edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Brownlee Gerry: Urgency 
Brownlee Gerry: Urgency 
[Volume:669;Page:16011] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That urgency be accorded the first reading of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill; the third reading of the Ngati Apa (North Island) Claims Settlement Bill; the first readings of the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Financial Assistance Package) Amendment Bill the Building Amendment Bill (No 3) and the Telecommunications (TSO Broadband and Other Matters) Amendment Bill; the passing through its remaining stages of the Taxation (GST and Remedial Matters) Bill; the first readings of the Biosecurity Law Reform Bill and the Smoke-free Environments (Controls and Enforcement) Amendment Bill; the second reading of the Customs and Excise (Joint Border Management Information Sharing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill; and the passing through their remaining stages of the State Sector Management Bill the Education Amendment Bill (No 2) and the New Zealand Productivity Commission Bill and of any bills into which any of those bills may be divided.  
I spoke a bit over an hour ago in my Leader of the House update to the House on where we are going next week and the reality is that as we come to the end of the year the Government has a great deal of work that it needs to do to get legislation either sent to select committees or completed in order that we may have orderly progress in the way Government departments administer themselves beyond the new year. We are about to go into a long adjournment and when we come back we have the Prime Minister’s statement and the attendant debate that goes with it meaning that the amount of time available in February is also somewhat limited. 
This Government does not shirk from the job it has to do of leading New Zealand and that job requires us to pass legislation. It is extraordinary that parties in this House are upset about spending more time in this Chamber. For those reasons I am happy to move the motion as I have just read it.
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16011] 
23. 
Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee 
: How many submissions have been received on the Dairy Industry Restructuring (New Sunset Provisions) Amendment Bill? 
SHANE ARDERN (Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee) 
: 
 Thirteen submissions were received.
McClay Todd: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Financial Assistance Package) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
McClay Todd: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Financial Assistance Package) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16043] 
TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) 
: 
 It gives me pleasure to rise so close to the dinner break to support the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Financial Assistance Package) Amendment Bill. I start by congratulating the Minister for Building and Construction on his hard work over 2 years. There was a lot of doom and gloom in the speech of the previous speaker Phil Twyford although I know that he wants to be positive about the solution. I think he focused far too much on the negative aspects of “what if” “how” and so on and so forth. 
I say that this Government has reacted in a very short period of time and has delivered a very good package for New Zealanders who for some period have not been sure what would happen to them and their homes. It gives me please to support the bill. I commend it to the House. Thank you. 
Sitting suspended from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Finlayson Christopher: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Finlayson Christopher: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16026] 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister in charge of the NZ Security Intelligence Service 
: I move  
That the Intelligence and Security Committee 
 consider the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions) and during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House despite Standing Orders 187 and 190(1)(b) and (c).
Vote: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Vote: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16026] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 111 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 42; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 4; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 9 
Green Party 9. 
Bill read a first time.
Tremain Chris: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Tremain Chris: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16026] 
CHRIS TREMAIN (National—Napier) 
: 
 I rise to take a “whip’s call”— 
Hon Member 
: Well you’re a whip. 
CHRIS TREMAIN 
: —maybe because I am a whip—and make the closing speech of the debate on the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill. 
Before I commend the bill to the House I have to say a few words in reply to the Hon Pete Hodgson. He was going on about the Prime Minister and his “boys’ own” way of walking around with the SIS. If anyone in this House loves the SIS it is Pete Hodgson. In fact he walks into the House every day almost in camouflage gear. I imagine his underwear is probably in camouflage. If any action takes place in this House with members trying to dig dirt on anybody that man is at the bottom of trying to uncover the dirt. If anybody loves the SIS manoeuvres or tactics it is Pete Hodgson. I had a bit of a laugh when he talked about that in respect of this bill. 
Without any further ado I commend this bill to the House.
Boscawen John: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Boscawen John: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16025] 
Hon JOHN BOSCAWEN (Deputy Leader—ACT) 
: 
 I rise on behalf of the ACT Party to speak on the first reading of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill which makes five main changes to update and clarify existing legislation to take into account advances in technology. 
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act was passed more than 40 years ago and I think it is safe to say that at that time Parliament would not have been able to consider the way in which technological advances would affect the role of our security services. As such the Act does not recognise the electronic and digital methods that the SIS uses in its investigations today or the methods used by those whom the SIS investigates. No longer are those being investigated exclusively tracked and followed by agents. Although such methods are undoubtedly still utilised the vast majority of surveillance is now done by remote and electronic means. 
Current legislation should reflect current practice and bringing this law into the 21st century is long overdue. The bill will do that by making it clear that the warrant framework set out in the Act includes electronic tracking. The bill updates the means by which the subject of the surveillance can be monitored. Sadly for those of us who are old spy movie buffs the days of secret agents breaking into a home and attaching a bugging device to a landline phone are probably long over. 
The bill will update and expand the scope of the Act to include 21st century technology such as mobile phones and other digital communication devices. With the expansion of computers in our everyday lives the ability for individuals or organisations to misuse such technology to aid their lawbreaking has risen dramatically. The bill will provide an explicit focus on those using new technologies and clarifies that computer-based surveillance is a permitted activity for the intelligence services by ensuring a clearer exemption from that aspect of the Crimes Act. The security service requires and deserves clear direction in order to remove any uncertainty over the legality of its actions. 
This bill will enable the SIS to work more effectively within the New Zealand Police and other enforcement agencies. It will modernise the current Act and the activities of the SIS to bring them into line with our overseas partners and with technological advances over the last four decades. It will provide our security services with a clear and modern mandate to keep our country and our people safe. I commend the bill to the House.
McClay Todd: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
McClay Todd: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16024] 
TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) 
: 
 I rise to the challenge presented by the previous speaker and in so doing support the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill. I too commend it to the House.
Upston Louise: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Upston Louise: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16022] 
LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupo) 
: 
 I commend the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill to the House.
Hipkins Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Hipkins Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16006] 
3. 
CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Local Government and Environment Committee 
: How many submissions have been received on the Sustainable Biofuel Bill? 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (Chairperson of the Local Government and Environment Committee) 
: 
 Twenty-eight. 
Chris Hipkins 
: How many submissions were received after the due date? 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE 
: I do not have that information with me.
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16011] 
22. 
Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee 
: How many submitters on the Food Bill have requested to be heard in person? 
SHANE ARDERN (Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee) 
: 
 Twenty-four submitters requested to be heard and were heard. 
Hon Damien O’Connor 
: When will the bill be reported back to the House? 
SHANE ARDERN 
: Presumably on the next sitting day as the bill was deliberated on today.
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16010] 
20. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
 on behalf of  
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee 
: How many submitters on the Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill have requested to be heard in person? 
CHESTER BORROWS (Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee) 
: 
 One hundred and two submitters asked to be heard. The committee heard from 79 before putting consideration of the bill on hold to await the publication of the Law Commission’s report earlier this year. It has now been overtaken by events with the introduction of the new bill. Submissions are open until 18 February and we expect an overwhelming response from the public to submit on this fine piece of legislation. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Is it the intention of the committee to write to the submitters who have not been heard inviting them to make a submission on the subsequent legislation? 
CHESTER BORROWS 
: No because submitters who responded not only to the first bill but to the Law Commission’s report who numbered 3000 are well aware of events—the new bill that is before the committee—and have made public their intention to submit on that fine piece of legislation.
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16009] 
16. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
 on behalf of  
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee 
: How many submitters on the Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill have requested to be heard in person? 
CHESTER BORROWS (Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee) 
: 
 All six submitters asked to be heard all of whom have appeared or have been scheduled for hearing. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Is it the intention of the committee in order to make sure that the evidence is robust and covers all matters to call back any of those submitters for further submission or elucidation? 
CHESTER BORROWS 
: No.
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16010] 
19. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
 on behalf of  
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee 
: How many submissions have been received on the Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill? 
CHESTER BORROWS (Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee) 
: 
 The committee received 233 submissions. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: In light of the fact that only just over 200 submissions have been received on this very important bill is it the intention of the committee to re-advertise to make sure more people are aware of that important bill? 
CHESTER BORROWS 
: No as the importance of the bill has been mitigated by the introduction of an excellent bill by the Government and the Minister of Justice Simon Power which is open to submissions at the moment.
Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16004] 
11. 
JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) 
 to the  
Minister of Agriculture 
: What recent steps has the Government taken to control bovine TB? 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister of Agriculture) 
: 
 Earlier this week I was pleased to confirm that the Government would commit $30 million annually for the next 5 years to manage bovine tuberculosis. This ensures that the good work of the national pest management strategy will continue and that we can make significant progress in controlling this damaging disease. Failure to do that places at risk our trade access to many valuable offshore markets. 
Jacqui Dean 
: What support is the primary sector providing to control bovine tuberculosis? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: The Bovine Tuberculosis National Pest Management Strategy is a true industry - Government partnership. On top of the $30 million annual contribution from the Crown the beef dairy and deer industries commit $45 million and regional councils around $7 million. In total $82 million is available each year to fund what is the world-leading tuberculosis management programme.
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16009] 
17. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
 on behalf of  
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee 
: How many submissions have been received on the Legal Services Bill? 
CHESTER BORROWS (Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee) 
: 
 We have received 26 submissions. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: In light of the fact that only 26 submissions have been received on the Legal Services Bill and of the importance of the legislation is it the committee’s intention to call for further submissions to make sure there is a widespread understanding of the importance of the bill for committee members? 
CHESTER BORROWS 
: A widespread range of submissions has been received by the committee and we do not intend to seek further submissions.
Hughes Darren: Urgency 
Hughes Darren: Urgency 
[Volume:669;Page:16012] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It is about the instruction that is given to the House for bills to be considered under urgency. Once we have voted on the motion that has been moved is it possible for the Government to add any other bills for consideration under urgency or it will cover just the bills that have been read out by the Leader of the House just now? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The advice I have received is that bills cannot be added unless the urgency concludes before the House rises.
Hipkins Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Hipkins Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16006] 
4. 
CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Local Government and Environment Committee 
: How many submitters on the Sustainable Biofuel Bill have requested to be heard in person? 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (Chairperson of the Local Government and Environment Committee) 
: 
 Ten. 
Chris Hipkins 
: Was every submitter who requested to be heard in person given that opportunity? 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE 
: Yes. All were heard in person in Wellington on 22 and 29 October.
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16006] 
2. 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Labour—New Lynn) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee 
: How many submitters on the Student Loan Scheme Bill have requested to be heard in person? 
CRAIG FOSS (Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee) 
: 
 Those are matters for the committee. The committee is yet to discuss those matters. 
Hon David Cunliffe 
: When will the committee consider whether all those who have sought to be heard in person will be allowed to do so? 
CRAIG FOSS 
: That is a matter of committee business until such time as the committee discusses those matters.
Harawira Hone: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Harawira Hone: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:15997] 
3. 
HONE HARAWIRA (Maori Party—Te Tai Tokerau) 
 to the  
Associate Minister of Health 
: What is the rationale behind the move to prohibit the display of tobacco products for sale in retail outlets? 
Hon TARIANA TURIA (Associate Minister of Health) 
: 
 The Government is serious about saving lives and reducing harm caused by smoking. A growing body of evidence shows that tobacco displays prompt impulse purchasing. There is a clear link between displays and young people taking up smoking. It is vital that we do more to help people quit smoking and to stop young people from being tempted to take up the habit. 
Hone Harawira 
: What other tobacco controls are being introduced to reduce tobacco consumption? 
Hon TARIANA TURIA 
: The Smoke-free Environments (Controls and Enforcement) Amendment Bill brings in a range of other controls including the ability to issue instant infringement fines to those selling products to under-age people. We will also be monitoring the progress on Australia’s proposal to legislate plain packaging of tobacco products by 2012 and we will explore the option of New Zealand making similar moves in alignment with Australia. Those controls combined with the increase in excise tax over the next 3 years are powerful tools in reducing smoking. 
Hone Harawira 
: What public health benefits are expected over time as a result of reducing tobacco consumption? 
Hon TARIANA TURIA 
: Exposure to smoking in the home and tobacco use itself result in a staggering figure of around 5000 deaths a year. Every day 13 people die from smoking-related diseases. Reduced tobacco consumption has a direct correlation with a reduction in cancers strokes blindness coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—and the list goes on. 
Iain Lees-Galloway 
: Why did it take nearly 2 years for her to adopt the Health Committee’s recommendation to remove tobacco displays given that she had all the evidence she needed 2 years ago that she has no new evidence and that her Government has shown that it can acquiesce in just a matter of hours to a corporation like Warner Bros? 
Hon TARIANA TURIA 
: I think 2 years beats 9 years any day. 
Jo Goodhew 
: Mr Speaker—[ 
Interruption 
]  
Mr SPEAKER 
: Has the honourable member quite finished? 
Jo Goodhew 
: Has the public been consulted on the issue of tobacco displays? 
Hon TARIANA TURIA 
: Yes two public consultation processes have been undertaken. The interesting point in all of this—[ 
Interruption 
] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I say to both sides of the House that a question was asked of the Minister and the House deserves the courtesy of being able to hear the answer. 
Hon TARIANA TURIA 
: Yes two public consultation processes have been undertaken and the interesting point in all of this is that members of the public including those who are smokers are totally supportive of the actions that the Government is taking.
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16006] 
1. 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Labour—New Lynn) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee 
: How many submissions have been received on the Student Loan Scheme Bill? 
CRAIG FOSS (Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee) 
: 
 Ten.
Hipkins Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Hipkins Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16007] 
6. 
CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Local Government and Environment Committee 
: How many submitters on the Southland District Council (Stewart Island/ Rakiura Visitor Levy) Empowering Bill have requested to be heard in person? 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (Chairperson of the Local Government and Environment Committee) 
: 
 In direct response to the question and its mispronunciation none. But we have had six submitters requesting to be heard on the “Raki-ur-a” bill. 
Chris Hipkins 
: How much time has the select committee set aside to hear those submissions? 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE 
: That is the committee’s business.
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16008] 
13. 
DARIEN FENTON (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee 
: How many submitters on the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Bill have requested to be heard in person? 
DAVID BENNETT (Chairperson of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee) 
: 
 Six. 
Darien Fenton 
: When will the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Bill be reported back to the House? 
DAVID BENNETT 
: The report-back date for the bill is 24 December 2010.
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16008] 
12. 
DARIEN FENTON (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee 
: How many submissions have been received on the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Bill? 
DAVID BENNETT (Chairperson of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee) 
: 
 Twenty-eight. 
Hon Darren Hughes 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I understand that the chairs of committees are under instruction to be as brief as possible but if the chairs when they are given the call by you begin their answer before their microphones have been switched on we cannot hear the answer. I could not hear the chair of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee. I have no idea how many submissions he said there had been. Some of the members seeking the call are obscure and the technicians do not know where they sit so we have to wait till the microphones are on. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Interestingly the Speaker often has difficulty hearing things in this House but he had no trouble hearing that answer. It was 28. 
Darien Fenton 
: When was the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Bill first introduced? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The chair of the committee has no responsibility for that.
Upston Louise: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Upston Louise: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16003] 
9. 
LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupo) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: What were the results of the Programme for International Assessment (PISA) which looked at New Zealand students’ achievement in reading maths and scientific literacy? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) 
: 
 The latest Programme for International Student Assessment results show that our top-performing students are up amongst the best in the world and we should be proud of that. However New Zealand continues to have a disproportionate number of lower achievers. In fact of the top-performing countries in reading literacy which was the main focus for the Programme for International Student Assessment in 2010 New Zealand has the largest range of student scores between the top and the bottom 5 percent of students. And New Zealand has the largest range of scores in the middle range—that is between the top and bottom—at 25 percent. In addition there has been no significant change in our students’ performance in reading for the last 10 years or in maths for the past 6 years. 
Louise Upston 
: What is the Government doing to address the findings of the Programme for International Student Assessment in 2009? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: In the modern world we cannot allow any of our students to be left behind. National standards in reading writing and maths will give us the information that we need to address underachievement as early as possible with timely and targeted interventions. To further strengthen work that is already under way the Ministry of Education will take a much more direct front-line focus on supporting schools to lift student achievement.
Carter David: Building Amendment Bill (No 3) — First Reading 
Carter David: Building Amendment Bill (No 3) — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16067] 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister of Agriculture) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister for Building and Construction 
: I move  
That the Local Government and Environment Committee consider the Building Amendment Bill (No 3) 
 and that the committee report finally to the House on or before 30 June 2011. 
Motion agreed to.
Mahuta Nanaia: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Mahuta Nanaia: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16002] 
8. 
Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Labour—Hauraki-Waikato) 
 to the  
Minister of Energy and Resources 
: Will the mining of lignite form part of his New Zealand Energy Strategy? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Energy and Resources) 
: 
 Not specifically. However one of the goals or areas of focus that are outlined in the Energy Strategy is the development of New Zealand’s oil and petroleum mineral fuel resources. 
Hon Nanaia Mahuta 
: Is he aware that the report released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment today states that one large lignite-to-diesel plant similar to that proposed by L and M Mining in Southland would increase New Zealand’s carbon dioxide emissions by 7 percent; if so how does that fit into his draft energy strategy goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: Yes. That is a separate report. It has nothing to do with the Energy Strategy. 
Hon Nanaia Mahuta 
: Who will pay for the $137 million a year that such an increase in emissions will cost—New Zealand L and M Mining or the taxpayer? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: The member should well know that that cost would fall on the business operator. 
Hon Nanaia Mahuta 
: If the use of 10 million tonnes of lignite to produce diesel would cost $137 million a year in emissions what would be the cost of using 6.3 billion tonnes of lignite which he told the distinguished fellows forum of the Centre for Advanced Engineering was technically and economically recoverable in Southland and was a cost he thought worth paying? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: A much bigger number.
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16010] 
21. 
Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee 
: How many submissions have been received on the Food Bill? 
SHANE ARDERN (Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee) 
: 
 Sixty-seven submissions. 
Hon Damien O’Connor 
: How many submissions were received after the submission due date? 
SHANE ARDERN 
: No submissions were received after the due date.
Smith Lockwood: Business Statement 
Smith Lockwood: Business Statement 
[Volume:669;Page:15991] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I was happy to listen to the honourable member but he must not use the point of order process to start to get into a debate about who has been abusive. I must confess that I acknowledge that the questions the member put were not answered as fully as he would have liked but that is a matter for the Leader of the House. I cannot intervene in that process.
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
[Volume:669;Page:15991] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The point of the business statement given by the Leader of the House is to outline the programme and then there is a response from the Opposition. I asked him some questions about why he was going down a certain path in respect of some bills that are urgent not being taken under urgency and of other bills that are not urgent being taken under urgency. I asked him those questions and instead of his replying to them we got a stream of abuse saying Labour does not want to work a certain number of hours. That is an abuse.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:669;Page:15991] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 When the House resumes next week priority will be given to the Committee stage and third readings of the Electoral (Finance Reform and Advanced Voting) Amendment Bill the Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill and the Electoral Referendum Bill. Depending on progress this week the House should expect to adjourn some time next week.
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16007] 
11. 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Labour—New Lynn) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee 
: Has the Finance and Expenditure Committee conducted the 2009-10 financial review of the Office of the Retirement Commissioner? 
CRAIG FOSS (Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee) 
: 
 No. 
Hon David Cunliffe 
: Has the Finance and Expenditure Committee decided to call back the Retirement Commissioner for further discussion on her report on securing superannuation given that her early appearance was unfortunately scheduled just days before the report was tabled? 
CRAIG FOSS 
: How the committee conducts its business and chooses to progress its work is a matter for the committee. 
Hon David Cunliffe 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The matter of whether the committee has timetabled a repeat appearance by the Retirement Commissioner is a matter that is well within the ambit of the chairperson being able to answer in the House. He is simply dodging the question by saying it is a matter of— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I think the member asked a wider question than just that and the chair of the committee focused on another part of the question the member asked.
Tolley Anne: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Financial Assistance Package) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Tolley Anne: Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Financial Assistance Package) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16053] 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education)  
on behalf of the  
Minister for Building and Construction 
: I move  
That the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Financial Assistance Package) Amendment Bill be considered by the Local Government and Environment Committee 
 that the committee report finally to the House on or before 28 April 2011 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions) and during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House and outside the Wellington area despite Standing Orders 187 189(a) and 190(1)(b) and (c). 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Before I put the motion I have an amendment in the name of Moana Mackey to delete all the words after “Committee”.
Borrows Chester: Ngati Apa (North Island) Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
Borrows Chester: Ngati Apa (North Island) Claims Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:16035] 
CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) 
: 
 E nga iwi o Ngati Apa kia ora mai tatou tena tatou katoa. I acknowledge the iwi in the gallery today and I thank them for the manner in which they have entered into these negotiations. I congratulate them on the place that they find themselves in today with the moving of the third reading of this bill before the House the Ngati Apa (North Island) Claims Settlement Bill. 
I have read the biography of T W Ratana. I have read of the steady resolve with which he went about seeking Government actions that were consistent with the Treaty of Waitangi to redress the wrongs of the past. It was palpable to see the energy with which he directed himself and his people towards that goal. 
I am pleased to live in a community in Whanganui and in Taranaki where iwi have moved to heal the wounds of the past and have moved well over halfway towards Pakeha who are slowly resolving that they need to be there too. I welcome the new identity of those communities particularly around Whanganui and the acceptance of a oneness that will preserve the uniqueness of the communities but will at the same time recognise all those things that we have in common. 
I am also pleased to see that through this new understanding we are prepared to cut a new track through old hurts old bigotry and old redneck persuasions. That is largely down to the manner in which iwi have addressed these negotiations and the understanding and the enduring patience that they have shown which has allowed the rest of us to catch up. 
I thank iwi for the patience they have shown and the spirit in which they have engaged—congratulations. Tena koutou tena koutou tena koutou katoa.
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
O'Connor Damien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16011] 
24. 
Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee 
: How many submitters on the Dairy Industry Restructuring (New Sunset Provisions) Amendment Bill have requested to be heard in person? 
SHANE ARDERN (Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee) 
: 
 Eight submitters requested to be heard. 
Hon Damien O’Connor 
: When will this bill be reported back to the House? 
SHANE ARDERN 
: That matter is still before the committee.
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Fenton Darien: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16008] 
14. 
DARIEN FENTON (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee 
: How many submissions have been received on the Land Transport (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Bill? 
DAVID BENNETT (Chairperson of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee) 
: 
 Eighty-five. 
Darien Fenton 
: How many of those submissions supported the immediate lowering of the adult blood-alcohol concentration to 0.5— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The chairperson of the committee has no responsibility for that matter.
Bennett David: Taxation (Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — First Reading 
Bennett David: Taxation (Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15894] 
DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) 
: 
 That was a very interesting speech from the previous Labour speaker Shane Jones. Following a little bit of a different format from other Labour members he actually talked about the capital gains tax and in his words he “circumvented it”. He went around the issue. He did not say that Labour would not have a capital gains tax. He tried to distance himself from it. But at the same time he left open the option for having a capital gains tax. I think that is what Labour is thinking. If Labour wants to use the change in respect of gift duty to enable it to advocate for a capital gains tax I recommend that Mr Jones have a look at the numbers in this regard. He will realise that it is only lawyers and accountants who will gain from it. For Government revenue of about $1.5 million we spend over $400000 in costs in getting that revenue. Businesses communities individuals trusts and the like pay about $70 million in tax advice in making that happen. There is a huge compliance cost which is not matched by revenue for the Government. 
In the end this is a very practical measure. It is not a measure that Labour is saying is for the rich. This is a practical measure to make sure that we take out some of the costs that are associated with doing business and that do not deliver benefits to either a business or the Government. There is no benefit to the Government that is of any consequence here and there is no benefit for the business community or the individuals involved. All it does is help lawyers and accountants make more money by charging more fees. We are making business and individuals able to perform their duties in a much more constructive and economically friendly way. It cannot be used as a reason for having a capital gains tax as the previous speaker intended. Thank you.
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Taxation (Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — First Reading 
Lotu-Iiga Peseta Sam: Taxation (Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15897] 
PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie) 
: 
 It is a privilege to speak on the Taxation (Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill. I will answer a couple of the queries that were raised by the member for Manukau East. What shocked me about his speech was that although we were at the same small-business conference all of 3 months ago and he heard the concerns issues and problems that are faced by small-business owners in his speech he neglected the concerns that were expressed to us as a group of MPs that day. Those concerns were red tape bureaucracy and the compliance costs that constrict and restrict the ability of business people to get on with their business make money and employ people. 
It is incredible that he talked about a tax cut when we know the facts are on the table. We know that the gift duty scheme provides just $1.5 million a year in revenue but imposes $70 million a year in compliance costs—$70 million. For the benefit of the member the amount of compliance costs is approximately 47 times that of the revenue it generates for our Government. In anyone’s language that is a travesty and something we have to get rid of. 
I do not take the approach of some of my colleagues to lawyers and accountants having been a former lawyer and financier myself. Those people are merely doing the job they have been asked to do in terms of the regulations and the laws in place at the time. That is why we are in the House: we are here to reform the law in order to remove those compliance costs so that individuals their families and their communities can get on with making a living. In my own electorate of Maungakiekie business people and individuals tell me that those burdens really impact their on lives and their families’ lives. 
Last week the Prime Minister and I were at the opening of a furnace plant. I say that because it was the biggest investment this year by a corporate. Owens-Illinois poured $125 million into that business in Penrose in my electorate. Really it is about providing jobs and opportunities. When I asked the chairman of that global corporation why it was doing business in New Zealand he responded by saying that it was because the corporation saw New Zealand as an investment it saw the people involved in New Zealand and it saw New Zealand running well. It saw a business-friendly environment and a business-friendly Government. That is why it is in New Zealand. 
The bill is about continuing that vein of providing business opportunities and jobs and minimising red tape and bureaucracy. That is why I recommend the bill to the House. It is part of the overall package that this Government is implementing to provide jobs and opportunities for New Zealanders. I look forward to the select committee process where we will be better able to discuss the finer points of this bill. Thank you.
Vote: Taxation (Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Taxation (Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15898] 
A party vote  was called for on the question  
That the Taxation (Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 68 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 4; Maori Party 5; United Future 1. 
Noes 51 
New Zealand Labour 41; Green Party 9; Progressive 1. 
Bill read a first time. 
Bill referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
King Colin: State Sector Management Bill — Second Reading 
King Colin: State Sector Management Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15903] 
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
: 
 It is a pleasure to speak in the second reading of the State Sector Management Bill. In doing so I cannot help but pick up on the comment that the previous speaker from the Opposition made the part-time member of the Education and Science Committee Grant Robertson. In actual fact New Zealanders spent 9 years putting up with vermin and indifference in New Zealand. The Opposition would be mindful to realise that the Government is presently trying to construct a first-class world-class State sector and that this bill is part of that. Effectively from that point of view we are looking at the amalgamation of the libraries and the archives. 
Debate interrupted.
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16009] 
18. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
 on behalf of  
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
 to the  
Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee 
: How many submitters on the Legal Services Bill have requested to be heard in person? 
CHESTER BORROWS (Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee) 
: 
 Thirteen submitters asked to appear in support of their submissions all of whom have already appeared in order to give evidence. The committee deliberated on the bill today. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Is the chair satisfied that it was not appropriate to call for further people to be heard on the bill in order to better improve the committee’s understanding? 
CHESTER BORROWS 
: I am more than satisfied.
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:669;Page:16010] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 On behalf of my learned colleague— 
Hon Member 
: Esteemed! 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD 
: No esteemed is not a word that is used— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member will just ask his question.
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
Hughes Darren: Business Statement 
[Volume:669;Page:15991] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I wonder whether the Leader of the House could be a little more fulsome in his explanation of the House’s programme as we come to the end of the year particularly in respect of the legislation that he hopes to progress through urgency. It is clear that all parties regard the electoral bills as being urgent matters that need to be passed by the end of the year. But why is it necessary to take urgency on other bills that are not as urgent and leave bills that are urgent out of the urgency motion given that previously in his business statements when we have taken him on his word he has sought the cooperation of parties for urgency on non-controversial bills in order to avoid exactly the kind of urgency that he is about to subject the House to before the end of the year?
Woodhouse Michael: Electoral Referendum Bill — Second Reading 
Woodhouse Michael: Electoral Referendum Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:669;Page:15866] 
MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) 
: 
 To the question that was posed by Mr Hodgson as to why we are having this referendum I say that to me the answer is quite simple: because there was a genuine misunderstanding that the law required a review only and the popular perception was that a referendum would be held in 2002. 
That was what the review led by the Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt in 2001 acknowledged. Even the submitters who were opposed to a further referendum went on to say that the reasons why most of them were opposed to that referendum was that it was too soon and that a referendum should be held later on. Well we drifted through the first decade of this millennium and there was no appetite from our friends on the other side for having one. The simple fact is this: National believed that a referendum was the right thing to do. We campaigned on it and we are delivering on that promise. 
Many members have been at pains to be neutral about what they think of proportional representation or MMP. I am not. I am a supporter of proportional representation. In fact my very presence here depends on it at least in this parliamentary session. I have every expectation that that will not be a problem after 2011 but only time will tell in that respect. 
One of the things that I am very concerned about is not so much proportional representation as such but the thin spread of electorates particularly in the South Island. This issue taxed the royal commission which recommend 14 electorates. We ended up with 16 statutorily in the legislation but the urban drift particularly into Christchurch is stretching those remaining electorates so large now that I think it is very very difficult for electorate MPs to adequately get around these enormous electorates. 
I think it is fair to say that most list MPs fulfil their obligations very well in what a speaker earlier today described as their “communities of interest”. I think that is a really good way of describing what list MPs do. One recalls that there was a belief that under MMP list MPs would get a bit lazy and not do the level of work of electorate MPs. I think that ironically the opposite is the case. I have half the staff resources in my local area and I look after twice the number of electorates. Being a Government MP the door is opening pretty frequently. 
I think the issue of what MMP might look like if it is still preferred by the public after this referendum is really important. I do not agree with My Hipkins that a review should be held before the referendum. The range of options is just too broad for that to be the case. I strongly support the Electoral Referendum Bill and I really look forward to the outcome of the referendum.