edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Simmonds Penny; Little AndrewPENNY SIMMONDS (National—Invercargill): Thank you Mr Chairman. I wonder if we could get a little bit more definite timing than very shortly". It was certainly a very significant part of the submissions to the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Amendment Bill that while submitters were pleased with the small changes in here they were much more exercised by the overall repeal and replacement of the Act. I think a more definite timing than "very shortly" would be useful. If the Minister could give us a little bit more of an indication of where the progress is at and the time line for that final repeal and replacement. Thank you.Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): The member will be aware that the legislation—in addition to being commented on in the way described by that member as in urgent need of replacement—is a comprehensive and complicated exercise. But we knew that there were shortcomings right now that really needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency. That is this legislation.In terms of the long-term replacement there is a consultation process under way specifically on that legislation. I expect that will be concluded in the early part of next year. That will form the basis of the drafting of the legislation. So all going well we'll be in a position to have that new legislation at some point next year and all going well passed in 2023."
Doocey Matt; Little AndrewMATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri): Thank you Mr Chair. Part 1 also includes the elimination of the indefinite treatment orders. It has been said for this part and other clauses it's the beginning of the Government's commitment to repeal and replace the Mental Health Act. I was wondering if the Minister would be able to update the committee where that mental health inquiry recommendation is of repealing and replacing the Mental Health Act and when he thinks maybe that new bill will be introduced to the House?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): I thank the member for the question. I can report that good progress is being made in the preparation of that legislation and I am hopeful that it will be introduced to the House very shortly. But that has been a big exercise as the member will be aware but hopefully a combination of this interim sort of change and the kind of permanent repeal of the current legislation and its permanent replacement by more modern legislation will give greater confidence not only to those who've been cared for in our mental health system but for those doing the caring as well. I assure the member that future is not far away.
Doocey Matt; Little AndrewMATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri): Equally there were changes to the transporting of special patients the restraint or potential restraint in a vehicle. I think it would be helpful to understand what were the drivers of some of those changes around enhanced restraints of special patients? And also again to that idea of safeguards in reporting: how are we going to safeguard that those restraints are appropriate and how will we ascertain the numbers or times restraints are used and whether that's appropriate?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): The reason why this has been provided for is there hasn't previously been any provision or statutory power for those responsible for the care of special patients in particular and especially when they're being transported to exercise restraint powers. That has been a subject for comment by those responsible for inspecting mental health services particularly forensic mental health services. The reality is that there are some special patients who are a danger to themselves and potentially to others particularly if they are in the confined space of a motor vehicle. So this has been introduced in order for there to be clear statutory provision to allow restraints to be applied so that people can be transported safely. This is for the purposes of bringing a patient before a court for their hearing or for a trial or for bringing a person before the Parole Board for a hearing. In order for that to happen there has to be a transport management plan—that's provided for in new section 53A(2) set out in clause 9. That has to be approved by the Director of Mental Health. That transport management plan can authorise the restraint of the patient in the least restrictive way and the use of any other force that is reasonably necessary in the circumstances and there are some other provisions there. In the end in terms of preparing those transport plans the Director-General of Health must issue guidelines for the purposes of developing those plans and for the execution of these powers. Once this legislation is passed those guidelines must be in place within 12 months.So a number of kind of braces and bootstraps are sort of being used to make sure every possible safeguard that can be in place for special patients to be transported is there and reflected in not only the legislation but the way it is implemented.
Doocey Matt; Little AndrewMATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri): Thank you very much Mr Chair and can I also acknowledge the health Minister and thank him for his time being here today. I think as the health Minister clearly outlined it's a fairly technical bill which makes a few important changes and the National Party does support the bill.There was some concern though in the select committee—and I suppose we did hear from submitters as well—we do want to move with technology. This bill clearly outlines the improved use of audiovisual link for those people who could be assessed and/or treated and—as the Minister said—to include family and friends in the involvement of that.With any change and I suppose in the area of mental health where we're dealing with some very vulnerable people—I would like to hear from the Minister is he assured that there are safeguards in place that the use of audiovisual will be used for the benefit of the person involved? And what mechanisms are in place to ensure the reporting of audiovisual the decision points where audiovisual was decided upon for that individual and how that new practice will be reported back.Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): It is important that when these provisions that change the typical approach and mean that people aren't physically present that there are appropriate safeguards. There is provision for when a decision is made to use audiovisual technology that that is recorded and that the reasons for doing so are also recorded. I'm confident that there are safeguards in the bill in that respect.
Rurawhe Adrian; Little AndrewMENTAL HEALTH (COMPULSORY ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT) AMENDMENT BILLIn CommitteePart 1 Main amendmentsCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): We come first to the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Amendment Bill Part 1. This is the debate on clauses 4 to 12 and the Schedule main amendments. Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): Mr Chairman I won't take too long just by way of introductory remarks but this bill will be well-known to members of the House. It's really an interim measure pending a full review of the current legislation but this addresses some immediate needs that have been identified by the He Ara Oranga report that looked into our total mental health administration. It called on repeal of the indefinite treatment orders—or effectively indefinite treatment orders—under the current legislation. It also effectively repeals the temporary provisions that allowed family members to attend explanations and meetings with patients by way of audiovisual link. It also allows assessments to be conducted where necessary by audiovisual link and it allows appropriate restraint powers to be exercised by those escorting special patients to needed appointments where restraint in transport is needed.So this makes those immediate changes. It brings the legislation such as it is to a more human rights compliant sort of state and that is a good thing. But otherwise I look forward to the questions and the discussion.
Rurawhe AdrianHOUSE IN COMMITTEECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members the House is in committee on the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Amendment Bill the Films Videos and Publications Classification (Urgent Interim Classification of Publications and Prevention of Online Harm) Amendment Bill Maritime Transport (MARPOL Annex VI) Amendment Bill and the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Bill.
Woods Megan; Rurawhe AdrianInstruction to the Environment CommitteeHon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing) on behalf of the Minister for the Environment: I move That the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 2 December 2021 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions) during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House and outside the Wellington area despite Standing Orders 193 195 and 196.DEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is that the motion be agreed to.
Henderson EmilyDr EMILY HENDERSON (Labour—Whangārei): Kia ora te Māngai o te Whare. Housing is the most crucial and central aspect to rebuilding our communities. As the member for Whangārei I am so delighted to be part of a Government that is making this a priority and that is providing the funds and the legislation to do it with. I really want to congratulate Minister Woods for this initiative which is part of a suite of measures that are going to make a huge difference to places like Whangārei which has—I am grateful—already been recognised as an area where housing is a priority because of our problems with supply. The Housing Acceleration Fund to build infrastructure of $3.8 billion—and now we have this: to increase the densification.As someone who weekly meets with the officials and the members of council in my area to talk about the difficulties and the opportunities for housing in Whangārei which we desperately need—the biggest consensus that we have is that the answer is urban densification. This initiative is going to make it easier to put our whānau into warm safe dry houses.As someone who has lived in a densely populated area during my time as a post-graduate student in Cambridge—including as a mum of four children later when I went back in a villa—I can tell you the richness of living in a tiny little two-up two-down apartment properly built on the edge of a greenfield and parks. It is an extraordinary way to build a community. It encourages participation it encourages walking the streets it encourages community activity. I commend this bill to the House with great enthusiasm.
Warren-Clark AngieANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour): Thank you Mr Speaker. Very delighted to stand and take a call on the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. I'm really delighted because I'm sure we're all aware that Tauranga Moana is one of the tier 1 communities and in such need. But also for those of you who may not be aware so is the Western Bay of Plenty counted in that tier so Mayor Garry Webber is delighted by that fact. As we all know our community is suffering from a lack of land more than anything in terms of development. In fact our kiwifruit land—our greenfields land that may happen—is more expensive than residential land. So in our outer suburbs it's very difficult. But I think this is a piece of legislation that is really going to change some of the levers and support our community to have a real diversification of buildings. So what does this bill do? I had a query from a friend recently. She said to me We've got two incomes—two good incomes. We live in Tauranga. We are really finding it difficult. We can't get our deposit together. The prices: we're looking at a million plus for a lot of our land in the community." She's like "What does this bill do?" Well this bill gives us up to 8500 thousand properties in our community to support people around diversification of ownership and I think that that's an amazing thing. It also gives us the right to build. And as some of you may be aware my husband and I own a building firm and one of the things when we talk to a lot of the planners and a lot of people around consenting is the time it takes to get through the process. I talked to a good friend of mine yesterday about the planning and changes that may happen and she was able to express her real delight in the fact that they may be able to now look at place-making a little bit more and not have so much work just stacked up behind them pushing these consents through. I commend this bill to the House."
Lorck AnnaANNA LORCK (Labour—Tukituki): I rise as the member of Parliament for Tukituki in the Hastings Hawke's Bay region. I would like to take this opportunity to say how impressive it was when the chair of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Ngahiwi Tomoana stood up and said in the media he would love our region—a tier 2 region—to join this housing drive. Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi they want to build 400 homes over the next couple of years and this is the type of legislation that is going to make this opportunity happen. When you have got leaders in the community where they see political parties working together that's why this legislation is going to work.I'd like to quote Ngahiwi and he says this: That the iwi's goal is to build 400 homes across the region in the next two years and this is attainable because we have a region where councils are working together." He said "We want to empty out the motels and hotels and put people into housing." This is why this legislation is going to work this is why we're getting cross-party consensus and I commend this bill wholeheartedly to lead housing for New Zealand. Thank you Mr Speaker."
Utikere TangiTANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North): Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. Thank you. I rise in support of this bill and will take a brief call. I certainly welcome the general consensus from right around the House. I have to say however just reflecting on the Leader of the ACT Party's contribution—he talks about credibility but what he has confirmed for members of this House and for people in this country is that his party actually has zilch nil none zilch credibility when it comes to seeking to solve what many and all would actually accept is a significant crisis in this country. I also say that Mr Seymour and the ACT Party have confirmed that actually they're not in favour of cutting red tape they are not in favour of enabling first-home buyers to actually have a shot at the market ACT is not for the element of choice and that they will do nothing—and that's a real shame. That is an absolute shame—where we get bipartisanship and other parties who are prepared to when a solution is placed before them take it with both hands go through a select committee process. It is a real shame that there are members in this House that don't feel that it is serious enough to deliver for our communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.This is a move to reduce bureaucracy. When we reflect on the contribution from the Minister—and I want to acknowledge the Hon Megan Woods for her contribution because it indicates how serious most members in this House—including all members on this side of the House—are in addressing what is a significant issue. Much has been talked about the role of tier 1 councils but I also want to pick up the opportunity for tier 2 councils because my own community of Palmerston North and their city council is a tier 2 council and if presented with an opportunity to come on board in terms of medium-density opportunities then that will be available to them if the timing is right. So I think it's timely it's good to see collaboration and cooperation from most members of this House and I look forward to seeing this progress through the Environment Committee.
Coffey TāmatiTĀMATI COFFEY (Labour): Thank you Mr Speaker. Can I start by acknowledging Minister Woods for her leadership in this space and acknowledge that this is actually a problem that is a hangover from previous Governments and actually it is going to be both of those major parties who are going to be working together to be able to fix this. The National Party obviously have agreed to put party politics aside and so have we to be able to solve the number one issue that Kiwis have sent us all here to fix which is our housing crisis. They've said Put aside your party colours just get on with it and do it."Everybody is going to look at this bill differently. I look at it for the region of the Bay of Plenty the Waiariki rohe. In that area we've got a tier 1 council: Tauranga. Tauranga are desperate for solutions when it comes to housing. In Rotorua which is listed as a tier 2 council they are desperate to apply for consideration to be part of the solution in building houses in that area as well. Both of those councils need this to pass because not having this means that we will continue to have homelessness on a grand and increasing scale. Not doing this means that we are going to continue to have more need for housing in our community. Not doing this means that we are going to end up having more fights with all of those people that want housing but don't want it there and don't want it there and don't want it there and don't want it in their own backyards.What I'm really proud of though is that we've run a Māori lens over this too and we've made sure that the new intensification streamlined planning process supports Māori participation and engagement in this process. It means that councils are going to have to consult with iwi authorities as they prepare their plan changes before they notify them publicly. They'll have to consider that relationship that tangata whenua have with our cultures our traditions our ancestral lands our water our sites our wāhi tapu and our other taonga are in there too. Councils and independent hearing panels will need to address that relationship when they consider any kind of exemptions.There is a saying that "You can go faster alone but you can go further together." I look forward to working with Opposition members of the Environment Committee as we progress this through. I commend it to the House."
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: No bills have been introduced. Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Michael Gibson requesting that the House change its Standing Orders to prevent a member of the Government reading from or referring to any written material when answering a supplementary question from a member of a party in Governmentpetition of Jenna Matchett requesting that the House review the South Wairarapa District Council's rates increase in the Long Term Plan (LTP) and align with the figures released in the 2021-31 LTP consultation document.Hon Grant Robertson: Is that Trevor's petition?SPEAKER: Shall we refer it directly to the Standing Orders Committee? Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee. Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK: Annual reports for 2020-21 of the Department of Conservation Land Information New Zealand Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Geographic BoardStatement of Intent 2021-25 for the Department of ConservationMinisters reports on non-departmental appropriations for Vote Business Science and Innovation Economic and Regional Development portfolio and Vote Education.SPEAKER: I present the annual report for the year ended 30 June 2021 of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. I also present the report of the Controller and Auditor General entitled Our observations on local government risk management practices. Those papers are published under the authority of the House. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Māori Affairs Committee on the briefing on the commemoration of the Māori Affairs Committee's 150th anniversaryreport of the Petitions Committee on petition of Margo MacVicarreport of the Primary Production Committee on the petition of Daniel Todd.SPEAKER: The briefing is set down for consideration.
Rurawhe AdrianTUESDAY 26 OCTOBER 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSADRIAN RURAWHE (Deputy Speaker): E te Atua kaha rawa ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi mātou ki te Kuīni me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga kia mōhio ai kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei mō te oranga te maungārongo me te aroha o Aotearoa. Amene.[Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility for the welfare peace and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]
Thursday 21 October 2021 - Volume 755
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Legislation Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 12Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Members the House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 26 October 2021.The House adjourned at 4.58 p.m.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Legislation Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 110New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 10ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.
Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
12. Question No. 12—ConservationANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of ConservationQuestion No. 12—Conservation12. ANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) to the Minister of Conservation: What recent announcements has she made regarding Jobs for Nature investment that supports the fight against myrtle rust?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister of Conservation): Earlier this month I announced a Jobs for Nature - funded collaboration between communities and scientists in a crucial step in the fight to protect some of New Zealand's best known native plants. We're talking about the iconic Kiwi Christmas tree the pōhutukawa; rātā; mānuka; ramarama which is the home of our honey industry where myrtle rust poses the biggest threat. Five million dollars has been invested across two projects: one each in Te Tai Rāwhiti and the Bay of Plenty to focus on monitoring myrtle rust infestations mapping its spread and ramping up the propagation of plants showing the most resistance to the disease.Angie Warren-Clark: What are the details of the project in Tai Rāwhiti?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: The Whakapae Ururoa: Community Myrtle Rust Surveillance Project will track spread and infestation at critical sites across a 27800-hectare stretch of the mighty East Coast coastline led by local conservationist Graeme Atkins who has been monitoring myrtle rust on the East Coast since he observed its appearance a few years ago. The work utilises ground knowledge and biocultural monitoring approaches and will be linked into a localised and national reporting system. Seed collection storage and propagation protocols will be developed alongside the mana whenua and local capability developed to oversee the collection and propagation of native seeds across the mighty East Coast.Angie Warren-Clark: What are the details of the project in the mighty Bay of Plenty?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: I'm not sure—SPEAKER: Is that a valid question?Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: Sir I was just going to raise that same point myself. Heoi anō look the Jobs for Resistance project in the Bay of Plenty will identify where the most vulnerable myrtle species are in the native forests in the Bay of Plenty region determining the extent of each population and record the incidence and severity of myrtle rust within them. This is a project that is a collaboration between Scion and many of the local iwi in the region. Cuttings will be taken and seed collections started with the intention of establishing a resistance breeding programme. Together both projects will employ at least 15 people over three years to undertake this crucial work.
10. Question No. 10—Internal AffairsDr EMILY HENDERSON (Labour—Whangārei) to the Minister of Internal AffairsQuestion No. 10—Internal Affairs10. Dr EMILY HENDERSON (Labour—Whangārei) to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What work is she progressing to keep New Zealanders safe online?Hon JAN TINETTI (Minister of Internal Affairs): The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought to light the ability for mis- and disinformation to rapidly spread online and cause harm. It's a complex issue that jurisdictions across the globe are battling with. As Minister of Internal Affairs I am progressing with the latest iteration of our Keep It Real Online campaign targeted at 13- to 18- year-olds. We've released another episode of The Eggplant miniseries focused on misinformation. It has now been viewed over 90000 times and social media content for the new episode has been viewed over 2.5 million times. The campaign explores how easy it can be to take information at face value without checking the facts.Dr Emily Henderson: How will this work help young people make informed decisions online?Hon JAN TINETTI: Equipping young people with the tools to determine fact from fiction has never been more critical. I know some schools are currently grappling with combating misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine. This will be particularly critical as our year 11 to 13 students return back to the classroom. I encourage schools and students to keep having honest open conversations about the importance of vaccinations. Engaging tools such as The Eggplant miniseries and supporting material are available online to schools and I encourage these conversations to occur. While we must protect freedom of speech we also must ensure people have the tools to determine what is fake and what is real.Dr Emily Henderson: What legislation is currently being progressed by the House to protect New Zealanders from objectionable content online?Hon JAN TINETTI: This week the House passed the second reading of the Films Videos and Publications Classification (Urgent Interim Classification of Publications and Prevention of Online Harm) Amendment Bill. The bill addresses online harms at the more extreme end. It makes important changes to protect New Zealanders from objectionable content such as a terrorist attack being livestreamed online. The second reading was significant because the bill passed first reading with only the support of the Labour Party but passed second reading with the support of Labour National the Greens and Te Paati Māori. I would like to thank the former chair of the Governance and Administration Committee Barbara Kuriger for working with me to improve the bill. I would also like to thank the current chair Ian McKelvie for progressing the bill. This is an example of this House working together to pass quality sensible legislation to keep New Zealanders safe online.
7. Question No. 7—Small BusinessJO LUXTON (Labour—Rangitata) to the Minister for Small BusinessQuestion No. 7—Small Business7. JO LUXTON (Labour—Rangitata) to the Minister for Small Business: What priorities for economic recovery in the Asia-Pacific region were identified by the recent meeting of APEC ministers responsible for small and medium enterprises?Hon STUART NASH (Minister for Small Business): During the recess New Zealand hosted a virtual meeting of APEC Ministers responsible for small and medium enterprises. Collectively we agreed on the need to place small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of our economic recovery. Further APEC Ministers identified two clear priorities. Firstly we want close attention on the role of digital transformation and digital tools to enable effective recovery. Secondly the joint ministerial statement identified the importance of supporting the mental wellbeing of our SME owners. This is significant because it is I believe the first time that APEC Ministers responsible for small businesses have identified mental wellbeing as a priority for building resilience in the economic recovery.Jo Luxton: Why is there a focus on mental wellbeing?Hon STUART NASH: The mental wellbeing and resilience of SMEs and workers must be acknowledged alongside the efforts to improve the financial resilience of their businesses. We recognised that business owners belong to families participate in communities and have their own aspirations. The joint Ministers' statement now acknowledges that supporting small and medium business owners' mental wellbeing helps build resilience engagement and productivity.Jo Luxton: What measures are supporting the financial resilience of small-business owners since the Delta outbreak?Hon STUART NASH: Economic support has protected lives and livelihoods where it is needed most. In total workers and businesses have received around $4.6 billion in direct financial support during the Delta outbreak through five rounds of the wage subsidy and three rounds of the Resurgence Support Payment. About 1.1 million employees have been supported by the wage subsidy plus a further 179000 people who are self-employed. The wage subsidy has supported around 327000 businesses. In terms of the Resurgence Support Payment around 382000 New Zealand businesses have received help to meet their fixed costs with payments of more than $1.1 billion. Small businesses have received the lion's share of support: 61 percent by value of payments and 84 percent by volume of payments have gone to SMEs with five or fewer staff.
6. Question No. 6—FinanceANDREW BAYLY (National—Port Waikato) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 6—Finance6. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Port Waikato) to the Minister of Finance: Did Cabinet agree on Monday 18 October 2021 to all of the measures to be announced tomorrow in his enhanced business support package for Auckland; if so what are those measures?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): In answer to the question the answer is essentially no. Cabinet did discuss the enhanced business support package on Monday. A group of Ministers were given power to act to finalise the details of the package. As to what's in it that will be announced tomorrow.Andrew Bayly: Has he seen comments from Greg Harford chief executive of Retail New Zealand in support of a reduced corporate tax rate of 17.5 percent for an estimated 100000 small businesses; and if so will this be included in his package?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: We traversed this material yesterday and I noted to the member that some of the businesses that he's particularly concerned about at this stage aren't making a profit and aren't paying corporate tax. I can tell the member that we will not be adopting that part of his plan.Andrew Bayly: Has he seen comments from Julie White chief executive of Hospitality New Zealand in support of a cash rental support scheme for struggling businesses; if so will this be included in this package?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The package will be announced tomorrow. I think it's really important though that when the member addresses individual parts of the package that people support when one takes a step back and looks at a package that falls into the same fiscal Bermuda Triangle that the National Party fell into at the election where he thinks he can reduce revenue increase spending and slash debt levels at the same time—I'm sure the likes of Julie White and others while they might appreciate an individual part of the plan will be really questioning if the plan actually adds up.Andrew Bayly: Has he seen comment from the Business Events Industry Aotearoa in support of the Government underwriting an events insurance scheme; and if so will this be part of his package?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The package will be announced tomorrow. We have been working alongside the events sector for some time to support them. The best thing we can do for the events sector is have a consistent position that makes sure that we back a health-led approach with economic supports. That is what will help the whole of the New Zealand economy as we've proved over the last year.Andrew Bayly: Has he seen comments from Vicky Beck chief executive of Heart of the City—Hon Member: Viv Beck.Andrew Bayly: —sorry Viv Beck—in support of a mental health programme; and if so will this be included in his package?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The package will be announced tomorrow. We are very well aware of the importance of supporting not only small-business people but all Aucklanders with their mental health and wellbeing. As I answered in an earlier question more money has gone into that area to make sure that we are meeting those needs.
O'Connor GregGREG O'CONNOR (Labour—Ōhāriu): I just want to compliment the previous speaker from the National Party Mr McKelvie—just the value of having someone with a good history in this House who is able to put things into perspective. So I congratulate you on that presentation. I just want to acknowledge also another group of people particularly those sitting in Auckland who are now in I think their ninth week of lockdown and it's going to be very hard for those watching up there to understand the enthusiasm we're all feeling at the moment. But perhaps they can just put this into some perspective because one thing that COVID has taught us is the importance of supply lines whether it be the ability to get the goods into New Zealand whether it be the ability to get goods around New Zealand or to manufacture here. So I think that there is an awareness of trade that may be one of the positives that will come out of this COVID we're suffering at the moment. Today this RCEP alongside the free-trade agreement that's been announced with the UK—these all give us opportunities now to grow and more importantly for everyone in New Zealand to be part of. Another irony or something we should celebrate is we're going into Labour Weekend. Labour Weekend is where we do celebrate the labour—and I think one of my colleagues pointed out that when we do thank our farmers for what they're doing we need to also thank those that allow those farmers to do that who are those labourers who are up at 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning. So everyone not only plays a part in this; everyone stands to benefit from this. So it is a good day. I think we are now looking for good news across the board and more importantly something we can all as New Zealanders celebrate. So wherever you are whether you're stuck in your ninth week in Auckland or whether you're looking at getting up at 3 o'clock in the morning to milk even more cows to produce more milk for trade or to shear more sheep this is a day that I think we can all be proud of and be part of and I commend this bill to the House.
Lorck AnnaANNA LORCK (Labour—Tukituki): Thank you Madam Speaker. What an exciting day it is to be able to rise and speak on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement at the same time as we are announcing with the UK a free-trade deal where in principle that will see the entire removal of tariffs. Coming from a region of Hawke's Bay where it is the backbone of our regional economy—trade; growing growing export businesses—I had the pleasure of meeting with the first Recognised Seasonal Employer workers to arrive in our region this week who will be picking some of the apples that will be going to some of the existing countries that we already trade with. It is an enormous achievement when we think that this trade deal when it is ratified will be the biggest one in the world and that is something that everyone in this House can be proud of. It is an exciting day it is a special day and I'm thrilled to be able to speak on it. I commend this bill to the House.
Henderson EmilyDr EMILY HENDERSON (Labour—Whangārei): Kia ora e te Māngai o te Whare. If I may Madam Speaker I would like to say to the previous speaker Brooke van Velden: welcome aboard; if you keep going with the communal action you may find you like it.But what I really want to do is congratulate the Minister for this wonderful and innovative piece of work. When I look at the history of New Zealand as an import-export country we have been innovative from the beginning whether it was Māori supplying the markets in New South Wales in the fledgling economy before the Treaty was signed to the famous 1882 refrigerated ship full of our lamb and beef.As the member for Whangārei which is a primary production hotspot and also the proud possessors of the best and deepest import port in the country I really truly commend the Minister for continuing to lead and innovate as New Zealand always has and I commend this bill to the House.
Edmonds Barbara; Dean JacquiBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana): Fakaalofa lahi atu Madam Speaker. I just want to address a couple of the opening comments from the previous speaker that's just sat down the Hon Todd McClay. The irony of the previous member's comments speaking around energy and alternative careers for the previous member that sat down before him—perhaps if he was a greater trade Minister he'd be the trade spokesperson for the Opposition. But nevertheless we will carry on.This bill gives effect to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Legislation Bill. As noted earlier RCEP is a treaty-level free-trade agreement agreed by 15 countries: 10 ASEAN as well as Australia China Japan and South Korea. This bill supports the Government in our plan to be able to secure our recovery. The Government has committed to leveraging our successful COVID response to position New Zealand globally as a safe and secure place to trade with to invest in and—eventually—to visit again.We will continue to pursue high-quality and comprehensive trade agreements that diversify our trade relationships as seen in the historic free-trade deal with the United Kingdom announced today. Once fully implemented RCEP will be the largest trade agreement in the world so I congratulate the Minister and his officials for getting this far.The Minister acting on behalf of the Minister who is not in the House—acting on behalf—said in his speech In such turbulent times it is important New Zealand continues to lead the way as responsible proactive and engaged global participants. This bill will enable New Zealand to ratify RCEP to be part of the agreement and to see benefits from this." So on that I support this bill and I commend it to the House.Hon Eugenie Sage: Madam Speaker.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean): Just before I take that member's call—apologies to the member—I just remind the member who's just resumed her seat that she does not refer to a member who is absent from the House."
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Oh well that was a great speech great reading there. Next week she'll be on to chapter books. But look this is a great bill and it is just another step forward and part of the response to COVID because we know that trade is such an important part of our response to COVID led by our primary industries. And as was noted it is a largely Pacific partnership but India is an important part of the picture. We look forward to hopefully opening negotiations with India on that fast-track process referred to by Minister Kris Faafoi.The other thing to note is this is yet another example where the Treaty of Waitangi has been recognised as a protected part of New Zealand's law and that the New Zealand Government is permitted under this Treaty to do things which would otherwise be in breach of free-trade agreements because the Treaty is given precedence and that's a great feature emerging out of our trade negotiations and of course another piece of the puzzle along with the free-trade agreement that has been agreed in principle with the UK.We look forward to our borders being opened up to much more free-flowing trade in the future and a strong economic recovery led by this Government. Kia ora Madam Speaker.
Brooking RachelRACHEL BROOKING (Labour): Thank you Mr Speaker. I'm delighted to be the final speaker on this third reading of the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. Like some of the speakers before me I've spoken on all three readings of this bill.I recall in my first speech expressing some sadness that the bill wasn't being referred to the Environment Committee. The previous speaker Stuart Smith said in reply that it was appropriate that it went to the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee. I'm sure that that is right but why I thought it would have been a good idea to go to the Environment Committee—although we are very busy—is that of course this bill is about climate change and climate change is something very important for both New Zealand the Pacific and the world.This bill deals with both mitigation and adaptation and that is through the standards that are looking for risks—so really that adaptation-thinking around climate change—and for opportunities so the mitigation part of it. So it is a great bill that I'm very happy to be speaking on. Like many of the previous speakers have said we need to tackle climate change in many and varied ways and this is one of those many and varied ways. We've heard from the Opposition—from National at least—that it sounds like they want to do much more in terms of climate change and I think in both mitigation and adaptation. That brings me great joy. I'm very happy for National in the Opposition to be so ambitious around climate change and I really look forward to more bipartisan movement in that direction.What this bill does is it really focuses companies on their reporting requirements. How companies often work is that when you require them to report on something then that means that they really pay some attention to it and it incentivises change. In this case it is also useful that we're pricing really the risks and opportunities. It is true to say that many assets won't hold their value in a low-carbon world and so we need to look to incentivise these opportunities. So for those reasons I'm happy to commend this bill to the House. Thank you.
Utikere TangiTANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North): Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. Happy to rise and take a call in a sense in support of the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. I was not a member of the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee that considered this particular bill but I do note that I have had an opportunity to speak on the first reading second reading and now third reading of the bill. What it does is seek to make some amendments to three pieces of legislation that currently exist. And when I reflect right back to the genesis in terms of that first reading contribution the focus is around businesses being able to look and report some of those non-financial aspects that are so important I'm sure to them but also to us and the position that we have globally looking out as well.As the Minister has said this will assist us on our journey on getting to a net zero carbon emission target by 2050. And I guess you know we can hear the contributions from members opposite; the reality is that this a new business as usual. This is a new business as usual opportunity in that there is some good work that is being done. Already there is good work being done in this space in terms of our NGO sector and the natural progression of course is in terms of our business sector and the opportunities that will be presented as a result of that as well.It's pleasing to see that with the select committee process and then with the Supplementary Order Paper process as part of the committee of the whole House this bill in its current form at third reading does provide an opportunity to I guess express in a positive way some of the changes that were considered as appropriate by the committee. I do think that the end result is a tidy bill that I'm hopeful will pass its third reading. On that basis I'm happy to lend my support to it.
Coffey TāmatiTĀMATI COFFEY (Labour): Thank you Mr Speaker. Oh what a day. It's a good day to chuck my support in behind this bill the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. Can I say that this comes at a time when the nation is very concerned about climate change about the impacts that it's going to have—but more than that actually plenty of businesses are too. Lots of businesses are understanding that actually making sure that we are looking after the environment is everything; that actually consumers demand consideration of the effects of climate change and how businesses are going to be able to help in that. Businesses that have picked that up and run with it are actually seeing the benefits of that.What this bill does is it responds to some of those concerns that we as a country we as a globe have when it comes to our climate. In fact we've declared a climate emergency. What this bill is initially it is a first in the world. It is the kind of bill that is going to require the financial sector to disclose the impacts of climate change on their business but more importantly how they are going to do that.As I said before this isn't something new. This is something that plenty of businesses have had to grapple with as well. I thank all of those people that presented their submissions to the committee that were carefully considered. This bill is still going to pass. This is a good thing. For that reason I commend it to the House.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Members this is a split call. I call the Hon Scott Simpson—five minutes.
McDowall JamesDr JAMES McDOWALL (ACT): Well thank you Mr Speaker and sorry to spoil the party. I'll just take a very short call on this the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. There have been a lot of regulations and mandatory regimes passed very recently in this House and this one looks like an accountant that went and got a marketing degree!The troubling thing—one of the troubling things—is the significant costs this could bring to business. And with that obviously mitigating emissions and looking after the environment and reducing externalities for business is the right thing to do and it's important and transparency on that is important and consumers will demand it but responsiveness does not require costly and highly prescriptive legislation like this. I don't even know if this would be illegal under the Plain Language Bill to be honest! So look this is potentially micromanaged greenwashing.And the final thing I'll add on this is that I'm afraid the National Party's stance on this has just been totally confusing. They've given in every reading of this bill speeches in total opposition. I'm still waiting for them to actually say something positive about it other than the fact that they're apparently supporting it. So yeah totally confusing! But anyway as I said sorry to spoil the party but we're opposing it.