edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Bennett David: Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
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Bennett David: Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1608. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) 
: 
 It is a pleasure to speak in regard to the Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill. As for the Labour Party there and its last member of the student loan scheme Chris Hipkins I ask whether he has repaid his student loan. 
Chris Hipkins 
: I have.  
DAVID BENNETT 
: You have. Good on you! 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Order! 
DAVID BENNETT 
: When we look at this bill I think that the big part of it is that it brings in the requirement to have a New Zealand - based contact person. That is important because it gives a point of contact for the Inland Revenue Department. The contact person regime in itself does not mean that there will necessarily be a repayment but it is one of those things that once set in motion will lead to a situation where people actually follow the rules. 
Dr David Clark 
: Tinkering! 
DAVID BENNETT 
: Contrary to the view of the new member from Dunedin most citizens in New Zealand do their best to engage and be successful and deal with issues especially their obligations to the Inland Revenue Department. If they have a contact person who gives them a reminder of those obligations they are willing to comply with them and that will lead to greater enhancement of the system.  
I think it is a bit strange that the Labour Party and the Green Party have such a problem with this bill when really what it is doing is trying to make sure that those people who have used the system and have benefited from it actually repay that money so that somebody else can get that benefit and somebody else can use that Government funding for their education purposes. It seems a bit unfair that the Opposition is against people getting an education and is against people having that opportunity. Labour members would rather think it is just for them—that once they have done it that is it. They think it is all about them and not for the best interests of the community.  
This is a bill that will encourage repayment and encouraging repayment is good for education because it increases the opportunity for other people to get education and those opportunities. When we remember the student loan scheme we must recall how Labour put a cap on the number of students in our system. By bringing that interest-free student loan scheme in it effectively capped the number of New Zealanders who could get that education opportunity. That cap is a limitation yet in this House tonight we hear comments against this bill which actually will be a way that we can get more money coming into the system so that we can get more people going through rather than having the capping arrangement which the Labour Party is fond of in regard of students because Labour wants only some people to get an education not everybody. Thank you.
Robertson H V Ross: Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
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Robertson H V Ross: Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1608. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Just before I call the next member can I just advise members that every time a member uses the expression “you” the member is referring to the Chair. The member must refer to the Minister or to another member as “the Minister” or “that member” which is in the third person. I suggest that members have a look at Standing Order 104. You cannot bring the Speaker into the debate.
Vote: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Vote: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1598. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Primary Production Committee report finally to the House on or before 1 June 2012. 
Ayes 64 
New Zealand National 59; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 54 
New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 11; New Zealand First 8; Mana 1. 
Motion agreed to.
Upston Louise: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Upston Louise: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1597. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
LOUISE UPSTON (Junior Whip—National) 
: 
 I move  
That the question be now put 
.
Prosser Richard: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Prosser Richard: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1592. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
RICHARD PROSSER (NZ First) 
: 
 I agree with the sentiments of the last three speakers particularly the two extremely erudite speakers from the Labour benches. I do not intend to keep the House anywhere as long as those fine gentlemen other than to say that New Zealand First does oppose the truncation of this process and for the same reasons. In order for participative democracy to be effective it has to be participative and there has to be sufficient time for that process to be gone through.  
It is all very well saying that this period has been cut back from 6 months to 3 months. In real terms it has been cut back to 1 month. This House has an adjournment for most of the rest of this month. Then we have only May for anybody who wishes to make submissions to the Primary Production Committee and appear at hearings before the committee. Plainly that is not going to allow for a range a cross-section of opinions and ideas or for the practicalities for people to organise such things.  
I think it behoves us as a Parliament to pay more than lip-service to the process of democracy and frankly given the contentious nature of this bill and given the vital importance of it to the economy to the industry—and to that industry as part of the economy—I think that truncating the period for submissions to the select committee would be a dereliction of duty on the part of this House. Thank you.
Roy Eric: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Roy Eric: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1587. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Just before I call the honourable member I would invite members to look at Standing Order 286(3). This may well be breaking new ground.
Guy Nathan: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Guy Nathan: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1586. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Hon NATHAN GUY (Associate Minister for Primary Industries) 
on behalf of the Minister for Primary Industries: I move  
That the Primary Production Committee report finally to the House on or before 1 June 2012. 
 Can I first of all give you a couple of reasons for that shortened select committee process. But before that as Associate Minister for Primary Industries it is important that I let the House know that I can confirm in my own personal interest that Fonterra shares are owned by Kereru Farm (2005) Ltd. The company is owned and controlled by my parents of Levin and I have no current legal interest in Kereru Farm (2005) Ltd. I just wanted that placed in  
Hansard 
 before the House.  
Importantly what I wish to do now is make some comments on why the Government has decided on a slightly shortened select committee process. If Fonterra wants to proceed with Trading Among Farmers—and it is our indication that it does—it would need the legislation to be passed by the end of June this year 2012. 
 Of course the select committee is the appropriate place to have the debate that has occurred in the House today. Shareholders and members of the public can come to engage with the select committee and also engage with officials. Once legislation is passed of course it is up to Fonterra to engage and sell the concept to the investor community in terms of Trading Among Farmers. It is difficult to promote Trading Among Farmers without the legislation being passed and I think it is worth noting in summary that Fonterra shareholders have already voted about 80 percent in favour— 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: Order! I must just caution the member. This is probably going to be the first debate we have had about this extension. The only issues that can be debated by either side are the reasons precisely around why the date of the report back is different—the instruction in relation to that. There is nothing else in this motion. 
Hon NATHAN GUY 
: Thank you for your guidance. In summing up I have tried to give the House some indication of why the Government supports this select committee process which is for it to report back in June this year. In essence we are looking forward to receiving those submissions and looking forward to the Primary Production Committee reporting back on or before 1 June 2012.
Roy Eric: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Roy Eric: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1586. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: It is the next one. The first question directs the bill to a select committee and we vote on that. Then the Minister will move the instruction to the committee. 
Bill referred to the Primary Production Committee.
Parker David: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Parker David: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1586. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek guidance from you in the Chair as to what is the point at which we debate the debatable motion.
Vote: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Vote: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1586. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill be now read a first time. 
Ayes 64 
New Zealand National 59; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 54 
New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 11; New Zealand First 8; Mana 1. 
Bill read a first time.
Flavell Te Ururoa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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Flavell Te Ururoa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1563. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
TE URUROA FLAVELL (Maori Party—Waiariki) 
: 
 For the purposes of clarity I seek leave of the House to add “2011” to the end of the date 24 March in the question. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Vote: Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
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Vote: Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1617. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill be now read a third time. 
Ayes 72 
New Zealand National 59; New Zealand First 8; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 45 
New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 10; Mana 1. 
Bill read a third time.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1564. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! It is a well established—the rules are very clear around questions to members. The chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee I do not believe is in the House. If I am in error I stand to be corrected but I do not believe he is in the House and the question is therefore postponed until tomorrow. [ 
Interruption 
] Order! That kind of language is totally unacceptable but I will not go there because I do not want to give more coverage to it.
Tisch Lindsay: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Tisch Lindsay: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1594. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: I am sorry to interrupt the honourable member. His time has expired.
Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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Parker David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1564. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I noted that the chairperson was here at the start of question time— 
Hon Member 
: So what? 
Hon DAVID PARKER 
: Well—
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1564. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The House now comes to questions to members and although question No. 1 stands in the name of the Hon David Parker and is to the chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee I do not see the chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee in the House. Therefore the question is postponed until tomorrow.
Mitchell Mark: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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Mitchell Mark: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1561. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
10. 
MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney) 
 to the  
Minister of Justice 
: What is the Government doing to reduce knife crime in New Zealand? 
Hon CHESTER BORROWS (Associate Minister of Justice) 
 on behalf of the Minister of Justice: On Friday we launched SAFE a voluntary initiative to educate retailers on some simple steps they can take to prevent theft or inappropriate sale of knives. The SAFE initiative has been developed in conjunction with the New Zealand Retailers Association. It is supported by major knife retailers—about 15 in number—and is a clear example of how the Government and retailers can work together to deliver a safer New Zealand. 
Mark Mitchell 
: Is knife crime a growing problem in New Zealand? [ 
Interruption 
]  
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! Now I say on this occasion to Labour members it is just unreasonable. The member has a right to ask a supplementary question and to get that barrage of noise is unacceptable. I repeat it is unacceptable. 
Hon CHESTER BORROWS 
: No it is not a problem in New Zealand—or not a growing problem in New Zealand—but it should not be taken lightly by anybody including the Opposition. The National-led Government has seen a 19 percent drop in the carriage of knives—people apprehended for the carrying of knives—since 2008 when it came into Government and a 15 percent drop in knife assaults so the SAFE programme is a preventive measure. It will help ensure that knife crime continues to fall and is yet another example of this Government’s commitment to reducing violent crime.
Yang Jian: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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Yang Jian: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1559. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
8. 
Dr JIAN YANG (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Immigration 
: What changes has the Government made to make it easier for low-risk high-value students to come to New Zealand? 
Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Immigration) 
: 
 Yesterday I announced changes to health screening rules that will reduce red tape and costs for international students while protecting the New Zealand public health system. From July this year international students without other health conditions will need to be screened only for tuberculosis. This will greatly reduce the cost and hassle for around 62800 students and it will save them around $17 million a year in medical costs. International education is worth $2.3 billion to the economy a year and indirectly supports 32000 jobs. These changes will help the sector continue to grow. 
Dr Jian Yang 
: How will the public health system be protected with these changes? 
Hon NATHAN GUY 
: Students still must be of an acceptable standard of health. We will now require international students to hold health insurance as a condition of their visa. This will not be an issue for most of these students as they are ineligible for health services in New Zealand and education providers currently require them to hold insurance. These changes show the Government is serious about tackling red tape reducing costs and attracting migrants who can make a contribution to New Zealand.
Vote: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Vote: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1598. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the question be now put. 
Ayes 64 
New Zealand National 59; Maori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 54 
New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 11; New Zealand First 8; Mana 1. 
Motion agreed to.
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1557. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
6. 
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
 to the  
Minister for Tertiary Education Skills and Employment 
: What action is the Government taking to boost international education promotion for Christchurch? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Tertiary Education Skills and Employment) 
: 
 Last Thursday in Christchurch I announced a dedicated $5 million fund that Education New Zealand will use to promote the city overseas as an education destination over the next 4 years. Christchurch is normally our second largest destination for international students and the city has an excellent international reputation for high-quality education. However it has been a tough time for providers in Christchurch following the earthquakes as it has been for many businesses with a 37 percent drop in numbers in 2011. This campaign is designed to send the message globally that Canterbury providers are back in business and students are welcome and it will augment our expanded national marketing campaign. 
Colin King 
: How important is international education to the New Zealand economy? 
Hon STEVEN JOYCE 
: Currently the international education sector is worth around $2.3 billion to the New Zealand economy with contributions from schools universities polytechs and private training establishments. The Government has an ambitious goal of doubling the economic value of New Zealand’s international education sector to $5 billion over the next 15 years. International enrolments have been steadily increasing since 2008. However the impact of the Canterbury earthquake has meant that although numbers in the rest of the country grew 6 percent last year with Canterbury included the net growth was flat. Therefore having Christchurch back on its feet and growing again in this important industry is a crucial part of reaching our goal.
King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1556. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
: 
 My question is to the Minister for Tertiary Education Skills and Employment and asks: what action is the Government taking to boost— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I apologise to the member. The previous question has been dealt with. The House will come to order.
Sage Eugenie: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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Sage Eugenie: Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1591. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
EUGENIE SAGE (Green) 
: 
 The Green Party will be opposing the reduction in time for this bill the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill because we all know that haste is the enemy of good law. From my short time in this House I know that select committees are the engine room of Parliament. They are the opportunity for the variety of perspectives from the public to be heard for people to put forward suggestions to amend the legislation and the reasons why it needs to be changed and for members to consider those to seek more information on the bill and to seek a good briefing on the bill from officials. This legislation is very complex. It affects a significant portion of our economy as previous members have noted and truncating the time it is before the Primary Production Committee will truncate the opportunity for the public to have its say and to be involved.  
At the last election we had a decline in the number of people casting their vote. For people to have faith in this Parliament for people to have faith in democracy they must be able to have their say. They must be able to put their views clearly and know that they are well considered by members.  
Truncating the select committee process will reduce the opportunity for the committee to travel around New Zealand. It will reduce the time in which the submitters are able to present their views and we know that farmers do tend to get actively engaged in any regulation and will be very interested in this bill. So it is bad law to significantly reduce the time that the select committee and the House have to consider the bill because Fonterra is asking for that. It reduces the confidence that people have in our democracy if we do not allow people a good opportunity to have their say. There are a number of complexities in the bill that merit further consideration detailed consideration by members at the select committee and by members of the public.  
Haste is always the enemy of good law. The Green Party will be voting against this truncation so that we can end up with a bill that is substantially improved from the one that has been introduced. Thank you.
Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1554. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
4. 
JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) 
 to the  
Minister of Police 
: What recent reports has she received about reductions in recorded crime? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Police) 
: 
 Yesterday the police released the 2011 crime statistics which show a 4.8 percent drop in recorded crime. This follows a 5.6 percent reduction in 2010. This result represents the lowest number of recorded offences for New Zealand for 15 years. Homicide and related offending dropped 14.4 percent. Illicit drug offences reduced by 9.8 percent. Abduction harassment and other related offences dropped by 8.5 percent. I am sure all members will join with me in commending the police for their excellent work in reducing crime and keeping our communities safe. 
Jacqui Dean 
: What factors have contributed to the lower crime rate? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: The police are focused on the Policing Excellence strategy which is aimed at freeing up police on the front line to go exactly where they are needed. Police now place much greater emphasis on preventing crime with neighbourhood policing teams and the use of mobile technology meaning that officers can spend more time in their communities. Of course as a result of the John Key - led National Government we now have an extra 600 police out on the beat. 
Moana Mackey 
: Is part of her strategy to reduce recorded crime to actually just make it harder for people to report crime given the recent decision to reduce front-line services by closing the Gisborne Police Station to the public overnight a decision that the Gisborne community were not even told about until they turned up and found the doors locked and the phones diverted to Napier? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Quite the contrary. In fact the crime reporting line has recently been introduced to the eastern district. That means that people do not have to travel—[ 
Interruption 
]  
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I apologise to the Minister. Look I assume the members’ colleague’s question—the question by Moana Mackey—was asked in seriousness and therefore I expect members may want to hear an answer. There is no way an answer can be heard with that rabble.  
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: As I said quite the contrary. In fact the police are making it much easier for people to report crime and the crime reporting line has been rolled out in the eastern district. People do not have to visit the police station to report crime; they just get on the telephone and they will be dealt with immediately.
Hayes John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
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Hayes John: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1551. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
2. 
JOHN HAYES (National—Wairarapa) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: What reports has he received on the Government’s plan to return to Budget surplus in 2014/15? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) 
: 
 The IMF this morning released its statement under article IV consultations. IMF has concluded that the Government’s planned reduction path “strikes a balance between the need to limit both public and external debt increases while containing any adverse impact on economic growth during the recovery” which is essentially an endorsement of the Government’s well-considered and well-balanced path to surplus in 2014-15 where we will be able to stop the rise in Government debt but on the way we believe that we can improve public services. 
John Hayes 
: How will Budget 2012 contribute to the Government returning to surplus? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: This year’s Budget will hold net new spending over the next 4 years somewhere close to zero. More money will be allocated to health and education. This will be paid for by savings in lower priority areas and by tightening up various revenue loopholes and reducing tax avoidance. Budget 2012 will help the Government return to surplus in 2014-15. 
John Hayes 
: Why is it important to return to Budget surplus? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: That is a very good question. There are two reasons. One is we need to stop Government debt rising. But secondly it is important that New Zealand gets the Government’s books back into good shape so that if there is another recession at some stage in the next decade we are in good shape to handle that in a similar way to our successful handling of the last recession. 
John Hayes 
: What are the reasons for net core Crown debt increasing in recent years? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: The member is pointing I think in that question to what has been a significant increase in net debt. In 2008 it was as low as $8 billion; it is currently around $50 billion and will peak at around $75 billion. It has been caused by a number of factors: the Government’s strategy of protecting New Zealanders from the sharpest edges of recession a very substantial commitment to the rebuilding of Canterbury after the earthquake and a very large increase in Government spending between 2000 and 2009 which we have worked hard to get under control.
Smith Lockwood: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
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Smith Lockwood: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1629. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Dr The Rt Hon LOCKWOOD SMITH (Speaker) 
: 
 I cannot let those issues go unanswered because under our constitutional arrangements it is not the Government that determines the funding for the Office of the Ombudsmen; the recommendations are made by the Officers of Parliament Committee which includes members from all sides of this House. I chair the Officers of Parliament Committee and as for all agencies of the Crown there is an expectation that all agencies will operate with the utmost efficiency. Just because agencies or departments seek extra funding does not mean to say that they should be allocated extra funding. I think I have told this House previously for example that I run the Speaker’s office on less than half the funding of my predecessor—less than half.  
The Office of the Ombudsmen has been allocated additional funding to deal with an increase in complaints. The Ombudsman’s office was allocated on a temporary basis $370000 to help the office cope with the increase in complaints. It was not made permanent because there was no certainty that the increase in complaints would be ongoing. The Officers of Parliament Committee is now satisfied that that increase in complaints with events like the Canterbury earthquake is likely to be ongoing for the foreseeable future and so that temporary additional funding of $370000 has been recommended by the Officers of Parliament Committee to be made permanent to give the Ombudsman’s office the certainty of that. In addition to that all the additional funding requested by the Ombudsman’s office has been recommended by the Officers of Parliament Committee to be allocated in this next financial year and that is the $300000 that the honourable member Grant Robertson was referring to. 
 So I want the House to understand that it is not the Government that on its own determines the funding of the Ombudsman; it is the Officers of Parliament Committee which comprises members from all sides of this House. That committee has listened to the representations of the Ombudsman and has accepted that there is a seemingly permanent increase in the level of inquiry required by the Ombudsman’s office at present. What is more there have been additional functions allocated to the Office of the Ombudsmen and those have been funded. There have been funding allocations made to meet those additional functions required.  
I just want the House to understand that the current situation is that in this next financial year in terms of all the requests made by the Ombudsman the recommendations have been met by the Officers of Parliament Committee. 
Report noted.
Mallard Trevor: Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 2 to Minister 29 March 
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Mallard Trevor: Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 2 to Minister 29 March 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1549. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. This is just to make it clear to the House that if the Minister was correcting an answer to a question for him I would not object; if it was for the Prime Minister it is proper for the Prime Minister to correct it. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: That was not actually a point of order. The member is entitled to object. [ 
Interruption 
] Order!
Cunliffe David: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
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Cunliffe David: Financial Review Debate — In Committee 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1635. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Labour—New Lynn) 
: 
 The year 2012—5 years after the former Labour Government reduced Crown debt to zero nearly 3½ years after this Government took office—far too late to blame history and time to take responsibility. 
Progress reported. 
Report adopted.
English Bill: Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 2 to Minister 29 March 
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English Bill: Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 2 to Minister 29 March 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1549. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Deputy Prime Minister) 
: 
 I just need to correct part of an answer I gave to oral question No. 2 on Thursday 29 March. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Just before we do agree to that could we get an undertaking— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I have not called the member. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Well I object. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member is perfectly at liberty to object but there is a procedure for raising a point of order.
Smith Lockwood: Visitors — Samoa—Speaker Legislative Assembly 
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Smith Lockwood: Visitors — Samoa—Speaker Legislative Assembly 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1549. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing the House that a parliamentary delegation from Samoa led by the Hon Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa is within the precincts of this Chamber. I am sure members would wish that he be welcomed and accorded a seat on the left of the Chair and that the delegation in the Speaker’s gallery be welcomed. 
The Hon Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt accompanied by the Deputy Speaker entered the Chamber and took a seat on the left of the Chair.
Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 2 to Minister 29 March 
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Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 2 to Minister 29 March 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1549. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Amended Answers to Oral Questions 
Question No. 2 to Minister 29 March 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Deputy Prime Minister) 
: 
 I just need to correct part of an answer I gave to oral question No. 2 on Thursday 29 March. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Just before we do agree to that could we get an undertaking— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I have not called the member. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Well I object. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member is perfectly at liberty to object but there is a procedure for raising a point of order. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. This is just to make it clear to the House that if the Minister was correcting an answer to a question for him I would not object; if it was for the Prime Minister it is proper for the Prime Minister to correct it. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: That was not actually a point of order. The member is entitled to object. [ 
Interruption 
] Order!
Visitors — Samoa—Speaker Legislative Assembly 
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Visitors — Samoa—Speaker Legislative Assembly 
[Sitting date: 03 April 2012. Volume:679;Page:1549. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Tuesday 3 April 2012 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Visitors 
Samoa—Speaker Legislative Assembly 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have much pleasure in informing the House that a parliamentary delegation from Samoa led by the Hon Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa is within the precincts of this Chamber. I am sure members would wish that he be welcomed and accorded a seat on the left of the Chair and that the delegation in the Speaker’s gallery be welcomed. 
The Hon Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt accompanied by the Deputy Speaker entered the Chamber and took a seat on the left of the Chair.
O'Connor Simon: Budget Debate 
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O'Connor Simon: Budget Debate 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2808. Text is subject to correction.] 
SIMON O’CONNOR (National—Tamaki) 
: 
 It is great to stand and take a call on this Budget. It is the first time that I have done so. I will just reflect very briefly in these remaining seconds on that faux moral outrage that we have continued to hear across the House from various speakers and it is that outrage that is really itself without hope and without substance.  
You know you can make up facts to suit whatever you like but this has been a very important Budget for this country. I want to begin by thanking Minister English for the work that he has done to pull this together. It is a Budget that is well a Budget for our time. Budgets have to reflect the times that we are in and have to look forward to take the country in that direction positively and strongly. This is a Budget that has been about cutting our cloth to suit.  
Debate interrupted.
Tisch Lindsay: Budget Debate 
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Tisch Lindsay: Budget Debate 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2791. Text is subject to correction.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: I am sorry to interrupt the honourable member. Before I call the next speaker can I just remind members about interjections. Interjections should be exactly that—interjections. They should not be running commentaries. Please bear that in mind as this debate progresses. Also interjections should be related to the person who is speaking; they should not be exchanges across the cross benches as to what someone may or may not think. So just bear that in mind.
Tisch Lindsay: Budget Debate 
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Tisch Lindsay: Budget Debate 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2787. Text is subject to correction.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: Order! The timing is controlled by the officer on my right. I do not control the time; I ring the bell. So I can assure the member that the timings are correct and that if there are interjections and I have to intervene the clock is stopped. In your case you actually had the time and when your time expired I stood up and told you to sit down.
Tisch Lindsay: Budget Debate 
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Tisch Lindsay: Budget Debate 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2785. Text is subject to correction.] 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch) 
: Members the next call I understand is a split call for New Zealand First. It is a 5-minute call. I will ring a bell at 4 minutes.
Horan Brendan: Budget Debate 
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Horan Brendan: Budget Debate 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2787. Text is subject to correction.] 
BRENDAN HORAN (NZ First) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I timed the amount of time that I had to speak and somewhere along the way 35 seconds were lost. It may have been—
Clark David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Clark David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2768. Text is subject to correction.] 
11. 
Dr DAVID CLARK (Labour—Dunedin North) 
 to the  
Minister of Finance 
: Does he stand by his statement regarding changes to the child tax credit that “if it’s interest on their savings or other means of payment they won’t pay any tax”? 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Minister of Revenue) 
 on behalf of the Minister of Finance: That answer to a media question was not accurate because it did not take account of the resident withholding tax introduced way back in 1989 under Labour which is applied to every dollar of interest or dividends. 
Dr David Clark 
: Did the revenue Minister take the proposal for the child tax policy to Cabinet or any other Cabinet committee; and if so were he and the Prime Minister present at those meetings? 
Hon PETER DUNNE 
: I can certainly answer for the revenue Minister yes to the first part of the question. To the second part of the question my recollection is that the Prime Minister was certainly present at the meeting which he alluded to himself last Monday week but I cannot be more specific than that. 
Dr David Clark 
: Was the Prime Minister correct in his answer to question No. 12 yesterday that the changes to the child tax credit “would remove the tax status for those who earn $2340 from PAYE income.”? 
Hon PETER DUNNE 
: The Prime Minister was correct in his answer yesterday. What we are doing is introducing an active income exemption for those who qualify so that is persons under the age of 18 part-time workers and children earning less than $2340 per annum. 
Dr David Clark 
: Has he seen recent Treasury figures that show his 2010 income tax cuts cost somewhere between $11 billion and $12 billion over the forecast period; and if so how much of that will be recovered by the paper delivery tax? 
Hon PETER DUNNE 
: I think it is important to appreciate that the change the member refers to plus the other two tax credit removals was about streamlining and improving the tax system. Those changes together with the changes announced to livestock and the mixed use of assets will make a significant contribution to the Government’s revenue. 
Hon Member 
: How much? 
Hon PETER DUNNE 
: Some several hundred million dollars over the forecast period.
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2765. Text is subject to correction.] 
6. 
KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Police 
: What recent investments has the Government made in new police stations? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Police) 
: 
 Today I opened the new Otahuhu Police Station in Counties-Manukau. The $8.6 million facility is the second new station to open in Counties-Manukau this month. Everyone in the project should be congratulated as it too came in well under budget. Nationally recorded crimes are at a 15-year low and Counties-Manukau police have made a valuable contribution to this and I take this opportunity to thank the local officers for all their hard work. 
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi 
: What other investments has the Government made in police stations in Counties-Manukau? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Two weeks ago I opened the new $10.2 million police hub at Botany. The two new stations provide modern working environments for the additional 300 police officers that this National Government has put on the front line in Counties-Manukau to further reduce crime and make our communities safer. 
Nicky Wagner 
: What investments has the Government made in new police facilities in Christchurch? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Earlier this month the first sod was turned for a new temporary police station for Christchurch central. Providing a strong police presence in the city as Christchurch and the surrounding area face their rebuilding phase is a really important symbol of the Christchurch rebuild. The temporary station is expected to cost around $19.8 million and is on track to be completed before the end of the year.
Hutchison Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Hutchison Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2766. Text is subject to correction.] 
8. 
Dr PAUL HUTCHISON (National—Hunua) 
 to the  
Minister of Health 
: What progress is our public health service making in achieving the Government’s health target of shorter waiting times for cancer treatment? 
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) 
: 
 Good progress. Every cancer patient needing radiation is starting it within the world gold standard of 4 weeks. Just 4 years ago people were waiting up to 15 weeks for this critical treatment and many New Zealand women were sent to Australia to receive this treatment. From 1 July chemotherapy will be included in the target and this means every patient ready for chemotherapy treatment will also start that within a 4-week maximum. I would like to congratulate the very hard-working doctors nurses and support staff in our nation’s cancer centres on this outstanding achievement for New Zealand patients. 
Dr Paul Hutchison 
: What further improvements is the Government making to public health cancer services? 
Hon TONY RYALL 
: In Budget 2012 the Government makes available an additional $33 million for better and faster cancer services for patients. Research shows that some cancer patients can come into contact with up to 28 different doctors and even more nurses during the course of their cancer treatment. So that is why the Government is putting significant funds into new dedicated cancer coordination nurse positions which will act as a single point of contact and assist patients and their families across the different parts of the health service. This has been welcomed by our friends at the New Zealand Nurses Organisation who have said that this will be a win-win situation for everyone involved and that patients will receive improved quality of care.
Auchinvole Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Auchinvole Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2768. Text is subject to correction.] 
10. 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Civil Defence 
: What progress is the Government making on preparing New Zealanders for earthquakes? 
Hon CHRIS TREMAIN (Minister of Civil Defence) 
: 
 Earthquake preparedness has increased in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes but there is still a lot of work to do. On 26 September 2012 we will hold New Zealand’s largest ever earthquake drill exercise ShakeOut. The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management aims to have 1 million New Zealanders taking part to raise awareness so that more people prepare themselves for an earthquake. Yesterday we reached a milestone of 100000 registrations. This is a good start and I encourage further schools businesses Government departments and individuals to get on board. 
Chris Auchinvole 
: What actions are being taken to encourage even more people to sign up for exercise ShakeOut? 
Hon CHRIS TREMAIN 
: The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is writing to all Government departments and New Zealand’s 100 largest employers seeking their involvement along with schools and other organisations. There will also be an advertising campaign that highlights the need for preparedness and encourages people to sign up to ShakeOut at www.getthru.govt.nz. I will be writing to all members of Parliament to ask for their support in this valuable exercise by encouraging their communities to get involved with “Operation ShakeOut”. Thank you.
Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
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Smith Lockwood: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 31 May 2012. Volume:680;Page:2761. Text is subject to correction.] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! Could I ask the front benches please to bring the noise down. I want to hear Catherine Delahunty.