edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Roy Heather: Ministerial Statements — Swine Flu—New Zealand Response 
Roy Heather: Ministerial Statements — Swine Flu—New Zealand Response 
[Volume:653;Page:2613] 
Hon HEATHER ROY (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
: 
 I respond on behalf of the ACT Party to the ministerial statement. The Minister of Health is quite right when he says that balance is important; this is a time for caution but not alarm. I would like to congratulate the health professionals involved who to date have so swiftly efficiently and appropriately dealt with this threat to the New Zealand population. Pandemic planning in fact is very important and we find ourselves well-prepared because of the 4 years of work that has gone on in relation to firstly the perceived threat of bird flu in 2005. 
One of the most important things to do I think in this sort of situation is to educate people about the threats and to tell them what they need to do to keep themselves and those around them safe in situations like this. I think there is a lot of confusion about how viruses that are usually confined to animal populations can suddenly find themselves operating in human populations. The swine influenza virus is usually endemic obviously to pig populations but it can mutate into a form that allows it to pass from human to human. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the symptoms of swine flu are much like those of any seasonal flu—commonly fever lethargy lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu have also reported runny noses sore throats nausea vomiting and diarrhoea. As has already been pointed out it is important when someone has influenza to treat those symptoms sensibly and those education messages should be put out amongst the general population. Affected people are most contagious during the first 5 days. 
It is also important that people do not panic and suddenly worry about the food supply. Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products because the virus is not transmitted through food. These viruses—bird flu and swine flu—seem to be descendants of the 1918 influenza outbreak. I think it is important to take a sensible approach to these things to monitor the situation carefully—as we are doing here in New Zealand—and to take advice from organisations like the World Health Organization. Thank you.
Hague Kevin: Ministerial Statements — Swine Flu—New Zealand Response 
Hague Kevin: Ministerial Statements — Swine Flu—New Zealand Response 
[Volume:653;Page:2613] 
KEVIN HAGUE (Green) 
: 
 I wish to begin by joining the Minister and the Hon Ruth Dyson in conveying the Green Party’s very best wishes to the health professionals and to those who have been affected by this infection to date for a speedy recovery and for all possible strength to their arm for those fighting to combat the epidemic. At this time it is uncertain what the course of this global pandemic will be. Its spread is uncertain but it already appears to be extensive suggesting that containment will be difficult. The nature of the virus is also uncertain. It is clear that it has significant ability to develop or strengthen particular characteristics through mutation and that means there are particular risks associated with this virus that we need to prepare for. 
It is at a time like this that we indeed must be grateful for the pandemic planning that has been undertaken over the past several years and I pay tribute to the previous Government. I also bring to the House’s attention the Green Party’s contribution towards that pandemic preparedness. I had some personal part to play in some of the pandemic preparedness exercises and I can assure the House that district health boards have taken this process extremely seriously. 
It is critical that we maintain a sense of perspective. It is inevitable that at some point there will be a further influenza pandemic that will cause very substantial illness and death. It is possible that this could be it or that it could develop into such a pandemic. But it is crucial that all New Zealanders understand that in fact influenza causes illness and death at a substantial level around the world every day. It is essential that our response takes seriously the risk that this poses while at the same time not fuelling a sense of panic about that risk. 
I am aware that there will be questions about the timeliness of response; I am sure that those will be addressed at some point in the future. But for now our focus must be on the process going forward and on minimising the impact of this epidemic for New Zealand. For my own part I know a number of the officials involved in this process. I have a great deal of trust in their judgment and I believe that New Zealanders can be confident in their work. What is most required now is a commitment from all political parties to act together to minimise the impact of this epidemic and in that spirit I offer the Green Party’s cooperation to the Government in any way that we can be helpful in minimising the impact of this epidemic. Thank you.
Dyson Ruth: Ministerial Statements — Swine Flu—New Zealand Response 
Dyson Ruth: Ministerial Statements — Swine Flu—New Zealand Response 
[Volume:653;Page:2612] 
Hon RUTH DYSON (Labour—Port Hills) 
: 
 I begin by assuring the Minister and the House that this is not a time for any political point-scoring when we have such an important issue facing our nation. I wish all speed to those who work in the health sector and of course a return to full health for all those who are potentially affected. Those who work in the health sector are vital and should be valued at all times. 
I am very pleased to hear the Minister acknowledge the work that the previous Government started on pandemic planning in 2002 with Operation McGill in 2007 involving the whole emergency management health sector. We increased the public Tamiflu stocks from around 800000 to 1.2 million in March 2007 from coverage of 20 percent of the population to 30 percent—a fact that I recall the current Minister of Health criticising at the time. He now understands the importance of that point. 
I am concerned about the vulnerability of the entire spectrum of the health services under the current proceedings. Pandemic modelling and the rehearsal have shown time after time that hospital-based services can quickly become overwhelmed if we do not ensure that community-based and home-based services are supported and are in place. We know from the district health boards’ latest plans that those are the very services that are being cut. The services that make the delivery of a pandemic response possible are the ones under threat. 
I also remind the Minister of Health of the comments from Ian Powell the executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists when he talked about the range of staff who are critical in the health sector. He said: “It is one of the major concerns of our members who would rather be underpaid specialists than overpaid secretaries.” 
To all the health workers I say the focus and intensity of this work is significant and will be supported I am sure by every party in Parliament. I thank the Minister for the acknowledgment of the work over the last 6 years. I also thank him for his generous offer of a briefing on this issue. That is appreciated by me as well. I recommend respectfully that he reflect now on how critical the support workers in the health system who are otherwise often known as backroom workers are to the delivery of health services for all New Zealanders and ensure that they continue to be valued for the critical role that they play in delivering health services in our nation.
Anderton Jim: Points of Order — Sri Lanka—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice 
Anderton Jim: Points of Order — Sri Lanka—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice 
[Volume:653;Page:2611] 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Leader—Progressive) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate on the dire humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is objection.
Smith Lockwood: Resignations — Rt Hon Helen Clark Member for Mt Albert 
Smith Lockwood: Resignations — Rt Hon Helen Clark Member for Mt Albert 
[Volume:653;Page:2611] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I wish to advise the House that I have received a letter from the Rt Hon Helen Clark resigning her seat in the House with effect at midnight on Saturday 18 April 2009.
Points of Order — Sri Lanka—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice 
Points of Order — Sri Lanka—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice 
[Volume:653;Page:2611] 
Points of Order 
Sri Lanka—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Leader—Progressive) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate on the dire humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is objection.
Resignations — Rt Hon Helen Clark Member for Mt Albert 
Resignations — Rt Hon Helen Clark Member for Mt Albert 
[Volume:653;Page:2611] 
Tuesday 28 April 2009 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Resignations 
Rt Hon Helen Clark Member for Mt Albert 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I wish to advise the House that I have received a letter from the Rt Hon Helen Clark resigning her seat in the House with effect at midnight on Saturday 18 April 2009.
Smith Lockwood: Election of Speaker 
Smith Lockwood: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:2] 
Hon Dr LOCKWOOD SMITH (National—Rodney) 
: 
 I declare my nomination for the office of Speaker. 
Hon Dr Lockwood Smith was elected as Speaker.
Event: Members Sworn 
Event: Members Sworn 
[Volume:651;Page:2] 
Members Sworn 
Mary Winifred Harris 
 Clerk of the House of Representatives a Commissioner appointed to administer the oath to members did administer the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the following members which being done they took their seats in the House: Amy Juliet Adams James Patrick Anderton Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern Philip Shane Ardern Christopher John Auchinvole Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi Richard John Barker Carol Ann Beaumont David Bennett Paula Lee Bennett Jacqueline Diane Blue Kerry James Borrows John Spencer Boscawen Susan Bradford Simon Joseph Bridges Gerard Anthony Brownlee Brendon Burns Chris Joseph Carter David Cunningham Carter John McGregor Carter Stephanie Anne Chadwick Charles Pierre Chauvel Ashraf Choudhary Helen Elizabeth Clark Jonathan David Coleman Judith Anne Collins Clayton James Cosgrove Michael John Cullen David Richard Cunliffe Clare Elizabeth Curran Lianne Audrey Dalziel Kelvin Glen Davis Jacqueline Isobel Dean Roger Owen Douglas Peter Francis Dunne Ruth Suzanne Dyson Simon William English Darien Elizabeth Fenton Christopher Francis Finlayson Jeanette Mary Fitzsimons Te Ururoa James William Ben Flavell Craig Raymond Robert Foss David Arthur Garrett Aaron Wayne Gilmore Philip Bruce Goff Joanne Gay Goodhew Sandra Anne Goudie Kennedy Gollan Montrose Graham Allen Nathan Guy Kevin Grant Hague Hone Pani Tamati Waka Nene Harawira George Warren Hawkins John Bernard Hayes Philip Reeve Heatley Raymond Tau Henare Rodney Philip Hide Christopher John Hipkins Peter Colin Hodgson Parekura Tureia Horomia Darren Colyn Hughes JianQiang Huo Charles Paul Telford Hutchison Shane Geoffrey Jones Steven Leonard Joyce Rahui Reid Katene Nicola Laura Kaye Susan Jane Kedgley John Phillip Key Annette Faye King Colin McDonald King Winifred Alexandra Laban Melissa Lee Iain Francis Lees-Galloway Keith James Locke Peseta Samuela Masunu Lotu-Iiga Timothy Harley Macindoe Moana Lynore Mackey Nanaia Cybele Mahuta Trevor Colin Mallard Wayne Daniel Mapp Todd Michael McClay Murray Stuart McCully Suzanne Mary Moroney Stuart Alexander Nash Russel William Norman Patricia Hekia Parata David William Parker Allan Frederick Peachey Barbara Lynne Pillay Simon James Power Rajendra Prasad Bernard Paul Quinn Mita Michael Ririnui Grant Murray Robertson Harold Valentine Ross Robertson Eric Wilbur Roy Heather Jean Roy Anthony Boyd Williams Ryall Carmel Jean Sepuloni Katrina May Shanks Pita Russell Sharples Su’a Viliamu Sio Alexander Lockwood Smith Nicolas Rex Smith Maryan Street Georgina Manunui te Heuheu William Lindsay Tisch Anne Merrilyn Tolley Christopher James Tremain Metiria Leanne Agnes Stanton Turei Tariana Turia Philip Stoner Twyford Louise Claire Upston Nicola Joanne Wagner Catherine Joan Wilkinson Maurice Donald Williamson Pansy Wong Michael Allan Woodhouse Richard Westwood Worth Jonathan Edgar Joseph Young.
Event: Commission Opening of Parliament 
Event: Commission Opening of Parliament 
[Volume:651;Page:1] 
Commission Opening of Parliament 
By proclamation issued on 19 November 2008 the forty-ninth Parliament was summoned to meet and it met for the dispatch of business at 2 p.m. on Monday 8 December 2008. 
The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod announced the presence of Her Majesty’s Commissioners. The bar was raised and the Commissioners took their places at the head of the Table. 
The Right Honourable Dame Sian Elias Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit Chief Justice of New Zealand the Chief Commissioner said: 
The Letters Patent were then read by the Clerk of the House of Representatives. 
The Proclamation summoning Parliament was then read by the Chief Commissioner as follows: 
The Chief Commissioner then said:  
The Commissioners then withdrew.
Smith Lockwood: Election of Speaker 
Smith Lockwood: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:5] 
Mr SPEAKER-ELECT 
: Honourable members for your kind words thank you—thank you very much. I hope that I can live up to the confidence you have shown in me. Again I thank you for the honour. I will certainly endeavour to do my best to live up to that confidence.
Dunne Peter: Election of Speaker 
Dunne Peter: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:5] 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) 
: 
 Mr Speaker-Elect as a fellow survivor of the class of 1984 I congratulate you on your election to the high office you now hold and wish you well in the execution of your duties. You said that we are all human and like others you may occasionally make mistakes and you quoted the example of Sir Gerard Wall transposing words in the prayer. Mr Speaker-Elect I need to assure you that in his case he was not making a mistake. He genuinely believed that to be the case. Be that as it may I know that you will uphold the standards of this House. You bring to it a very deep experience and I think a deep affection for the place and you will certainly ensure that all members whether they be new members or somewhat more geriatric members will get a fair go in this House and will be listened to; order will be upheld and Mr Speaker-Elect in return you will have the respect of this Chamber.
Anderton Jim: Election of Speaker 
Anderton Jim: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:4] 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Leader—Progressive) 
: 
 Mr Speaker-Elect I want to wish you well and to congratulate you on your election to high office. Experience in Parliament is not the only qualification to be Speaker but it is one of the most important ones. You will have seen in your time here—and I think you came into Parliament the same year that I did—many occurrences that you will not want to repeat. When you started quoting Gerry Wall I remembered that he threw out 11 members of the Opposition on one famous day. I hope that is not something that will have to be emulated in your term. The office of Speaker is important particularly for the smaller parties in this Parliament. You uphold the rights of the minority here you are the person to whom we look to have our rights upheld and we will respect the office that you hold as you would want us to and expect us to. Congratulations.
Sharples Pita: Election of Speaker 
Sharples Pita: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:4] 
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
Kai te manu korero o te Whare nei te mangai o te Whare tenei au e mihi atu mo matou o te Pati Maori ki a koe i tenei wa. Na te mea ko koe anake te mea e tu ana he tautoko tena mai i nga pati katoa mou. Na reira tenei matou e mihi atu. Ka hoki aku mahara ki te wa ko koe te Minita Matauranga mo nga kura i te wa o te kawanatanga o Nahinara i tera wa. Nau ano te Minita e tautoko ana i a matou e whakatu kura kaupapa Maori i tera wa. E rima kura ia tau ia tau kua whakaturia i raro i a koe. Na reira kai te mihi atu ki a koe mo tena. Na reira ko te tumanako kia pai to noho i tena turu anei ra te Pati Maori e tautoko ana ki a koe tena koe tena koe tena tatou katoa.  
[ 
I acknowledge you on behalf of us of the Maori Party venerable sir and Speaker-Elect of the House. Because you were the only one proposed that to me indicates the total support for you by all parties. So we congratulate you. My thoughts go back to the time when you were Minister of Education for schools when National was the Government. While we sought to have Maori-medium schools established you supported us. Five Maori-medium schools each year were established under your watch. How grateful we are for that! So we wish you well in your role as Speaker. You have the support of the Maori Party. Greetings to you greetings to you and greetings to us all 
.]
Hide Rodney: Election of Speaker 
Hide Rodney: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:4] 
Hon RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) 
: 
 Mr Speaker-Elect I rise on behalf of the ACT Party to congratulate you on your new role as Speaker and to pledge to you our support. You were elected unanimously. I note that although you did not go reluctantly to the Chair you did not positively run which I remember the Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt doing when he took the Chair on being elected. The thing that we all I believe admire about you is that you have been a member of Parliament who has respected this place and its value in our society and that you have been a member of Parliament who has respected other people’s points of view even if you did not share them and their right to speak out. I think it is fitting that you reminded us and the country of the enormous sacrifice that was made by our forebears so that we and future generations can stand in this House free to speak out in a free and democratic society. I wish you all the wisdom that you will require in the time ahead; I have no doubt that you will have it. Thank you.
Fitzsimons Jeanette: Election of Speaker 
Fitzsimons Jeanette: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:4] 
JEANETTE FITZSIMONS (Co-Leader—Green) 
: 
 Mr Speaker-Elect the Green Party is happy to add its congratulations to those of others on your election as Speaker. We wish you well in trying to control the at times boisterous behaviour in this place. As you know the Green Party has long expressed the view that at times the behaviour in the House goes somewhat beyond what the public finds acceptable and what is conducive to good debate. We offer you our support in trying to maintain high standards of behaviour at all times. That is not to say that we are in any way opposed to robust debate; we are opposed to merely those behaviours that sometimes get in the way of good debate. As you know we—along with other MMP parties—wrote to the previous Speaker Margaret Wilson to express our support for her using her office to attain those ends and to make sure that in the spirit of MMP the parties on the cross benches were able to be heard and to hear which is sometimes difficult from down here. I repeat that offer of support to your office for those same ends and wish you all the best in your term.
Key John: Election of Speaker 
Key John: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:3] 
Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) 
: 
 Mr Speaker-Elect it is my great pleasure to congratulate you on your election as Speaker of this House. We look forward to working with you and to observing your rulings and guidance over the next 3 years. You come to the job with 24 years of experience in this Parliament. I am sure you will show all the wisdom of those years as you guide the House through what will be obviously some interesting debates and some interesting times. You come to your job unopposed. I think that that speaks volumes of a House that believes in your skills and in the talents that you bring to the job. We wish you the very best.
Goff Phil: Election of Speaker 
Goff Phil: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:3] 
Hon PHIL GOFF (Leader of the Opposition) 
: 
 Mr Speaker-Elect on behalf of the New Zealand Labour Party I congratulate you on your election today and wish you well for your tenure in office. I must say that as you came up to your seat you looked nowhere near as reluctant as your predecessors traditionally have looked knowing the fate that would befall them should they displease the executive. On this side of the House we hope you frequently displease the executive. 
The office of Speaker as you have pointed out is critical to the effective functioning of this House and to our democracy. I am sure that although the role of Speaker is not an easy one you will do your utmost to carry out the functions and the powers of your new office in a fair and impartial way and in a way that reflects your role as Parliament’s person rather than the representative of any particular party. I do not know whether this role was your preferred role in the House but I do know that you come to it with extraordinary experience. I must say that those of us who remember Sir Gerard Wall are glad that you have not chosen him as your role model in your current position. 
I know that you will work extraordinarily hard to find the balance that you must find between allowing robust debate protecting the rights of the minority of the House and getting the business of Parliament done. In return we as members have a responsibility not to try your patience too far and to strive to do our best to maintain the Standing Orders. I congratulate you once again on your election and wish you well for your term in office.
Smith Lockwood: Election of Speaker 
Smith Lockwood: Election of Speaker 
[Volume:651;Page:3] 
Mr SPEAKER-ELECT 
: Honourable members of the House of Representatives I am deeply honoured that you have elected me as your Speaker. We who are elected to serve in this House are privileged to work at the very heart of our democracy. In our hands we hold the responsibility of protecting the rights and freedoms of all New Zealanders. As your Speaker I commit today to upholding the privileges of this House and of its members and to defending your rights and freedoms on which are built the hopes and aspirations of those we represent. Working here day after day week after week and month after month we can sometimes forget that our forebears paid a grave price that we might live and work in a free democracy. Lest our behaviour might at times fall short of that which those we represent expect of us it is worth reflecting on the places named on the walls of this Chamber: Gallipoli Passchendaele Messines and many others. We honour the men and women who died in those hallowed places when we respect the freedoms they fought and died for. 
Honourable members I succeed 28 distinguished former Speakers and most recently New Zealand’s first woman to hold the office of Speaker Margaret Wilson. I am privileged to have served in this House under eight of them and I hope I may have gleaned a little from their collective wisdom. One achieved a remarkable double in throwing out at the same time both the then Prime Minister David Lange and the Opposition leader Jim Bolger. Although Speaker Sir Gerard Wall’s achievement is not one I would seek to emulate our honourable leaders might note that it is not without precedent. Those amongst you with as many grey hairs as I have may also recollect the occasion when Speaker Wall commenced a session by praying: “Almighty God humbly acknowledging Thy need for our guidance in all things …”. For such mistakes which will inevitably be made I seek your forbearance and apologise in advance. 
Honourable members I will be your Speaker; my door will always be open. As Speaker-Elect I will at 4 o’clock obey the instruction and go to the Governor-General and I invite those of you who are able to accompany me there to do so. Again I thank you all.
Members Sworn 
Members Sworn 
[Volume:651;Page:2] 
Members Sworn 
Mary Winifred Harris 
 Clerk of the House of Representatives a Commissioner appointed to administer the oath to members did administer the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the following members which being done they took their seats in the House: Amy Juliet Adams James Patrick Anderton Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern Philip Shane Ardern Christopher John Auchinvole Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi Richard John Barker Carol Ann Beaumont David Bennett Paula Lee Bennett Jacqueline Diane Blue Kerry James Borrows John Spencer Boscawen Susan Bradford Simon Joseph Bridges Gerard Anthony Brownlee Brendon Burns Chris Joseph Carter David Cunningham Carter John McGregor Carter Stephanie Anne Chadwick Charles Pierre Chauvel Ashraf Choudhary Helen Elizabeth Clark Jonathan David Coleman Judith Anne Collins Clayton James Cosgrove Michael John Cullen David Richard Cunliffe Clare Elizabeth Curran Lianne Audrey Dalziel Kelvin Glen Davis Jacqueline Isobel Dean Roger Owen Douglas Peter Francis Dunne Ruth Suzanne Dyson Simon William English Darien Elizabeth Fenton Christopher Francis Finlayson Jeanette Mary Fitzsimons Te Ururoa James William Ben Flavell Craig Raymond Robert Foss David Arthur Garrett Aaron Wayne Gilmore Philip Bruce Goff Joanne Gay Goodhew Sandra Anne Goudie Kennedy Gollan Montrose Graham Allen Nathan Guy Kevin Grant Hague Hone Pani Tamati Waka Nene Harawira George Warren Hawkins John Bernard Hayes Philip Reeve Heatley Raymond Tau Henare Rodney Philip Hide Christopher John Hipkins Peter Colin Hodgson Parekura Tureia Horomia Darren Colyn Hughes JianQiang Huo Charles Paul Telford Hutchison Shane Geoffrey Jones Steven Leonard Joyce Rahui Reid Katene Nicola Laura Kaye Susan Jane Kedgley John Phillip Key Annette Faye King Colin McDonald King Winifred Alexandra Laban Melissa Lee Iain Francis Lees-Galloway Keith James Locke Peseta Samuela Masunu Lotu-Iiga Timothy Harley Macindoe Moana Lynore Mackey Nanaia Cybele Mahuta Trevor Colin Mallard Wayne Daniel Mapp Todd Michael McClay Murray Stuart McCully Suzanne Mary Moroney Stuart Alexander Nash Russel William Norman Patricia Hekia Parata David William Parker Allan Frederick Peachey Barbara Lynne Pillay Simon James Power Rajendra Prasad Bernard Paul Quinn Mita Michael Ririnui Grant Murray Robertson Harold Valentine Ross Robertson Eric Wilbur Roy Heather Jean Roy Anthony Boyd Williams Ryall Carmel Jean Sepuloni Katrina May Shanks Pita Russell Sharples Su’a Viliamu Sio Alexander Lockwood Smith Nicolas Rex Smith Maryan Street Georgina Manunui te Heuheu William Lindsay Tisch Anne Merrilyn Tolley Christopher James Tremain Metiria Leanne Agnes Stanton Turei Tariana Turia Philip Stoner Twyford Louise Claire Upston Nicola Joanne Wagner Catherine Joan Wilkinson Maurice Donald Williamson Pansy Wong Michael Allan Woodhouse Richard Westwood Worth Jonathan Edgar Joseph Young.
Commission Opening of Parliament 
Commission Opening of Parliament 
[Volume:651;Page:1] 
Monday 8 December 2008 
Commission Opening of Parliament 
By proclamation issued on 19 November 2008 the forty-ninth Parliament was summoned to meet and it met for the dispatch of business at 2 p.m. on Monday 8 December 2008. 
The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod announced the presence of Her Majesty’s Commissioners. The bar was raised and the Commissioners took their places at the head of the Table. 
The Right Honourable Dame Sian Elias Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit Chief Justice of New Zealand the Chief Commissioner said: 
The Letters Patent were then read by the Clerk of the House of Representatives. 
The Proclamation summoning Parliament was then read by the Chief Commissioner as follows: 
The Chief Commissioner then said:  
The Commissioners then withdrew.
Parata Hekia: Electoral Referendum Bill — First Reading 
Parata Hekia: Electoral Referendum Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:662;Page:10422] 
HEKIA PARATA (National) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Deputy Speaker. Tena tatou e te Whare. It is most appropriate that today we are discussing the first reading of the Electoral Referendum Bill. Many of us in this House today are wearing a red poppy in remembrance of the Anzac soldiers who went overseas to many wars to fight for the very rights that underpin the notion that this referendum bill is about. It is appropriate that we recall that they made sacrifices. Many of them sacrificed their life and their families at home anguished and waited for news of whether they would return home. The soldiers went with the notion that they were fighting for things like democracy like constitutional integrity and like the right to equality in their homeland. In fact in the 1930s Sir Apirana Ngata a former National Minister wrote a very poignant essay called  
The Price of Citizenship 
 in which he exhorted the establishment of the Maori Battalion and said that if we wished to have the rights of citizenship in our country we should also participate in the obligation to fight for the integrity of our system in New Zealand. It is appropriate that we should wear the poppy today and that we should spend Sunday commemorating not only those people who are part of every family in New Zealand but also the particular principle of democracy that their valour and commitment represented. 
Today we are also honouring the social contract that many New Zealanders understood to have been entered into when MMP was first passed as an electoral system in the mid-1990s: that they would have the opportunity to review whether this system was serving us well and meeting our expectations. It is appropriate that we should honour as our party does the commitment we made at the 2008 election to conduct a referendum to see whether New Zealanders remain satisfied with this system and if not which other system they might wish to have in order to protect their democracy and their democratic expression in the new century. It is right that we should honour as I said those Anzac soldiers who all put their lives at risk so that we might maintain a democracy here in New Zealand. 
Like previous speakers I too commend the Minister of Justice the Hon Simon Power for the integrity and commitment that he has shown to working across parties on an issue that should not be driven by partisanship but should be driven by our combined and unified interest in providing for our country a system in which all New Zealanders can enjoy confidence. Therefore I commend this bill to the House. Kia ora. 
Bill read a first time.  
Bill referred to the Electoral Legislation Committee.
Hawkins George: Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
Hawkins George: Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:662;Page:10439] 
Hon GEORGE HAWKINS (Labour—Manurewa) 
: 
 I want to make just a short contribution. 
Hon John Carter 
: That’s enough. 
Hon GEORGE HAWKINS 
: No it is not quite enough I say to Mr Carter. The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill began under the last Labour Government and I think that is a very important point. Unfortunately the Social Services Committee did not pick up all the brilliant ideas and the brilliant amendments that Labour made. 
Things are a bit quiet in the rental market at the moment because people fear 20 May. Landlords are worried so things have gone a bit quiet. It is worth noting that around 29 percent of tenants are Housing New Zealand Corporation tenants. In South Auckland there are large numbers of tenants who are Housing New Zealand Corporation tenants. Of course what is happening now is that many families are doubling up in houses and no one is taking very much action over that because people are worried. I see the moves the Minister made towards trying to get gangs out of certain houses and that matter is still going through the court system. So this bill does not fix everything; there will still be problems there. I think that people need to know that this bill will not cure all the problems. 
Of course many people are good tenants and this bill will not make a lot of difference to them. The good landlords do not need to worry. But at the other end are the bad tenants and bad landlords—and there are both. I think that this bill goes some of the way towards addressing that issue. When we look at what is happening at the moment we see that people do not want to become landlords. There are not a lot of new houses up for rent and that is a part of these economic times. People will be looking to see what this bill means for them as well as looking on 20 May to see what will happen to landlords. 
I am sure that quite a lot of debate is still going on about letting fees and about who is allowed to charge them and who is not. Arguments of that nature will continue while this bill goes through the House. I am pleased that this bill started its life under a Labour Government and that it has taken only 18 months for National to push it through this far. It may be another few months before it is put into place because this is not the most fleet-of-foot Government that has ever been. 
Michael Woodhouse 
: I thought you were going to be short—if you want it passed. 
Hon GEORGE HAWKINS 
: Well there is a guy who is pointing at the watch—a clock-watcher. We know those sorts of people. We can compare him with Chester Borrows. Chester Borrows wanted to make two contributions. He wanted to make a second contribution tonight; that member did not. But seeing that he wants to take his ball and go home I will let him do it. 
Bill read a second time.
Borrows Chester: Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
Borrows Chester: Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:662;Page:10438] 
CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) 
: 
 I am pleased to take a call in respect of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill on its second reading and to make a few short points. The first is that when the bill came before the Social Services Committee there were a number of changes— 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy) 
: I am sorry Mr Borrows but I am just looking at my notes. I see that you have already spoken on this reading and a member cannot take two calls. 
CHESTER BORROWS 
: I am unsure that I have spoken; I think that someone took my place. But if that is your record I am happy to take a seat. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy) 
: I am informed that I am correct. I am sorry.
Chauvel Charles: Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Chauvel Charles: Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:662;Page:10427] 
CHARLES CHAUVEL (Labour) 
: 
 The Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill will repeal section 92A of the Copyright Act which was introduced in the Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act 2008. In so doing it aims to deter illegal file-sharing holding individual account holders liable for their actions rather than Internet service providers and compensating copyright holders for damages caused by illegal file-sharing. At the same time it aims to educate the public about the problems caused by such copyright infringements. 
Labour holds in high regard the right of individuals to have their innovative creations whether they are in the form of music films or other entertainments protected. Because of the importance that we place on protecting intellectual property we will do our bit to curb illegal file-sharing by supporting the referral of the bill to the Commerce Committee. But our support for the bill does come with several reservations particularly around the issue of the suspension of Internet users’ access the amount of detail in the bill that is left to regulation and the bill’s general lack of clarity in certain circumstances. 
When Labour was last in Government we recognised the seriousness of the issue of Internet piracy by implementing section 92A of the current Act which requires Internet service providers to suspend the accounts of repeat file-sharing offenders. This was done as I think has been recognised across the House with the best of intentions just as I believe that it was supported by the National Party on the same basis. Clearly after widespread public discussion the House has come to the realisation that that section is particularly problematic. It was referred to on the Net as the “guilt upon accusation” law because it gave the potential for Internet users to have their access suspended without due process. 
This bill seeks to remedy this unjust situation by implementing a “three strikes” system whereby three notices will be given before an account is suspended. 
David Garrett 
: Very sound! 
CHARLES CHAUVEL 
: Perhaps this is one occasion where “three strikes” might make a tiny iota of sense although not in any other public policy area I say to Mr Garrett. Although this process hopefully will give fair time in which to change the behaviour along with the opportunity for offenders to learn about the damage caused by illegal file-sharing we still have the issue of suspension which is problematic. In our view the regime is generally more equitable and we do look forward to hearing what the public have to say on the provisions at the Commerce Committee.
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:662;Page:10403] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Earlier in question time I sought leave to table a document. The leave was declined because according to members opposite it had been previously tabled. I have had an inquiry from Grey Power which wants to publish it. I have been on to the website but I cannot find that document; that might be due to my computer skills. I wonder whether the website is working well or whether those documents are not put up there. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is the member talking about the parliamentary website and documents tabled? I am advised that documents tabled by leave are not placed on the website; they are placed on the Table here by the end of the day.
Ardern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Ardern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:662;Page:10403] 
12. 
SHANE ARDERN (National—Taranaki - King Country) 
 to the  
Minister for Economic Development 
: What support is the Government giving to encourage the development of the aquaculture industry in New Zealand? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister for Economic Development) 
: 
 Last week I announced that the Government is contributing $1.69 million to develop a shared research facility for seafood and aquaculture innovation which is likely to result in substantial national economic benefits. The facility will allow greater collaboration between research organisations education providers and industry. The aquaculture industry will benefit from the world-class science undertaken at the Cawthron Institute’s new $5.73 million facility in Nelson. 
Shane Ardern 
: There must be more. What other support is the Government giving to encourage the development of the aquaculture industry in New Zealand? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: Quite apart from the fact that the aquaculture industry in New Zealand finds it a refreshing change to deal with the current Government my colleague the Hon Phil Heatley is advancing new legislation to provide a better framework for the industry. We have also supported the development of new markets for New Zealand aquacultural product through the aquaculture market development contestable fund and in January of this year I announced a further $500000 to help New Zealand aquaculture companies to take advantage of emerging markets offshore. We expect the activity generated by new projects will build on the five projects that are already under way for two of aquaculture’s flagship species: greenshell mussels and king salmon. Along with Pacific oysters these species are major contributors to the growth of aquacultural production in New Zealand. The industry is working hard to establish its brand in international markets although I must say it does not appear to be putting itself through the same contortions that the Labour Party is over its brand.
Moroney Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Moroney Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:662;Page:10402] 
11. 
SUE MORONEY (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: Does she stand by her statement to the House on 1 April 2009 that “quality early childhood education and care is a high priority for the Government”? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Deputy Prime Minister)  
on behalf of the  
Minister of Education 
: Yes. 
Sue Moroney 
: What did she mean then when she told the Early Education Federation at a meeting on 25 March that the Government has to address the increasing costs of early childhood education and there are some tough decisions to be made? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: Government spending on early childhood education has increased from $428 million in 2004-05 to $1120 million this last year so it has almost trebled in 5 years. This Government wants to make sure that the taxpayer is getting good value for three times the expenditure on early childhood education so we are looking at where the expenditure is less effective so that we can move it to where it is more effective. 
Sue Moroney 
: Will the Minister guarantee to continue the funding that early childhood services with 80 to 100 percent qualified staff receive? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: The member will just have to wait until the Budget to find out about the measures that the Government has taken but I think that any sensible person who was looking at this sector would say that when expenditure has gone up by 300 percent the Government should have a pretty good look at whether that is actually working. I might say it is a much faster rise in expenditure than the previous Labour Government ever budgeted for. 
Sue Moroney 
: Why has the Minister decided to shelve National’s election promise of 2008 to improve staff ratios for under-2-year-olds by deferring that for another 3 years as she informed the Early Education Federation at that March meeting? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: As I have already said this is an area where Government spending has gone up by 300 percent which is much faster than the previous Government had budgeted for when it made changes to the system. It imagined the spending would go up a bit but it has gone up by 300 percent so the Government is looking at all aspects of early childhood education to ensure that we are getting value for money. The most important issue is that despite that large rise in expenditure the children who most need early childhood education still are not receiving it and the Government is determined to fix that problem. 
Sue Moroney 
: I seek leave to table a document titled “Meeting with the Hon. Anne Tolley Minister of Education—25 March 2010”. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: What is the source of the document? 
Sue Moroney 
: It is the minutes of a meeting that the Early Education Federation had with the Minister. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Moroney Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Moroney Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:662;Page:10402] 
SUE MORONEY (Labour) 
: 
 I seek leave to have my question held over until a day when the Minister of Education is present in the Chamber. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to have question No. 11 in the name of Sue Moroney held over to another day. Is there any objection to that course of action? There is objection.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:662;Page:10389] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Despite the Opposition’s wanting to scratch at the bottom of a barrel to find some interesting aspect to that particular decision by the Government the answer is that all legislation introduced into this House by this Government is for the betterment of all people in New Zealand.
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
[Volume:662;Page:10389] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 Could the Leader of the House advise the House whether any of the legislation for introduction he referred to falls out of the Government’s decision to accede to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and whether there will be any new Government legislation as a result of signing up to that declaration?
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:662;Page:10389] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 It is the Government’s intention when the House resumes next week to advance the Committee stage of the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Bill the Education Amendment Bill and other bills on the Order Paper. It is expected that there may be other introductions during the week.
Business Statement 
Business Statement 
[Volume:662;Page:10389] 
Thursday 22 April 2010 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Business Statement 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 It is the Government’s intention when the House resumes next week to advance the Committee stage of the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Bill the Education Amendment Bill and other bills on the Order Paper. It is expected that there may be other introductions during the week. 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 Could the Leader of the House advise the House whether any of the legislation for introduction he referred to falls out of the Government’s decision to accede to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and whether there will be any new Government legislation as a result of signing up to that declaration? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Despite the Opposition’s wanting to scratch at the bottom of a barrel to find some interesting aspect to that particular decision by the Government the answer is that all legislation introduced into this House by this Government is for the betterment of all people in New Zealand.