edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Junior Whip—Labour) (remote): I move That the question be now put.
SpeechHon DAVID BENNETT (National): It's very obvious that anything from the 1964—Hon David Parker: Sixty.Hon DAVID BENNETT: It's 60! 1960 has lost its effect in the community now so the poor Minister. I'd just—Andrew Bayly: That's pretty tough.Hon DAVID BENNETT: Oh I know it is a bit tough but you know it's a Thursday afternoon. Just clause 153—the 2 percent threshold that's been brought in in that clause—Hon David Parker: Sorry what clause?Hon DAVID BENNETT: Clause 153 where it brings in in section 113A(4)(b) a 2 percent threshold for an adjustment I guess basically in GST—basically if you get an error or there's a change of over 2 percent then I assume that then becomes a quantum of interest for the department.So would the Minister please explain how they came to that point as well of 2 percent and also why there isn't a quantum there—because it could be actually 2 percent on quite a big amount of transactions; it could actually be a significant amount of money. And also is that a hard and fast number? So if somebody's 3 percent or 4 percent—and it might be on a very small number that there was just a mistake—are they going to then have to be caught by that clause or is that a number that actually has a little bit of discretion around it? Because you wouldn't want the department to be in a situation where it's forced in having numbers like that which cause them to actually—or thresholds like that—have to unnecessarily make it harder for the taxpayer or actually for themselves because sometimes it just won't be worth their work to worry about.So it would be really helpful for just some ordinary taxpayers out there that might be doing their GST returns to have a bit of clarity from the Minister. Is that a hard and fast number that 2 percent? Also does it have a quantum just in case it is on a huge amount of money? I see he's getting good advice there so that's good to see. Also is there any discretion for a taxpayer that may be just say 3 percent or 4 percent and not actually you know the 2 percent may be the hard and fast rule but actually in reality it's going to be in everyone's best interests to have a bit more discretion. So if the Minister wants to give some clarity for just general taxpayers that would be good.Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister of Revenue): I'm advised that if it be—sorry Mr Chair I should have sought the call.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): You're certainly called.Hon DAVID PARKER: Thank you. I'm advised that if the error is up to 2 percent then there's no need to make a voluntary disclosure. You can just fix it up in your next GST return and you don't have to bring it to anyone's attention. If it's more than 2 percent you both have to fix it but you also have to raise it to someone's attention through a voluntary disclosure.
Cameron Mark; Parker DavidMARK CAMERON (ACT): Thank you Mr Chair. For the sake of interest Minister if you wouldn't mind—clause 202 in Part 4 where it speaks to the revocation of the Co-Operative Dairy Companies Income Tax Regulations. I'm cognisant of the fact as I'm sure you are that Fonterra is going through and probably will see a proposed capital restructuring. What will this part of this piece of legislation ultimately mean for the likes of the dairy industry and its overall certainty?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister of Revenue): As I prepared for this debate I actually read that section and the similar sections that revoke the Cooperative Milk Marketing Companies Income Tax Regulations 1960 and the Cooperative Pig Marketing Companies Income Tax Regulations 1964 and I thought goodness me! It's very unusual that I find something that was passed in the year of my birth 1960 that I can comment on the revocation of. Andrew Bayly: You're still young though. You're still young.Hon DAVID PARKER: Thank you. I think the effect of these on commercial practice in New Zealand will be nil because they have long since stopped being used and that the revocation of them will have absolutely no effect; it'll just tidy up the statute book.
SpeechPAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai): I move That the question be now put.
Parker DavidHon DAVID PARKER (Minister of Revenue): If I could address the issues that have been raised in recent calls by members of the Opposition. Just before I do so the figures that Andrew Bayly quoted to me as to use of money interest were 2016 figures. The figures currently are: 7 percent is the use of money charge and 0 percent is the amount that you've paid. Andrew Bayly: Still a 7 percent differential. Hon DAVID PARKER: There is still a 7 percent differential but those numbers do change—it's an illustration that they do change through time.In respect of the member Mr Watts' earlier question as to whether you can have interest remission backdated the obligation is for the person seeking remission to apply as soon as is practicable. If they have applied as soon as is practicable and the revenue department thinks that that is within that practicable period it could be backdated a while. But if they'd left it for a couple of years before they applied they wouldn't get it backdated that far.In respect of the change to the information-sharing rights of the revenue department this in the main has been important to enable the sharing of information between the Ministry of Social Development and the revenue department both of whom have been involved in the schemes that have supported people to try and keep them attached to their jobs and to try and keep businesses operating. The purpose is still limited to COVID although there's no end date now except as they relate to COVID measures. So if there was any further information sharing in the future and it wasn't related to COVID it wouldn't be enabled by that provision. I'm also advised that this was worked through with the Privacy Commissioner because the member is quite correct that there are proper limitations on the ability of the department to share information and there should always be those limits.
Parker DavidHon DAVID PARKER (Minister of Revenue): Referring firstly to Brooke van Velden the definition has been broadened by deleting the word physical" which didn't cover some of the circumstances under COVID that prevented people from paying their taxes. The definition has been broadened so as to allow the department to have a discretion in those COVID-related circumstances.In respect of the use of money interest point that Andrew Bayly has raised the 1.62 percent is a bit more money than I think I get for some of my money sitting around in the bank so on the deposit side I don't know that it's far out of whack. In respect of the rate that's charged for use of money yes it is higher than a mortgage rate. It's lower than a credit card rate of course. The member is right that it is set and reviewed regularly and it's intended to be set at a level which doesn't cause Inland Revenue to be used as a bank because their source of funds would be cheaper than the source of funds that would be able to be accessed by most borrowers."
Bayly AndrewANDREW BAYLY (National—Port Waikato): Thank you Mr Chair. I was just waiting for the Minister to respond to that but in the meantime I'm just trying to introduce another topic and I'm conscious that there are a few questions that the Minister is responding to. But I just want to ask about the use of money" section clause 153B that is in this part of the bill. One of the big things is the issue around the current charging of the IRD and I wondered whether the Minister had a look at the actual rates that are being charged by the IRD. Because as no doubt he will be aware and I know Mr Chair that you will be aware if you owe the IRD money at the moment for instance if you haven't paid tax on time for some reason and particularly during COVID period where many companies have been affected by cash flow—the use of money charge currently I believe is 8.27 percent. On the other side if the IRD owe you money i.e. you're getting a tax refund at the moment the interest you get on the amount of money that the IRD hold on your behalf is actually I think 1.62 percent. So there's roughly about a 7 percent differential which is hugely disadvantageous if you owe the Government—in the form of IRD—money. But if you are owed money by the Government then you don't get much money on it. So I was just keen to see whether the Minister had actually looked at this issue about whether the use of money rates that are currently applied are still relevant practical and appropriate because I would put it to the Minister that I think charging someone a rate of 8.27 percent is much much higher than what you'd have to pay from an overdraft. I know there's a disincentive that the Government wants to put in place to stop people using the Government in effect as a bank but the rate is several hundred basis points over what even you would be paying currently particularly when interest rates up to very recent times have been as low as 2.5 percent. So that's my question and hopefully you can provide a bit of a light on that."
van Velden BrookeBROOKE VAN VELDEN (Deputy Leader—ACT): Thank you Mr Chair. It's a pleasure to rise on behalf of ACT on this Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22 GST and Remedial Matters) Bill at committee stage.I just had a specific question for the Minister around clause 168B and this inserts new section 183ABA. I wondered if the Minister could be a bit more specific about what this particular change for the remission in circumstances of emergency event is. Because if I went back to look at the previous law and how it reads it appears as though this is for a particular case where if an emergency event has been declared in an Order in Council and a person is unable to physically make the payment it appears that the word physically" may be quite important. But under this new change the physical element of being prevented from making a payment has disappeared. I wondered whether that was for a specific reason. Is it because instead of it being an emergency event such as like a landslip or someone physically being unable to make a payment in that way whether there was any other type of emergency events that this is supposed to capture?"
Parker DavidTAXATION (ANNUAL RATES FOR 2021-22 GST AND REMEDIAL MATTERS) BILLIn CommitteePart 4 Amendments to other enactments (continued)CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): When we were last considering the bill the question was that Part 4 stand part. The Minister had the call should he wish to resume.Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister of Revenue): Thank you Mr Chairman. I was addressing Part 4 of this bill which has a number of mainly technical amendments. But I did highlight one which I thought might be of interest to members which is the new offence being created in respect of software products that are used to deliberately misrepresent GST returns by fraudulently recording receipts as being lower than they actually are in order to defraud the Revenue. It's a new area of fraud that wasn't known to me before becoming Minister of Revenue. I understand it's really the importation of computer programmes that are used to that effect overseas and it's being made illegal to either use them or possess them for any reason.
SpeechDEPUTY SPEAKER: I declare the House in committee for consideration of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22 GST and Remedial Matters) Bill and the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Amendment Bill.HOUSE IN COMMITTEECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Members the House is in committee for further consideration of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22 GST and Remedial Matters) Bill and the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Amendment Bill. I remind members who are participating remotely on Zoom that if you want to take a call please type call" into the chat. You should also use the chat if you want to raise a point of order. We have received new tabled amendments. I will remind members that they can refresh the House papers page to see the new amendment. Finally if would be helpful for members to ask multiple questions if they have them of the member in charge during their call."
Rurawhe AdrianPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSDEPUTY SPEAKER: A petition has been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Sunita Jeram requesting that the House urge the Government to change border entry requirements to allow fully vaccinated and tested overseas spouses of New Zealand citizens to enter the country. DEPUTY SPEAKER: That petition stands referred to the Petitions Committee. A paper has been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report on unappropriated expenses and capital expenditure for the financial year ended 30 June 2021. DEPUTY SPEAKER: That paper is published under the authority of the House. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Education and Workforce Committee on the briefing into pay transparency report of the Māori Affairs Committee on the 2020-21 annual review of Tupu Tonu–Ngāpuhi Investment Fund Limitedreport of the Regulations Review Committee on the examination of COVID-19 orders presented between 21 February and 23 February 2022.DEPUTY SPEAKER: The COVID-19 orders are set down for consideration. The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of a bill.CLERK: Appropriation (2020/21 Confirmation and Validation) Bill introduction.DEPUTY SPEAKER: That bill is set down for first reading.
Shaw JamesHon JAMES SHAW (Co-Leader—Green): I just had a question for the Deputy Leader of the House about the House programme as well which is whether the Organic Products Bill will be brought back to the House at any time in the near future given that the Primary Production Committee reported back over a year ago?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Deputy Leader of the House): A very busy programme for the Government a lot of important legislation for us to consider and again we'll consider that in due course and advise the member.
Bishop ChrisBUSINESS STATEMENTHon MICHAEL WOOD (Deputy Leader of the House): Today the House will adjourn until Tuesday 29 March. Legislation to be considered in that week will include the first readings of Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill and the Natural Hazards Insurance Bill; the first and second readings of the Appropriation (2020/21 Confirmation and Validation) Bill; and the second reading and committee stage of Te Pire mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill. Third readings include the Ngāti Maru (Taranaki) Claims Settlement Bill the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22 GST and Remedial Matters) Bill and the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Bill. CHRIS BISHOP (National): I thank the Deputy shadow Leader of the House for that update. I was wondering if he could—Hon Grant Robertson: He's not the shadow; that's you.CHRIS BISHOP: Oh sorry—Deputy Leader of the House. I was wondering if he could offer the House a view as to whether or not legislation considering the Government's moves regarding hate speech will be introduced into the Parliament this year and if we'll see a first reading this side of Christmas. Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Deputy Leader of the House): As I think the Minister concerned has indicated there are some important issues to work through on that issue and I will give advice as soon as we have it to give.
Rurawhe AdrianTHURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022The Deputy Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSDEPUTY SPEAKER: E te Atua kaha rawa ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi ki te Kuīni me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga kia mōhio ai kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei mō te oranga te maungārongo me te aroha o Aotearoa. Āmene.[Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility for the welfare peace and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]
12. Question No. 12—TourismSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) (remote) to the Minister of TourismQuestion No. 12—Tourism12. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) (remote) to the Minister of Tourism: What announcements has the Government recently made about the future of tourism for Aotearoa New Zealand? Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Tourism) (remote): This morning the Prime Minister and I announced that international tourists will be welcomed back to New Zealand earlier than expected as the Government accelerates the country's economic recovery. From 11.59 p.m. on Tuesday 12 April Australians can travel to New Zealand. From 11.59 p.m. on Sunday 1 May vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries and those with valid visitor visas will also be able to travel to New Zealand. To support that reopening I've announced a new tourism marketing campaign launched in Australia by Tourism New Zealand to build demand for travel to New Zealand as we prepare to open borders for our first international visitors. That campaign is seeking to persuade Australians that our unique landscapes and Kiwi hospitality and friendliness are Within Your Wildest Dreams". Tourism New Zealand has been working hard over the past two years to keep "Brand New Zealand" alive in the minds of international travellers and tourists. And with the announcement today we're well and truly gearing up to welcome visitors to our little piece of paradise. Shanan Halbert: Supplementary. Why is it important—SPEAKER: The member may have a supplementary but I'm going to warn the Minister that his answer was far too long and this is the only supplementary he's going to get. Shanan Halbert: Why is it important that Aotearoa New Zealand is still marketed as a tourism destination? Hon STUART NASH: It was a very important announcement today Mr Speaker. It's a shame that you've cut me off from one of my supplementaries. But anyway reopening to Australia—SPEAKER: Order! Order! The member—he can't resume his seat because he's sitting down already but he's going to stop talking. The member has commented on one of my rulings in the way that I've been admonishing members not to do today. That will now conclude oral questions—Hon Todd McClay: Point of order. SPEAKER: That now concludes oral questions. A point of order the Hon Todd McClay. Hon Todd McClay: Well Mr Speaker thank you. I was going to say a better punishment for the Minister would have been to offer the Opposition a supplementary question on this. SPEAKER: Now the member's team sacrificed a number of supplementary questions by being out of order. If the member really wants to get supplementary questions he needs to work with his whips or work with his front bench not to do that."
10. Question No. 10—Social Development and EmploymentGLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 10—Social Development and Employment10. GLEN BENNETT (Labour—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What measures will take effect on 1 April to support people and whānau with the cost of living?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment) (remote): On 1 April a suite of measures will take effect that will see the Government delivering increases to main benefit rates student allowance and living costs childcare assistance income thresholds Working for Families tax credits and the orphans benefit and unsupported child's benefit and foster care allowance. Our Government are also lifting the minimum wage to $21.20 and on 1 May over 1.2 million New Zealanders will start receiving the winter energy payment. It is hard for many whānau right now. There is no silver bullet that will fix this issue; however our Government are continuing to take action to ease the pressures on whānau.Glen Bennett: How many people will be better off as a result of these changes?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: The changes taking effect on 1 April will see more money in the pockets of approximately 1.25 million individuals. Compared to 2017 policy settings and as a result of our increases to welfare support since taking office 364000 beneficiaries will be better off by on average $109 per week—increasing to $133 per week during the 2022 winter period. Of these beneficiaries 109000 beneficiaries with children will be better off by on average $175 per week increasing to $207 per week during the 2022 winter period. It's important people are aware of these changes and know what they're eligible for. We encourage people to use the Ministry of Social Development's online tool which helps people find out what assistance they may be able to receive based on their individual or family circumstances.Glen Bennett: What other changes have been made to lift incomes for people and whānau?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: In addition to the changes outlined before our Government has continuously worked to lift incomes and improve support for people in need. Over the course of the last term and a half our Government has raised benefit levels removed the sanctions which impact children the most invested $5.5 billion through the families package increased the minimum wage year on year raised the family tax credit indexed benefits to average wage increases raised abatement thresholds and invested heavily in job training. We are seeing good progress but we absolutely accept that there is more to do.
8. Question No. 8—EducationCAMILLA BELICH (Labour) (remote) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 8—Education8. CAMILLA BELICH (Labour) (remote) to the Minister of Education: What actions is the Government taking to support schools and early learning services to keep children and young people safe during the Omicron outbreak?Hon JAN TINETTI (Associate Minister of Education) (remote) on behalf of the Minister of Education: Nearly an additional million rapid antigen tests are being made available and easier to access in schools and early learning centres. Schools kura and early learning centres can opt in to be provided with rapid antigen tests to give to symptomatic children young people and staff and the people in their households. I know this is an uncertain time for a lot of us and we want to keep schools and early learning centres open while keeping young people and children healthy and well. The advice and feedback I have received from the education sector is that greater access to rapid antigen testing could help them to do that. Camilla Belich: Is there any other provision being made for the use of rapid antigen testing in education settings?Hon JAN TINETTI: On behalf of the Minister early learning centres will also be able to access rapid antigen tests for reassurance testing so that parents can have confidence in their centre to stay open and for their children to continue to attend. Those centres that opt in will receive enough tests for staff to do twice-weekly testing. Staff at specialist schools and special-needs units will also be able to access rapid antigen testing for this purpose and will be prioritised for distribution as will staff at school hostels. This is a voluntary short-term measure while we get through the peak of the Omicron outbreak. It will be reviewed again in a few weeks' time.Camilla Belich: What other protections do schools and early childhood centres have?Hon JAN TINETTI: Schools and early learning centres already have very good protections in place with all staff required to be vaccinated mask use in year 4 and up and good ventilation. In fact portable air cleaners are already being sent to schools to be used in classrooms staff rooms and other spaces where there is a need to supplement natural ventilation. We expect all schools will have at least one portable air cleaner by May with additional cleaners for larger schools. A further procurement is under way to identify suppliers to meet any future need for carbon dioxide monitors and portable air cleaners.
5. Question No. 5—Energy and ResourcesTANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesQuestion No. 5—Energy and Resources5. TANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What responses has she seen to the Government's decision to cut fuel excise and road-user charges by 25 cents per litre?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): The most immediate response I saw to the Government's announcement to cut fuel excise by 25c per litre was fuel prices across New Zealand dropping. Little over an hour after the announcement prices at the pump started falling. From the lowest fuel price in Greymouth there was a 29c per litre fall in the price of Regular 91 today compared to Monday. For the lowest fuel price in Auckland there was a 31c per litre fall in the price of Regular 91 Monday to Tuesday and a 29c fall in Hastings and these figures show our reduction in excise is already making a big difference to consumers across the country. Tangi Utikere: What feedback has she received on the Government's decision to cut fuel excise by 25c per litre? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I've seen a number of enthusiastic and positive responses to the Government's decision to cut fuel excise and road-user charges by 25c a litre. The Auckland Business Chamber said that the Government's reduction in fuel excise exemplified the decisive leadership New Zealanders expect and deserve. Julie Wyatt from Hospitality New Zealand said that the Government's reduction was an essential move that would provide New Zealanders with urgent relief while the Motor Trade Association has said cutting taxes on fuel without impact on funding for major roading projects is a win-win for motorists. Tangi Utikere: What response has she seen from New Zealanders?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I've seen a number of responses from New Zealanders to the reduction in fuel excise. Radio New Zealand reported an Auckland mother who said the excise reduction will mean her family can buy some of the things for the girls more fruit and some meals that are more healthy than just eating frozen vegetables". Tema said the reduction "will really help us in this crisis situation that the whole country's going through". I'm proud of the action that our Government is taking to give Kiwi families immediate relief through the current global energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine."
Tuesday 15 March 2022 - Volume 758
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the report be adopted.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that Andrew Bayly's tabled amendment to adjust tax brackets by the rate of inflation be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 33New Zealand National 33.Noes 85New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10.Amendment not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that Andrew Bayly's tabled amendment to remove the 39 percent tax bracket be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 75New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 3 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Part 3 as amended agreed to.
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22 GST and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Part 3
VoteDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) (remote): I move That the question be now put.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the Minister's tabled amendment to the Minister's Supplementary Order Paper 134 amending clause 80C be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment to the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendment to the amendment agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Part 3 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 134 as amended and in the Minister's tabled amendment be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments as amended be agreed to.Ayes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments as amended agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): Brooke van Velden's amendment to clauses 48 56B 64BB 64DB 64E and 80C set out on Supplementary Order Paper 135 are out of order as inconsistent with a previous decision of the committee. The question is that Brooke van Velden's remaining amendments to Part 3 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 135 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 10ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): Andrew Bayly's amendments to Part 3 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 137 are out of order as being the same in substance to amendments on Supplementary Order Paper 135. The question is that Andrew Bayly's amendments to Part 3 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 136 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 33New Zealand National 33.Noes 85New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10.Amendments not agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that David Seymour's amendments to adjust tax brackets and remove the 30 and 39 percent brackets set out on Supplementary Order Paper 140 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 10ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 108New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments not agreed to.
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Part 2 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 134 and in the Minister's tabled amendments be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 2 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Part 2 as amended agreed to.
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22 GST and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Part 2
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22 GST and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Part 1
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Members I just remind you that the amendments to the rates of income tax were put at the end of the Part 3 debate. The question is that part 1 stand part [Interruption]—apologies I'm out of order.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Members I just remind you that as I was doing before—I remind you that the amendments to the rates of income tax were put at the end of the Part 3 debate.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 1 stand part.Ayes 67New Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Abstentions 10Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Part 1 agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill be reported to the House by 31 March 2022 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions) 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 193 and 196.Ayes 110New Zealand Labour 65; New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 10ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 108 Noes 10 to include Te Paati Māori's votes.
COVID-19 Response (Courts Safety) Legislation Bill — Instruction to Committee (resumed)
Ngāti Rangitihi Claims Settlement Bill — In Committee
VoteJOSEPH MOONEY (National—Southland): I just support what the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little just said. These are proposed minor amendments that are non-contentious that are necessary and they are supported by the National Party. Thank you Mr Chair. CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): The question is that the Minister's amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 139 be agreed to. Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): The question is that Parts 1 to 3 Schedules 1 to 4 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended stand part.Parts 1 to 3 Schedules 1 to 4 and clauses 1 and 2 as amended agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment.House resumed.CHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie): Madam Speaker the committee has considered the Ngāti Rangitihi Claims Settlement Bill and reports it with amendment. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa): In accordance with a determination of the Business Committee this bill is set down for third reading forthwith.
12. Question No. 12—TransportSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) (remote) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 12—Transport12. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) (remote) to the Minister of Transport: What recent steps has the Government taken to support New Zealanders to use public transport in response to the global energy shock?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): Yesterday the Government announced that in response to the global energy shock we are experiencing public transport fares will be halved for a period of three months to give commuters more options to change the way they travel. At a time of rising fuel prices brought on in part by Russia's invasion of Ukraine the Government has acted swiftly to encourage uptake of public transport by making it a more affordable alternative. It's expected that this initiative will commence from approximately 1 April working aside our local government partners alongside a suite of other measures which will see significant increases in the take-home income of Kiwi families.Shanan Halbert: What are the benefits of reduced public transport fares for passengers?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Primarily the reduced fares will place a lesser burden on those who might already be making use of the public transport system and make public transport a more viable alternative for families and those who otherwise might find the cost a barrier. Additionally increasing uptake of public transport and changes in the way that we travel had been identified by the Climate Change Commission as a key factor in reducing emissions from the transport sector.Shanan Halbert: What are the flow-on benefits if any that this will have for public transport in the coming months?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: The last two years have been a challenging time for public transport operators in New Zealand. With a reduction in patronage we've dealt with the impacts of COVID and now the Omicron wave. This initiative has the dual benefit therefore of incentivising those who would otherwise be using their cars to use a bus or a train or a ferry and also supports potentially greater farebox revenue for local authorities and Waka Kotahi to make the services more sustainable.Simeon Brown: Will the half-price public transport announced yesterday include the Te Huia train service between Hamilton and Auckland which already receives a subsidy of over $280 per passenger?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Yes the service is covered as a public transport service. The point of the announcement yesterday was to ensure that more Kiwis have access to more affordable transport options. That is the direction that this Government believes that we need to move in and it's disappointing but not surprising that the member opposite doesn't seem to support that.
10. Question No. 10—Health (Māori Health)ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) (remote) to the Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health)Question No. 10—Health (Māori Health)10. ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) (remote) to the Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health): What recent announcement has he made regarding the interim Māori Health Authority?Hon PEENI HENARE (Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health)) (remote): Thank you Mr Speaker. This morning I was at the Takapūwāhia Marae with my colleague the Hon Andrew Little to announce the interim Māori Health Authority's first commissioning budget totalling just over $22 million in funding. This first commissioning budget is a notable further step forward in delivering Pae Ora or Healthy Futures for whānau across New Zealand. I am pleased that the interim Māori Health Authority is getting to work quickly to commission providers to deliver services that will make a huge difference in the lives of Māori whānau.Arena Williams: Why is this funding necessary?Hon PEENI HENARE: For too long the health system has failed to address the disproportionate health outcomes that Māori face. On average Māori die seven years younger than other population groups and this situation cannot be allowed to continue. The initial investment we outlined today will start to lay the foundation for the authority's ongoing role supporting kaupapa Māori health services to improve outcomes for whānau and I can't reiterate enough that this Government is serious about improving the health outcomes for all New Zealanders. The funding announcement today will not only support Māori whānau it will also improve the overall health outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.Arena Williams: So how will this funding help improve health outcomes for whānau?Hon PEENI HENARE: Through its first commissioning budget the interim Māori Health Authority has outlined its first commitments to embed and expand Te Ao Māori solutions across our health system including in areas such as mātauranga Māori initiatives and the further development of the Māori health workforce. The interim Māori Health Authority will now work with iwi-Māori partnership boards to create services that could include health education pūrākau resource development and models centred on addressing the wider social and environmental detriments of health in their communities. This is about putting whānau first and supporting new and different approaches that work for Māori whānau and their communities.
8. Question No. 8—EnvironmentRACHEL BROOKING (Labour) (remote) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 8—Environment8. RACHEL BROOKING (Labour) (remote) to the Minister for the Environment: What steps is the Government taking to improve recycling in New Zealand?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): Every year New Zealand generates more than 17 million tonnes of waste and sends two-thirds—almost 13 tonnes—of that to landfill. Just one-third is recycled. Other developed countries do twice as well recycling two-thirds. Here too much rubbish ends up in recycling bins degrading the good stuff. Too much recyclable material goes into the rubbish bin and is wasted. Too much litter ends up on the streets. We've announced a plan to improve recycling with three main parts: standardising kerbside recycling; secondly a container deposit scheme to incentivise people to return their empty drink containers; and thirdly separation of business food scraps from general waste to reduce greenhouse gases and recycle the nutrients. These actions will make a difference and we look forward to Kiwis submitting on the plan.Rachel Brooking: Why is the Government standardising kerbside collection?Hon DAVID PARKER: Standardising kerbside recycling will reduce confusion and help businesses design packaging that is recyclable anywhere in New Zealand. This will make it simpler and easier for people to recycle. Councils and their contractors have asked for these improvements. Food scraps make up more than a third of a typical household's rubbish each week and rotting waste overall accounts for about 9 percent of New Zealand's biogenic methane emissions. I'm advised that landfill gas capture is unable to meet the methane reduction targets recommended by the climate commission. Accordingly separating food scraps for collection is necessary to reduce those emissions and return the nutrients to the soil.Rachel Brooking: Why is the Government proposing a container return scheme?Hon DAVID PARKER: About two and a half billion drink containers are sold every year in New Zealand. Less than half of these containers are recycled meaning that over a billion containers end up as litter is stockpiled or is sent to landfills every year. With a container return scheme we can increase our recycling for beverage containers to between 85 percent and 90 percent. People will return empty drink containers in exchange for a refundable deposit. This will also increase the supply of recovered materials for our onshore recycling system and for our container manufacturers and it will also help sustainably underpin the economics of many community recycling facilities.
6. Question No. 6—EducationMARJA LUBECK (Labour) (remote) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 6—Education6. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) (remote) to the Minister of Education: What response has he seen to Government initiatives to support training and apprenticeships?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education) (remote): I'm pleased to report that New Zealanders are continuing to flock to the trades since we introduced the free vocational training and apprenticeships fund or the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF). The latest enrolment data shows that 188090 people have been supported through the fund since we introduced it in July 2020—that includes more than 88000 apprentices. The fund is making a range of qualifications in key targeted areas—and all apprenticeships—free until the end of this year.Marja Lubeck: Has TTAF supported a diverse range of New Zealanders to undertake vocational education and training?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Yes the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund are supporting—32 percent of the learners supported by that fund are under the age of 25 years old and 26 percent of them are over the age of 40. Twenty percent of the learners are Māori 14 percent are Asian and 9 percent are Pacific peoples—these three groups collectively accounting for more than 40 percent of all those receiving support under the fund. Thirty-one percent of people supported by the fund are women and that is significant given the historic under-representation of women in trades. We can still do better and we'll still keep pushing to do better.Marja Lubeck: What support have employers received from the Apprenticeship Boost initiative in relation to vocational learners in their workplaces?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The Apprenticeship Boost is part of our COVID-19 support initiatives that helps employers to keep early-stage apprentices employed and training towards their qualification. Since it started in August of 2020 nearly 17000 employers have been supported to retain over 42000 first- and second-year apprentices and to take on new apprentices. We now have an unprecedented number of apprentices. In the first two months of this year we've funded over 56000 apprentices—that's compared to 48000 in the same period last year 2021 and just 37000 in 2020. So it's an increase of 18 percent over last year and 55 percent over 2020. As a Government we've been focused on rebuilding our trades and vocational education and training systems and that work is really delivering results.
4. Question No. 4—Energy and ResourcesANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) (remote) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesQuestion No. 4—Energy and Resources4. ANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour) (remote) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What actions is she taking to give New Zealanders confidence that they will receive the full benefit of the Government's 25 cent reduction in fuel excise duty and road-user charges announced yesterday?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): Last night I wrote to fuel companies to confirm that the Government's 25c per litre reduction in fuel excise would be passed on to consumers from 11.59 p.m. I also further outlined information disclosure that would be required and I'd like to thank Z Energy who have already confirmed that they will voluntarily provide this information. In the coming days I will propose changes to the Fuel Industry Amendment Regulations 2021 to compel the provision of daily rolling seven-day average margin information so we can monitor this. This information will be made publicly available. The Government's clear expectation is that fuel companies will pass on the full 25c per litre reduction plus the GST component to consumers. These changes will give New Zealanders confidence that the prices that they pay at the pump reflect our decision to reduce petrol excise duty.Angie Warren-Clark: When can New Zealanders expect to see a reduction in the prices they pay at the pump as a result of these measures?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Following yesterday's announcement fuel companies began responding by 5 p.m. dropping their prices by 25c per litre. This means people are already saving $11.50 in excise on a 40-litre tank and $17.25 on a 60-litre tank. I'm pleased to see that fuel companies acted quickly to pass on savings to consumers but the Government will continue to monitor prices to ensure that consumers get a better deal at the pump.Angie Warren-Clark: What can New Zealanders do if they're concerned that savings are not being passed on?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: In addition to proposing changes to the Fuel Industry Amendment Regulations 2021 to increase monitoring of fuel company margins I've asked officials at the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment to follow up on concerns with prices. Of course we will be collecting data at the company level not the station level but I encourage consumers to shop around. If people are concerned that the Government's reduction in fuel excise is not being passed on they can email pricewatch@mbie.govt.nz. Emails will be followed up by officials to ensure that people get a better deal at the pump.
Biosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Amendment Bill — Second Reading (resumed)