edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Kaye NikkiHon NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central): Look I wanted to just make the point that I really do want to hear from the Minister regarding Supplementary Order Papers (SOPs) 127 128 129 and 130. This side of the committee has a lot of SOPs that we haven't spoken to so we've got some really good speeches coming which I'm sure we'll have the opportunity to—[Time expired]
Rurawhe AdrianTUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018(continued on Wednesday 17 October 2018)EDUCATION AMENDMENT BILLIn CommitteeDebate resumed.Part 1 Amendments to principal Act (continued)CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Fakalofa lahi atu. Good morning members. The House is in committee for further consideration of the Education Amendment Bill. When we suspended last night we were considering Part 1. The Hon Nikki Kaye had the call and she has eight seconds remaining if she so wishes.
Wednesday 26 September 2018 (continued on Thursday 27 September 2018) - Volume 733
Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 56.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the following amendment in the name of the Hon Michael Woodhouse to the instruction to the select committee be agreed to: replace 29 October 2018" with "1 March 2019"A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 56New Zealand National 56.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 29 October 2018 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; on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House; and outside of the Wellington area despite Standing Orders 191 193 and 194(1)(b) and (c).Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 56.Motion agreed to.The House adjourned at 9.17 a.m. (Thursday)"
Dyson Ruth; Mallard TrevorHon RUTH DYSON (Senior Whip—Labour): I move That the question be now put.SPEAKER: Yes I'm absolutely convinced that the members know which way they're going to vote on this and the House has heard a lot of argument.
Mallard TrevorWEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2018(continued on Thursday 27 September 2018)CROWN MINERALS (PETROLEUM) AMENDMENT BILLFirst ReadingDebate resumed.SPEAKER: The House is resumed. When we broke last night there was a debate on the instruction to the committee in relation to the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill. The Hon Michael Woodhouse was speaking and he has four minutes 21 seconds remaining.
Tuesday 16 October 2018 - Volume 733
10. Question No. 10—Energy and ResourcesDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesQuestion No. 10—Energy and ResourcesDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. This question was put down to the Prime Minister who transferred it to the Minister of Energy and Resources who appears to be unavailable—SPEAKER: And the member knows—is the member seeking to withdraw the question? DAVID SEYMOUR: No I'm seeking leave to ask it of the Prime Minister in light of the Minister of Energy and Resources' absence.SPEAKER: Previous Speakers have not allowed that leave to be sought.10. DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What effect if any will Genesis Energy's plans to import coal due to a shortage of gas have on carbon emissions?Hon DAVID PARKER (Acting Minister of Energy and Resources): It is not yet clear whether Genesis Energy will import any coal. It is acting responsibly by planning for that contingency should it be necessary. This is not caused by a shortage of gas reserves; the main driver is pipeline faults and planned maintenance. We do not expect this to have any significant long-term impact on carbon emissions. Of course the best long-term answer to carbon emissions is more renewables. David Seymour: Is the Minister saying that the Government is indifferent from an emissions perspective as to whether electricity is generated with coal or gas?Hon DAVID PARKER: No.David Seymour: Then can the Minister think of any other policies his Government has that might lead to a shortage of gas in the future and perhaps a little bit more burning of coal to generate electricity?Hon DAVID PARKER: I would say to the member I can smell the carbon on your breath.""
8. Question No. 8—Commerce and Consumer AffairsANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsQuestion No. 8—Commerce and Consumer Affairs8. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What recent announcements has he made on reforms to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003?Hon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): Fakalofa lahi atu Mr Speaker. Last week the Prime Minister and I announced the Government's reforms to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act that will protect families from debt spirals; irresponsible predatory lending; and harmful mobile-trading practices. The key changes we are making include interest and fees caps a fit-and-proper-person test for high-cost lenders and door-to-door salespeople and stronger regulation of truck shops. The coalition Government is proud to be introducing measures that will halt the worst of those preying on vulnerable Kiwis while enabling borrowing that meets their needs in a safe and affordable way.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: Why were these reforms needed?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: The amendments made by the previous Government in 2015 did not go far enough to address the harm being caused to vulnerable consumers by loan sharks and truck shops. Before—and since—becoming the Government parties of the Government had heard from people who were trapped in insidious and crippling debt about the stress this was causing families. I've heard time and time again of families getting caught in vicious debt cycles through excessive interest rates penalties and fees. Some lenders were charging up to 800 percent annual interest offering loans that had clearly been unaffordable and charging excessive penalties and fees. Our reforms will protect vulnerable communities from predatory lending practices.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How will these reforms contribute to the coalition Government's long-term plan to build a modern and fairer New Zealand?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: The Government is committed to lifting the incomes of families and reducing child poverty. Protecting families from predatory lending will prevent debt spirals. For many families this is key to realising the Government's goals and reducing harm for those families. It is estimated that more than 200000 borrowers use high-cost credit every year. This means too many New Zealanders are struggling to make ends meet leading them to take out small high-interest loans that can create huge debt spirals for them and their families. These reforms sit alongside the work the Government is already doing to boost incomes through the Families Package winter energy payment increases to the minimum wage extending paid parental leave and other measures to make our country the best place to raise a child.
5. Question No. 5—EducationJAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 5—Education5. JAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What challenges if any does the Government face to ensure that there are enough teachers in classrooms next year?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): The first challenge that we faced was a lack of reliable information on the extent of teacher shortages. On becoming Minister I asked for a detailed model and forecast to be done and for the education sector to be consulted on that. That modelling shows that without further action we could be up to 650 primary and 200 secondary teachers short at the beginning of next year. With this information we're now able to work with schools with much greater certainty to address the shortage that we inherited.Jan Tinetti: What announcements has the coalition Government made that will get the additional teachers needed for next year?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: We have made three significant announcements since becoming the Government: the first in December another with the Budget and then the latest over the weekend. As a result we have fully paid for refresher training for 1250 teachers whose registration would otherwise have expired. We've approved nearly 200 overseas relocation grants with a lot more to come and we have provided better support for beginning teachers so we don't continue to lose the one in five teacher graduates who have been finishing their qualifications but not making it to the classroom.Jan Tinetti: What is the coalition Government doing to ensure a sustainable supply of teachers in the long term?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The first thing we needed to do to ensure a long-term supply of teachers was ensure we had accurate forecasting and modelling. Now that we have that the work on the longer-term workforce planning is well under way and I'm confident that that workforce strategy will ensure we have a sustainable teaching workforce and an education workforce to support them well into the future.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceTAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. TAMATI COFFEY (Labour—Waiariki) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Acting Minister of Finance): Fakalofa lahi atu. Last week Treasury released the Government's financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 showing the Government's books are in good shape. The results show a $5.5 billion operating balance before gains and losses surplus $2.4 billion above Treasury's Budget 2018 forecast—yes it was $5.5 billion—and net core Crown debt at 19.9 percent compared to the 20.8 percent forecast at Budget time. The financial statements are the first official check-in on the Government's commitment to run surpluses manage net debt and keep expenses under control. We have clearly demonstrated that we are doing so.Tamati Coffey: What factors contributed to this strong result?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: A variety of factors contributed to this result being ahead of Budget 2018 expectations. A number of one-offs led to core Crown expenses coming in 1.4 percent below forecasts which Treasury says was largely due to timing issues. Much of this variance is set to reverse out in the 2018-19 accounts. A strong economy contributed to core Crown tax revenue coming in 0.9 percent higher than expected in the year to 30 June 2018. Corporate tax revenue was up due to profits for both large and small businesses being higher than Treasury had forecast at Budget 2018. This result indicates the continued strength of New Zealand's growing economy.Tamati Coffey: What do these results mean for New Zealand's economic and fiscal resilience?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: These results confirm that our underlying economic fundamentals are strong and the Government's books are in good order. However it is important that we continue to run surpluses and manage debt. Economists are pointing to rising risks in the international economy particularly from trade protectionism and stock market movements. We need to ensure New Zealand remains well placed to withstand and respond to these external risks.
Education Amendment Bill — In Committee
Rurawhe AdrianCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): I am going to take another call but I am going to let members of the committee of the whole House know that we've had several contributions and the contributions around partnership schools have been well traversed and I haven't heard any new arguments from members. Members might want to turn their attention to other parts of Part 1 or come up with new arguments.
Martin TraceyHon TRACEY MARTIN (NZ First): I move That the question be now put.
Strange JamieJAMIE STRANGE (Labour): Tēnā koe e Te Māngai o Te Whare. Faakalofa lahi atu. I'm proud to speak about the equity pay amendment bill. This Government is committed to growing and sharing prosperity more fairly. This includes taking action to close the gender pay gap and to address issues of historical undervaluation of work done predominantly by women. The Equal Pay Amendment Bill will make it easier for workers to make a pay equity claim—and that's what's at the crux of this bill—by using a more simple and accessible process within New Zealand's existing bargaining framework. The bill establishes a just and practical framework to address pay discrimination in female-dominated occupations. It's an important step in improving fairness in the workplace. The legislation clarifies what a pay equity claim is and what the process for addressing it is. Discrimination has led to lower pay for many female-dominated industries despite having similar working conditions and skill requirements to comparable male-dominated occupations.This bill followed all the recommendations of the reconvened and original Joint Working Group on Pay Equity Principles without any of the hurdles planned by the previous Government that would have made it too hard to raise pay equity claims and that's one of the key differences between these bills. The National Government's bill took a pinched and restricted approach to pay equity claims. That is why it was widely criticised by stakeholders and why we decided to rework it with the assistance of the reconvened joint working group. This bill strikes a much better balance. There is a big difference between the two bills. I am very proud to commend this bill to the House. Thank you.Bill read a first time. Bill referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.
Tinetti JanJAN TINETTI (Labour): That was quite an interesting contribution there from the previous member Denise Lee on that bill. I'm looking forward to it coming to our select committee because it might be an opportunity to help the Opposition understand just how powerful this bill is and what has been added to this bill. This bill has followed the recommendations—all of the recommendations—of the original and reconvened joint working group to make it fair and equitable restoring fairness and equity into the workplace and to get rid of the hurdles that had been put in by the previous Government. This is actually a really good day that we are seeing here—seeing this bill coming to the House—and I'm really proud in this anniversary of the 125 years of suffrage that this Government is bringing this bill here. It was only last year in the campaign that I had a group of young women who came to me and asked whether I ever foresaw that we would one day see equal pay as being as being part of the norm like voting is part of the norm for women now like suffrage is a historical event—did I ever see that we would talk about that as a historical event? I said Yes just watch what happens." Twelve months later here we are as a Government that is putting this right and I am really excited to be here in this House today talking about this bill. Well done to the joint working group. Well done on them coming up with these recommendations and I am proud to be in the Government who have listened to this. I am very very proud to say that I commend this bill to the House."
Commerce Amendment Bill — Second Reading
Huo RaymondRAYMOND HUO (Labour): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. Following that National member who has just resumed his seat I got the strong impression that Mr Andrew Bayly might have got the wrong bill because there was no reason for him to shout and there was no reason for him to be so emotional. Having said that I do want to acknowledge the National Party for supporting this bill allowing the Commerce Commission to investigate petrol companies despite that they voted against the bill's first reading. It's a no-brainer for us to understand and acknowledge that consumers should be at the very heart of competition and consumer policy and this bill intends to achieve just that. This bill will empower the Commerce Commission to undertake competition studies by carrying out research into the structure and behaviour of markets and to report its findings. Many consumers for example will want to know what's behind the petrol price and how on earth New Zealand's pre-tax costs would be so high. Surprisingly as noted by speakers who took a call before this in terms of a market study regime among 62 countries surveyed only Chile and New Zealand do not have such a kind of market study regime. Market studies will allow in-depth investigation to be conducted by an independent competition authority the Commerce Commission. So the real winner will be the consumers and businesses. I commend this bill to the House. Amendments recommended by the Transport and Infrastructure Committee by majority agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Prime Willow-JeanWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour): Tēnā koe. Kia ora Mr Assistant Speaker. I just want to bring a little bit of local and personal context to the debate that we're having and I won't take too long to speak to this bill given that I'm almost the last speaker. But I was recently contacted by a year 13 Bay of Islands College student who sent me a Facebook message and asked who deals with fuel prices and a mother who tagged me in a Facebook post who is considering moving to Australia. She's concerned not only about the cost of fuel but also about the cost of food and asked why our food is more expensive than Australia's and in fact those living in Australia said Why is it that we can get New Zealand food cheaper over here in Australia?"So these are real concerns in my local communities questions that I'm being asked on the street and I support the second reading of this bill which provides us the ability to do market studies. It is simply one tool that will be available to us to make sure that the market is fair and that New Zealanders are paying fair prices and that's all that my communities want to be assured of. I support that this means that this can be initiated not only by Ministers but also by the Commerce Commission itself and as a previous speaker had noted they have to prove that there is a public interest in initiating such a market study.I want to thank the select committee that worked on this bill and all those that made submissions and highlight one of the recommendations that is coming back from the Transport and Infrastructure Committee which was to recommend the insertion of a new section 51E. That is to require the Minister to respond to the commission's final report on the completion of the study within a reasonable time frame. I think that that's an important addition to this bill and I'm pleased that it was supported by the Minister in his opening remarks—that that change is welcomed and that the Government should be required to state its views on the commission's findings and what steps it proposes to take in response to any recommendations. I think that that adds to the transparency and the integrity of the regime.So with that I'm not going to take up any further time other than to put the local and personal context to this issue that we're debating this afternoon and say that there are situations where it is in the public interest with the Commerce Commission having the ability under this proposal to be able to initiate market studies which will ensure that our people are paying fair prices."
Speaker's Rulings — Jami-Lee Ross
Hipkins ChrisSITTINGS OF THE HOUSEHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That the sitting of the House today be extended into tomorrow morning for consideration in committee of the Education Amendment Bill the first reading of the Criminal Cases Review Commission Bill consideration in committee of the Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Bill the Courts Matters Bill and the Tribunals Powers and Procedures Legislation Bill.
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER'S STATEMENTSJami-Lee Ross—Change of Parliamentary MembershipSPEAKER: Under Standing Order 35(1)(c) I have been advised by the senior Opposition whip that the National Party's parliamentary membership has changed and that Jami-Lee Ross is no longer a member of the National Party for parliamentary purposes. Accordingly under Standing Order 34(5) Jami-Lee Ross is from 16 October 2018 regarded as an Independent member for parliamentary purposes.
Mallard TrevorTUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.PRAYERSPEAKER: Faakalofa lahi atu. I have invited the Hon Alfred Ngaro to recite the prayer in Niuean.Hon ALFRED NGARO (National): Ko e Atua nae kua ole mo e fakatokolalo atu a mautolu ke he Haau a takitakiaga mafola kia tuku kehe e tau manako fakatagata ka e ole atu ki mua Haau kia tonu mau e lilifu he tau tauteaga oti ki loto he Fale nei mo e ha mautolu a motu ne fakaheke ke he Haau a higoa Tapu ke fakafetui mau mo e taute e tau fifiliaga tonu ki mua he lilifu ko e Patuiki Fifine mo e lalolagi mo e tau tagata katoa ke he mafola mo e milino a Niu Silani katoa ha ko e higoa ha Iesu Keriso ko e ha malu Iki. Amene.
Thursday 27 September 2018 - Volume 733
Education Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Education Amendment Bill (No 2) be now read a first time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Bill read a first time.Bill referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.
Electoral (Integrity) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Electoral (Integrity) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Bill read a third time.
12. Question No. 12—ForestryJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister of ForestryQuestion No. 12—Forestry12. JENNY MARCROFT (NZ First) to the Minister of Forestry: What insights can he offer about his recent trip to China and Japan?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister of Forestry): The insights I can offer about the recent trip are based on intuition and judgment—Hon Gerry Brownlee: Table the snaps.Hon SHANE JONES: —during that period. Yes don't worry pork belly was there Gerry.SPEAKER: Order! That's enough. Right the member will resume his seat. We're not going to proceed with this question now because the member has—it's the second member in two days to make personal reflections on the shadow Leader of the House and I'm frankly at a loss as to how to otherwise improve the behaviour. I am now ruling that question time is concluded because I cannot think of a better way of indicating my concern to Mr Jones and other members of the Government about their inappropriate personal comments.Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Mr Brownlee said Table the snacks."Hon Gerry Brownlee: No "snaps".Rt Hon Winston Peters: That was his intervention—Hon Gerry Brownlee: No no no—clean out the ears.Rt Hon Winston Peters: He's back into it again. This is a point of order and it should be heard in silence. Now Mr Speaker—that's a fact. That's what we heard over here: "Table the snacks." And now my colleague responded with an answer that pork belly was there. I mean to be reasonable if he had not intervened and shouted out that silly statement then we would have got on and answered the question.Hon Gerry Brownlee: The word was "snaps" as in "holiday snaps". I realise that most people don't use those now because they've got cellphones but I do have another point of order though.SPEAKER: OK we have dealt with that one. That's what I thought the member said so we'll just keep going. Further point of order the Hon Gerry Brownlee."
11. Question No. 11—YouthKIERAN McANULTY (Labour) to the Minister for YouthQuestion No. 11—Youth11. KIERAN McANULTY (Labour) to the Minister for Youth: What recent announcement has he made on the Youth Parliament?Hon PEENI HENARE (Minister for Youth): I can answer that question tickety-boo.Hon Paul Goldsmith: You're not young.Hon PEENI HENARE: Yesterday I announced the nationwide selection process—SPEAKER: Order! Order! The member will resume his seat. I'm going to ask Paul Goldsmith just to stop stating the obvious. I'm not. Thank you. Start again please.Hon PEENI HENARE: Yesterday I announced that the nationwide selection process for Youth Parliament 2019 is under way. All MP offices would have received an information pack about the Youth Parliament 2019 programme and the selection process. I'm enjoying seeing how members are using social media to promote this fantastic opportunity—in fact in the words of my good colleague keeping it lit." There is wonderful momentum from all sides of the House to ensure we work together to bring youth voices into this Whare.Kieran McAnulty: How will Youth Parliament be different this time round?Hon PEENI HENARE: Great question. Rangatahi who will participate in the Youth Parliament 2019 programmes stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before them. We have listened to the voices of previous youth parliamentarians—namely the Hon Kris Faafoi. They suggest that the programme include significant changes. The changes include the programme being from 1 March to 31 August allowing for young people to work alongside their MPs and communities and take their views to the two-day event in July 2019. After the two-day event these young people will return to their communities to share their insights and learnings. For the first time in the history of Youth Parliament Youth MPs will be submitting and deciding on topics to be discussed at the two-day event. All rangatahi from across Aotearoa will be able to submit their thoughts on the 10 chosen Youth Parliament select committee topics through a public submission process. Kieran McAnulty: What are the governing arrangements for Youth Parliament 2019?Hon PEENI HENARE: Youth Parliament is governed by a multi-party steering committee of members as well as a representative from the press gallery. I would like to acknowledge the following members who have been championing more opportunities for young people to have a voice. Can I also acknowledge you Mr Speaker for your acceptance of Youth Parliament 2019.SPEAKER: Just before we go on to question No. 12 from Jenny Marcroft I want to make it clear that despite what has been a written appeal to me from people on behalf of Mr Faafoi I'm not going to take the questions back that I have awarded the National Party because of his interjection. Even though there may have been some justification for it at the time he's got to learn to do things in an appropriate manner."
7. Question No. 7—Research Science and InnovationDr PARMJEET PARMAR (National) to the Minister of Research Science and InnovationQuestion No. 7—Research Science and Innovation7. Dr PARMJEET PARMAR (National) to the Minister of Research Science and Innovation: Does she stand by her statement on her proposed R & D tax credit policy that If no final decisions have been made anything is possible"?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Research Science and Innovation): Yes.Dr Parmjeet Parmar: What is the potential fiscal cost of changing her R & D tax credit policy to include companies not making a profit and removing the restrictions around companies spending less than $100000 on R & D?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: The potential costs of the full policy were included in Budget 2018 when this Government allocated over a billion dollars over a four-year period in addition to the growth grant funding. So that is all laid out there. So the funding for the growth grant of $649 million remains in addition to the money that is set out of over a billion dollars.Dr Parmjeet Parmar: Does she agree with Treasury's advice that the design features may influence the fiscal cost and that without design details the financial implications of introducing a tax credit are unclear?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Of course the design details will impact on the total cost of the package. That's why that was one of the key things that we had in mind when we put together the package to take out to consultation with industry around the final design details. These were done with the view that there had to be plenty of fiscal headroom.Dr Parmjeet Parmar: How is it then a responsible move to announce $1 billion towards this policy given the details of the policy are still not known?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: It is responsible because this is a Government that is not content to languish at 1.3 percent of expenditure on GDP. We're in a Government that is investing in our businesses to incentivise them to do R & D and we have designed a policy within the funding that we allocated in Budget 2018. I know that member struggles with the fact that this is a Government that is seriously investing in research and development.Dr Parmjeet Parmar: Why did she reject the advice from Treasury to implement the policy in 2020 not 2019 to allow for proper development of the policy and instead pursue her approach that will result in higher fiscal risk and higher risk of not achieving the objective?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: We took a very prudent approach. What we are implementing in April 2019 is the incentive for companies that are in profit. We have given ourselves an extra year to do the most risky part of the policy which is pre-profits and we are putting in place incentives for those companies to carry them through. We're a Government that wants to get on with helping businesses so they can invest more in R & D and this is a Government that is dedicated to a sustainable productive inclusive economy and we are willing to invest in that."
6. Question No. 6—HealthJAMIE STRANGE (Labour) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 6—Health6. JAMIE STRANGE (Labour) to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made about the delivery of air ambulance services?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Air ambulances are a critical life-saving service. Our current air ambulance providers have done a great job but our helicopter fleet is ageing. The Government is committed to a 10-year programme led by clinicians that will modernise our air ambulance fleet increase crew numbers and reduce call-out times. Yesterday I was pleased to announce that an agreement in principle for services in the northern region has been reached with an agency combining the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the Northland Emergency Services Trust. Announcements about the central and southern regions will follow at a later date.Jamie Strange: How will the new approach to ambulance services improve outcomes for patients?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The average age of our air ambulance fleet is 29 years and one in three of the helicopters are still single-engine. We need to modernise and upgrade our helicopter fleet and move to the use of twin-engine machines nationwide to allow more space for treatment of patients during transit. Nationally the new contracts will also mean more permanent staff on base and will ensure crew and clinical staff are closer at hand to reduce call-out time. This is about putting the needs of patients first and reflects the Government's commitment to improving the well-being of Kiwi families.Jamie Strange: Will the new approach to air ambulance services require further investment from the Government?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Improving our nationwide air ambulance service will require sustained investment. That is why in Budget 2018 we invested an extra $83 million into air ambulance services over the next four years so that the dedicated medics and pilots have the tools they need to do their job. This Government is committed to investing in the health system and dealing with the legacy of underfunding that we inherited.
5. Question No. 5—BiosecurityHon NATHAN GUY (National—Ōtaki) to the Minister for BiosecurityQuestion No. 5—Biosecurity5. Hon NATHAN GUY (National—Ōtaki) to the Minister for Biosecurity: How many passengers are estimated to have passed through the Green Lane at Auckland International Airport when a detector dog wasn't working on that lane between the hours of 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. this year and on how many days did this happen?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister for Biosecurity): Seven thousand five hundred and sixty and 270 days.Hon Nathan Guy: In light of the Minister's answer is the passenger pathway as secure as it could be in 2018 to keep biosecurity risk items out of New Zealand?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: I would be dishonest to say that it was a perfect system but I have to say that with the additional $9 million that we've put into the biosecurity system the additional efforts we've made with an offshore intelligence unit with tests and checks on passengers as they board the planes—and as they get off the planes there are new X-ray facilities—I think we run a far more robust system than was previously in place under the last Government.Hon Nathan Guy: When he established the biosecurity intelligence unit in April this year to give a clear line of focus and accountability for biosecurity why didn't the intelligence unit tell him that for nine months there's been no dog detector teams working at Auckland International Airport between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: The intelligence unit works offshore. [Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! Order! Come on; both sides please.Hon Nathan Guy: Have staff been told by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) that they have to stop reporting fatigue or stress due to management and the roster and that if they do not stop complaining then they can leave the programme?SPEAKER: Order! I'm going to give the member another go at making this relate. At the moment I think we've got dog tired but we haven't really got a relationship between the question and the supplementary.Hon Nathan Guy: In light of the Minister's answer confirming that there's been no dog detector teams working between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. for nine months this year is he concerned about reported comments from staff—both former staff and current staff members—about the toxic culture of management amongst this very small but important dog detector team?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: I'm aware of claims that have been made. I received an email that has been passed on to the Director-General. I expect him to investigate those and if any such culture exists to get rid of it.Hon Nathan Guy: When the Minister said in question time last week that he's very grateful that he's not rung up and woken at 2 a.m. to be told there's no dog working on the green lane at Auckland International Airport would he still be grateful for his sleep if there was a major biosecurity incursion at this time because of his lack of oversight?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: I hope that we have no more biosecurity incursions. The ones that came in under the previous Government such as Mycoplasma bovis are something that this Government is determined to prevent in every way we can.
Lee Melissa; Rurawhe AdrianMELISSA LEE (National): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to take a very short call as the bells are about to actually ring but I shall try and make some headway into my 10 minutes which will obviously continue in the next sitting period. As a member of the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee which deliberated on this bill I'd like to acknowledge—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): I'm sorry to interrupt the member. This debate is interrupted and is set down for resumption next sitting day. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 16 October 2018. Tēnā tātou katoa.The House adjourned at 6 p.m.
Tabuteau FletcherFLETCHER TABUTEAU (Deputy Leader—NZ First): Thanks Mr Assistant Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to this Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Bill. Look it's an interesting time in the House when the Opposition speaks to legislation they created and in supposed good conscience cannot support it now simply because this side of the House is progressing legislation they wrote.Hon Paul Goldsmith: I think you got the wrong end of the stick old boy!FLETCHER TABUTEAU: Oh no I am not going to apologise. I remember spending months with the members in select committee in the previous term. For months we were literally on the same page in terms of progressing this piece of legislation because for such a long period of time the criminalisation element of this legislation as presented to the House now was in the draft of that bill during that process. And so there was great and quite unanimous conversation from both sides of the House as it were in the select committee process during that process and it was constructive.Mr Young spoke about—what did he say? Something about dampening cooperation between firms. Actually in this legislation and I think credit is due to Mr Goldsmith there is specific reference to enabling and encouraging cooperation where it is for the benefit of the end consumer because it is collaboration for that benefit rather than the good old-fashioned cartel collusion and coming together where businesses are seeking to break down market equilibrium create that dead-weight loss in it and to undermine the benefit to the consumer. So there is a difference. This legislation recognises that and so Mr Young is drawing on excerpts that do not apply.In fact I'd take the opportunity to quote some of the previous contributions from the National Opposition. I quote Simon O'Connor: This [criminalisation of cartels] is ultimately a bill at the heart of what the National Party believes is a way forward for our economy." That is probably true so I'm not sure why it's such a problem for the National Party today. Brett Hudson: "I am delighted with this bill. It is clearly taking on the evils the worries and the concerns around hard-core cartel behaviour." And yet the contributions from the other side dare I say it—I'm not one to use bad language in the House but "flip-flop" comes to mind.Actually there's no need to go into defining "cartel behaviour" and what this bill achieves because this House knows full well that those quotes confirm exactly the merit of this legislation. It's unfortunate to hear the contributions from the members opposite. This is actually logical and needed legislation. It will not dampen cooperation and good behaviour of corporates in New Zealand. We do need that. We have seen evidence of it in the New Zealand market but we need to make sure that where there is cartel behaviour we are able to act not only in a civil but in a criminal pathway. So Mr Assistant Speaker this is a short contribution but it's pretty important to voice our approval of the legislation. Thank you sir."
Allan KiritapuKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. It's a pleasure to be the final speaker for this first reading on the Education Amendment Bill (No 2). However it does probably come to mind that it must be about 5 o'clock on Thursday of the fourth sitting week because I'm sitting here and I'm wanting to engage with the Opposition's position on what is actually a fundamental reform of our education system. It has grown out of I guess a collective movement by educationalists young people engaged in the education system experts and all and sundry particularly engaged with the education conversation—that they've wanted to see some fundamental changes. And this bill is a part of doing just that.So when we're listening to the great things that will occur as a consequence of this bill—for example ensuring that private schools are required to ensure that they are providing a safe place for all students and their staff—I think for most ordinary New Zealanders who sit back and reflect if you have your child enrolled at a private school they should be entitled to a safe and secure environment like every single other student is that is enrolled at a public school. Again this Government—this side of the House—is merely fixing up absolute anomalies and in some parts some atrocious I guess misalignment of values. And this bill goes towards that.As we have been sitting here—and I've been sitting here for the last well few hours listening to the Opposition—it doesn't matter what we put up. It doesn't matter. Even where it fundamentally makes sense—like ensuring that all schools in New Zealand are safe places for all students—the Opposition is calling doom and gloom and that this is the end to everything that's positive about New Zealand. The last speaker spoke about political utu. Political utu I guess I would say may just be awaiting a party that sits here and negatively espouses rhetoric day in and day out without actually putting up a vision for Aotearoa New Zealand—sits here and plays politics with our kids sits here and plays politics with our schools sits here and plays politics with our communities and won't even have the gumption to come to the party and say Actually guys all right. Yep we are in Opposition but that makes sense. It makes sense to ensure that all kids regardless of the school that they're enrolled in deserve to be in a safe and warm environment." So without taking up too much of this House's time it's an absolute pleasure to commend this bill to the House."
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. It's time to just calm down and bring some common sense to this debate I think. We've heard the arrogance of Mark Mitchell saying he is bigger than his party—saying that he thinks his electorate means more to him than the National Party. Just remember that on the other side of the House. That Mark Mitchell he's bigger than you are. He thinks he's more important and him standing in Rodney is more important than you are. Those list MPs over there need to think about it as well because there's been a lot of talk about list MPs and the fact that under this legislation if they go wandering and disappear from the policies of their parties their caucus and their leader can bring them back into line and if they continue to wander in a field of their own they can be cut loose—that's right. That's what this does and there is a very good reason for it. Now Nick Smith says that people on the street think that this is an outrage. Well I'm surprised that he has even spoken to a person on the street because do you know what people on the street really think? They think they should get the Government that they voted for—that when a party puts a list full of candidates before them those candidates will remain in the party and if they wander off then they can wander off and lose their seat or if they're a constituency MP they can go back to their electorate and we know what happens historically there. Sure some people have gone off and stood under their own banner and they've won their seats and they've perhaps started new parties. Others have faded into the true obscurity where they belong and that is exactly how it should be. But to be able to be a list MP and remain in this House is entirely at odds with what this electoral system demands. Do you know what? Democracy—Hon Dr Nick Smith: Why doesn't Germany do it? Dr DUNCAN WEBB: —doesn't stand still Nick Smith—a man who's perhaps been here a little bit too long because he thinks that what goes on in here is the only important thing. What is really important is what people out there think and they think that they should get the Government they voted for not some jacked-up agglomeration of new arrangements that you might be trying to line up. No we do need a stable Government we need a Government that is proportional and we need a Government that reflects the last election. That is what this bill does and that is why I am proud to support it.
Smith NickHon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson): Madam Deputy Speaker I do seek your indulgence and I do want to explain. I seek the leave of the House to table a press release that is only available from the Parliamentary Library by the Rt Hon Winston Peters saying that MPs must be able to leave their party and should not be blindly loyal—Rt Hon Winston Peters: Madam Deputy Speaker it's not going to be allowed. He's wasting time. This is a debating point.Hon Dr NICK SMITH: —to the party on which they were elected. No it's absolutely critical. It contradicts everything you just said.RT Hon Winston Peters: Sit down. You're not going to get it. The answer is no.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Are you using the Speaker's ruling that the Hon Gerry Brownlee brought to the attention of the Speaker?Hon Dr NICK SMITH: I was referring to the House earlier because this press release is only available from the Parliamentary Library. It is not generally available to members and it contradicts what the Rt Hon Winston Peters has just said to the Parliament.DEPUTY SPEAKER: On that condition I will put the leave. Is there any objection? There is.
Lees-Galloway Iain; Smith Nick; Little AndrewHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Acting Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I didn't want to interrupt the Minister in his contribution but you have previously called members to order for saying the phrase That's not true." or for suggesting that a member is misleading the House. Dr Nick Smith—[Interruption]DEPUTY SPEAKER: Excuse me but points of order should be heard in silence.Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: The Hon Nick Smith audibly made that statement during the Minister's speech and I request that you call him to order.DEPUTY SPEAKER: I did take note of that—[Interruption] I don't need any help at the moment thank you Dr Nick Smith. In fact I didn't call the member to order because the Minister on his feet had made a direct statement about another member as an individual and that individual responded by saying that that was incorrect statement. In fact he said it wasn't true. So I left it quite deliberately because it was an argument between two members rather than when "That's not true." is normally used.Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson): I raise a point of order Madam Speaker.DEPUTY SPEAKER: I hope you're not going to dispute—Hon Dr NICK SMITH: Of course I'm not. The Standing Orders make very plain that a member cannot dispute a personal explanation. The issue which Mr Little commented on was in direct contradiction to a personal explanation that I've previously given to the House.DEPUTY SPEAKER: And I do understand that. I'm sorry that had slipped my mind. So that's a further reason why.Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Justice): I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. Look with all due respect to the member who's now resumed his seat that is simply not correct. There was a personal explanation that that member Dr Nick Smith did not lead a challenge effectively to Mr Williamson. I did not say he led a challenge; I said that he was involved with a challenge and that has never been disputed when that has been asserted in this House.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Well we would have to go back to the personal statement. I have to accept a member at their word and the Hon Dr Nick Smith says that he has disputed it. Regardless saying that something isn't true doesn't mean that someone is lying. You're not allowed to say that and people are called to order. I go back to my original statement which was that it was a direct accusation which was refuted by the member and I think we would be better to leave it at that."
Motions — Mahatma Gandhi—150th Birth Anniversary
Tabling of Documents — Documents Relating to Chief Technology Officer Role
Visitors — Republic of France—Senate Delegation