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Foster-Bell Paul: Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFoster-Bell Paul: Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9675. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]PAUL FOSTER-BELL (National): E Te Mana Whakawā Tuarua tēnā koe. Tēnā koutou katoa e ngā mema o Te Whare. I rise in support of this very fine bill the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill introduced by our excellent Minister for the Environment the Hon Dr Nick Smith who has been a passionate champion of the environment and conservation issues in this country over his long political career.This is a fine bill. It does a number of things that my colleagues on this side of the Househave already canvassed and it is important that we celebrate the fact that we are protecting one of the largest ocean sanctuary areas on the planet an area equivalent in size to France. As a country that has an enormous maritime area—perhaps the fourth-largest or fifth-largest in the world depending on how it is measured—as part of the wider Realm of New Zealand I think this bill is a major achievement of this Government and it will be part of the legacy of this National Government that this contribution to protecting and safeguarding such a precious resource has been made. On this side of the House the wildlife and the sea life that will be protected have been mentioned: 6 million birds coming from 39 different species; 35 species of whales and dolphins; and also three different kinds of turtles.But I want to touch on something that I suppose is of personal relevance to me. Through my father’s mother’s mother I whakapapa to Te Aupōuri and I am delighted to see that Te Aupōuri does have a place on the governance board of this sanctuary under this legislation along with Ngāti Kurī. This is particularly important because of the linkages that the Kermadecs provided in the Pacific to our ancestors and forebears. During that period of migration from Hawaiki or the parts of Polynesia where Māori originated from perhaps a thousand years ago there have been left archaeological remains on the Kermadecs including obsidian tools that show evidence not only of migration but actually of two-way travel for a period of time between New Zealand and the Pacific by our ancestors. I would refer members if they are interested to the research by Professor Foss Leach conducted in the early 1980s which is very interesting and effectively demonstrates that for a period of time the immigration and trade between the Pacific and Aotearoa was in fact two way—a very early example of globalisation.This is a wonderful piece of legislation. It should be celebrated throughout the land. I know the select committee chaired ably by the member for Coromandel Scott Simpson will look at it carefully but it is an excellent piece of legislation and I commend it to the House.
Scott Alastair: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeScott Alastair: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9661. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.ALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa) to the Minister for Primary Industries: How is the Government supporting our regions through irrigation and water storage projects?Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister for Primary Industries): As a Government we are strong supporters of irrigation and water storage projects. Analysis by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research has shown that irrigation contributes $2.2 billion to the national economy. That creates jobs and is helping to revitalise many towns throughout the regions. Of course water storage also has real environmental benefits. This includes more consistent river flows in the summer and reduced pressure on groundwater aquifers. It is well summarised by Ikawai farmer Gert van’t Klooster who said that reliable irrigation “gives you the certainty to farm in the black and gives you the possibility to be green”.Alastair Scott: What positive effects does irrigation have on different farming models?Hon NATHAN GUY: Good question. There are many misconceptions about irrigation schemes. One in particular is that they only intensify dairy farms. The reality is that dairy accounts for about 50 percent of the irrigated area in New Zealand with 25 percent relating to sheep and beef finishing and the remainder going into cropping and arable. Irrigation allows for more efficient farmer models in terms of both environmental performance and productivity. One example is the Waimea dam near Nelson which would enable the conversion of un-irrigated pasture into high-value apple orchards with a reduction in nutrient leaching and the Central Plains Water scheme will ultimately help support half of the world’s radish seed and a third of the world’s carrot seed which is grown here in New Zealand.Alastair Scott: What recent announcements has he made regarding support for irrigation projects?Hon NATHAN GUY: Last week I announced three new irrigation investments in the Wairarapa Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne. These investments come from the Ministry for Primary Industries Irrigation Acceleration Fund with a total of $1.6 million. Analysis shows that Ruataniwha Dam could increase regional GDP by around $200 million a year and will lead to 2250 fulltime-equivalent jobs in that region. In the Wairarapa analysis shows that the Black Creek and Tividale projects could add around $100 million to the wider region per year.Hon Damien O’Connor: Will the Minister assure the Tasman District Council that the Government will pay it the $40 million required to build the Lee Valley dam?Hon NATHAN GUY: There is a process to go through and that of course will be through Crown Irrigation Investments Ltd which has a board that makes the ultimate decision. So the member if he is interested in water storage projects should actually talk to his colleagues who are opposed to jobs in the region who are opposed to exports who are opposed—Mr SPEAKER: Order! The answer is quite long enough.
Nash Stuart: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNash Stuart: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9660. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.STUART NASH (Labour—Napier) to the Minister of Police: Why did the number of burglaries that were resolved fall from 9770 in 2008 to 6136 in 2015 with the proportion of burglaries that went unsolved rising from 84 percent to over 90 percent?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) on behalf of theMinister of Police: In response to the first part of the question I am advised that the figures the member is quoting are not directly comparable. The first figure refers to the number of burglaries resolved in 2008 while the second figure refers to victimisation—something the police started counting in 2015. In response to the second part of the question I can advise the member that police are actively working to get those resolution rates up.Stuart Nash: Does she think that it is acceptable for police to tell burgled South Auckland dairy owners that they are too busy to investigate?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: I cannot confirm that that statement was made. The police are very concerned with dealing with resolution rates for burglaries and in particular in South Auckland.Stuart Nash: Will she admit that cutting the number of general duties constables by almost 18 percent since 2009 has contributed to the Police Association’s inability to respond to burglaries?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: I do not accept the underlying basis of that question.Stuart Nash: I seek leave to table an answer to an Official Information Act request to the Minister of Police.Mr SPEAKER: On the basis that it could inform members of the House I will put the leave. Leave is sought to table that particular response to an Official Information Act request. Is there any—Hon Gerry Brownlee: Are they all published?Mr SPEAKER: They are not all published. Is there any objection? There is no objection.Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.Stuart Nash: Does she believe that there is an issue when 86 percent of Police Association members believe that front-line general duties branch police are under-resourced?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: I actually have not seen that survey but if people are asked whether they would like more resources the answer on most occasions would likely be yes.Stuart Nash: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It was not about whether they required more resources but the fact that they—Mr SPEAKER: Order! No the question has been addressed.Stuart Nash: Why has she allowed three Auckland districts to underspend their budgets by almost $14 million while unresolved burglaries are now at over 90 percent?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: I would have thought that they were operational matters but let me make it clear to the member that the question of burglary is not taken lightly by the police or this Minister. This is a very difficult crime to resolve in many circumstances often because it is reported long after the actual event. The key thing is that the police are focused on this issue and the Minister is supporting them.
Bennett David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBennett David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9657. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Transport: What recent progress has the Government made on the Waikato Expressway Road of National Significance?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Transport): Last Friday the Prime Minister and I turned the first sods on the $973 million Hamilton section of the Waikato Expressway signalling the start of the largest roading project in the Waikato’s history—in fact outside of Auckland in New Zealand’s history. The highway will pass to the south and east of Hamilton and includes 17 new bridges walking and cycling links and five interchanges all of which make it easier for freight business and tourism to travel throughout the region. When finished this new stretch of highway will be transformational for Hamilton City and indeed the Waikato.David Bennett: How will the Waikato Expressway benefit road users in Hamilton and the wider Waikato region?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: The expressway is now well under way and is about 40 percent complete. When finished in 2020 it will be a game-changer for the region. It will create jobs boost industry improve safety and reduce travel times. It will also unlock economic potential by providing stronger links between the business and agricultural centres of Auckland the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. This side of the House is a Government of infrastructure and the Waikato Expressway is an excellent example of where we are building lead infrastructure that drives economic and social success for our country.
Robertson Grant: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson Grant: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9655. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central) to the Minister of Finance: Does he support the expectation of the Governor of the Reserve Bank that banks would pass on the full Official Cash Rate cut made last week?Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance): Yes that has usually been the experience in the past although it is not necessarily immediate or exact. Mortgage lending is a competitive industry and Kiwis can shop around. I am advised that some banks have already passed on the reduction in the official cash rate. Given some banks cut their rates almost immediately you would expect competitive pressure to flow to other banks. But we do run a system where that is a decision made by banks not by the Governor of the Reserve Bank or as the Opposition is suggesting by the politicians.Grant Robertson: Was the Reserve Bank Governor wrong to say on Friday “I’d expect floating rates to come down by 25 basis points”?Hon BILL ENGLISH: That is yet to be seen but competition is likely to put pressure on banks to pass on this element of their funding costs.Grant Robertson: Is it fair that most of the major banks have cut their deposit rates by the full 25 basis points of the official cash rate cut but have not done the same in terms of rates for borrowing?Hon BILL ENGLISH: That is a matter the member should take up with the banks. Given that the cut in the official cash rate occurred just at the end of last week it may take some time for competitive pressures to flow through. But I think most New Zealanders would support the notion that the threat of competition is probably a more reliable impact on their interest rates than the threat of politicians who talk about strong-arming and then legislating banks. If the Opposition members want to run a bank they should apply for a job running a bank.Grant Robertson: Does he think that the goal of the Reserve Bank Governor in cutting the official cash rate last week was to prop up the profits of banks?Hon BILL ENGLISH: You would need to ask the Reserve Bank Governor. He has given a number of interviews and as far as I know he has not actually specified that as a goal. But the member needs to bear in mind—if it is going to be legally required that banks pass on cuts in the official cash rate will they be legally required to raise interest rates every time the official cash rate is put up? I suspect the member does not believe that.Grant Robertson: Why will he not take the side of New Zealand borrowers and savers and call on the banks to pass on the official cash rate cut—or is he that out of touch that he thinks putting the interests of overseas banks ahead of New Zealanders is what his job is?Hon BILL ENGLISH: That is a ridiculous way to describe the issue. What the banks will listen to is customers shopping around; that will have a great deal more influence on their behaviour than politicians making statements they cannot follow through on.
Hayes Joanne: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHayes Joanne: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9654. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]5.JOANNE HAYES (National) to the Minister of Health: Can he confirm that the Government is making major investments in health infrastructure in Christchurch?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health): Yes. Last week I was in Christchurch for the signing of the construction contract for Christchurch Hospital’s new Acute Services building which will open in 2018. The Acute Services building will have 413 new beds an expanded intensive care unit state-of-the art radiology acute medical assessment an expanded emergency department and a rooftop helipad. Its 12 new theatres and procedure rooms will provide for an additional 6000 operations per year. At a total cost of $445 million this facility is the single-biggest Government project in the Canterbury rebuild.Joanne Hayes: What other health infrastructure projects have been initiated in Christchurch?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: In early February the Government announced a new $72 million out-patients facility to be built at Christchurch Hospital and to be opened in 2018. This will be a new five-storey building that will provide out-patient and other clinical services including diabetes endocrine ophthalmology and dental services. I am also looking forward to this May when the $215 million redevelopment of Burwood Hospital opens.Joanne Hayes: How much is the Government investing into health infrastructure in Christchurch?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: In total close to $1 billion is programmed to be spent in the coming years on a range of new and/or redeveloped health facilities in Canterbury.Rt Hon Winston Peters: How much?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: This new infrastructure helps future-proof Canterbury’s health system for decades to come—$1 billion.Rt Hon Winston Peters: $1 million?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: “B”—billion. Turn that up.
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9652. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Question No. 4 James Shaw. [Interruption] Order! I have called—[Interruption] To Mr Scott who has a question later: if he wants to ask it stop interjecting.
Reti Shane: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeReti Shane: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9647. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]1.Dr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of Finance: What progress is the Government making in its programme to get better results from public services?Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance): More good news. Yesterday we released the latest results of the Government’s Better Public Services programme where 10 challenging targets were set in 2012. Benefit dependency continues to fall. We currently have the lowest crime rate since 1978. The number of children and young people experiencing physical abuse has reduced somewhat and immunisation rates continue to grow with almost 94 percent of 8-month-olds fully vaccinated.Dr Shane Reti: What progress is being made against result 5 increasing the proportion of 18-year-olds with National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 2?Hon BILL ENGLISH: The Government is focused on this measure because NCEA level 2 is the entry-level qualification for further training. Since 2011 the percentage of 18-year-olds achieving NCEA level 2 has jumped from 74 percent to 84.4 percent just short of our 85 percent target with 2 years to go. By way of comparison in 2008 just 68 percent of 18-year-olds were achieving these qualifications. That means 7600 more young people reach that threshold this year than was the case 7 years ago.Dr Shane Reti: What progress is being made on other targets that aim to improve the outcomes for children and young people?Hon BILL ENGLISH: Significant progress because of the work of so many teachers social workers policemen mentors councillors and advisers and they are having a positive impact on our children and young people. It is good that the percentage of children who attend early childhood education has increased each year since 2000 and is now sitting at 96.4 percent. Ninety-four percent of 8-month-olds are fully vaccinated and as I said before the number of young people achieving the basic secondary school qualification has leapt to 84.4 percent.Dr Shane Reti: How does the Government’s priority of delivering better public services interact with its other priority to responsibly manage its finances?Hon BILL ENGLISH: The reason we have better public services is partly that we have been managing our finances tightly. In the past when the Public Service wanted to show progress it would tell everybody it had spent more money aided and abetted by politicians whereas now we measure progress by whether we are changing lives—that is changing the lives of young people who are less subject to abuse; prisoners who no longer reoffend; or young people who get the qualification they need for further training.
Davidson Marama: Motions — Syria—Fifth Anniversary of ConflictText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDavidson Marama: Motions — Syria—Fifth Anniversary of Conflict[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9647. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MARAMA DAVIDSON (Green): I seek leave of the House to move without notice and without debate a motion to mark the 5-year anniversary of the start of the conflict in Syria and to express—Mr SPEAKER: Order! I will put the leave and see whether there is any objection. Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is none.MARAMA DAVIDSON: I move That this House express its solidarity with the people of Syria who have been suffering for 5 years from brutal suppression widespread war crimes and crimes against humanity and call on the Syrian Government and all other conflict parties to immediately end the bombing of civilian areas including hospitals and other health facilities as well as ensuring citizens have access to food water medicines and other necessities.Motion agreed to.
Motions — Syria—Fifth Anniversary of ConflictText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMotions — Syria—Fifth Anniversary of Conflict[Sitting date: 15 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9647. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Tuesday 15 March 2016Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.MotionsSyria—Fifth Anniversary of ConflictMARAMA DAVIDSON (Green): I seek leave of the House to move without notice and without debate a motion to mark the 5-year anniversary of the start of the conflict in Syria and to express—Mr SPEAKER: Order! I will put the leave and see whether there is any objection. Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is none.MARAMA DAVIDSON: I move That this House express its solidarity with the people of Syria who have been suffering for 5 years from brutal suppression widespread war crimes and crimes against humanity and call on the Syrian Government and all other conflict parties to immediately end the bombing of civilian areas including hospitals and other health facilities as well as ensuring citizens have access to food water medicines and other necessities.Motion agreed to.
Vote: Employment Standards Legislation Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Employment Standards Legislation Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9413. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the Employment Standards Legislation Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 94New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 31; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 25Green Party 13; New Zealand First 12.Bill read a second time.
Vote: Employment Standards Legislation Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Employment Standards Legislation Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9413. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the question be agreed to.Ayes 94New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 31; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 25Green Party 13; New Zealand First 12.Question agreed to.
Vote: Appropriation (2014/15 Confirmation and Validation) Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Appropriation (2014/15 Confirmation and Validation) Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9381. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the Appropriation (2014/15 Confirmation and Validation) Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 58New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Bill read a first time.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 63 Noes 57.
Pugh Maureen: New Zealand Business Number Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePugh Maureen: New Zealand Business Number Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9415. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MAUREEN PUGH (National): It is a privilege for me to stand here in support of the New Zealand Business Number Bill in its second reading. This bill is sponsored by the Minister for Economic Development Steven Joyce and he has done a fantastic job in initiating this and getting it to this point. If there is one thing that business in this country looks forward to it is an ease of dealing with Government departments.Between 50 and 60 percent of business details are replicated on over 250 Government forms. For business that is a huge commitment in time and cost. So I believe that those in the business community will welcome this new Business Number bill and the implications it has for them in providing better service for their companies and for small business trusts and trustees.This bill is part of the Government’s Better Public Services agenda and it takes us one step closer to providing better services across this country. There are eight key Government agencies that collectively provide over 700 different services to New Zealand businesses and around 30 million interactions occur between public sector agencies and small to medium sized business enterprises every year. If there is anything that we can do for these businesses it is to streamline the processes they have in dealing with central government.It is my pleasure to commend this bill to the House.
Mallard Trevor: New Zealand Business Number Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: New Zealand Business Number Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9415. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Order! The member’s time has expired.
Tisch Lindsay: Employment Standards Legislation Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Employment Standards Legislation Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9405. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): The next call is a split call between National and the Māori Party. Dr Parmjeet Parmar—5 minutes.
Reti Shane: Radiation Safety Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeReti Shane: Radiation Safety Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9393. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Dr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei): I rise with the final call on this bill to support the Radiation Safety Bill which provides a modern framework for the use of this dangerous but very important form of energy. We heard in the Health Committee that this bill will have most application to the medical profession where it will have applications in the diagnostic space and in the therapeutic space particularly in the therapeutic space around cancers where ionising radiation has that ability to differentially target rapidly dividing cells. That makes it different from chemotherapy—it means you can isolate it to an area and do less damage less harm.The structure of the bill is to rely on codes of practice which addresses the underlying fundamentals that are described in the bill. There are five of these: safety of people in the environment safety of radiation sources security of the radiation source safe disposal and safe transport. The bill is actually quite wide because it also helps us meet our very important international obligations including the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. We should note that although this bill amends these there is no effect on the other nuclear legislation for New Zealand: the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Disarmament and Arms Control Act the Nuclear-Test-Ban Act and the Atomic Energy Act. There has been some discussion around expanding the scope of this bill to possibly include non-ionising radiation. I think that the hazards of ionising radiation are so great including its ability to be used in terrorism that I think these are separate pieces of work and are rightly kept apart.Finally as I looked around the House today I suspect there were two members who have actually given radiation to people: probably the Hon Annette King in her dental role and me with the privilege of working as an after-hours doctor at Rāwene hospital about 25 years ago where there was an expectation that you would give after-hours X-rays. I think if for no other reason this bill is a good thing because it means clearly that Annette and I will not be irradiating the general public and that is a good public safety measure believe you me.That aside this bill is a good bill. It is a good framework it brings us up to date and I think we should make it law. Thank you.Bill read a third time.
Simpson Scott: Radiation Safety Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSimpson Scott: Radiation Safety Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9391. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel): Before making some very brief comments on this third reading of this bill I seek the indulgence of the House just to make a passing comment on the sad death today of Martin Crowe one of New Zealand’s truly great sportspeople—a man who has contributed enormously to this country on the sporting field and off it. I had the good fortune to attend Auckland Grammar School at the same time as Martin Crowe and his obvious talent even as a young member of the cricketing first XI during those years was immediately obvious to all. Not only was his skill obvious to all but so too was his natural joy and love for the game. He epitomised true sportsmanship and our country is the sadder for his loss. Condolences to his family his friends and his teammates. Per angusta ad augusta.The Radiation Safety Bill is a technical bill. It has received a lot of acknowledgment in debates across the Chamber from parties across the House and I think we are all in agreement that it is a necessary bill. It brings up to date legislation that was passed in the 1960s that is now completely out of date and it is needed to bring us into line with international best practice. The Health Committee members all I think learnt lots as we went through this process and I want to join with others who have already acknowledged the very good and effective work of the officials who were advising us for making what was quite technical and dry information meaningful relevant and understandable to us as mere committee members.This bill replaces an existing piece of legislation that as I said dates back to the 1960s. It is appropriate that we pass it and I am delighted and pleased that across the House there seems to be unanimity on it. I commend it to the House.
Dean Jacqui: Radiation Safety Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDean Jacqui: Radiation Safety Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9389. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki): I am happy to also with other members around the House endorse the Radiation Safety Bill in its third reading and note that this is another piece of legislation that is being brought up to date to reflect current medical applications—not only for medical uses but also for uses in veterinary medicine industry and research. This is a bill on which the House has worked cooperatively—the Health Committee has worked cooperatively.I do note the suggestion that this bill could have had a different name. However this is the Radiation Safety Bill and if we remember the purpose of this bill it is indeed to reflect modern practice and modern safety levels with the use of radiation in its many applications which are mostly to the betterment of people in our excellent health system. With those few words I commend the bill to the House.
Borrows Chester: Radiation Safety Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Radiation Safety Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9382. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I just love this but unfortunately the member’s time has expired.
English Bill: Appropriation (2014/15 Confirmation and Validation) Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeEnglish Bill: Appropriation (2014/15 Confirmation and Validation) Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9381. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance): I move That the Appropriation (2014/15 Confirmation and Validation) Bill be now read a first time.
O'Connor Damien: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeO'Connor Damien: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9380. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR (Labour—West Coast - Tasman) to the Minister for Primary Industries: Does he have confidence in his Associate Minister for Primary Industries?Hon JO GOODHEW (Associate Minister for Primary Industries) on behalf of theMinister for Primary Industries: Yes.Hon Damien O’Connor: How could the Associate Minister yesterday claim progress in the forestry sector when since 2008 there has been no effective growth in the export of sawn timber there has been no growth in the export of value-added products but there has been 400 percent growth in the export of logs from this country eliminating job opportunities for thousands of provincial New Zealanders?Hon JO GOODHEW: If I recall correctly the Associate Minister yesterday noted that domestic processing of logs has been increasing—therefore more jobs. In 2014 the share of the total harvest was 49 percent. Now it is 51.2 percent. The member is simply incorrect.Hon Damien O’Connor: Is the Minister for Primary Industries satisfied with the way the Associate Minister has handled the situation whereby foreign forest owners are refusing to guarantee logs to domestic saw millers even though these saw millers are prepared to pay export-equivalent log prices?Hon JO GOODHEW: What I do understand is that this is a business arrangement between the owners of the product—Hon Damien O’Connor: What about Kiwis?Hon JO GOODHEW: Although it may pain the member that this is not working out for New Zealand businesses this Government does not get in the middle of commercial arrangements.Hon Damien O’Connor: Is it not the truth that Minister Goodhew does not understand what is going on in her own portfolio more logs are going offshore than ever before and her Government does not care about job losses in the provinces?Hon JO GOODHEW: What the Minister has been told by Minister Goodhew is that there are many good examples of progress in this space and I will use one in particular. When Minister Goodhew became the Associate Minister she told the Minister that Carter Holt Harvey was concerned that it was not getting enough access to local product for its pulp. Now with Lumbercube’s new cube approach it is getting access to plenty of product. That has happened under this Government and Minister Goodhew has certainly made theMinister aware of it.
Mitchell Mark: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMitchell Mark: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9380. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney) to the Minister of Trade: What consultation has the Government undertaken throughout the negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and what further consultation will occur?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs) on behalf of theMinister of Trade: The consultation process for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has been amongst the most extensive that a New Zealand Government has undertaken for any trade negotiation with hundreds of meetings taking place across the negotiating process as well as public submissions. The Government has made available a large amount of documentation including the full text of the agreement detailed fact sheets and the national interest analysis. For all of this year the TPP will receive extensive parliamentary and public scrutiny. The legislation will be considered by the select committee for the full 6 months allowing a significant amount of time for the public to have their say on the TPP. Only when these steps have been completed and other countries have completed their own domestic approval procedures will the TPP be able to enter into force.Mark Mitchell: What opportunities will businesses and the wider public have in order to seek information on the TPP?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: Starting next Monday the Government is running a series of nationwide roadshows on the TPP. The roadshows are for interested members of the public to learn more about this important trade agreement and to assist businesses to identify and plan for the new export opportunities when the TPP comes into force. Roadshows are being held in Auckland Christchurch Dunedin Wellington Hamilton Napier Nelson New Plymouth Palmerston North Tauranga and Whangarei. There will also be a number of hui to discuss with iwi and Māori businesses the outcome of the TPP negotiations as well as the huge opportunities for Māori to benefit from the TPP.Mark Mitchell: How will the TPP create significant new trade opportunities for New Zealand companies?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: The TPP is New Zealand’s biggest-ever trade deal providing access to our exporters to more than 800 million consumers across 11 countries. These countries account for 36 percent of the global economy and include the largest and the third-largest economies in the world: the United States and Japan. Tariffs will be eliminated on 95 percent of New Zealand’s trade with its new free-trade agreement partners once the TPP is fully phased in. In total the TPP will ultimately represent $274 million a year in tariff savings which is around twice the savings initially forecast for the China free-trade agreement. The TPP supports our exporters to grow and create new jobs and to diversify their business overseas. Not being in the TPP would put the New Zealand economy and our businesses at a competitor’s disadvantage.
Scott Alastair: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeScott Alastair: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9378. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.ALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What recent reports has he received on competition in the electricity market?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Energy and Resources): The Electricity Authority’s Electricity Market Performance 2015 report released this week—a year in review of all parts of the electricity market—shows clearly that the Government’s focus on competition in the market is really benefiting consumers. There were nearly 419000 consumer switches in 2015—the highest level ever seen in New Zealand—with consumers saving on average $162 per switch. There have been more than 1.8 million consumer switches since 2011 with total estimated savings valued at $207 million. This Government believes that competition is the best way to keep downward pressure on power prices and strong retail market competition successfully constrained price increases in 2015.Alastair Scott: What other indications of a competitive electricity market were apparent in the Electricity Authority’s review of 2015?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: The rapid growth of small and medium retailers continued in 2015 with new entrants successfully entering the market and expanding their customer base. Consumers are benefiting from a record high number of retailers—more than 20—and retail brands more than 30. Competition is also enabling and encouraging innovation giving consumers greater choices to meet their energy needs and use energy more efficiently. For example 1.3 million smart meters are now deployed representing 66 percent of all meters in New Zealand and retailers continue to jostle in the competitive market with increasingly innovative offerings and services.
Hipkins Chris: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHipkins Chris: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9377. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by her statement that “schools have never been more well-funded than under this Government”; if so why are some schools charging parents a fee to participate in out-of-zone ballots and income from parental donations has increased by 45 percent since 2008?Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Social Development)on behalf of theMinister of Education: The Minister stands by her statement. Under this Government overall funding for education has increased by 23 percent. The proportion of schools’ funding coming from Government since 2011 is approximately 88 percent. This is compared with 86 percent between 2005 and 2007. The proportion of funding coming from donations has remained steady at 1.8 percent throughout this time. Individual schools are responsible for managing their finances and the Ministry of Education has made it clear that charging for ballot places is not allowed under the Education Act.Chris Hipkins: How many schools are currently subject to an enrolment scheme and how many have been asking for a fee or donation in order to enter the ballot?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I do not have that information in front of me but I am sure if the member puts it down in writing the Minister can get it for him.Chris Hipkins: Has she asked the Ministry of Education to establish how many schools are asking for a fee or donation to enter an out-of-zone ballot; if not why not?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I am not sure but I do know that the Minister has asked the ministry to be in touch with those schools that are charging to explain to them that that does not comply with the requirements of the Education Act.Chris Hipkins: Has she seen reports in the New Zealand Herald over the weekend where one principal claimed schools were justified charging parents to enter their child into an enrolment ballot because of the costs involved in collecting data via testing; if so how many schools are testing prospective students before entering children into what are supposed to be random ballots?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I do not have that information. The member should actually ask the principal who made that allegation.Chris Hipkins: What action has she taken in light of revelations that schools are charging fees for entering students into an enrolment ballot to ensure that they stop doing so given that after being warned by the Ministry of Education they indicated publicly they intended to continue doing so; and why is the Government not making them comply with the law?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: As I said earlier the ministry is in touch with those schools and will continue to be in touch with those schools to make sure that they comply with the Education Act.
Graham Kennedy: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeGraham Kennedy: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9376. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]7.Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green) to the Minister of Trade: Why does he continue to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement in light of the analyses in the Expert Paper Series supported by the New Zealand Law Foundation?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs) on behalf of theMinister of Trade: The Government supports the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as it will be overwhelmingly positive for New Zealand in supporting more trade and investment jobs and incomes. The only comprehensive analysis of what the TPP means for New Zealand that I am aware of is the national interest analysis that was released publicly in January. This is the only analysis that looks at the agreement as a whole and indeed addresses issues raised in the papers that the member across the House refers to. It concludes that the overall TPP will deliver net benefits for New Zealand including an additional $2.7 billion to our economy by 2030. Not being in TPP by contrast would put the New Zealand economy and our businesses at a competitive disadvantage compared with other countries.Dr Kennedy Graham: What is his view of the conclusion in Expert Paper No. 4 of the comprehensive and independent series of analyses which asserts that the text “contains provisions that would facilitate increased emissions exacerbating climate change”?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: I do not necessarily agree with that characterisation.Dr Kennedy Graham: What is his response to the conclusion in Expert Paper No. 5 of the comprehensive and independent analyses that the TPP agreement is favourable to multinational businesses and “may exacerbate the disadvantages of New Zealand’s size and remoteness”?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: I do not agree with that characterisation either. I think that when we look at the big picture there may be some challenges for New Zealand coming out of this but overall the costs are minimal compared with the opportunities that we have in order to create jobs and growth for New Zealanders and on balance we are very much in favour of this agreement.Dr Kennedy Graham: Will the Minister assure the House that he respects the views of the New Zealand public such as those we heard in the select committee this morning and that he will give serious consideration to their submissions?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: Yes.
Simpson Scott: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSimpson Scott: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9373. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]4.SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister of Tourism: What reports has he received about the contribution tourism is making to the economy?Hon PAULA BENNETT (Associate Minister of Tourism) on behalf of theMinister of Tourism: I have more good news for tourism. The latest International Visitors Survey shows that international tourist spending has increased by an outstanding 31 percent to $9.7 billion in the year to December 2015. This confirms that the tourism sector’s focus on increasing both value and volume is working. Tourism is now worth $10.6 billion—or nearly 5 percent of GDP—and is our second-largest export.Scott Simpson: How has the Government’s investment in tourism promotion helped grow the sector?Hon PAULA BENNETT: This Government’s unprecedented $700 million investment in tourism and tourism promotion is working to attract tourists from our key markets. So total spending by visitors from China is up 63 percent to $1.6 billion and from the United States is up 40 percent to $1 billion. Tourism New Zealand has put together some very innovative and highly targeted campaigns and social media campaigns. Australian model Megan Gale is the face of the new social media campaign to promote the New Zealand cycle trails in Australia our largest tourism market.Scott Simpson: What role is increased airline capacity playing in getting more visitors to come to New Zealand?Hon PAULA BENNETT: It may surprise you that that means more visitors coming to New Zealand because we have more flights—who would have thought! Just today Air New Zealand—[Interruption] Thank you. Just today Air New Zealand has announced it was resuming seasonal flights between Osaka and Auckland with Japan being our fifth-largest tourism market. This comes on top of our new routes to the US and Argentina. There are also now direct Emirates flights between Auckland and Dubai making it easier to get here from Europe. New flights between New Zealand and China Indonesia and Malaysia have also been announced this year. On the regional front of course Jetstar is making a huge difference in our domestic market. The good news around tourism both domestically and internationally is outstanding for our country and its economy.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 03 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9367. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): Much as there may have been some excitement in the Opposition ranks about there being no House business there is. When the House resumes on Tuesday 8 March the Government will look to make progress on the Employment Standards Legislation Bill the Māori Language (Te Reo Māori) Bill and the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill.