplementary Order Paper 41 to be taken as one question and I so do. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Clem Simich) 
: That would be most helpful. Leave has been sought for that course to be followed. Is there any objection? Leave is denied. 
The question was put that the following amendment in the name of Sandra Goudie to clause 4 be agreed to: 
to insert in the definition of  
disability assist dog 
 in section 2 in subclause (1) after the words “a person with a disability” the words “to be exempted from microchipping”.
Vote: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:632;Page:3812] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendment be agreed to 
. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 54 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 4; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Amendment agreed to.
Vote: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:632;Page:3812] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That Part 2 as amended be agreed to 
. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1. 
Noes 54 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 4; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Part 2 as amended agreed to.
Vote: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Local Government Law Reform Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:632;Page:3805] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendment be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand National 48; Green Party 4 (Bradford Kedgley Locke Tanczos); Maori Party 4; United Future 3; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Noes 60 
New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 2 (Fitzsimons Turei); Progressive 1. 
Amendment agreed to.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9254] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That Part 2 as amended be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 58 
New Zealand National 48; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4. 
Part 2 as amended agreed to. 
House resumed. 
The Chairperson reported progress on the Social Security Amendment Bill no progress on the Arbitration Amendment Bill no progress on the Succession (Homicide) Bill and no progress on the Wills Bill. 
Report adopted.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9254] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendment be agreed to. 
Ayes 10 
Green Party 6; Maori Party 4. 
Noes 109 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand National 48; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Amendment not agreed to.
Chadwick Steve: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Chadwick Steve: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9253] 
STEVE CHADWICK (Labour—Rotorua) 
: 
 I move  
That the question be now put 
.
Stewart Barbara: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Stewart Barbara: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9251] 
BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) 
: 
 I will take just a very short call on behalf of New Zealand First. We welcome new sections 1A and 1B in clause 23 of the Social Security Amendment Bill. We believe that the purpose of the bill and its principles should be clearly set out. We believe that New Zealanders as a whole would find it very difficult to argue with this part. We totally approve of the work focus. 
People are far better off when they work even if it is only for a few hours each week. My son goes to school. He also has a part-time job for a few hours a week pushing trolleys at the local supermarket. The change in that boy has been quite phenomenal. We believe that it is absolutely essential to interact with people in the workplace. The growth in people’s self-esteem from being part of a team is absolutely phenomenal. 
We also want to see the number of people on the sickness benefit and the invalids benefit decrease. We are pleased to support any efforts to assist this group to work if they possibly can. We acknowledge too that there are times when people for whatever reasons just cannot participate in the workforce. The bill signals the commitment the Government has to work with people to assist them in moving into work that is appropriate for them. We cannot argue with that. We believe that any Government should have this focus. It is something we would criticise any Government for not having. All of the research shows that it is imperative for people to get into work if it is appropriate. Benefits are not the best lifestyle for long-term living. We want people to have more money than they can get on a benefit and to get all the other benefits they do not have when they are on a handout. 
We believe that the hardest thing when one is on a benefit is to take the first step and determine what area one wants to work in. If people have been out of work for a long time that gets harder and harder. So we believe that the personal development and employment plans are essential to help this come about. What is the point though in having a plan or in being told that one has a plan if one is not a part of it? We believe that people should have some time to reflect on their plans so that they can get behind them and push them. Most people have dreams and ambitions that they want to fulfil and those dreams and ambitions are far greater than being on a benefit. We really support the work focus that the Government is showing in this bill.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9241] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That Part 1 as amended be agreed to. 
Ayes 61 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 58 
New Zealand National 48; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4. 
Part 1 as amended agreed to.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9241] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendments be agreed to. 
Ayes 67 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 52 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 4. 
Amendments agreed to.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9241] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendment be agreed to. 
Ayes 10 
Green Party 6; Maori Party 4. 
Noes 109 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand National 48; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Amendment not agreed to. 
The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 113 in the name of Sue Bradford to clause 9 be agreed to. 
Amendment not agreed to. 
The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 113 in the name of Sue Bradford to clause 15 be agreed to. 
Amendment not agreed to. 
The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 114 in the name of the Hon David Benson-Pope to clause 20 be agreed to.
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9241] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the question be now put. 
Ayes 67 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 52 
New Zealand National 48; Maori Party 4. 
Motion agreed to. 
The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 113 in the name of Sue Bradford to clause 4 be agreed to.
Fairbrother Russell: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Fairbrother Russell: Social Security Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:639;Page:9240] 
RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) 
: 
 I move  
That the question be now put 
.
Vote: State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited and Asure New Zealand Limited) Bill — Second Reading 
Vote: State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited and Asure New Zealand Limited) Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:639;Page:9235] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the State-Owned Enterprises (AgriQuality Limited and Asure New Zealand Limited) Bill be now read a second time. 
Ayes 65 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand First 7; Maori Party 4; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 50 
New Zealand National 48; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Abstentions 6 
Green Party 6. 
Bill read a second time.
Turner Judy: Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
Turner Judy: Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:639;Page:9207] 
JUDY TURNER (Deputy Leader—United Future) 
: 
 I rise on behalf of United Future to speak to the third reading of the Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill. One of the interesting things happening around the progress of this bill is the number of businesses and organisations that are sending very clear signals that they will be offering discounts for SuperGold cardholders. In fact one of the reasons why the bill needed to be amended to address the fact that barcoding provisions had been overlooked was that large retail chains have indicated their willingness to honour senior citizens with credible discounts and they wanted to manage that opportunity from head office rather than to have staff do that at the point of sale. 
The passing of this legislation is the beginning of a huge challenge to recruit as much buy-in as is possible to ensure that the potential this policy offers is fully realised. The cost of the card is justified only if there is an allocation of funding to promote it to the business and community sectors. The question remains for me as to whether Government departments will match the private sector in using this mechanism to provide improved and affordable access to health education and local government and social services for the over 65s. The tensions that exist between providing fair income rates for superannuitants and the maintenance of a sustainable superannuation scheme into the future mean that it is more than helpful if underpinning our system for seniors who are on low fixed incomes we have a system of community support that effectively reduces living costs while encouraging community participation. 
Perhaps the other potential for the SuperGold card that most excites to United Future is the opportunity it provides us to tangibly honour our over 65s. Honouring our elders is usually dished up—or neglected—at a family level. Where families do this well this card will merely supplement their efforts. However for those who live without significant appreciation and support this card could make affordable the chance for them to participate in community activities to belong to community clubs and organisations and to attend community events. I believe there is huge community goodwill that can be tapped into. 
Commercial advantages are great; social advantages are priceless. I hope that as this card is promoted as much effort is put into securing the support of the community sector as is put into gaining buy-in from the retail sector. Australian veterans are a classic example of people who revel in the status that their gold card provides them with. It is a simple mechanism—a simple card—but with the potential to deliver recognition status goodwill and advantage to our 540000 deserving older New Zealanders. United Future is happy to support this third reading.
Vote: Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
Vote: Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:639;Page:9216] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment be now read a third time.  
Ayes 119 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand National 48; New Zealand First 7; Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; United Future 3; Progressive 1; Independent: Field. 
Noes 2 
ACT New Zealand 2; 
Bill read a third time.
Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:639;Page:9182] 
6.  
RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What reports has he received on the Labour-led Government’s success at supporting people into work? 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 The household labour force survey figures released last Thursday show that employment in New Zealand was at a record high of 2143000 people in the March 2007 quarter. That means we have 347000 more people in work than we did in December 1999 which is an increase equivalent to the entire population of the beautiful city of Christchurch. The unemployment rate is at 3.8 percent remaining at historically low levels. It was the 11th consecutive quarter for which the unemployment rate was below 4 percent in New Zealand. The household labour force survey results also supported a continued reduction in the number of people on the unemployment benefit in the country. There are now only 26678 New Zealanders reliant on that benefit. That is an 83 percent reduction since this Government took office and the lowest figure since the middle of the 1980s—27 years ago. 
Russell Fairbrother 
: What reports has the Minister received about the numbers of youth on an unemployment benefit? 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE 
: I can report that in December 1999 17514 18 and 19-year-olds received the unemployment benefit. As at the end of April this year that number was 1424. 
Hon Marian Hobbs 
: How many? 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE 
: It is 1424. That is a reduction of 92 percent since this Government took office. There are now 28 Work and Income service centres in this country where at the end of April there were no youth in receipt of unemployment benefit and a further 66 service centres where the number was less than 10. That success is also reflected in the numbers of Maori youth aged 18 to 19 in receipt of the unemployment benefit which stands at 572 in April and Pacific youth aged 18 to 19 in receipt of the unemployment benefit which was only 162 in April—an extraordinary achievement. 
Hone Harawira 
: Kia ora Madam Speaker. Kia ora tatou te Whare. Is it true that one of the reasons for the success of the Government’s programme to support people into work is that the Government is paying employers $280 a week to take on workers; if so can the Minister please explain to the House why for all of that subsidising of private enterprise Maori still make up 36.5 percent of all those receiving the unemployment benefit? 
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE 
: No. It is true however that the number of Maori on an unemployment benefit is now below 9000. It is actually 8927 which is 77 percent less than it was in December 1999. I seek leave of the House to table a schedule of the 28 Work and Income service centres with nil unemployed youth and the 66 centres with fewer than 10. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Peters Winston: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:639;Page:9190] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Minister of Foreign Affairs) 
: 
 For the benefit of the Speaker of the Bougainville Parliament who is sitting over there I seek leave to table yesterday’s official development assistance speech and to confirm for him that the views expressed by Mr Hayes are not the views of this Parliament. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? 
Gerry Brownlee 
: I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. Was that appropriate—to address somebody else in this House? 
Madam SPEAKER 
: No it was not appropriate. The member— 
Gerry Brownlee 
: Well why was the leave put then? 
Madam SPEAKER 
: —is quite right. Because I normally let people finish their sentences! I have been reminded by that member in the past that that is the way this House should be conducted so I do not interfere when people are halfway through their statements. But it was inappropriate. Members know that when they are tabling documents they do it succinctly; they identify the document and they do not give any other interpretation to it. Leave has been sought. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Field Taito Phillip: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Field Taito Phillip: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:639;Page:9185] 
8.  
TAITO PHILLIP FIELD (Independent—Mangere) 
 to the  
Minister of Trade 
: What is the Government doing to promote and assist improvement in trade between the Pacific nations and New Zealand? 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Economic Development)  
on behalf of the 
 Minister of Trade 
: The Government funds the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission in Auckland to promote exports from Pacific Island countries and investment from New Zealand in those countries. It supports efforts by the business community through the New Zealand Pacific Business Council to promote two-way trade and organises periodic trade missions into the Pacific. Offices of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in Suva Noumea and Papeete act as links for Pacific clients. Through New Zealand aid the Government supports capacity building in the areas linked to trade and of course my ministerial colleague does an enormous amount of work for Pacific countries in that way and I thank her for it. 
Taito Phillip Field 
: Given the imbalance in the trade figures recently released for trade between the Pacific nations and New Zealand—for example New Zealand exports to Samoa are worth around $73 million a year although New Zealand imports just $2.8 million of Samoan products; the figure for New Zealand trade to Tonga is around $45.4 million a year and for Tongan products to New Zealand it is $2.3 million; the figure for New Zealand trade to the Cook Islands is around $66.5 million and for Cook Islands produce to New Zealand it is just $1.3 million; and the figure for New Zealand trade to Fiji is $284 million and for Fijian trade to New Zealand it is $56 million—what will the New Zealand Government be doing to improve that trade imbalance? 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: I would like to explain to the House that for most of those countries New Zealand is the route for their international trade. Often their trade comes through Auckland—that includes for example oil and other things. I think members have to take some care when taking those figures at their face value. They are gross not net figures. 
Taito Phillip Field 
: Given the reliance of Pacific nations on agricultural exports and New Zealand’s problem with fruit fly what progress is being made to help the Pacific nations to meet the biosecurity requirements in order to improve their exports? 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: I do not have a specific answer on the fruit fly question but I am sure if the member puts down a question to the Minister responsible he will be happy to answer it.
Dunne Peter: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
Dunne Peter: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
[Volume:639;Page:9173] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 United Future joins with other members in expressing our condolences to the family and people of Samoa on the death of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II the revered long-serving head of State of that country. 
Other members have spoken about Malietoa’s length of service. I want to put another context to it. This man is an extraordinary link with all of Samoa’s contemporary history. When we consider that he is the descendant of one of four main princely families that he succeeded to the title Malietoa in 1940 and that he became a head of State jointly in 1962 and the sole head of State a year later we see that that period of time really reflects the total modern development of Samoa post the German colonial experience. I think the loss for his people is not just the loss of a revered respected and deeply loved leader but a loss of that continuity of history. The challenge for Malietoa’s successor whoever that may be will be to bring those strands back together. So our thoughts are very much with the members of his family at their time of grief but also of the people whom he loved so much who will be contemplating literally life after Malietoa. 
We stand by the people of Samoa in their moment of grief. We wish them well for the future and we salute a great leader who has left us and them.
Mackey Moana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mackey Moana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:639;Page:9177] 
2.  
MOANA MACKEY (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: What indications does he have of parents and early childhood education services being aware and supportive of the Labour-led Government’s 20 hours free early childhood education policy? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister of Education) 
: 
 I am informed that 40 orders a day are being rushed out to meet the growing demand from the early childhood sector for attestation forms to sign parents up for 20 hours free. That means we now have orders for 259000 forms; we have 107000 parent information booklets on order; and we have had 4200 calls to the information line. We have heard from the member’s electorate of Gisborne that that region will be celebrating the arrival of early childhood 20 hours free. I think the indications are positive. 
Moana Mackey 
: Is the Minister aware of any opposition in principle to 20 hours free early childhood education for 3 and 4-year-olds? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY 
: The answer is almost none. Virtually no one in the early childhood sector disagrees in principle with this policy. But I have heard that National’s Paula Bennett made it clear on  
Close Up 
 last Thursday that the National Party’s opposition to the policy was not based on money it was based on the fact that the National Party simply does not want all parents to have access to 20 hours free. 
Katherine Rich 
: Does the Minister have any idea how many 3 and 4-year-olds will actually receive 20 free hours come 1 July; if so what are his latest estimates because it seems he has no idea actually how many 3 and 4-year-olds will get it? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY 
: As I have frequently told the member in answer to her many many insightful questions on this matter up to 92000 3 to 4-year-olds will have access. I am optimistic that on 1 July we will have a good muster of centres. I am equally optimistic that over a period of time just as in the case of the primary health organisations we will see more and more centres take up this kind offer. 
Hon Brian Donnelly 
: Does the member agree that the level of resistance to the 20 hours free policy has been greater than initially predicted and to what factors does he attribute the level of resistance countenanced thus far? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY 
: In answer to the first question no. In answer to the second question there are people on the other side of the House who are paid to get up every day and oppose it.
Cullen Michael: Standing Orders—Sessional 
Cullen Michael: Standing Orders—Sessional 
[Volume:639;Page:9174] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave  
That notwithstanding Standing Order 277(1) if 
whenever the Clerk is to conduct a ballot under Standing Order 277(2) or  
(ii) on a Wednesday on which Government orders of the day take precedence  
it appears that there will not be four orders of the day for the first readings of members’ bills available for consideration at the next Wednesday’s sitting at which members’ orders of the day take precedence the Clerk may accept notices for the introduction of members’ bills so as to bring the number of orders available that day up to four.  
Just to explain that briefly it will continue to the end of this parliamentary session the experimental procedure that we have followed over the last year or so to ensure that we do not have an unnecessarily low number of members’ bills on the Order Paper. 
Motion agreed to.
Wilson Margaret: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
Wilson Margaret: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
[Volume:639;Page:9174] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I ask all members to stand and observe a moment’s silence. 
Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.
Field Taito Phillip: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
Field Taito Phillip: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
[Volume:639;Page:9173] 
TAITO PHILLIP FIELD (Independent—Mangere) 
: 
 I lau Afioga le Fonofetalai Afio sui o tagata mauli o tagata fenua o Aotearoa. I le mamalu male päia o le Maota nei. Oute tautala atu ma le agaga faanoanoa aua le “tuu malo” pe ole valaau päia a le Atua i le Ao mamalu ole Malo o Samoa lona afioga mamalu ile tapaau Faasisina e afio i lona nofoa vaevaeloloa i lona tala na atoatoa ma lona fala folaloa e faalogo iai Samoa i le susuga i le Malietoa Tanumafili le lua. 
[ 
Madam Speaker representatives of tangata whenua of Aotearoa to the dignitaries and representatives of this Parliament I speak with a spirit of sadness in regard to the passing of Samoa’s head of State Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II. 
] 
It is indeed a sad time for all Samoans to hear of the passing of His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II head of State of Samoa. I pay tribute as other colleagues have this afternoon and honour to his life’s work and to his memory and legacy. It is a proud legacy to add to his forefathers’ and their ancestral history from the Tongan era to receiving the gospel and the conversion of Samoans to Christianity. 
Malietoa has served his people and his country well from before independence in 1962 and for 45 years as Samoa’s head of State. He gave committed service with humility and dignity as the father of the nation and he gained deep affection love and respect from his people which helped to forge stability and harmony for 45 years in Samoa. He encouraged and took pride in the achievements of his people both inside and outside Samoa. 
On behalf of the Samoan community in New Zealand I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Susuga Malietoa’s children and family and to Aiga Sa-Malietoa. Also to the Council of Deputies the Prime Minister and Cabinet Parliament and the people of Samoa I ask that God may comfort them during this time of sadness. We give thanks praise and honour to God for Malietoa’s life and service to the Government nation and the people of Samoa. 
“Ua pauu toa ua maimau ai aupega o le taua.” Ia pau se toa ae tulai mai se toa aua Samoa ma lona malo. 
Ia manuia le malagi i le susuga i le Malietoa Tanumafili le lua. Faatofa ma ia Soifua i lau Afioga i le Tapaau Faasisina le tama ole tätou Atunuu - Soifua. 
[ 
“Great warriors have fallen effective weapons of war are wasted.” 
A great warrior has fallen another great warrior needs to stand for Samoa and its Government. 
All the best for the journey of Malietoa Tanumafili II. Goodbye and farewell to Tapaau Faasisina the father of the Samoan nation—farewell. 
] 
Motion agreed to.
Hide Rodney: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
Hide Rodney: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
[Volume:639;Page:9173] 
RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) 
: 
 The ACT party rises with the entire New Zealand Parliament to send this Parliament’s condolences to the people of Samoa and to the family of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II. It is amazing to think that he took over as king—as leader of his country—at a time in our history that was the darkest days of World War II. That seems to us like a wholly different era from today. This man was king and has been king for all of that time. This is a sad time but we should also celebrate what a tremendous life this man led what he achieved in his life and what the people of Samoa have achieved. I think that Malietoa can stand as an inspiration for all of us who feel as though we are just reaching our stride in our lives too because he shows that we can have a very very long life and a very very productive life indeed. Thank you Madam Speaker.
Collins Judith: Points of Order — Questions for Written Answer—Overdue Replies 
Collins Judith: Points of Order — Questions for Written Answer—Overdue Replies 
[Volume:639;Page:9175] 
JUDITH COLLINS (National—Clevedon) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. It is an issue in relation to unanswered written questions and I have raised this issue before. There are now 82 overdue questions that the Minister for Social Development and Employment needs to reply to me on. Fifty-six of those have since been answered with a non-answer which simply stated that they would be responded to shortly. This matter is now becoming quite ridiculous. We have had weeks and weeks of this. I have written twice to the Leader of the House and he has acknowledged that. I would ask you Madam Speaker whether you could do anything to assist with this matter.
Peters Winston: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
Peters Winston: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
[Volume:639;Page:9172] 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 The death of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II last Friday night is indeed an event of great sadness not only in Samoa but here in New Zealand and the wider Pacific region. His Highness was a great and valued friend of New Zealand. As has been said his secondary education was in New Zealand. He was well known to successive New Zealand Governments both as an official Samoan adviser and in the important role he played in leading his country to independence in 1962. It is significant that New Zealand has a treaty of friendship with only one country Samoa and our shared unique relationship is due in no small part to Malietoa Tanumafili’s influence as a founding father of modern Samoa. 
His Highness was one of the world’s longest-serving heads of State and one of the most respected and admired statesmen of the South Pacific region. He has always been held in the greatest respect in Samoan society as well as within New Zealand and the wider Pacific region. New Zealand First joins the Deputy Prime Minister and other members of this House in offering our sincere condolences and sympathies to the people of Samoa at the great loss of their esteemed head of State His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II.
Key John: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
Key John: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
[Volume:639;Page:9171] 
JOHN KEY (Leader of the Opposition) 
: 
 The National Party wholeheartedly supports this resolution and pays tribute to His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II the father of Samoa. Malietoa Tanumafili as the head of State of Samoa played a very special role in the bond that ties our two countries. At the time of his death at age 94 he was the world’s longest-serving head of State. His links with New Zealand mirror his nation’s links to New Zealand and his special attachment to New Zealand mirrors Samoa’s special attachment to this country. 
He was educated in New Zealand at St Stephen’s College in Auckland and at Wesley College in Pukekohe. Like many of his people who are now one of the essential ingredients that make up the people called Kiwis he made a special contribution to this country. He visited New Zealand many times including at the invitation of the late Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu. 
But Malietoa Tanumafili was not just a figurehead to his people; he also provided them with real leadership. He is credited with preserving Samoa’s stability when some of its newly independent Pacific neighbours were suffering violence and unrest. Through those testing times he provided calm and strength. For that his people will be eternally grateful. 
To the Samoan people in Samoa and to the Samoan people who have made New Zealand their home we extend our deepest condolences at his passing.
Cullen Michael: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
Cullen Michael: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
[Volume:639;Page:9171] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Deputy Prime Minister) 
 on behalf of the 
 Prime Minister 
: I move  
That this House notes with sadness the death of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa that it extends its condolences to his family and the people of Samoa at this time and looks forward 
to continuing good relations with Samoa. 
His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili was elected to the Malietoa title in 1940 and has been one of Samoa’s four tama-a-aiga—paramount chiefs—since that time. His career of service to his people began in 1940 as one of the two fautua—leading high chiefs—who served as the official Samoan advisers to the successive New Zealand administrators and then as a member of the pre-independence Council of State in 1949. He played a leading role in guiding his country to independence in 1962 and on independence he assumed the office of head of State jointly with Tupua Tamasese Mea’ola. On the death of Tupua Tamasese in 1963 Malietoa Tanumafili became the sole head of State for life. 
Throughout his long reign as head of State His Highness represented Samoa with wisdom humour and insight. He defined his post through gracious dignity and sincere warmth of character. He was a man of great humility and a nationalist. He was immensely proud of his country but an intelligent leader and well aware of the need to offer a guiding hand rather than an oppressive one. He was regarded as the traditional father of both Samoas—not only independent Samoa but also the United States territory of American Samoa. He was regarded throughout the region as an excellent role model and an outstanding leader. Malietoa Tanumafili II was deeply respected throughout his life for the great service he carried out for his people in Samoa. He will be greatly missed—not only within Samoa but here in New Zealand and in the wider Pacific region. E ua malie toa! E ua malie tau!
Wilson Margaret: Visitors — Bougainville Autonomous Region—Speaker of the House of Representatives 
Wilson Margaret: Visitors — Bougainville Autonomous Region—Speaker of the House of Representatives 
[Volume:639;Page:9171] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing members that the Hon Nick Peniai Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville accompanied by the Deputy Speaker is within the precincts of this Chamber. I am sure that members would wish he be welcomed and accorded a seat to the left of the Chair. 
Hon Nick Peniai accompanied by the Deputy Speaker entered the Chamber and took a seat on the left of the Chair.
Visitors — Bougainville Autonomous Region—Speaker of the House of Representatives 
Visitors — Bougainville Autonomous Region—Speaker of the House of Representatives 
[Volume:639;Page:9171] 
Tuesday 15 May 2007 
Madam Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Visitors 
Bougainville Autonomous Region—Speaker of the House of Representatives 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing members that the Hon Nick Peniai Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville accompanied by the Deputy Speaker is within the precincts of this Chamber. I am sure that members would wish he be welcomed and accorded a seat to the left of the Chair. 
Hon Nick Peniai accompanied by the Deputy Speaker entered the Chamber and took a seat on the left of the Chair.
Points of Order — Questions for Written Answer—Overdue Replies 
Points of Order — Questions for Written Answer—Overdue Replies 
[Volume:639;Page:9175] 
Points of Order 
Questions for Written Answer—Overdue Replies 
JUDITH COLLINS (National—Clevedon) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. It is an issue in relation to unanswered written questions and I have raised this issue before. There are now 82 overdue questions that the Minister for Social Development and Employment needs to reply to me on. Fifty-six of those have since been answered with a non-answer which simply stated that they would be responded to shortly. This matter is now becoming quite ridiculous. We have had weeks and weeks of this. I have written twice to the Leader of the House and he has acknowledged that. I would ask you Madam Speaker whether you could do anything to assist with this matter. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I thank the member. Yes I will be discussing the matter with the member.
Standing Orders—Sessional 
Standing Orders—Sessional 
[Volume:639;Page:9174] 
Standing Orders—Sessional 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave  
That notwithstanding Standing Order 277(1) if 
whenever the Clerk is to conduct a ballot under Standing Order 277(2) or  
(ii) on a Wednesday on which Government orders of the day take precedence  
it appears that there will not be four orders of the day for the first readings of members’ bills available for consideration at the next Wednesday’s sitting at which members’ orders of the day take precedence the Clerk may accept notices for the introduction of members’ bills so as to bring the number of orders available that day up to four.  
Just to explain that briefly it will continue to the end of this parliamentary session the experimental procedure that we have followed over the last year or so to ensure that we do not have an unnecessarily low number of members’ bills on the Order Paper. 
Motion agreed to.
Sharples Pita: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
Sharples Pita: Obituaries — His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II 
[Volume:639;Page:9172] 
Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 Kai te Rangatira kaiwhiriwhiri o to tatou Whare nei huri noa ki nga kaiarahi o nga pati me nga mema katoa o te Whare Paremata tena koutou katoa. 
[An interpretation in English was given to the House.] 
[ 
To you Madam Speaker adjudicator of this House of ours and party leaders and all members of Parliament greetings to you all 
.] 
Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili was born in 1913 and at the young age of 26 he inherited the title of Malietoa on the death of his father. In 1962 when Samoa gained its independence he was made joint head of State along with Tupua Tamasese Mea’ole. Unfortunately Tamasese died the following year but from that time right until this week Malietoa Tanumafili remained head of State or O le Ao o le Malo—king—of Samoa. It has already been said that he was long serving. In fact he was the longest-serving monarch ever. He was ahead of Queen Elizabeth II and the King of Thailand in the length of time spent as head of State. Therefore it is fitting that we here in Aotearoa should join the people of Samoa and the Samoans in New Zealand in mourning this king. He was educated in New Zealand at St Stephen’s College and Wesley College. 
Na reira kai te ariki takoto i te waka whakamutunga. Nau te karanga akuanei ka tae atu matou ki a koe. Kai te ariki kai te tipua kai te rangatira takoto i te waka whakamutunga kia uhia nga korero kai runga i a koe. Ka tae atu matou ki te mau atu ki a koe nga taonga mo koutou te mate ara ko nga roimata me nga hupe kia ringihia kai runga i a koe Na reira i te mutunga ake haere i to waka ki o tipuna matua na ki to papa a ki a ratou. Haere ki te kapunipunitanga o nga wairua ki te pae o mahara okioki pai mai. Kai te rangatira kai te ariki haere haere haere atu ra. 
[An interpretation in English was given to the House.] 
[ 
And so the monarch lie there in the vessel of finality. Yours is the call and in time we will come to you. Oh monarch celestial being and chief of all chiefs rest there in the vessel of finality to be enveloped by tributes to you. We will come and bring with us treasures for you the departed in the form of tears and mucus to shed upon you. And so at the end of it all depart in your vessel to your ancestors your father and others. Go to the gathering place of the spirits to the horizon of memories; rest there well. So to the chief of all chiefs the monarch depart depart farewell 
.]