edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Turei Metiria: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Turei Metiria: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14575] 
METIRIA TUREI (Green) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Assistant Speaker. I want to take just a very short call on the Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill. The Greens will be supporting it— 
Hon Tau Henare 
: Will be what? 
METIRIA TUREI 
: We will be supporting it; I say thank you to Mr Henare. 
We had very serious concerns about the legislation when the Government first raised it with us and initially we refused to support it. We have spoken to a few other people about some of the issues and sought more advice on it. After looking at it a bit more closely I am very firmly of the view that we need to crack this open and look at it. I agree that there is a serious issue here about the misuse of Maori Trustee money. I want to see where the levers are what is going on with this legislation and what the Government is intending to do. 
I think that the National Party in particular with the badgering it is doing is not really engaged in a practical process. If Mr Henare had wanted to provide me with further information about National’s position on the bill he was always open to do that but badgering me on the night of the vote is of course very unhelpful. We would like to see what is going on with it. I agree that there are really serious concerns and we make no promises to the Government or to anybody else about what our future vote on this legislation will be. 
There are members in this Parliament who have a great deal of historical knowledge about the Maori Trustee and its purposes and about the things that have happened in the past. What is not well known is the purpose of the Maori Trustee what it does and how it operates in the general public view and amongst Maori as well. This bill will give us a chance to crack the trustee open have a good look and make sure it comes under public scrutiny because if there are dodgy things going on with both the legislation and some of the other practices that this new development body might want to undertake then we will be able to find that out expose it and bring legislation down in the future. 
But at this stage I am very keen to look at what this legislation does and to expose it to the transparent view of the public particularly of Maori who have the closest association. If in the end it turns out that this is wrong and bad legislation—bad for Maori a misuse of money a misappropriation of property—then the Greens will not support it. But until we are clear and sure of that we are happy to support the bill at least going to the select committee. Thank you.
Henare Tau: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Henare Tau: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14572] 
Hon TAU HENARE (National) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. 
Dianne Yates 
: Oh not again. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: There is to be no comment at all during a point of order. 
Hon TAU HENARE 
: I have been booted out of this House on a number of occasions for interrupting on a point of order. I know that you have just ruled Mr Assistant Speaker but I suggest that Government members are accorded the same “privilege” that was accorded me on a number of occasions. My point of order is that during the Minister’s speech he motioned to me as if I was to ask a question. I therefore seek leave of the House to ask the Minister a question. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: The House is the master of its own destiny and the member is perfectly entitled to do that. The member has sought leave. Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is objection.
Henare Tau: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Henare Tau: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14570] 
Hon TAU HENARE (National) 
: 
 I seek the leave of the House to table a copy of the 1991 review of the Office of the Maori Trustee. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Henare Tau: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Henare Tau: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14570] 
Hon TAU HENARE (National) 
: 
 I seek the leave of the House to table a briefing note from the Minister about where the $35 million is coming from. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Henare Tau: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Henare Tau: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14570] 
Hon TAU HENARE (National) 
: 
 I seek the leave of the House to table a copy of the 2004 report of the Controller and Auditor-General. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is.
Cullen Michael: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Cullen Michael: Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14566] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister of Maori Affairs 
: I move  
That the Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
 At the appropriate time a motion will be moved to refer this bill to the Maori Affairs Committee. 
This bill is the outcome of a very substantial amount of work over a long period of time. The Minister of Maori Affairs has been concerned for a very long period of time that there is too much in essence dead or poorly used money that could be better used or more actively used to underpin Maori social and economic development within a range of agencies. 
The bill also leads to some major changes which have been under consideration for some considerable period also to the nature and appointment of the Maori Trustee. What will happen under this bill is that the Maori Trustee will actually have its independence further recognised and given greater powers but also it will bring together a range of moneys. For example as part of this bill a certain amount of funding within Te Puni Kokiri will be capitalised and brought forward and put in as part of the funding that will be under the control of the Maori Trustee. At the end of this process in bringing together a range of funding it is hoped that the amount of money that will be under the control of the trustee will be sufficient to have a real leverage effect in terms of Maori social and economic development. 
With those few words I am happy to leave the remainder of this debate to those whom I acknowledge have more information and knowledge in this respect although I have been involved to some considerable extent in the development of this policy.
Carter Chris: Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Carter Chris: Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14566] 
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Education) 
 on behalf of the  
Associate Minister of Health 
: 
 I move  
That the Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill be considered by the Health Committee 
 that the committee report finally to the House on or before 26 June 2008 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 192 and 195(1)(b) and (c). 
Motion agreed to.
Soper Lesley: Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Soper Lesley: Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14558] 
LESLEY SOPER (Labour) 
: 
 I rise as the deputy chair of the Health Committee to support in a short speech the first reading of the Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill which as was pointed out on behalf of the Associate Minister of Health Damien O’Connor the last time the bill was before the House is a non-controversial and common-sense bill. The bill is largely a technical amendment bill and should be dealt with quite quickly in the select committee though there will be some interesting discussion. 
The prime objective of the Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) is to promote responsible drinking and strategies that will minimise alcohol misuse. The Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill amends the Alcohol Advisory Council Act which had its origins in 1976 to simplify the current mechanisms for setting the ALAC levy. The technical amendment provides for a levy-setting regime that is fair up to date and simple to calculate. It proposes calculating the levy for each alcoholic product according to a system using alcohol classification bands that is similar to the approach used by the New Zealand Customs Service to collect alcohol excise and excise-equivalent duty. Basically the system sets a dollar amount per litre for each alcoholic beverage according to its alcohol content or deemed alcohol content. So beverages with a higher volume of alcohol will contribute a higher proportion to the levy which seems fairly common-sense. The beer industry will be affected most by the proposed update to the calculation due to the high volume of imported and manufactured beer products in New Zealand. The spirits and wine sectors will contribute a lower proportion of the levy. Any effect on the price to consumers should be minor. 
The bill is also future-proofed against the emergence of new types of beverages that would not fit easily into any liquor class in the current system. For instance some hybrid drinks have a mixture of wine and spirits. The bill repeals a host of definitions and replaces them with one very straightforward definition of “wine” and inserts a new definition of “class of liquor” each class being defined by reference to the proportion of alcohol it contains. 
This bill as I said is relatively short and technical. I am looking forward to its swift passage so that ALAC can get on with the very good work it does in education programmes research dissemination of information and treatment programmes. Thank you Madam Speaker.
Wilson Margaret: Appointments — Assistant Speaker 
Wilson Margaret: Appointments — Assistant Speaker 
[Volume:645;Page:14555] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: May I congratulate the Hon Marian Hobbs and welcome her to the position of Assistant Speaker.
Tanczos Nandor: Appointments — Assistant Speaker 
Tanczos Nandor: Appointments — Assistant Speaker 
[Volume:645;Page:14553] 
NANDOR TANCZOS (Green) 
: 
 The Green Party welcomes this Government motion for the Hon Marian Hobbs to become an Assistant Speaker. Unlike Mr Brownlee I did not know Marian Hobbs before I came to this House but ever since I have been in this House she has always been a very warm pleasant and very human person and that is a trait I particularly value in this place which can become pretty hostile at times. 
I have had a working relationship with Marian Hobbs only since the Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill has been before the Local Government and Environment Committee. During deliberations on that bill she has made a very valuable welcome and important contribution based on her experience as Minister for the Environment and I thank her for that. Let me say that judging by the speech made by Mr Brownlee I think that a commitment to waste minimisation will be incredibly important as an Assistant Speaker. It will be most useful to try to minimise some of the waste in this House. Mr John Carter has often talked about resource recovery and I think Mr Brownlee’s speech in particular demonstrates the difference between the need for waste minimisation and the need for resource recovery. I am not sure that there was much resource to be valued or recovered from his contribution. 
We welcome this motion. We welcome particularly seeing another woman in the role of an Assistant Speaker. We think that is enormously useful and we wish her all the best in the role.
Brown Peter: Appointments — Assistant Speaker 
Brown Peter: Appointments — Assistant Speaker 
[Volume:645;Page:14553] 
PETER BROWN (Deputy Leader—NZ First) 
: 
 That was all very interesting. Finally the member got to the point of the Government motion. I was wondering whether I was in the right debate at one point. 
I would like to say on behalf of New Zealand First that we are supportive of the Hon Marian Hobbs becoming an Assistant Speaker. A question that we perhaps would put to her is whether she really knows what she is getting into. I imagine that the Chair is not a very comfortable seat to sit in from time to time. It will call on all of her expertise as a teacher and as a high school principal. She will need it all from time to time. 
She has been a hard-working member of this House. The New Zealand First members have known her since she came to the House. We all arrived at the same time—new boys on the block together. We know she has a great sense of humour and she will sit there with some trepidation and with a sense of fair play. It is fair to say that we believe that the honourable member has all the qualities to do a first-class job in the role but perhaps one quality will be tested. We know she has an abundance of tolerance but does she have the patience to deal with this House when it really shows its wild side? New Zealand First will support the member in her role. We will give her our best shot—that is a promise we make. But we also make another promise: that from time to time we will add a little bit of spice and make her life as interesting as possible. Thank you Madam Speaker.
Cullen Michael: Appointments — Assistant Speaker 
Cullen Michael: Appointments — Assistant Speaker 
[Volume:645;Page:14550] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I move  
That Hon Marian Leslie Hobbs be appointed an Assistant Speaker 
. With the resignation of Ann Hartley who is now pursuing a mid-life career on the North Shore City Council the House of course has the need to appoint a new Assistant Speaker to replace her. A process of consultation has occurred with other parties on the basis of the Government nominating the Hon Marian Hobbs to be an Assistant Speaker for the remainder of the term of this Parliament. 
I gather that there was widespread support for her appointment and I think that that is well-based. Marian brings to the job some extraordinary qualities and a great background. She of course is best known in this place as having been a Minister in the Government for a number of years but previous to that she was a teacher and a highly successful principal of Avonside Girls’ High School in north-eastern Christchurch—an institution not unknown to me from my own journeys to that part of Christchurch as a teenage boy. And anybody who can succeed at Avonside Girls’ High School can certainly succeed in keeping this place under control. 
There is one thing I need to warn members about. My colleague Ross Robertson has established a strong reputation for his formulaic approach to calling members—that is “I call the honourable member Ross Robertson.” or in his case it should be “H V Ross Robertson” which I long thought was some kind of honorific title acquired from some strange German principality but subsequently found out was actually his first two initials. I have to warn members that Marian Hobbs may not actually achieve that. She is well known in our caucus for simply calling people “Tuppence” or “Thingummy” so it is possible that on occasions when a member hears “I call the member Tuppence.” he or she must recognise that it is he or she who is being summoned at that point and not one of the other many Tuppences who happen to be around the place at that particular moment. But I have every confidence that Marian will do the job exceptionally well and I warn people that behind that very pleasant exterior that very soft velvet glove there is a fist of steel.
Flavell Te Ururoa: Urgent Debates — Hawke’s Bay District Health Board—Appointment of Commissioner 
Flavell Te Ururoa: Urgent Debates — Hawke’s Bay District Health Board—Appointment of Commissioner 
[Volume:645;Page:14543] 
TE URUROA FLAVELL (Maori Party—Waiariki) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Tena koe. It is just a point of clarification. I know that there is a 5-minute allocation to the Maori Party. Can you give me some indication about the time for wrapping up? Is it 1 minute or 2 minutes? 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: You are correct. There is a 5-minute allocation for the Maori Party. For your benefit I will ring the bell with 1 minute remaining.
Wilson Margaret: Urgent Debates — Hawke’s Bay District Health Board—Appointment of Commissioner 
Wilson Margaret: Urgent Debates — Hawke’s Bay District Health Board—Appointment of Commissioner 
[Volume:645;Page:14530] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have received letters from Heather Roy and the Hon Tony Ryall seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the decision by the Minister of Health to remove the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and to appoint a commissioner. This is a particular case of recent occurrence and does involve ministerial responsibility. Given the significance of the decision I consider that it does require the immediate attention of the House. I therefore give priority to the first application I received—that from Heather Roy. Before I call the member I remind members again that there is in place an interim injunction preventing the disclosure of the contents of the first draft of the report of the inquiry into the management of alleged conflicts of interest at the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board. I call on Heather Roy to move that the House take note of this particular case of recent occurrence.
Dyson Ruth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Dyson Ruth: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14530] 
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 I wish to make a clarification in relation to my answer to question No. 11 on 20 February. On that day I was provided with a summary of the total advance benefit payments. I incorrectly assumed that this information had previously been provided in answer to question for written answer No. 20337 in 2007.
Carter Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Carter Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14530] 
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Education) 
: 
 In my excitement and enthusiasm in outlining the many achievements of the Labour Government in education I said that we had built 55000 classrooms. In fact we have built 1500 but that is pretty good.
Jones Dail: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Jones Dail: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14527] 
DAIL JONES (NZ First) 
: 
 My question is to the Minister of Education and asks what action if any he is taking to improve resources and on-the-job training for trainee teachers following the release of a—[ 
Interruption 
] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Order! 
DAIL JONES 
: I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. This question is not a set-up; it is my question. I am quite capable of reading writing and asking questions. I would appreciate it if the members of the National Party Opposition did not intervene. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Please be seated. Would members please restrain themselves on points of order. In the interests of getting the question heard it will be heard in silence.
Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14526] 
9.  
RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: How many New Zealand families are benefiting from Working for Families? 
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 In total 370000 families received the Working for Families tax credit in the last tax year—that is three in four New Zealand families with dependent children—and by the end of this tax year we expect the number to be even higher. Alongside other Labour-led Government initiatives such as paid parental leave 20 free hours of early childhood education for 3 and 4-year-olds and reduced doctors’ fees and prescription charges Working for Families is enabling New Zealanders to make a choice about work and caring that best meets their family needs. 
Russell Fairbrother 
: What reports has the Minister seen regarding support for the Working for Families package? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: I have seen some reports that appear to show confusion in the National Party about whether it has a policy on Working for Families. Firstly in May 2005 the leader of the National Party said: “The next National Government will redesign this complex bureaucratic and costly welfare monster” And again last year he said National will “take higher income families out of the Working for Families loop.” But then last week his revenue spokesperson admitted that National has so far failed to develop any policy at all on the Working for Families package. It is clear that the National Party has been struggling to develop policy in this area. It is less clear whether this is because its members cannot agree they do not understand or they do not want to tell New Zealanders what their real intentions are.
Brownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Brownlee Gerry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14524] 
GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) 
: 
 I seek leave of the House to have this question held over until the Minister of Energy is in the House. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Gallagher Martin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Gallagher Martin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14524] 
7.  
MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) 
 to the  
Minister of Trade 
: Has he received any reports on New Zealand’s overseas trade performance? 
Hon PHIL GOFF (Minister of Trade) 
: 
 Yes. Last week Statistics New Zealand released the most recent figures for New Zealand’s merchandise trade. The January figures saw our exports reach the highest-ever level for January. Merchandise exports reached $3.1 billion 24 percent or nearly $600 million up on the equivalent figures for January 2007. 
Martin Gallagher 
: Has the Minister seen any commentary on overall trends in recent trade figures? 
Hon PHIL GOFF 
: Yes I have seen this report from the  
BNZ Economy Watch 
 entitled “Trade Picture Developing Nicely” dated 29 February. The report states that “The broad themes in recent merchandise trade releases have been of solid export performance easing import demand and—as a result—steady improvements in the trade balance.” The report goes on to say that “January’s figures out this morning proved no different with the annual deficit improving for the sixth consecutive month”. 
Martin Gallagher 
: What has been the impact of this export growth on New Zealand’s trade balance? 
Hon PHIL GOFF 
: There has been a marked trend in the right direction. The year to January 2008 saw the deficit reduced to $4.8 billion an improvement of $1.2 billion on January 2007 and of $2.2 billion on January 2006.
Wilson Margaret: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Wilson Margaret: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14522] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Before I call question No. 6 I remind all members that an interim injunction is in place that prevents the disclosure of the contents of the first draft of the report of the inquiry being undertaken by an independent review panel constituted by the Director-General of Health into the management of alleged conflicts of interest at the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board. I refer members to Speakers’ ruling 32/4: “While members are not bound in the House by a suppression … order they should use their privilege to break such an order only in the most exceptional circumstances.” Members should take care never to abuse the privilege of freedom of speech. They should respect the position of the judiciary just as members would expect the judiciary to respect the privileges of Parliament.
Wilson Margaret: List Member Vacancy 
Wilson Margaret: List Member Vacancy 
[Volume:645;Page:14515] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have been advised by the Chief Electoral Officer that pursuant to section 137 of the Electoral Act 1993 Louisa Hareruia Wall has been declared to be elected a member of the House of Representatives in place of Margaret Ann Hartley.
Event: Members Sworn 
Event: Members Sworn 
[Volume:645;Page:14515] 
Members Sworn 
Madam Speaker administered the Oath of Allegiance to Louisa Wall who then took her seat in the House.
Wilson Margaret: Resignations — Ann Hartley Labour 
Wilson Margaret: Resignations — Ann Hartley Labour 
[Volume:645;Page:14515] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I wish to advise the House that I have received a letter from Ann Hartley resigning her seat in the House with effect from the close of 28 February 2008. As a consequence of Ann Hartley’s resignation there is a vacancy in the office of Assistant Speaker.
Coleman Jonathan: Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Coleman Jonathan: Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14513] 
Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (National—Northcote) 
: 
 It is quite clear that ministerial responsibility has severely dampened that previously effervescent member’s oratorical style and enthusiasm for the job. We are only 2 weeks into the parliamentary year and I can tell members that the people of Otaki would have been listening to that speech. In the small amount of time we have left I will say that National will be supporting the first reading of the Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill. 
Debate interrupted.
Vote: Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading 
Vote: Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14512] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) be now read a first time. 
Ayes 114 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand National 48; New Zealand First 7; Maori Party 3; United Future 2; ACT New Zealand 2; Progressive 1; Independents: Copeland Field. 
Noes 6 
Green Party 6. 
Bill read a first time.
Gallagher Martin: Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading 
Gallagher Martin: Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14501] 
MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) 
: 
 My whips would be delighted if I took that long. They asked me to take that long but I am not going to. I do not think I need to take that long in spite of the invitation from members opposite and from my own whips because I think I can summarise this very quickly. 
As the current chair of the Law and Order Committee I can say that the committee is looking forward to receiving this bill. As I was about to say when the debate was interrupted this bill will crack down on drug use eliminate the illicit use of cellphones in prisons enhance the powers of search in relation to inmates and to those working in prisons and adopt a zero tolerance towards staff who pass contraband to prisoners. I note that penalties will be increased. The prison term will be increased from 3 months to 1 year and the maximum fine will be doubled to $5000. The bill will authorise electronic detection and jamming of all cellphone use within prisons. It will extend prison powers to the screening of inmates’ mail for unlawful or harmful communications and allow mail as well as telephone communications to be subject to surveillance. It will create a penalty for publishing unauthorised communications from inmates that prejudice the interests of victims. 
I will take this time briefly to acknowledge the good men and women who work in our prison service. There are one or two problems but I think it is important that we never forget that the vast majority of people who work in the Department of Corrections are great New Zealanders who are doing a very good job on behalf of the community. 
As I think I said during the debate on the previous bill I acknowledge the members of the Law and Order Committee. I acknowledge Chester Borrows. In the presence of the current deputy chair of the committee I undertake that again we will roll up our sleeves; we are looking forward to receiving this bill and getting on with the work. I also acknowledge Darren Hughes who has played a very active role on that committee. I acknowledge David Benson-Pope Simon Power and Kate Wilkinson. We are all ready to go. As soon as we receive this bill we will start work as soon as possible.
Vote: Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14501] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the motion be agreed to. 
Ayes 109 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand National 48; New Zealand First 7; United Future 2; Progressive 1; Independents: Copeland Field. 
Noes 12 
Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Motion agreed to.
Simich Clem: Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading 
Simich Clem: Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14501] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: When the House was last debating this bill Martin Gallagher was speaking; he has 9 minutes and 30 seconds remaining. 
Hon Members 
: Oh no!
Hughes Darren: Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Hughes Darren: Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14501] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Deputy Leader of the House) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister of Justice 
: I move  
That the Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill be considered by the Law and Order Committee 
 that the committee report finally to the House on or before 21 April 2008 and that the committee have the 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 192 and 195(1)(b) and (c).
Vote: Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Vote: Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14501] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill be now read first time. 
Ayes 109 
New Zealand Labour 49; New Zealand National 48; New Zealand First 7; United Future 2; Progressive 1; Independents: Copeland Field. 
Noes 12 
Green Party 6; Maori Party 4; ACT New Zealand 2. 
Bill read a first time.
Robertson H V Ross: Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Robertson H V Ross: Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14497] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Just before I call the next speaker I advise the House that the National Party has split its call. There will be two 5-minute calls. For both members who are to address the House I will ring the bell when there is 1 minute of speaking time remaining.
Cunliffe David: Amended answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 8 to Minister 13 February 
Cunliffe David: Amended answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 8 to Minister 13 February 
[Volume:645;Page:14491] 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister of Health) 
: 
 On 13 February 2008 I provided in an answer to a parliamentary question the information that in the past 3 years at Capital and Coast District Health Board there had been 10 deaths of patients on the waiting list for cardiac surgery there. At the time that answer was given the information was correct to the best of everyone’s knowledge. The district health board concerned has subsequently done a further manual analysis of its records and has shown that a total of 11 deaths for the 3-year period is correct and not 10. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Thank you Minister.
Sharples Pita: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Sharples Pita: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14477] 
11.  
Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
 to the  
Minister of Foreign Affairs 
: What is the process that the Government undertakes to respond to the inquiry from the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights while countering terrorism an inquiry which is related to the Government’s conduct during the 15 October 2007 raids? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs) 
: 
 The process is already complete. The request was received on 3 December 2007. The Government responded on 30 January. 
Dr Pita Sharples 
: What complaints have been received from the United Nations about the violations of human rights arising from the conduct of the police politicians and media? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: That question is so broad that I am afraid I could not possibly give an answer—it gives neither a time frame nor the nature of the inquiries. I would note in terms of requests from the special rapporteurs that in the last year for which we have information 2006 more than 1100 such requests were made of 143 countries. 
Dr Pita Sharples 
: In responding to the United Nations special rapporteur will the Minister be endorsing the behaviour of police during the raids on Tuhoe families including reported actions such as holding loaded rifles to the heads of young girls? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: What the Government will do and has done is explain the nature of police operational independence in New Zealand. This probably will come as a surprise to some of the countries represented on the United Nations Human Rights Council where no such operational independence occurs. In some of those countries the police probably issue the orders to the Government rather than the other way round. 
Dr Pita Sharples 
: Will the Minister be reconsidering New Zealand’s stand to oppose the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples given that the foreign affairs Minister of the new Australian Labor Government is consulting stakeholders with a view to reversing Australia’s opposition to the declaration; if not why not? 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN 
: We have no such plans at present as I have explained to the House before. A large number of the countries that voted for that declaration have no what one might call indigenous peoples—a term of course that has no meaning in a country say like the United Kingdom. Some of those countries that voted for the declaration made it quite clear they had no intention of implementing it should any issues arise. The countries that voted against the declaration shared two features: first they have indigenous populations and second they carry out obligations when they sign up to them.
Pillay Lynne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Pillay Lynne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14475] 
9.  
LYNNE PILLAY (Labour—Waitakere) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: Why is the Government introducing a new funding model for community groups delivering essential social services? 
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 Our Government is completing the move away from the old market-based system put in place by the National Government in the 1990s. We have listened to the community and voluntary sector and have worked in partnership to develop a new sustainable model. As Jeff Sanders of Relationship Services said this is “the result of the Pathways to Partnership discussions with the Government … about how community organisations can be better resourced to meet the growing and complex needs in the community.” The new model will provide funding to deliver results for children young people families and communities. It will focus on outcomes not on the number of clients worked with. 
Lynne Pillay 
: How will the Government decide which organisations will be fully funded? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: The focus is not on the organisation but on the service provided. One is assuming that it is an essential contracted service. Essential services are those services that are best provided by community organisations and that the Government would have to provide directly if the community did not. This will not be restricted to large or nationally based organisations. We know that many effective organisations are based at the community level—in marae in churches—and are built up from the grassroots. 
Lynne Pillay 
: What reports has she seen of alternative funding models for the community sector? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: I have seen a model built on the philosophy that “the Government is really just a purchaser of services and the need to sustain a longer-term relationship is not an explicit part of its actions.” That is the market-based model advocated by the National Party—an approach based on competitive bidding wars. That model would not lead to certainty for the community sector and would not focus on achieving good outcomes for vulnerable New Zealanders.
Yates Dianne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Yates Dianne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14473] 
7.  
DIANNE YATES (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: What reports has he received about ways to ensure a good start for all young people? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Education) 
: 
 This morning the OECD released a review of how New Zealand supports young people in transiting from school to work.  
Jobs for Youth New Zealand 
 notes the huge progress we have made since the 1990s in getting young people into employment and rebuilding the vocational pathways from school to work. Further improvements are recommended including raising the school leaving age and improving participation in early childhood education. Those are exactly the policies that the Labour-led Government has introduced into our schools with the Schools Plus programme and our 20 free hours of early childhood entitlement for all 3 and 4-year-olds. Interestingly enough those policies are opposed by the National Party. 
Dianne Yates 
: How does the OECD report on youth employment relate to major new education initiatives announced by the Labour-led Government? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: They relate exactly. Our very strong economy has lead to record levels of employment. We have higher-than-average achievement levels in science mathematics and literacy and initiatives like our Gateway programme now available in all secondary schools in New Zealand the Youth Apprenticeships scheme which will be trialled in 10 schools this year and of course our Schools Plus programme will significantly improve our educational outcomes. 
Anne Tolley 
: Why has this Government clearly failed to address the ongoing problem of student underachievement so that after 8 years of a Labour Government we are left with a “hard-core of youth who are at high risk of poor labour market outcomes and social exclusion.” as the OECD has described today; would New Zealanders not be better off with a totally focused fully funded initiative like National’s Youth Guarantee and trades training policy? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: Cheap headline initiatives like boot camps will not work. An investment in education will work like the extra $4 billion this Government has put in the 5000 teachers above roll growth the 20 free hours for early childhood education the over 1400 new classrooms the over 36 new schools and so it goes on. This Government has invested in education; it is offering real solutions to real problems. 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: I seek leave of the House to table  
Jobs for Youth: New Zealand 
. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House. 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: I seek leave to table a document outlining 45 different initiatives this Government has taken to lift educational achievement in this country. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Brown Peter: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Brown Peter: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14463] 
1. PETER BROWN (Deputy Leader—NZ First) 
 to the  
Minister of Immigration 
: What is the New Zealand Immigration Service’s definition of “good character”? 
Hon SHANE JONES (Associate Minister of Immigration) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister of Immigration 
: I am advised that all migrants to New Zealand must be of good character. The grounds for a person to be considered as not being of good character are set out in the Immigration Act 1987 and the Immigration New Zealand policy manual. 
Peter Brown 
: Were the 190 non-citizens currently in jail for sexual offences including the 109 who have committed sex offences against children and young people adjudged by the Immigration Service to be of good character when initially allowed into this country; if so does he still believe that they are of good character? 
Hon SHANE JONES 
: Obviously we are deeply concerned about anyone in prison who has committed a sexual offence. For people where the Department of Labour and the Immigration Service are considering granting residence or long-term work permits there is a rigorous character screening process. 
Peter Brown 
: Would Abdulhussein Shahid Abdulhussein an Iraqi who abducted and raped a 16-year-old schoolgirl just 2 years after his arrival and who then tried to downplay it by claiming that his cultural background made him believe a woman on the street without anyone to protect her was available for sex be regarded as of good character or is it because he is a refugee that that criterion does not count? 
Hon SHANE JONES 
: In relation to the individual named by Mr Brown I obviously stand with everyone in the House in expressing a sense of revulsion that anyone should believe that his or her culture permits that person to indulge in such activity. As to his short-term prospects it would be a little early for us to speculate on that matter. But the House should rest assured we do not share the view that he should be permitted to use culture to disguise his wrongdoing. 
Peter Brown 
: Can the Minister confirm that the 378 non - New Zealanders who are currently in jail for violent offences were judged by the Immigration Service to be of good character when initially granted the right to stay in New Zealand; if so what is the Minister going to do to improve migrant screening in order to ensure the safety of New Zealanders from immigrants who are clearly not of good character? 
Hon SHANE JONES 
: In reply to the references that the member makes to the wrongdoing of those people yes they did go through a screening process. I would point out however that their criminal acts have been committed after they arrived here in New Zealand. Police checks are required. Obviously if the system needs to improved I would encourage the member to send any ideas forward. But we have a great deal of confidence in the very rigorous police checks that are used on all residency applications.
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
Cullen Michael: Business Statement 
[Volume:645;Page:14463] 
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) 
: 
 Next week the House will go into a 1-week adjournment. When the House resumes on 4 March 2008 priority will be given to the Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill the Maori Trustee and Maori Development Amendment Bill the Children Young Persons and Their Families Amendment Bill (No 6) the Limited Partnerships Bill the Misuse of Drugs (Classification of BZP) Amendment Bill and the Broadcasting Amendment Bill.
Wilson Margaret: Visitors — Republic of Ireland—Dáil Éireann Working Group of Committee Chairs and the Committee of Members’ Interests 
Wilson Margaret: Visitors — Republic of Ireland—Dáil Éireann Working Group of Committee Chairs and the Committee of Members’ Interests 
[Volume:645;Page:14463] 
Madam SPEAKER 
: I have pleasure in informing members that the parliamentary delegation of Deputies representing the Working Group of Committee Chairs and the Committee of Members’ Interests from the Dáil Éireann Republic of Ireland led by Mr Neil O’Flynn is present in the gallery. I am sure that members would wish that the delegation be welcomed.
Gallagher Martin: Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading 
Gallagher Martin: Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14378] 
MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) 
: 
 I commence my contribution to this very important debate as chair of the Law and Order Committee and I also note the presence of the deputy chair in the Chamber at present. I say that we are both very very keen along with the other members of the committee to see the Corrections Amendment Bill (No 2) be referred to that committee. I think this bill is indeed appropriate and timely. We certainly look forward to taking submissions on it. 
Debate interrupted.
King Annette: Policing Bill — First Reading 
King Annette: Policing Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14375] 
Hon ANNETTE KING (Minister of Police) 
: 
 I move  
That the Policing Bill be considered by the Law and Order Committee 
 that the committee report finally to the House on or before 31 May 2008 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 192 and 195(1)(b) and (c).  
Motion agreed to.
Ririnui Mita: Financial Advisers Bill — First Reading 
Ririnui Mita: Financial Advisers Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:645;Page:14356] 
Hon MITA RIRINUI (Minister of State) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister of Commerce 
: I move  
That the Finance and Expenditure Committee consider the bill 
 and that the committee report finally to the House on or before 20 June 2008. 
Motion agreed to.