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Bakshi Kanwaljit SinghKANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National): Thank you for the opportunity to speak on the third reading of the legislation arising from the Electronic Monitoring of Offenders Legislation Bill which is divided into the three bills: Corrections (Electronic Monitoring of Offenders) Amendment Bill Parole (Electronic Monitoring of Offenders) Amendment Bill and Sentencing (Electronic Monitoring of Offenders) Amendment Bill. This legislation removes the legislative barriers to electronic monitoring of offenders released from an imprisonment sentence of 2 years or less and offenders sentenced to intensive supervision. It is very important that we amend our legislation from time to time to ensure that we are up to date. The previous speaker Kelvin Davis mentioned some of the lacks in the electronic monitoring legislation such as that there are black spots where the electronic monitoring fails. But those are the things that technology keeps on improving and part of this legislation is about going from radio frequency monitoring bracelets because we are now into GPS which gives us the exact position of the prisoner—where he is and whether he is where he is supposed to be or not. Reoffending is reducing. Since June 2011 the number of reoffenders has been going down by 25 percent. The vast majority of prisoners are released back into our communities which is why we are committed to ensuring that they do not create more victims. Through our commitment to prisoners' education mental health support skill training addiction treatment working prisons and reintegration it ensures that they can be integrated back into our society and ensures that they do not create any more victims and that is how we can progress in these areas. There is no magic bullet for reducing reoffending and we are tackling the drivers of crime in a number of ways. The prisoners have for many years been temporarily released or granted escorted absence from the prison for several recognised reasons such as funerals medical treatment and work experience. The amendment would clarify that such temporary release and removal situations may include a requirement that a prisoner submit to electronic monitoring for the duration of their temporary release or removal from the prison. The Law and Order Committee recommended a new provision to provide that prisoners who are permitted to reside or who are engaged in work outside the secure perimeter of the prison—such as those residing in external self-care units and those employed on work parties—may be required to submit to electronic monitoring of their whereabouts so that we can monitor and see whether they are where they are required to be. This would provide exclusive authority for GPS monitoring of prisoners outside the perimeter and give an additional assurance that the prisoners are where they are supposed to be. It would also set out the purpose of the electronic monitoring and limit the use of the information obtained. This legislation again emphasises that we are committed to making our society safe and we hope that this legislation will be a step forward. I commend this legislation to the House.
Evidence Amendment Bill — Third Reading
Reti ShaneDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei): It is a pleasure to take this the final call on the Evidence Amendment Bill. I would like to echo the words of colleagues from across the House who are supporting this bill. I would also like to acknowledge the Minister of Justice and the Justice and Electoral Committee for getting the bill through to its third reading. There are a number of actions and benefits with this bill and I will briefly highlight some of them. Some of them have already been explained this afternoon. First of all this bill creates the presumption that child witnesses will give evidence in alternative ways. The clear benefit there is that this improves the environment for children to provide evidence by default not by request. I think that this importantly also standardises the child evidence process. I think that another clear benefit is that sensitive evidence will be available only on a need-to-have need-to-know basis with improved security particularly for video recordings. The benefit here is the surety to those giving evidence of appropriate distribution and monitoring of that evidence. The third feature I want to highlight is the pre-hearing notice of admission of the victim's sexual history. The benefit here will be allowing pre-trial admissibility and preparation. The second to last feature I want to highlight is plea discussions. They will now be covered by privilege. The benefit here is that this encourages frank discourse and early disposal of cases. The final feature I want to highlight is that previous consistent statements will now be admissible. The benefits here are that the jury can hear a logical and coherent narrative. This is an excellent bill. I commend this bill to the House with thanks.Bill read a third time.
Simpson ScottSCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel): This is the first opportunity that I have had to participate in the debate on this bill. I did not sit on the Justice and Electoral Committee but as a former member of the committee—indeed a former chair of the committee—I am delighted to see that the committee has done really good work on an important piece of legislation. The chair Jacqui Dean I think has clearly led a collaborative worthwhile process that members have been able to participate in in a cross-partisan way to achieve a very good result for the Parliament. So in this third reading of what is largely a technical bill with many technical aspects there are just a couple of points that I do want to highlight and make mention of in the time that is available to me. This is a bill that will undoubtedly help ensure that vulnerable victims when they are giving evidence are better supported through our justice system. For many people there can probably be few more daunting prospects than having to participate in the judicial system as a witness and sometimes as a witness under hostile questioning from an aggressive legal counsel. It can be very daunting and very intimidating indeed and none more so than for young people particularly children who from time to time—in fact too often—are involved in having to give evidence in matters relating to our justice system particularly our criminal justice system. The use of better modern technology to help ensure that young children are better supported when they are giving evidence is I think a welcome move. It is something that the House clearly wants to adopt and I think it will be well received not only by the members of the judiciary but also by those legal officers who participate in it. So the presumption in this bill will be that child witnesses give evidence in alternative ways rather than having to stand in a dock unsupported. This ability to give evidence in alternative ways with when necessary and when required the support of another person I think is a very important and progressive step forward in terms of what we are seeking to do. This is a good bill I support it and I am very pleased to see that the committee and members across the House have done a good job on it.
Graham KennedyDr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green): I may not actually take up the full 5 minutes because just to confirm the Green Party will be supporting the Evidence Amendment Bill as my colleague David Clendon has said already. The bill makes a number of amendments to the Evidence Act 2006 the 2013 review having established that the Act is basically sound but that there were areas that could be improved upon. These three areas that now figure in the Evidence Amendment Bill certainly do do that in the sense of offering protection to witnesses coming before the court especially young children many of whom have trauma from sexual abuse. I think it was the Attorney-General who said there were 450 cases a year involving sexual abuse that have child witnesses so the ability for them to avail themselves of screens and other audiovisual devices for the future is well taken. There are also advanced protections for other individuals who have engaged in similar trauma and providing them with the advanced knowledge of the circumscription within which they are required to recount their own sexual experiences is critical to strengthening the bill as well. Finally there are the safeguards that will be put into place on the access to video records. These are all meritorious and we will be supporting the bill as a result. I will just make one final comment before I conclude and that is—not for the first time no doubt in this House—although an amendment bill goes some substantive way to improving the legislation on the books the opportunity is passed up to take it further in our respectful view and get it to a stage where it is satisfactory. For that reason we did put forward two Supplementary Order Papers (SOPs) in the Committee stage. There was SOP 194 which would have provided greater control and restriction on intimidating questions. It would have sent a direction to judges that Parliament does not consider intimidation appropriate in our courts and it would have let complainants know that intimidation would not be accepted or could at least be challenged. That was voted down by a significant majority. The other SOP that we advanced SOP 195 would have given victims of sexual and domestic violence the same presumptive right as child witnesses to alternative methods of giving evidence. That as my colleague Ron Mark just said did attract New Zealand First's support for which we are grateful and it was a close vote. It did not go through by five votes—what an opportunity gone missing; so near and so far. So we will be voting for the bill. We do commend the Government for introducing it. We are disappointed that it does not go quite as far as we think it should. No doubt there will be the opportunity to come back to this House to rectify those shortcomings when the time comes.
Naylor JonoJONO NAYLOR (National): Can I just start by agreeing with Jacinda Ardern—I think that the Justice and Electoral Committee did work through this really constructively. I think it is really important and beholden on Parliament that actually when we have these kinds of issues we really do seek to get the very best outcome that we possibly can. With this piece of legislation in particular the focus is on making things as good for victims within the criminal justice system as possible. One of the great risks that we have in our judicial system is that victims of crime end up being revictimised by the process. I think it is beholden on us to ensure that the process that we have does everything that it can to limit the chance of that taking place—as other speakers have said talking about the presumption that a child would be able to give evidence in alternative ways rather than potentially having to sit in an open court in front of their alleged abuser in those sorts of situations or perhaps face some sort of cross-examination. I think it is critical that we have a presumption—that it is not something someone has to apply for but they can knowingly go into the situation knowing that they will be protected.I think also that there is a lot of stress that can be involved for victims if they have given for example video evidence—wondering what is going to happen with that video evidence. At the moment obviously defence attorneys and the like have access to that information. For a victim to wonder whether or not their video evidence is potentially going to wind up in the hands again of their abuser or of the person who has perpetrated an act against them—it will create worry and it will create stress. Again putting parameters around that is very positive.Finally I want to touch a little bit on the notion of plea discussions. The speaker before me Jacinda Arden referred to needing to ensure that we protect people who may give up their rights to a proper trial through a plea discussion process. I think what we also need to remember is that actually this particular part of the legislation also has benefits for victims. I know I was involved in a situation a number of years ago with close family members who had been victims of a crime and had to work through what a defended trial might mean for them; their having to go through the process of a defended trial with this particular offender. In the end there was some negotiation that took place and that person did agree to plead guilty—ultimately actually not to a lesser charge but to the greater charge in this particular situation. But what it did actually show is that our system if we get it right—and if we get the right parameters around it—can be supportive of victims and can ensure that we get good outcomes for victims. I believe that this legislation goes a long way to ensuring that our system overall will be better for victims and I commend it to the House.
Urgent Debates — Ministry of Primary Industries—Report on Illegal Dumping of Fish
Motions — 2016 Paralympic Games—New Zealand Paralympics Team
Visitors — India—Honourable Speaker of Lok Sabha
Carter DavidURGENT DEBATESFisheries—Heron Report on Fish DumpingMr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from the Hon David Parker seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the release of the independent review of Michael Heron QC into the Ministry for Primary Industries' handling of the illegal dumping of fish. This is a matter of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. Earlier this year I declined an application to debate the launch of this inquiry because at that time it did not warrant setting aside the business of the House. However the inquiry has now concluded and the Government has accepted its findings.Commercial fishing makes a significant contribution to the New Zealand economy. Its continued success requires effective management of the quota system and effective compliance activity. The Heron report goes to the very integrity of New Zealand's fisheries management. This issue is of such significant importance to warrant setting aside the usual business of the House. I therefore call on the Hon David Parker to move that the House take note of a matter of urgent public business.
Dunne PeterHon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future): An aphorism that most parents try to instil in their children as they grow up but which gets sadly beaten out of them as they go through the education system and wider society is that any child can do anything—any child can grow up to be the person who they want to be. I do not think there has been a better demonstration of that philosophy in practice than the Paralympic Games. The triumph over adversity the triumph of training producing stunning results the sheer enjoyment on the faces of the athletes and the participants the sense of excitement that they inculcated in the rest of us and the fact that we were following most events as best we could demonstrate I think the Olympic spirit at its ultimate. So I want to add to the congratulations that others have put forward to our Paralympic team on their achievements on the way they represented New Zealand on their outstanding commitment to sport and on the fact that they were as we would say the very best of ambassadors for our country. We can be proud of them individually and collectively; we can be proud of what they did themselves in terms of their own performances but also of what they achieved on behalf of our country. They are the ultimate proof that any child can grow up to do anything if the commitment and the dedication is there and I hope that lesson is not lost on future generations.Motion agreed to.
Fox MaramaMARAMA FOX (Co-Leader—Māori Party): Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. I am proud to take a call on behalf of the Māori Party and add my mihi to those that have been expressed in the House today. This Paralympic team has been the most successful and as we have heard first in the world per capita—as it should be.Although we are proud of all of the team there are two particularly proud iwi within the Māori nation that will be trumpeting the sporting prowess of the two champions over the coming weeks and years—that is Cameron Leslie of Ngāpuhi and Holly Robson of Ngāi Tahu.Cameron Leslie won gold in Beijing and London and he got the trifecta in Rio with a win in the pool. He was interviewed before he headed off to Rio and he told Mana magazine this. He said: People don't see the support staff who are there crunching numbers figuring out where you can make gains. We have a biomechanist on our team who analyses all my races to give me different tactics in each part of the swim and then there's my coach who has a plan and all those support people who help formulate that plan. … Coming from a place like Northland is a big thing for me. People often see you win on the world stage and while I might not get to see them every day I remember all of those who have helped me along the way." He mentioned the people who gave him a $20 cheque to get him to his very first event. They were all in his thoughts when he stood on the winner's podium.When standing there he said it was a representation of "my country my community of Northland and my Māori heritage". And as with every world champion Cameron said he lives by the whakataukī: "Inā te mahi rangatira."—the work you put in is the result you get out. I cannot agree more with Cameron and his words resonate with us in the Māori Party. Of course Kai Tahu—when Holly Robson flew the flag on behalf of the team every member of the iwi as with every member of New Zealand would have been the prouder for it. We add our mihi to those of the House and congratulate our Paralympic team."
Mitchell ClaytonCLAYTON MITCHELL (NZ First): I rise on behalf of New Zealand First to join in the chorus of support and congratulations to all of our Paralympians from the Paralympic team who went to the 2016 Rio Olympics. They really did show passion dedication and patriotism for our country. Of course we saw some fantastic results which have already been echoed through the House today with the 21 medals that we actually achieved compared with the 18 medals that we expected and targeted to only achieve—it was something fantastic. We have nine gold medals which is our best result for any Paralympian ever. Equal to that we had a total of five silver and seven bronze medals. It is great to see a change of attitude towards sports—and particularly the Paralympics—where people focus heavily not only on the able-bodied sportspeople but on the results of this wonderful team.I would like to congratulate and thank all the supporters the coaches the support staff and particularly the families and friends who got behind our Paralympians to get them on their way to compete on the world stage and get them that fantastic result.Of course there are a number of standouts and I would not take up the time of the House to go through each and every one of them but I would like to join in that chorus of support for Sophie Pascoe our very best Paralympian and the results that she has achieved with three golds and two silvers and of course a total of 15 medals in total throughout all of her campaigns at the Paralympics. Liam Malone—to break the world records on two occasions for the two fantastic runs that he did is very very commendable.New Zealand First would also like to send our sincere condolences to the Iranian Paralympic team and to the family and friends of Bahman Golbarnezhad who tragically died in the closing days of the Paralympics. Our thoughts are with him and with his family.I would just like to say that the amount of money that we as taxpayers invest into high-performance sports and para-sports just shows the importance that this has for New Zealanders to show our patriotic pride and support for going above and beyond if you like. And it is somewhat disappointing that we struggle to see those games live and free to air. We had to sometimes stay up to midnight to see games and events being played late and we would certainly again encourage this Government to step up and put games of national significance live and free to air. We are already investing so much. Why not put a little bit more in so that we can all enjoy it? Thank you very much.
Hague KevinKEVIN HAGUE (Green): The last 12 days in Rio have been amazing—to once again see New Zealand athletes triumphing on the world stage. The Green Party wishes to add our congratulations to those of the other parties in support of the Acting Prime Minister's motion. We too highlight the performance of New Zealand on the gold medals and medals per capita measures and once again we stand on top of the world.For New Zealanders wanting to get involved they can contact their own local para-sport programme or local disability sport programme and we would encourage people to do that. More New Zealanders more active more often—it is a great goal for everybody.Congratulations to all of the Paralympic athletes coaches support staff and the National Paralympic Committee who have represented New Zealand so wonderfully on the world stage. The Green Party salutes you. We wish you all the best for your continued success and look forward to seeing many of you represent this country again. Although Liam Malone and Sophie Pascoe have been absolute rock stars who have justifiably dominated the news headlines we are proud of the whole team. Thank you.
Little AndrewANDREW LITTLE (Leader of the Opposition): I join with the Government and support the motion of the Acting Prime Minister and congratulate the New Zealand Paralympics Team for its outstanding result at this year's Paralympic Games in Brazil. The team smashed its own target of 18 medals at the games with their medal haul being the second highest of any Paralympic team since New Zealand started attending the games. Crucially the team defended its record of having the highest number of medals per capita—because after all as we know it is the per capita measure that is most important. Our Paralympians gave us so many achievements to highlight—from Sophie Pascoe becoming our most decorated Paralympian ever to Liam Malone smashing two games records. That is part of the 11 Paralympic records that our team set at these games.But beyond just the individual performances there are some really incredible statistics about the whole team's performance that I want to highlight. Of the 68 events that Kiwis participated in at these games we reached the finals in 57 of them and 52 percent of all events contested saw Kiwi Paralympians deliver personal best times. That shows a team that is absolutely on top of its game. In overall medals New Zealand came 13th in the world—our best ever performance. I also want to pass on the condolences of this House to the family of Bahman Golbarnezhad the Iranian Paralympian who was killed in a crash during the games.I wanted to end though by passing on huge congratulations to our team. They have made New Zealand very proud. The thousands of hours of gruelling training effort and dedication have paid off and they have made every New Zealander very proud.
English BillMOTIONSNew Zealand Paralympics Team 2016—Paralympic Games 2016Hon BILL ENGLISH (Acting Prime Minister): I seek leave to move a motion without notice congratulating the members of the 2016 New Zealand Paralympics Team. Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Hon BILL ENGLISH: I move That this House congratulate the members of the 2016 New Zealand Paralympics Team. On behalf of the Government I want to acknowledge all of the athletes coaches and support staff and to congratulate the athletes on their outstanding performance in Rio. Our Paralympians are an inspiration to New Zealanders. The athletes have all travelled many unique pathways in order to compete in this spectacular event. The years of dedication and hard work have paid off not only for those who won medals but for those who made their debut or achieved personal milestones.The New Zealand Paralympics Team won nine gold medals five silver and seven bronze—a total medal haul of 21. New Zealand placed 13th in the medal table our highest finish ever. In addition New Zealand retains its title from the London 2012 Paralympics of No. 1 in the per capita medal table. It was also fitting that our most decorated Paralympian with 15 medals Sophie Pascoe won New Zealand's 200th Paralympic medal. Also outstanding were those team members who successfully defended their Paralympic titles from London: Mary Fisher Cameron Leslie and Sophie Pascoe. The joy on the face of Anna Grimaldi as she won the gold medal in the long jump will be memorable for many New Zealanders. Her win set the scene and the inspiration for other members of the team in their own events particularly her athletics teammate Liam Malone who set world records in the 200-metre and 400-metre finals.The team's success is further testament to the quality of our high-performance sporting system. I would like to recognise the work of Paralympics New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand for their great work in preparing and supporting our athletes at the games. I would also like to acknowledge the enormous efforts of the coaches the support staff and particularly the families who played such an important part in our Paralympians' performance. Again I offer on behalf of the Government congratulations to all members of the 2016 Paralympic team. They are a tribute to sport in New Zealand and have made us extremely proud.
Carter DavidTUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2016Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VISITORSIndia—Honourable Speaker of Lok SabhaMr SPEAKER: I am sure that members would wish to welcome Sumitra Mahajan Honourable Speaker of the Lok Sabha India and her delegation who are present in the gallery and accord the Honourable Madam Speaker a seat to the left of the Chair.The Hon Sumitra Mahajan accompanied by the Deputy Speaker entered the Chamber and took a seat on the left of the Chair.
Tuesday 13 September 2016 - Volume 717
Building (Pools) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Building (Pools) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 105New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; New Zealand First 12; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 16Green Party 14; Māori Party 2.Bill read a second time.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Māori Purposes Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 109New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 12New Zealand First 12.Bill read a second time.
Māori Purposes Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Education (Update) Amendment Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 58New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Bill read a first time.Bill referred to the Education and Science Committee.
Education (Update) Amendment Bill — First Reading
Enhancing Identity Verification and Border Processes Legislation Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Enhancing Identity Verification and Border Processes Legislation Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 107New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 32; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 14Green Party 14.Bill read a first time. Bill referred to the Law and Order Committee.
12. Kiwifruit Industry—ExportsTODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty) to the Minister for Primary IndustriesKiwifruit Industry—Exports12. TODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty) to the Minister for Primary Industries: What recent reports has he received on growth in kiwifruit exports?Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister for Primary Industries): Recently I was in Tauranga with trade Minister Todd McClay and local MPs Todd Muller and Scott Simpson to attend the Zespri AGM dinner. This is an industry that has bounced back strongly from Psa and is in very good heart. Zespri's annual return shows that total sales revenue for the latest growing season grew by a record high of $1.9 billion. This is up 22 percent from the previous season. The total fruit and service payment to growers for New Zealand - grown fruit also grew by 22 percent on the previous year to $1.143 billion with an average return per hectare reaching a record $60758—fantastic news.Todd Muller: In what ways is the Government supporting this extraordinary growth in the sector?Hon NATHAN GUY: Very good question. The Government will continue supporting this sector through research and development through market access and through the recent changes we have made to kiwifruit regulations. These updated kiwifruit regulations will allow Zespri shareholders to consider setting rules around maximum shareholding and the eligibility for dividend payments and provide more certainty about the activities that Zespri can undertake as a matter of core business. This will give Zespri greater certainty for investing in the marketing of New Zealand - grown fruit as well as research and development.Hon Damien O'Connor: Does the Minister consider a slump of 29 percent in the value of lamb exports in July and a slump of 25 percent in the quantity of lamb exported from New Zealand a success for the New Zealand meat industry?Mr SPEAKER: That is a very very long way from the original question but if the Minister wants to answer it he is welcome.Hon NATHAN GUY: If the member kept up to speed with questions on the sheet he would have realised that we are talking about kiwifruit but I am very happy to answer his question. Of course—Hon Damien O'Connor: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The Minister in attempting not to answer my question has ignored the reality that exports—Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! The member will resume his seat. I have allowed the question. It is very wide of the original primary question—I have been very generous to the member. I would now suggest that he allows the Minister to address it.
9. Electric Vehicles—UptakeTODD BARCLAY (National—Clutha-Southland) to the Minister of TransportElectric Vehicles—Uptake9. TODD BARCLAY (National—Clutha-Southland) to the Minister of Transport: How is the Government supporting the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Transport): On the weekend I launched the Government's electric vehicle (EV) information campaign which coincided with the start of National Drive Electric Week which has over 50 events planned across the country to promote the benefits of electric vehicles. The information campaign will put better-quality information about electric vehicles and their benefits into the hands of people and encourage New Zealand households and businesses to choose an EV as their next car. Electric vehicles are a big part of the future and that is why the Government is committed to accelerating the switch sooner rather than later.David Seymour: What reports had the Minister seen that New Zealanders were not aware of electric vehicles prior to this initiative?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: Many but can I say the issue is not so much awareness as also getting action. We are seeing really good momentum in that regard.Todd Barclay: What measures has the Government announced to support the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: Since May the Government has extended the exemption on road-user charges for light electric vehicles until 2021 meaning EV owners could save up to $3000 over 5 years. A joint Government and private-sector approach to the procurement of electric vehicles was recently announced along with an EV leadership group to champion the programme of work. National electric vehicle - charging signage has been issued a nationwide information campaign launched and tomorrow the first round of funding will open for the Government's contestable fund to encourage and support innovative low-emission vehicle projects. These are just a few of many measures.David Seymour: Why does the Minister consider enormous savings in fuel costs an insufficient incentive for people to buy a better technology?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: I do not—I think that is very much a strong part of the rationale. But of course there is also an advantage to New Zealand in terms of the energy and the emissions and the ability to plug in with home-grown clean green New Zealand energy rather than the imports.David Seymour: Is the Minister saying that savings on fuel are a sufficient incentive to buy EVs and yet he still needs additional programmes as additional incentives?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: I am saying that at the moment the purchase price of an electric vehicle is higher but actually over time the proposition is becoming more and more compelling. I think that is why the targets here are 2 percent of the fleet not more. I agree with the member that over time what we will see is that electric vehicles will be much more than a compelling proposition; they will be the vehicle of choice without any sort of Government intervention.
6. Subsidised Medicines—AccessSIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki) to the Minister of HealthSubsidised Medicines—Access6. SIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki) to the Minister of Health: Can he confirm that New Zealanders received 44 million subsidised prescriptions in 2015/16 and that this is over 10 million more compared to eight years ago—an increase of 30 percent?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health): Yes I can. Last year 3.5 million individual New Zealanders received a subsidised medicine. That is more than three out of four Kiwis. One million more subsidised prescriptions were issued in 2015-16 than in the previous year. On top of this more than 51000 New Zealanders benefited from new and widened access to 21 more medicines. This is a Government that focuses on the issues that matter.Simon O'Connor: How has this significant increase in access to medicines been achieved and what details can he provide on this increased access?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Over the past 8 years the Government has increased Pharmac's budget by $200 million to a record $850 million in 2016-17. Over that time nearly 170 new medicines have been subsidised and access has been widened to 245 medicines directly benefiting over 800000 New Zealanders. New medicines that are now available include Opdivo and Keytruda for advanced melanoma Harvoni and Viekira Pak for hepatitis C Atripla and Truvada for HIV and many many more medicines.Mr SPEAKER: Supplementary question the Hon Annette King.Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Glutton for punishment.Hon Annette King: Oh you are enjoying that. What does he say to the pharmacists in places like Kaeō who report that they have patients who cannot pick up all of their prescription because this Government has increased the cost of picking up that prescription?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Well what I would say is look there has been a level of 6 percent of people who have reported affordability as an issue. That has been consistent for many years. But as the Minister of Finance was saying earlier this is the first Government to raise benefits above the rate of inflation in four decades as well as having wages growing ahead of inflation. So overall I reckon it is a pretty good package.
4. Family/Whānau and Sexual Violence—Law ReformJACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) to the Minister of JusticeFamily/Whānau and Sexual Violence—Law Reform4. JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) to the Minister of Justice: What recent announcements has the Government made regarding reform of New Zealand's family violence laws?Hon AMY ADAMS (Minister of Justice): Today the Prime Minister and I announced sweeping reforms to our laws that will build a better system for combatting abuse. The reforms are underpinned by a strong focus on early intervention to prevent repeated violence stemming from our review of the Domestic Violence Act. They will help ensure that opportunities within the justice system to intervene as soon as possible to curtail violent behaviour are identified and fully utilised that family violence is recognised as a pattern of behaviour that can be predicted and prevented through timely and effective interventions and that perpetrators are held to account and their violent behaviour is contained in a way that increases safety for victims so that victims do not alone carry responsibility for keeping themselves safe.Jacqui Dean: How will these law changes support victims?Hon AMY ADAMS: Amongst the more than 50 legislative changes we are proposing the safety of victims will be made central to bail sentencing and parenting orders. A number of measures will mean that it will be easier to get protection orders. There will be more opportunities to get help sooner to stop escalating violence and the reforms will better protect the rights and needs of children. In addition property orders will be made more usable to help keep victims safe in their own homes.Jacqui Dean: What will the changes mean for perpetrators?Hon AMY ADAMS: The changes mean there will be stronger ways to hold perpetrators to account for their behaviour that their risks will be better identified and managed and that there will be more opportunities to better connect perpetrators to services to help them change their behaviour. Prosecuting family violence will be strengthened by introducing new offences such as non-fatal strangulation forced marriage and assault on a family member to recognise the seriousness of these behaviours. An additional aggravating factor will be added to capture offending that occurred while the offender was subject to a protection order.
1. Financial Systems—Money LaunderingMETIRIA TUREI (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime MinisterORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSFinancial Systems—Money Laundering1. METIRIA TUREI (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime Minister: E māia ana ki ōna Minita katoa?[Does he have confidence in all his Ministers?]Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister): Yes.Metiria Turei: Does the Prime Minister have confidence in his Minister of Justice who refused to fix the loophole that has allowed criminals to launder money through the housing market?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes on many fronts including the work that she has done today on family violence which I think both Parliament and the country will recognise as being some of the most important work that a Minister of Justice has done in a very long period of time.Metiria Turei: Is the Prime Minister telling the House that he supports the laws that allow crooks to launder $1.6 billion every year including through the housing market?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: No. Part 2 of the anti - money-laundering legislation has been introduced to the House but what we do know from the work that the Government has done is that it will have quite far-reaching costs and implications for a number of sectors in New Zealand. Of course they need to meet those requirements over time and we will be ensuring that that happens but there will be a cost implication for New Zealanders and we are just trying to make sure we manage all of that.Metiria Turei: Can the Prime Minister confirm that his Ministers have been aware of the real estate money-laundering loophole since 2009 and that they turned down official advice to fix that loophole in both 2014 and 2015?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I do not think that would be an accurate summary of events.Metiria Turei: Has the Prime Minister ever met with real estate agents or overseas property investors to discuss Anti - Money-Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act reforms; if so when did those meetings occur?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Not to the best of my knowledge but if the member wants to put it down in writing I will have my office check.Metiria Turei: Why is it that he is satisfied with his Ministers dragging their heels on fixing the housing market when every day Auckland first-home buyers are being outbid by speculators who it turns out may be laundering dirty money through the housing market?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I do not accept the member's proposition.Metiria Turei: Will the Prime Minister commit to having phase two of the anti - money-laundering legislation in effect before the next election?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: There will be a bill in the House by the end of the year but it will go through the normal parliamentary process and so that will depend I guess on the number of submissions. But also as I said earlier just before the member trips over her high horse she needs to realise that there are far-reaching implications for a huge number of New Zealanders. I know there are a lot of New Zealanders she does not represent but nevertheless that is the case.
Thursday 15 September 2016 - Volume 717
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Policing (Cost Recovery) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 56New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 13; New Zealand First 11.Bill read a second time.
Policing (Cost Recovery) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
11. Small Businesses—Small Business Development Group Report 2015 and Engagement with Government AgenciesNUK KORAKO (National) to the Minister for Small BusinessSmall Businesses—Small Business Development Group Report 2015 and Engagement with Government Agencies11. NUK KORAKO (National) to the Minister for Small Business: How is the Government addressing the recommendation from the 2015 Small Business Development Group report to continue to make it easier for small businesses to access information and advice?Hon CRAIG FOSS (Minister for Small Business): In its response to the 2015 Small Business Development Group's working report the Government outlines how it is making it easier for small business to access information and advice. The Government is providing support and advice through a number of channels such as business.govt.nz which provides many online tools to assist business; support through the regional business partners network such as mentoring for small business owners; and through the Better for Business initiative the Government is working to make it simpler for business customers to work across more than one Government agency. Small businesses have also had the opportunity to access information and advice directly from Government agencies at the Taking Care of Business events that I have been hosting around the country.Nuk Korako: What opportunities have small businesses had to engage directly with Government agencies at the Taking Care of Business events?Hon CRAIG FOSS: I have now hosted more than a dozen of those Taking Care of Business events which bring together a number of Government agencies and local agencies. Small businesses have the opportunity to engage directly with agencies to learn more about what support is already available to them to make it easier to do business and access information and advice. Over 1200 small businesses have already benefited from this opportunity. In fact the road shows have been so successful earlier this afternoon I announced five more events—Grant Robertson: Wow! Hon CRAIG FOSS: —to be held in Porirua Masterton Rotorua Blenheim Christchurch and one last location that will be of interest to that member.
9. Crime—Offending Against PoliceSTUART NASH (Labour—Napier) to the Minister of PoliceCrime—Offending Against Police9. STUART NASH (Labour—Napier) to the Minister of Police: Does she stand by all her statements?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health) on behalf of the Minister of Police: Yes.Stuart Nash: When she said in 2011 that the Government wanted to send a message that offending against law enforcement officers was unacceptable" does she think that this is reflected in charging a man who knocks out an officer being charged with only assault and not aggravated assault?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I know what the member is trying to get at here and as he knows it would be entirely inappropriate for the Minister of Police to comment on the judicial process. That is quite different from offering really firm backing for police officers in terms of condemning behaviour—two very different things which that member is very trickily trying to conflate. Stuart Nash: In light of that can she confirm that when she openly spoke about Constable Kane's assault in 2011 the case was still before the court; if so what has changed between then and now when she claims she cannot comment at all?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I would have to say that they are two very different cases different timings. That member knows that the Minister of Police cannot possibly comment on the judicial process. It would be inappropriate in this case. Ron Mark: Can the Minister explain to the House why neither her Government nor the previous Labour Government has ever introduced mandatory jail sentences called for by New Zealand First for anyone convicted of assaulting emergency responders like police?Mr SPEAKER: The Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman in response to the Government's position not—Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Well if it is a Ron Mark idea it is a pretty suspect one. Stuart Nash: What makes them two different cases when in fact they involve the same police officer and the same charge but only 5 years apart?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: No the circumstances were totally different. In the earlier case the Minister of Police was condemning behaviour. But as that member knows it would be inappropriate for the Minister of Police to interfere in the judicial process—totally. Stuart Nash: Does she agree with the comments made by Police Association President Greg O'Connor that police are unhappy with the light sentence handed out to Kane's attacker? Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: If his comments are that the police are unhappy you would have to take that at face value would you not?Stuart Nash: When will she and the PM deliver on her admission that they got it wrong in the 2016-20 strategic plan when they said that no more police were needed and deliver on their now promise for more police in our communities?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: The premise of that question is fundamentally flawed."
8. Schools—Asian Language ProgrammesMELISSA LEE (National) to the Minister of EducationSchools—Asian Language Programmes8. MELISSA LEE (National) to the Minister of Education: What recent announcements has she made regarding teaching Asian languages?Hon HEKIA PARATA (Minister of Education): Ni hao Mr Speaker. It is New Zealand Chinese Language Week. I recently announced in Auckland alongside my colleague the member for North Shore Maggie Barry the next round of funding for new or expanded Asian language programmes at 63 schools across the country. A total of $10 million was set aside by the Government in 2014 to provide two contestable funding rounds that would increase Asian language programmes in our schools. In this most recent round $2.36 million is being provided from the fund to the 63 schools that applied. I am really impressed by the way schools are working together to share resources and teaching skills; many are establishing links with language and cultural organisations helping them to get the most out of the programme.Melissa Lee: How will this announcement support our young people to engage in the global economy?Hon HEKIA PARATA: Languages are an important tool for our young people to have as they venture out into the world. Today's announcement is part of our drive to encourage and support our young people to truly become global citizens. Learning a language helps to build closer relationships with other cultures and countries and currently there are now 203 schools from Southland to Tai Tokerau receiving support for Mandarin Japanese or Korean language programmes. Kamsahamnida.