edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Lee Melissa: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLee Melissa: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2031. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]10.MELISSA LEE (National)to the Minister for Small Business: What reports has he received on confidence from small businesses in the New Zealand economy?Hon CRAIG FOSS (Minister for Small Business):I have received a report that shows New Zealand business confidence—of course including small businesses—in the New Zealand economy continues to improve. According to the most recent ANZ Business Outlook “Business sentiment has started the year with an extremely positive tone. … A net 34 percent of firms are optimistic about the general economy.” up from 30.4 percent in the previous survey. The Government’s policies such as prudent Government spending lowering personal and company tax rates and focusing on sustainable jobs are enabling business confidence to rise. Confident businesses are the engine room creating GDP growth of 3.2 percent and 80000 new jobs last year.Melissa Lee: What other areas highlighted in this report show small-business confidence is growing?Hon CRAIG FOSS: The report highlights that the New Zealand economy is progressing very well. The economy is into its fifth year of economic expansion. According to the report businesses remain very optimistic about their prospects. The ANZ Business Outlook states “Profit expectations [have] firmed … More money in the till is positive for expanding employment and investment.” Growing confidence from small businesses in the economy shows why this Government is better for business.Melissa Lee: What reports has he seen that impact negatively on business confidence and their profits?Hon CRAIG FOSS: I have seen a report on a proposal that would cost New Zealand businesses around $500 million per annum beginning in early 2015. This additional $500 million cost on to New Zealand businesses would occur if the minimum wage was increased to $16.25 by early 2015 as proposed by the Labour Party. Adding $500 million additional costs on to New Zealand businesses would be extremely negative for business confidence profits growth jobs and New Zealand.
Mark Ron: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMark Ron: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2031. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.RON MARK (NZ First)to the Minister of Transport: Does he stand by all his statements?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Transport):Yes including my statement that New Zealand First members can say all manner of weird and wonderful things but because they are not in Government they cannot achieve diddly-squat for the people of Northland.Ron Mark: We will see about that after the by-election—Mr SPEAKER: Order! I know it is an interesting time but if members could just ask the supplementary question I for one would be grateful.Ron Mark: Thank you Mr Speaker. Can the Minister tell the House exactly when did he get the approval for the extra funding required for the New Zealand Transport Agency to replace the 10 one-way bridges on Northland’s twin coast highway—exactly when?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: This has been a matter I have been discussing with Northland since early on as a Minister of Transport going up there in December and talking about it. Late last week a decision was made on this.Ron Mark: Can the Minister then enlighten the House as to what seismic change occurred last week when the regional land transport plan 2012-15 and the draft regional land transport plan 2015-21 do not say anything about replacing 10 bridges in Northland?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: It is good to see that the member cannot read. On page I think it is 34 of the draft regional land transport plan it talks about three of the bridges in the programme—Matakohe Kaeō and Taipā. Unlike that member we know the region very well.Ron Mark: Is it not a fact that there were no plans to replace 10 bridges on the Northland twin coast highway and that this is pure pork-barrel politics of the very worst kind on the back of National’s disastrous polling in Northland for the Northland by-election?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: I appreciate the members are bitter because they heard about our announcement. They wanted to beat us to it and then when we got ours out they had to go with some ill-conceived port plan that no one likes. But we have been talking to the people of Northland for a long time about this and unlike that party we have been backing them for some time.Ron Mark: In light of the previous comment about the Kaeō Bridge if this by-election proves to be not the result the Minister wants and National loses will Minister Bridges accept that Kaeō Bridge which is just down the road from the National Party candidate—Mr SPEAKER: Order! Just ask the question.Ron Mark: —will be one bridge too far?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: That member may as well live in St Mary’s Bay as well because he does not know the electorate. The fact is that the candidate for National does not live near Kaeō. We are backing those bridges whatever happens in the by-election but we know and the people of Northland increasingly know that it requires a strong voice in Northland in Government to make a difference not someone whispering in the wind from the Opposition.
O'Connor Simon: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeO'Connor Simon: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2031. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.SIMON O’CONNOR (National—Tāmaki)to the Minister for Communications: What recent reports has she seen on growth of fibre connections compared to other OECD countries?Hon AMY ADAMS (Minister for Communications):The latest OECD broadband portal penetration statistics show that New Zealand is now ranked first in the world amongst developed countries for annual growth of fibre connections from June 2013 to June 2014 with an annual growth of 272 percent compared with an annual growth of fibre connections across the OECD of just 12.4 percent.Simon O’Connor: How are fibre connections in the ultra-fast broadband programme progressing against expectations?Hon AMY ADAMS: On our current level of uptake with over 69000 connected users as at 31 December 2014 representing 11.3 percent uptake this is a 26 percent increase on the previous quarter and is ahead of Crown Fibre Holdings’ expectations for this stage of the project. As a comparison Singapore was at just 2 percent uptake at the same point of their build—i.e. 43 percent complete—and they did not reach 11 percent uptake until they were 86 percent complete.
Korako Nuk: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeKorako Nuk: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2031. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]2.NUK KORAKO (National)to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the economy and particularly on New Zealand’s creditworthiness compared to other developed economies?Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance):I have seen a recent report from credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service which reaffirms New Zealand’s triple A rating with a stable outlook. Moody’s notes that despite a fall in dairy prices during 2014 New Zealand’s economy is growing relatively strongly and it expects continued growth of around 3 percent. Overall it is a positive assessment of the direction that the New Zealand economy is going.Nuk Korako: What does Moody’s say about New Zealand’s economic performance compared with other developed economies?Hon BILL ENGLISH: It makes a number of comparisons. It says that New Zealand has demonstrated a track record of somewhat faster and more stable growth in the recent past compared with other developed countries. It does point out that New Zealand is pretty focused on the agricultural sector as its main source of export revenue but points out that New Zealand demonstrates some degree of diversity of individual products within this larger segment of agricultural exports. Moody’s notes that there is also a number of other factors that reduce the risk of economic concentration in agriculture including our relatively low reliance on agricultural employment and only about 6.4 percent of total employment it points out is in the agricultural sector.Nuk Korako: What did Moody’s say about New Zealand’s current account balance?Hon BILL ENGLISH: Like all other credit rating agencies Moody’s highlights New Zealand’s current account deficit as a risk as it has done for around 30 years. However there is reason to believe that we are making progress in this area and we expect further improvements over the next few years as we implement further economic reforms. The current account deficit continues to be smaller than forecast and currently sits around 2.6 percent of GDP so it will be interesting to see whether it goes as negative as some people forecast. Household savings have been positive for the past 5 years for the first time in 20 years and the net international investment position has fallen consistently over the last 6 years. These are all some signs of moderate progress on long-term imbalances in the New Zealand economy.Nuk Korako: How is the Government’s fiscal policy contributing to New Zealand’s stable ratings outlook?Hon BILL ENGLISH: Moody’s makes the same point as other credit rating agencies—that although New Zealand has very high levels of household debt this is offset to some extent by the strength of the Government’s finances. The ratio of Government debt to GDP is well below the median of triple-A sovereign-rated countries and Moody’s believes that Government debt will continue to decline over the next few years as a percentage of GDP.
Roy Eric: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoy Eric: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2015. Volume:703;Page:2031. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: David Clendon—a 5-minute call.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:197. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):When the House resumes on Tuesday 28 October the Government intends to continue the Address in Reply debate and progress the Employment Relations Amendment Bill and the Accounting Infrastructure Reform Bill and other bills on the Order Paper. On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at the times agreed by the Business Committee a number of members will make their maiden speeches to the House.
Vote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:245. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat schedule 2 be agreed to.Ayes62New Zealand National 60; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes57New Zealand Labour 30; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11; Māori Party 2.Schedule 2 agreed to.
Bennett David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to MembersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBennett David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:214. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East)to the Minister of Transport: What progress is being made in improving road safety?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Transport):The Safer Journeys road strategy is nearly 5 years old. This Government has introduced many road safety measures during that time including increasing the driving age lowering the blood-alcohol levels to zero for drivers under 20 fixing the give-way rule introducing alcohol interlocks and continuing to support high-profile and successful campaigns. From 1 December the blood-alcohol limit for all drivers will also be lowered. Since the introduction of Safer Journeys the number of road deaths has reduced by almost one third. In 2010 we saw 375 people lose their lives on our roads. Last year that total fell to 254 deaths. We are not however complacent and that is why this Government invests millions each year in continuing to improve road safety.David Bennett: What are the key messages for motorists over the long weekend to help keep them and their families safe?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: I would ask all motorists and their passengers enjoying the long Labour Weekend to keep road safety in mind. The messages are clear: stay focused drive to the conditions stay within the speed limit and do not drive when affected by alcohol drugs or fatigue. Last Labour Weekend’s road toll was one of the lowest since 1956 but even one death of course is too many and we need to work together to stay safe on our roads.
Roche Denise: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoche Denise: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:248. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DENISE ROCHE (Green):I am going to talk to the title of the bill. The title of the bill is I think a misnomer. The Act is going to be called the Employment Relations Amendment Act. That is what it is going to be called—the Employment Relations Amendment Act. Actually I do not think that describes the content of this bill at all. Like the previous speaker Sue Moroney I do not think it is terribly funny either. I am going to try to make some points based on the title of this bill.I guess we could call it the “Undermining Employment Relations Bill” because that is what it does. It basically sets up a situation where employers are much more advantaged over workers where the employment relationship can and will become even more stressful. This bill does not give any signal to employers that this is the type of environment where they should be investing in their workers where they should be providing good relationships where they should be providing good conditions or where they should be ensuring that workers can speak up at work and take an active part in the planning of their work and basically have some democracy on the worksite. This bill is not going to do that so let us call it the “Undermining Employment Relations Bill”.We could also call it the “Undermining Every Piece of Health and Safety Legislation There Ever is to be Bill” because this is what the bill will do. It will undermine the legislation that this House is looking at around health and safety. It will do that in two ways. It will do that through removing the right for a worker to have a tea break or a rest break. We have heard examples from other speakers of people who have worked continuously—hour after hour after hour day after day after day—in dangerous and isolated working conditions who needed a break. They absolutely needed a break. And because they do not get breaks because they are required to work all the hours of the day and night these are the people who are being harmed at work or who are not coming home from work at all.The second way that this bill undermines all our health and safety legislation and the reason why it should be called the “Undermining Health and Safety in Legislation Bill”—Progress reported.Report adopted.
Bishop Chris: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBishop Chris: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:247. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CHRIS BISHOP (National):I move That the question be now put.
Vote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:245. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat schedule 1 as amended be agreed to.Ayes62New Zealand National 60; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes57New Zealand Labour 30; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11; Māori Party 2.Schedule 1 as amended agreed to.
Vote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:245. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat the amendments be agreed to.Ayes62New Zealand National 60; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes57New Zealand Labour 30; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11; Māori Party 2.Amendments agreed to.
Vote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:244. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat Part 2 be agreed to.Ayes62New Zealand National 60; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes57New Zealand Labour 30; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11; Māori Party 2.Part 2 agreed to.
Vote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:244. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party votewas called for on the questionThat the question be now put.Ayes64New Zealand National 60; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes55New Zealand Labour 30; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.Motion agreed to.
Mallard Trevor: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:244. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard):I have no reluctance at all to accept the question. I do want to make a comment and that is that what we had earlier was I think a very good example of some specific questions being asked and answers. If that occurs and no new matters are brought up then I am not at all reluctant to take the closure.
Dowie Sarah: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDowie Sarah: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:244. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]SARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill):I move That the question be now put.
Bishop Chris: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBishop Chris: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:242. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CHRIS BISHOP (National):I move That the question be now put.
Woodhouse Michael: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In CommitteeText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWoodhouse Michael: Employment Relations Amendment Bill — In Committee[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:240. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety):I appreciate the honourable member’s intervention and some very good technical questions around the transitional provisions. Can I start with the first matter—the double negative. I have very carefully considered it and I have checked with my legal experts that the references to this Act and the 2013 Act are actually correct and it does not create a double negative. That is probably for reasons that are a little bit above my small legal brain but I am reassured that there is no tension around making the clause redundant.The member also raised a very good question in respect of the timing of the new provisions on contracting. “Restructuring” is actually the generic term that is used for contracting out and it is more likely now because many of the people who are affected by these provisions are now in organisations—very few large organisations now conduct their own cleaning. I can think of one. It was a hospital that I ran. It still does it. But generally speaking what we talk about is restructuring and generically that term is used. It is actually the retendering of a contract that is already contracted out. For example if I was to retender the contract and Mr Hipkins was to win it and Mr Nash was to lose it the timing of that in law would be the awarding of the new contract. Therefore if that did not occur until after the law became effective then the new provisions would apply. But if the contract was started and was awarded before the new transitional provision became effective then it would not.It is a question of the facts of each individual case so it is hard to say in all circumstances what would happen but I am satisfied that the definition of restructuring as is contained in section 69 is clear enough to make employers—outgoing and incoming—pretty clear about what their obligations are. But thank you for raising it.
Barry Maggie: Address in ReplyText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBarry Maggie: Address in Reply[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:235. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon MAGGIE BARRY (Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage):I move That this debate be now adjourned.Motion agreed to.
Logie Jan: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to MembersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLogie Jan: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:216. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]1.JAN LOGIE (Green)to the Member in charge of the Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill: Why has the member adopted the Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill?METIRIA TUREI (Member in charge of the Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill):The Green Party believes that in this House we have a moral duty to make sure that children in need have the support that they need. It is estimated by KidsCan that up to 20 percent of children in low-decile schools go to school without either breakfast or lunch. If the Government has the resources to feed these hungry kids we have a moral duty to use those resources to feed those hungry kids.Jan Logie: Is the plan outlined in the “Feed the Kids Bill” the ideal way to ensure that children are fed at school?METIRIA TUREI: The bill sets out one means by which we can feed hungry kids at school. I hope that the bill is sent to a select committee so we can hear from parents schools and children’s health and welfare experts as to what is the best means to make sure hungry kids in schools are fed.
Hague Kevin: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to MembersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHague Kevin: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:213. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]10.KEVIN HAGUE (Green)to the Minister of Health: Is he satisfied that there is no conflict of interest in the head of the Food and Grocery Council Katherine Rich being a board member of the Health Promotion Agency; if so why?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health):I am satisfied that there are procedures in place to manage any situations where a conflict of interest may arise. All board members of Crown agents are required to declare and manage conflicts of interest in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Entities Act 2004.Kevin Hague: Is he concerned about allegations that Katherine Rich hired public relations man Carrick Graham to write attacks on health researchers that were later published word for word on the Whale Oil website?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I have seen no credible evidence to back up those allegations but what I do know is that Katherine Rich is a person of the very highest integrity and that her conduct as a member of the Health Promotion Agency has been excellent.Kevin Hague: What specific actions has he or his predecessor taken to ensure that Katherine Rich is not compromising the goals of the Health Promotion Agency by paying for attacks on researchers and others who highlight the damaging effects of the products promoted and produced by some of her Food and Grocery Council members?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I have had direct communication from the chair of the Health Promotion Agency which states: “She has always been an ethical member of the board. As chair I have always had confidence in her contribution.” That satisfies me.Kevin Hague: As the incoming Minister will he take that further and in fact initiate an investigation into whether Mrs Rich’s conflict as both a member of the Health Promotion Agency and a lobbyist for the alcohol tobacco and junk food industries was appropriately managed and will he hold an inquiry into the allegations that Mrs Rich hired a public relations man to attack health researchers while being a member of the Health Promotion Agency board?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I see no reason to take any further action and I am going to spend my efforts on improving access to quality health care for all New Zealanders. That is what I think should be the focus of the portfolio.Kevin Hague: How can Katherine Rich possibly fulfil the goals of the Health Promotion Agency when with her other hat on she is promoting unhealthy food tobacco and alcohol and paying for public attacks on health promotion researchers?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Dealing with public health issues including obesity involves a range of responses including good diet nutrition and physical activity. I believe that the food industry actually has a very important contribution to make and it is helpful to have them represented around that table.
Mark Ron: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to MembersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMark Ron: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:209. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]RON MARK (NZ First):Good to see you back Gerry. I would like to see more of your back.Mr SPEAKER: Order! Question No. 8.
Carter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to MembersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:209. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Question No. 8 Richard Prosser and I understand Ron Mark will be asking it on behalf of Richard Prosser.Hon Gerry Brownlee: The breakdown’s occurred already.
Ngaro Alfred: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to MembersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNgaro Alfred: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:208. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]7.ALFRED NGARO (National)to the Minister for Social Development: What reports has she received regarding the number of New Zealanders who are benefit-dependent in particular those relating to sole parents?Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Social Development):Under this Government the number of people on welfare for this quarter is the lowest it has been since 2008. The latest benefit figures released last week show that there are now over 10000 fewer people on welfare compared with September last year and more than 70 percent of them are sole parents. We know that sole parents who go on benefit particularly in their teens do have the highest lifetime cost of any group on welfare and are more likely to stay on welfare. The reduction in the number of sole parents on benefit extends across all ages and this is indeed a positive trend.Alfred Ngaro: What are the Government’s priorities for ensuring we move New Zealanders who are on benefits into work over the next 3 years?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: We believe that the best way out of poverty is through work and that is why we have set ambitious targets to reduce long-term welfare dependency. As part of this programme we will progress legislation extending the Youth Service approach to under-20s. This will see these young people working with a dedicated provider to deliver intensive support and guidance as well as budgeting support and help paying their bills. This Government believes that the welfare system should provide a safety net for those in genuine need and that people are better off in work. This is particularly the case for our youngest New Zealanders who deserve to be backed rather than left to sit on welfare.Sue Moroney: How many sole parents have simply been transferred from sole parent support on to a different category of benefit over the same period?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I do not have any figures on that but I do not believe that this Government is in the habit of the previous Labour Government of merely shifting people around when it comes to benefit numbers. We are working to make sure that people get off benefit and into work and what is more we are succeeding.Sue Moroney: I seek leave to table a document showing that the number of sole parents who have been transferred on to job seeker support was about 20000 over that period.Mr SPEAKER: I need the source of the document.Sue Moroney: The source of the document is the New Zealand Herald.Mr SPEAKER: No I will not be putting the leave.
Carter David: Speaker’s Rulings — Oral Questions—Ministerial ResponsibilityText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Speaker’s Rulings — Oral Questions—Ministerial Responsibility[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:199. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Yesterday members raised points of order asking that I reflect on answers given by the Prime Minister during question No. 3. In practice a wide view is taken of the concept of ministerial responsibility. In each case it will depend on a consideration of the legislative and administrative circumstances surrounding the question. While the Prime Minister is answerable for all actions taken and statements made as Prime Minister the Prime Minister is not answerable for statements or actions taken as the leader of a political party or in a personal capacity although this can be a hard distinction to make.I have reviewed each of the answers given by the Prime Minister during question No. 3 yesterday. On reflection there is one answer to a supplementary question that troubles me. The primary question was a very general one. It revealed no particular connection to any action taken in a ministerial capacity. Dr Russel Norman’s eight other supplementary questions were answered in a way that gives me no concern. However Dr Norman’s third supplementary question in asking about a conversation with Mr Slater made a connection to the actions of the Prime Minister in relation to the Government’s response to the Pike River mine tragedy. A connection having been made to a matter of ministerial responsibility an informative answer should be given. To simply say “I am not going to describe conversations I have in a capacity other than as Prime Minister.” is not acceptable where the question is linked to matters of ministerial responsibility.Although considerable weight must be given to a Minister’s claim that actions or statements were not made in a ministerial capacity this can never be definitive. Ultimately the Speaker will take a view. This is what I have done. Where I judge a question to reveal a reasonable likelihood of a connection to ministerial responsibility an informative answer must be given.
Dunne Peter: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at ParliamentText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDunne Peter: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at Parliament[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:199. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future):I join with others in expressing sympathy to the Parliament the people and the families of those so tragically killed in Canada in the events of recent days. When we think of Canada from this distance we think of a country not unlike ours in terms of being a peaceful tranquil place where these sorts of things do not happen and when they do the shock becomes all the greater. I think it would be somewhat idle premature and foolish to speculate further upon this incident in the absence of full information. Suffice it to say it is a shock to people who value freedom and who value democracy.Our thoughts must be with those who have been adversely affected particularly the families and the thought that those men carrying out their lawful duty were cut down in this way is abhorrent. My deepest sympathy goes to the people of Canada to the families of those who have lost loved ones and to the Parliament of Canada as a fellow institution to this one.Motion agreed to.
Fox Marama: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at ParliamentText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFox Marama: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at Parliament[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:198. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MARAMA FOX (Māori Party):Anei rā te mihi atu ki a koe e Te Mana Whakawā koutou o Te Whare nei. Ā tēnei tāku e tū ake nei ki te mihi nō te mea ko tēnei taku wā tuatahi ki te kōrero hoi anō hei te rā tū taku wā tika. Nā reira i roto i te tūnga o Te Ururoa o Te Pāti Māori i tēnei wā au e tū ana. He tuku mihi ki tēnei o ngā rangatira kua mate i tēnei rangi nā reira. Tēnei te mihi ki a koutou ōku pou ōku rahi tēnā koutou.[Here indeed is my acknowledgment to you Mr Speaker and to you collectively of this House. I have greeted you in this manner because it is the first time I have made a statement and furthermore the proper time would have been when I make my first speech. So in this instance I am standing for the Māori Party in the position of Te Ururoa. I pay a tribute to the leaders who have passed away today. I salute you my pillars and my greatness acknowledgments to you collectively.]I stand today on behalf of the Māori Party to express our heartfelt sympathies to the Canadian Parliament the Canadian people and most of all to the family and loved ones of the soldiers whose lives have been tragically stolen. The young lives of those soldiers will be for ever entrenched as heroes to be remembered forevermore by their children by their parents and by all of those who loved them dearly.To be a member of Parliament is the greatest honour and privilege—to be of service to one’s people. Today we mourn with all of our peers across the world as we consider one of our own brothers as we do with all of our own security staff who stand to protect us here. One of our brothers amongst us has been killed today in our world. We have a whakataukī from home: Aorangi tū noa papa kotinga takoto noa. It means: Aorangi stands alone while I will be struck down to lie forlorn. It referred to the tragic execution of a Wairarapa chief.I am reminded of how senseless the loss of life is that comes from events such as today’s in Canada. They have huge ramifications for the communities from which these individuals come. It is also time to acknowledge this serjeant-at-arms who today stood up to protect parliamentarians while standing guard at the Ottawa National War Memorial in front poignantly of the tomb of the fallen soldier. It was a noble action well beyond the call of duty and one that represents the incredible calibre of the people who do so much to protect those working in the Houses of Parliament both here and across the globe.Our thoughts are with the family of the fallen soldier and the guards who have lost their lives in today’s attacks and the attacks of this week. Nō reira e te Whare tēnā koutou.
Peters Winston: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at ParliamentText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePeters Winston: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at Parliament[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:198. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First):New Zealand First joins other parties in expressing condolences to the family of the soldier killed in Ottawa today and our deep concern at the attack on the Canadian Parliament. An attack on the institution of Parliament is an attack at the very heart of democracy. It is significant and a very serious development. Without security for the processes of government and Parliament there is only one path and that is anarchyIn New Zealand First we believe that our country needs to be more vigilant. We must follow the events in Canada and see what lessons may apply to New Zealand and indeed to security in our Parliament and its precincts. In any country an attack on Parliament is a very very black day.
Norman Russel: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at ParliamentText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNorman Russel: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at Parliament[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:198. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green):The Green Party joins with the Government in expressing its condolences to the family of the soldier killed in Ottawa today and its deep concern at the attack at Parliament House. The Green Party expresses its solidarity with Canadians and with the Canadian Parliament today. Our thoughts are with all of those caught up in the shooting in Canada. Our sympathies are especially with the family and friends of the soldier killed while guarding the National War Memorial. We also hope for the speedy recovery of the people who were injured in the attack. This is a horrible attack. We hope for peace and for order to be restored in Ottawa. Kia kaha.
Shearer David: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at ParliamentText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeShearer David: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at Parliament[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:198. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DAVID SHEARER (Labour—Mt Albert):In support of that motion the Labour Party joins with the Government in expressing its condolences and sympathies today to the family and friends of Corporal Nathan Frank Cirillo the Canadian soldier who was gunned down while performing his duties outside the Ottawa National War Memorial. This was a brutal act that appears to have been planned and premeditated and it comes on the heels of another Canadian soldier who was deliberately killed in a hit and run incident.These events have clearly come as a shock to Canadian citizens who live in a country that is peace-loving and has been largely immune to that sort of violence. Our thoughts today are with the Canadian people who are coming to terms with that horrific event. We also acknowledge the quick response of the Canadian security services which may well have saved other innocent lives as the gunman entered the Canadian Parliament.It is a reminder that we need to be vigilant in these indeed troubled times when events from elsewhere and overseas impinge and force themselves on to our societies as well. But it is also important to acknowledge that these are the actions of a very small number of extremists. They are not representatives of many of our communities. Much attention has gone on to the Muslim community within New Zealand. It like others in our society is a community who are Kiwis who are hard-working peaceful and law-abiding. Indeed together with Phil Goff I attended a march on the weekend where Muslims took to the streets on Queen Street under the banner of “Not in My Name” to abhor what was perpetrated in the name of Islam. We need to be watchful but never prejudge.As a close friend of Canada we extend our condolences to the people of Canada.
Brownlee Gerry: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at ParliamentText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Motions — Canada—Deaths of Soldiers and Shooting at Parliament[Sitting date: 23 October 2014. Volume:701;Page:197. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):I seek leave to move a motion without notice in relation to the attack at the Canadian Parliament today.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action? There is none.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: I move That this House express its condolences to the family of the soldier killed in Ottawa today and its deep concern at the attack at Parliament House. As we consider this motion many New Zealanders will feel concern and sympathy for the Canadian people who are dealing with the frightening threatening and tragic events that have occurred in Ottawa this morning and near Montreal 2 days ago.We should be careful not to jump to conclusions or rush to comparisons in situations like this but we also do have to recognise that we live in a very different world today than we did only a short while ago. The threat of terrorism today is greater than it has been at any previous time in our history. This requires even a geographically remote and peaceful country like New Zealand to be vigilant and cautious. It must not be though a vigilance or a caution that causes us to turn on ourselves with judgments en masse or reactions that deny New Zealanders their freedoms their rights and choice. At the core of those freedoms is the right to religious expression the right to political expression and the right to respect so long as none of those expressions seek to impede the freedoms of others. As a close friend and ally of Canada we must ensure we preserve the values of freedom that we share. These shared values are the values that the Canadian people are now called on to defend.On behalf of the people of New Zealand we express our solidarity with the people of Canada at a time when they are most visibly and dramatically in need of our support. We extend our condolences to the families of the two soldiers deceased in the violent acts of the past 48 hours and simply offer to our Canadian friends all that is embodied in our uniquely New Zealand salutation kia kaha.
Mallard Trevor: Voting — Correction—Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2)Text is subject to correctionMallard Trevor: Voting — Correction—Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2)[Sitting date: 31 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2784. Text is subject to correction.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): This debate is interrupted and set down for resumption on the next sitting day. I am doing this a little bit early because in Committee this evening the votes on schedule 1 and schedule 2 of the Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) were incorrectly recorded as Ayes 61 Noes 59. In both cases the votes were Ayes 61 Noes 57. The record will be corrected.
Mallard Trevor: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — Third ReadingText is subject to correctionMallard Trevor: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — Third Reading[Sitting date: 31 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2707. Text is subject to correction.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Just before we go on I did not interrupt the member as she read her speech because I did work on the assumption that she might have been using some notes that were prepared for an earlier speaker. But I do want to make it clear to the speakers who are following now that the leniency that was shown to that member will not be shown to further members.
Adams Amy: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — Third ReadingText is subject to correctionAdams Amy: Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) — Third Reading[Sitting date: 31 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2704. Text is subject to correction.]Hon AMY ADAMS (Minister of Justice)on behalf of theMinister for Social Development: I move That the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) be now read a third time. I do not intend to take a long call on the bill in the name of the honourable Minister Anne Tolley but I do just want to reflect that this is a bill that is before the House to ensure that the benefit system works appropriately to treat people fairly in similar circumstances. We cannot of course have a social security system that does not apply consistently and the changes in this bill certainly act to work in that direction.The bill has been through a full select committee process and I note that the Minister was very grateful for the assistance of the Social Services Committee when it reported back to the House. She certainly made reference in her second reading speech to two core submissions made to the committee both of which urged the Government to increase the amount of accommodation assistance available to students. The committee of course quite rightly ruled those outside the scope of the bill. With those few words I wish to commend the bill to the House.
Roy Eric: Sittings of the HouseText is subject to correctionRoy Eric: Sittings of the House[Sitting date: 31 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2704. Text is subject to correction.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is.
Macindoe Tim: Sittings of the HouseText is subject to correctionMacindoe Tim: Sittings of the House[Sitting date: 31 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2704. Text is subject to correction.]TIM MACINDOE (Senior Whip—National):The House has made excellent and indeed unexpectedly rapid progress through all of its business this afternoon and evening as a result of which I wish to thank members and seek leave for the House to rise early.
Mallard Trevor: Gambling Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Gambling Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading[Sitting date: 19 February 2015. Volume:703;Page:1803. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Before I call the honourable David Clark I just want to give him a health warning. Of the nine members who spoke on the introduction of this bill eight have since lost their seat or gone into retirement.
Tisch Lindsay: Coroners Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Coroners Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 19 February 2015. Volume:703;Page:1791. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): The next call is a split call—Eugenie Sage.
Korako Nuk: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeKorako Nuk: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 19 February 2015. Volume:703;Page:1775. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.NUK KORAKO (National)to the Associate Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: What progress has the Government made on the Canterbury Earthquake Memorial?Hon NICKY WAGNER (Associate Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery):On Tuesday six shortlisted designs for the Canterbury Earthquake Memorial were released for public input. The memorial will honour those who died or were injured during the Canterbury earthquakes acknowledge the suffering of those who lived through them and recognise the heroism of those who were involved in the rescue and recovery operations. More than 330 designs were received from 37 countries. Each of those shortlisted designs is outstanding and any one of them would make a fine tribute to Christchurch and Canterbury.Nuk Korako: Kā mihi anō. How can members of the public have their say on the memorial designs?Hon NICKY WAGNER: The public can view each of the designs and have their say online on the Christchurch Central Development Unit website until 15 March. Alternatively people can go and see the designs on display in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens alongside the Canterbury Museum and post their opinions. The public input will be considered along with further feedback from the bereaved families and seriously injured an evaluation panel of professional experts and the memorial leadership group.