edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Ngaro Alfred: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNgaro Alfred: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18482. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]7.ALFRED NGARO (National) to theMinister of Housing: What steps is the Government taking to grow the community housing sector to achieve the target of 20 percent of social housing by 2018?Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister of Housing): Our first step was establishing the Social Housing Fund of $141 million which runs to July 2015. This has enabled over 800 new social housing homes to be built and has trebled the size of the sector. In Budget 2014 we extended this by a further $30 million. The second step was extending the income-related rent subsidy which now totals over $700 million per year to the community housing sector. The third step is facilitating the transfer of State houses to community providers. Yesterday we announced the establishment of an independent transactions unit to enable this to occur.Alfred Ngaro: What are the benefits the Government expects from social housing providers?Hon Dr NICK SMITH: The first benefit is the wraparound services that specialist community housing providers are able to deliver. These are mental health services disabilityWhānau Ora family support and budget advice. The second benefit is that the community housing providers are able to strengthen the amount that the Government gets from its housing investment—that is they have to date produced a house for every $150000. The third benefit is that the community housing sector has a far better record of maintaining the quality of its housing stock than the State and council sectors have which actually have a pretty poor track record.
Simpson Scott: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSimpson Scott: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18481. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to theMinister of Justice: What recent announcements has the Government made for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner?Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Justice): Budget 2014 has provided an additional $7 million to the Privacy Commissioner’s 4-year budget to ensure adequate resourcing for reviewing and monitoring individual sharing agreements among Government agencies under the Privacy Amendment Act 2013 and also to respond to the increased demand for services from the Privacy Commissioner. Over the past 4 years the number of inquiries increased by 36 percent and the number of notificationshas risen from 16 to 107 per annum. This additional funding will boost the Privacy Commissioner’s ability to protect New Zealanders’ privacy.Scott Simpson: What steps are being taken to update New Zealand’s privacy laws?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: Yesterday I announced the Government’s intention to reform the 20-year-old Privacy Act to strengthen and update New Zealanders’ rights and powers over their privacy and to provide the Privacy Commissioner with better tools to deal with the challenges posed by the digital information age. These reforms are the result of an extensive review of the privacy laws by the Law Commission and of public consultation. The proposals will put strong incentives in place to ensure businesses Government departments and other organisations take privacy more seriously.Scott Simpson: What are some of the proposed changes to the Privacy Act?Hon JUDITH COLLINS: Key proposals in the reforms include requiring organisations to report data breaches to the Privacy Commissioner and notify affected individuals in serious cases; introducing new offences and increased fines for failing to notify the commissioner of a privacy breach or impersonating someone to obtain their private information with fines increasing from $2000 to $10000; giving the Privacy Commissioner new powers to issue compliance notices; simplifying the legislation so that it is easier to understand; and ensuring better information and guidance to businesses and the public about how to comply with privacy laws. These changes will bring our laws into the 21st century and provide an excellent platform for the protection of privacy in the future.
Carter David: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — ProcedureText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Procedure[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18472. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I appreciate both comments made by members. There is a frequency about which we seek leave to change or correct votes when they have been perhaps miscounted or delivered inadvertently by a party in the wrong way. Where this incident is significantly different is the ramification of this change in votes so I would also appreciate the opportunity to have a discussion at the Business Committee. I will set it down as an item for discussion the next time the Business Committee meets.
Robertson Grant: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — ProcedureText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson Grant: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Procedure[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18472. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): I am happy for there to be a discussion at the Business Committee on this matter but I want to note that the House has always been in control of its own destiny. It can seek leave to do what it wishes to do. I am informed by members who have been here significantly longer than I have that there have been occasions in the past before party voting when members accidentally voted on both sides and leave was granted to correct that. But I am happy to have the discussion.
Brownlee Gerry: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — ProcedureText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Procedure[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It is a simple matter. I think what we have seen here is a resolution of what was a difficult situation in some interesting circumstances. But it does seem that if it stands as a leave item then it is a precedent that is new to the House. If you went back some time when members cast their votes individually if someone miscast a vote that was it. It was all over—if they had made a mistake gone to the wrong lobby whatever. We have a different system now and one that does allow for proxy votes to be cast. I wonder whether the circumstances of this might be a matter for brief discussion by theBusiness Committee with perhaps reference then to the Standing Orders so that there can be a clearer process for when these circumstances occur albeit none of us in this House would want them to occur with any degree of frequency.
Carter David: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — ProcedureText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Procedure[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action? There is none. The result of the vote will be changed accordingly. The Ayes are 61 the Noes are 60. The Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill will be read a second time.Bill read a second time.
Flavell Te Ururoa: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — ProcedureText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFlavell Te Ururoa: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Procedure[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]TE URUROA FLAVELL (Co-Leader—Māori Party):Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. Kia oratātou.Mōtakuhēmōtakuhē. I seek leave for the votes of the Māori Party on the second reading of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill to be changed to 3 votes for the Ayes; the result of the vote to be adjusted to Ayes 61 Noes 60; and for the bill to be read a second time reinstated on the Order Paper and set down for its Committee stage next sitting day.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): It is the Government’s intention to progress legislation in the Government’s name on the Order Paper.
Robertson Grant: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson Grant: Business Statement[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): I wonder whether the Leader of the House can let us know whether it is the Government’s intention to progress before the House rises any of the industrial relations legislation that currently sits at No. 14 on the Order Paper.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): Next week the House begins a 2-week adjournment. When the House resumes on Tuesday 17 June the Government will look to progress the Taxation (Annual Rates Employee Allowances and Remedial Matters) Bill the Veterans’ Support Bill and the consideration of the performance and current operations of State enterprises Crown entities and public organisations. On Thursday morning 19 June with the agreement of the Business Committee the House will be in extended hours to progress the Committee stage of the Te Urewera-Tūhoe Bill and theNgā Mana Whenua oTāmakiMakaurau Collective Redress Bill.
Carter David: Visitors — Australia—Delegation South Australian House of AssemblyText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Visitors — Australia—Delegation South Australian House of Assembly[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I am sure that members would wish to welcome a delegation in the gallery from the South Australian House of Assembly led by Mr Steven Marshall Leader of the Opposition.
Appropriation (2013/14 Supplementary Estimates) Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeAppropriation (2013/14 Supplementary Estimates) Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18487. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Appropriation (2013/14 Supplementary Estimates) BillFirst ReadingHon STEVEN JOYCE (Associate Minister of Finance)on behalf of theMinister of Finance: I moveThat the Appropriation (2013/14 Supplementary Estimates) Bill be now read a first time.Bill read a first time.
Points of Order — Privilege—References to Alleged BreachesText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePoints of Order — Privilege—References to Alleged Breaches[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18487. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Points of OrderPrivilege—References to Alleged BreachesHon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I am going to ask you to do a considered ruling on a specific question. I think all of us are aware that there are two ways of raising matters of privilege: one is by way of a letter to you and the second is by way of a motion in this House. The question I have is whether if neither of those routes has been taken there is anything in the Standing Orders or previous Speakers’ rulings that forbids members from bringing up matters of privilege by way of question or debate.Mr SPEAKER: I am not sure I fully understand the point the member is making. I think the best way forward before I say I will give a considered ruling is that if the member would like to come and discuss the issue with me afterwards so I can fully understand the points he is making then I will consider how best to advance the matter.
Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — ProcedureText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeParental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Procedure[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment BillProcedureTE URUROA FLAVELL (Co-Leader—Māori Party):Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. Kia oratātou.Mōtakuhēmōtakuhē. I seek leave for the votes of the Māori Party on the second reading of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill to be changed to 3 votes for the Ayes; the result of the vote to be adjusted to Ayes 61 Noes 60; and for the bill to be read a second time reinstated on the Order Paper and set down for its Committee stage next sitting day.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action? There is none. The result of the vote will be changed accordingly. The Ayes are 61 the Noes are 60. The Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill will be read a second time.Bill read a second time.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It is a simple matter. I think what we have seen here is a resolution of what was a difficult situation in some interesting circumstances. But it does seem that if it stands as a leave item then it is a precedent that is new to the House. If you went back some time when members cast their votes individually if someone miscast a vote that was it. It was all over—if they had made a mistake gone to the wrong lobby whatever. We have a different system now and one that does allow for proxy votes to be cast. I wonder whether the circumstances of this might be a matter for brief discussion by theBusiness Committee with perhaps reference then to the Standing Orders so that there can be a clearer process for when these circumstances occur albeit none of us in this House would want them to occur with any degree of frequency.GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): I am happy for there to be a discussion at the Business Committee on this matter but I want to note that the House has always been in control of its own destiny. It can seek leave to do what it wishes to do. I am informed by members who have been here significantly longer than I have that there have been occasions in the past before party voting when members accidentally voted on both sides and leave was granted to correct that. But I am happy to have the discussion.Mr SPEAKER: I appreciate both comments made by members. There is a frequency about which we seek leave to change or correct votes when they have been perhaps miscounted or delivered inadvertently by a party in the wrong way. Where this incident is significantly different is the ramification of this change in votes so I would also appreciate the opportunity to have a discussion at the Business Committee. I will set it down as an item for discussion the next time the Business Committee meets.
Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBusiness Statement[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Business StatementHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): Next week the House begins a 2-week adjournment. When the House resumes on Tuesday 17 June the Government will look to progress the Taxation (Annual Rates Employee Allowances and Remedial Matters) Bill the Veterans’ Support Bill and the consideration of the performance and current operations of State enterprises Crown entities and public organisations. On Thursday morning 19 June with the agreement of the Business Committee the House will be in extended hours to progress the Committee stage of the Te Urewera-Tūhoe Bill and theNgā Mana Whenua oTāmakiMakaurau Collective Redress Bill.GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): I wonder whether the Leader of the House can let us know whether it is the Government’s intention to progress before the House rises any of the industrial relations legislation that currently sits at No. 14 on the Order Paper.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): It is the Government’s intention to progress legislation in the Government’s name on the Order Paper.
Visitors — Australia—Delegation South Australian House of AssemblyText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVisitors — Australia—Delegation South Australian House of Assembly[Sitting date: 29 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18471. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Thursday 29 May 2014Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VisitorsAustralia—Delegation South Australian House of AssemblyMr SPEAKER: I am sure that members would wish to welcome a delegation in the gallery from the South Australian House of Assembly led by Mr Steven Marshall Leader of the Opposition.
Vote: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18457. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the questionThat the Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.Ayes58New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 7; Mana 1; United Future 1; Independent: Horan.Noes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1.Motion not agreed to.The result having been corrected to Ayes 61 Noes 60 on 29 May the bill was read a second time.
Vote: Christchurch City Council (Rates Validation) Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Christchurch City Council (Rates Validation) Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18428. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the questionThat the Christchurch City Council (Rates Validation) Bill be now read a first time.Ayes119New Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 7; Māori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes1Mana 1.Bill read a first time.Billreferred to the Local Government and Environment Committee.
Roy Eric: Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoy Eric: Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18463. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Your time has expired. [Interruption] Order!
Roy Eric: Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoy Eric: Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18461. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: David Shearer—5 minutes.
Roy Eric: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoy Eric: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18457. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Let us just conclude the voting and then we will take any leave to table anything after that.
Moroney Sue: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMoroney Sue: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18457. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]SUE MORONEY (Labour): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I would like to table an email from the Māori Party telling me that it supported this bill with its three votes.
Roy Eric: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoy Eric: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18457. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I am bound to accept the integrity of the whip and the whip knows the consequences of misappropriating a vote. The whip knows that and he knows it now because I have said it anyway. So we accept the vote as cast.
Robertson Grant: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRobertson Grant: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18457. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. That is not the vote for the Māori Party. The vote that was just cast by the Government’s junior whip is not the vote that theMāori Party wishes to be cast in this House. I think that if the Government whips check that they will find that theMāori Party is in favour—
Calder Cam: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCalder Cam: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18454. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Dr CAM CALDER (National): I am extremely proud of this Government’s record on protecting the most vulnerable and of what we have done in the time that we have been in this House on the Treasury benches to look after the most vulnerable people in New Zealand. I am talking about our children. We see this in a range of efforts and innovations that we have made. Not only are we increasing paid parental leave but we have inherited a situation that was quite frankly an absolute shame and blot on the escutcheon of this nation. I refer of course to the Third World levels of rheumatic fever that we had in many of our communities in this country. I am referring of course to Manurewa to Porirua to places in Flaxmere and Hastings and to other places across the country in which we inherited problems when we came into Government as a result of the neglect of those in power before us.This Government is spending $60 million to protect those who are the most vulnerable amongst us and I refer here to Pasifika and Māori children living in homes that hitherto had not been heated. We insulated about 250000-plus of those homes along the way. We are putting out programmes at schools drop-in centres and the like so that these kids can be safe from the ravages of this appalling debilitating disease.Of course it is all about triage. We have not got a magic wand. I went to the $2 Shop recently and there was not one there. You cannot buy a magic wand. You cannot change things overnight. But you have got a lot of things that you have to be able to address and we are addressing the problems of rheumatic fever. We are addressing the insulation of homes. We are addressing the vulnerable kids who are abused time and time again by their families and that is why I am wearing a white ribbon. The work that Paula Bennett is doing on this is huge.I cannot support this Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill.
Tisch Lindsay: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18452. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I understand the next call is a split call—the Hon Trevor Mallard 5 minutes.
Hauiti Claudette: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHauiti Claudette: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18452. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CLAUDETTE HAUITI (National): The National Government does not support the Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill. We will not be supporting this bill just in case you did not get it the first time. This bill and Labour’s proposed 26 weeks of parental leave goes far too far costs too much and is poorly targeted.What this Government does support is parents being able to look after their children. We spent $157 million on providing the current 14 weeks of paid parental leave in the 2011-12 financial year. Since taking office we have also increased the maximum paid parental leave payment by $67 a week. We also worked hard through a large recession to preserve income support entitlements forwhānau. These include Working for Families and paid parental leave.On 1 July last year the maximum parental leave payment available to eligible employees and self-employed people increased from $475.16 to $488.17 a week. The minimum parental leave payment for self-employed people also increased. The National Government does not support this bill.
Upston Louise: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeUpston Louise: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18449. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō): I am proud to take a call in the House on this bill the Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill which is very different from what the New Zealand First speaker preceding me Tracey Martin said. I am proud to speak on this bill because this side of the House does oppose this bill. That is not the same as opposing paid parental leave. We are extending paid parental leave. Like it is for this Government sound responsible fiscal management is a priority for hard-working New Zealanders in this country. Part of that is extending paid parental leave from 14 weeks to 16 weeks and then from 16 weeks to 18 weeks. It is somewhat ironic that that side of the House is making some argument about breastfeeding being a core part of this bill. Having had my first child in Auckland I am proud to say that Herne Bay is not the only suburb in Auckland in which you can breastfeed your children.I am proud that we are extending paid parental leave—we are extending paid parental leave. We are extending it in a way that hard-working New Zealanders see as responsible and fair and affordable. Not only that we are also putting in provisions for extending the parental tax credit that mean that there is more flexibility for those most vulnerable parents. I know that that side of the House may have different views from usbut on this occasion we are going to have to agree to disagree and I will not be supporting this bill. This side of the House will not be supporting this bill. That does not mean that this side of the House is not supportive of paid parental leave because this side of the House has just extended it.
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18447. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National): Thank you for the opportunity to speak during the second reading of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill. We in the National Party just like all other New Zealanders care about parents being able to look after their children. That is why ever since we have been in Government the amount being spent on providing parental leave has constantly increased. This was further strengthened in the current Budget when the Minister of Finance allocated a further $500 million support package for families and children. As promised by the National Government these are the dividends of a well-managed and growing economy that hopes to continue its Budget surplus in the years to come. The focus of this additional spending of $500 million is towards helping young families and vulnerable children who need the utmost care and protection. Specifically for the purpose of this bill can I add that the package provides $172 million towards extending parental leave by 4 weeks. What most practical New Zealanders care about is attaining a balance between parents looking after their children without adding to their and the country’s fiscal constraints. To extend parental leave to 6 months is an unsustainable position—one that I believe will further create intergenerational debts. With these words I oppose this bill.
Tisch Lindsay: Points of Order — Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill—Leave to Amend Māori Party VoteText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Points of Order — Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill—Leave to Amend Māori Party Vote[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18447. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Mallard Trevor: Points of Order — Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill—Leave to Amend Māori Party VoteText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMallard Trevor: Points of Order — Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill—Leave to Amend Māori Party Vote[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18447. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. In a slightly convoluted way I am going to seek the leave of the House for the Māori Party vote on the Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill to be recorded as three votes. Mr Flavell who was to be here has been called away in the last 2 hours to the birth of his grand-daughter and I understand and I am advised that the Māori Party has been unable to get someone back here in order to replace him in the House to get the numbers from two to three for the voting. So what I am going to do is seek leave that notwithstanding the fact that the Māori Party would normally be entitled to two votes in these circumstances the Māori Party vote on this reading of this bill only—just this reading—be recorded as three votes. I so seek the leave.
Tisch Lindsay: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18443. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): No no. My ruling is this: there was no member who accepted a call at the time when the next call was to be taken and I was moving to put the motion for the vote but I never completed it. Until the words I use to put the vote have actually concluded I can accept a call at any stage during that time and that is exactly what I did. So the ruling that I made at the time is correct and that was the end of the matter.
Ross Jami-Lee: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoss Jami-Lee: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18443. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]JAMI-LEE ROSS (Junior Whip—National): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Can I refer you to Standing Order 136(1) and Speaker’s ruling 66/4. Standing Order 136(1) indicates that “Except where otherwise provided as soon as the debate upon a question is concluded the Speaker puts the question …”. Speaker’s ruling 66/4 says “Once a vote is commenced it has to be completed.”
Tisch Lindsay: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18441. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): The question is that the motion be agreed to. The question is—Jacinda Ardern: Mr Speaker.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I call—Jami-Lee Ross: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. You started the vote.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): No I did not. I am accepting a call and I am calling Jacinda Ardern.
Tisch Lindsay: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18439. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Do you have authority to speak on behalf of Sue Moroney?Carol Beaumont: Yes I do.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I call on Carol Beaumont.
Beaumont Carol: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBeaumont Carol: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18438. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CAROL BEAUMONT (Labour): It is a pleasure to speak on the Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill. Like others I would like to acknowledge Cam Calder for his work in this and wish him well for when he moves on from this place. Essentially this bill is to have a preventative impact and to make it an offence for a person to have in his or her possession a hand-held laser in a public place without a reasonable excuse. It is a safety measure. Labour supports it and I commend it to the House. Thank you.Bill read a second time.Name changed to Summary Offences (Possession of High-power Laser Pointers) Amendment Bill.
Lees-Galloway Iain: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLees-Galloway Iain: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18437. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Labour—Palmerston North): The Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill is a good bill. It does deal with a serious issue one that is serious enough that one would have thought that the Government would have actually attended to it and included it within any one of a number of transport bills that it could include it in. It is very pleasing to see that the bill has been tightened up. The one concern that we in the Opposition had with the bill as it was introduced was that it was too broad in its scope. The Transport and Industrial Relations Committee has seen fit to tighten it up to apply only to high-power lasers with a power output greater than 1milliwatt. That is a sensible improvement and we in the Opposition are very happy to support it.
Clendon David: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeClendon David: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18433. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DAVID CLENDON (Green): I am pleased to take a short call to speak to the Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill—a short call being appropriate given the length of the bill itself. This bill I think among other things is a testament to the value and the importance of the select committee process. As the bill was first drafted the Greens were unable to support it. The bill has gone through the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee and necessary changes have been made that now make it a piece of legislation we can support. In presenting the bill originally Dr Calder made very sound argument and in fact there was a problem with these instruments with these lasers—not least of all is that there is a level of self-interest for all of us because we all fly a great deal. We have a high number of recorded incidents of these lasers being used inappropriately against aircraft and indeed against moving vehicles which is an incredibly dangerous and stupid thing to do.When the bill was presented it was acknowledged that there was existing legislation to deal with the malicious use of lasers. This bill was seen as a preventative mechanism. In fact it was described as a prophylactic in the earlier debate which I believe caused some confusion to some members. Nevertheless one of the key changes that needed to be made to this bill and that has been made is that it now identifies possession without reasonable cause of high-powered lasers—lasers or instruments above 1milliwatt. It does not sound like a great deal but of course in terms of these instruments it is indeed a very powerful and potentially very dangerous tool in the wrong hands.The original bill allowed for search and seizure. We had some unease about that. We are concerned that the innocent possession of a simple device used for legitimate purposes could be used as a bit of a stalking horse inappropriately. We are pleased that that provision has also been taken out of the bill. The bill as it stands does address a real problem. It does it in a way that offers some protection and it puts some sensible definitions around the type of instrument or tool or whatever you call these things that will be managed and controlled by the bill. It is something around which we hoped common sense would prevail—that people would not use these items maliciously—but unfortunately that has occurred.I would agree with the sentiments from some of our Labour colleagues. We have some concerns about the way in which the member’s bill process has been used particularly in this Parliament. But nevertheless all credit to Dr Calder for presenting what has ultimately become a useful piece of legislation that the Greens will support. Thank you.
Twyford Phil: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTwyford Phil: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18433. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]PHIL TWYFORD (Labour—TeAtatū): Talofa lavalau afioga Mr Deputy Speaker. Emuamua ‘onaoufa’aali atu. ‘O levaiasotaualenei. ‘O levaiaso ‘efa’atauaai legagana Samoa. ‘O legagana Samoa ‘o se ‘auro ‘efa’atauaaua lefa’aleleiatili motupulagaitausagailuma. The Samoan language is a treasure we must safeguard for future generations.I want to add my voice to the support already expressed by my colleague Darien Fenton for the Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill. It did not escape my notice that there was an outbreak of cross-party camaraderie when the last couple of speakers were on their feet. I am glad to be rejoining the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee under the avuncular leadership of David Bennett. David is now going to look that up in the dictionary. We support this bill. It is a common-sense measure. It has been clear for a few years now and I want to thank Darien Fenton and Iain Lees-Galloway for their efforts in bringing the issue of lasers and the hazard they pose to aviation to public awareness. We are happy to support this bill. As Darien Fenton pointed out we think that it would have been better dealt with in a more timely way if the Government had made it a Government bill but nevertheless we are happy to support the efforts of Cam Calder. Thank you.
Bennett David: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBennett David: Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18432. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East): It is great to see such camaraderie between members of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee. Both members Cam Calder and Darien Fenton are departing from this House after the election and both have contributed significantly to that committee. It has been a pleasure to have both of them on the committee and to have the input that they have given.In relation to this bill the Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill I would like especially to commend Dr Cam Calder—one of our fine members of Parliament from the region of Auckland and a very proud representative of that region—for a bill that has actually brought something that is relevant and that will potentially save lives. We never know what may happen. You see many planes that crash near airports. You see many accidents that do happen and nobody really knows sometimes what actually did happen. This bill is the prevention and the cure for the illness that potentially may afflict somebody.It was important that the select committee looked at this bill and changes were made. The select committee looked at the definition of “hand-held lasers” and then changed it to the high-powered types and that is reflected in the change in name for the legislation and also in the definition of “high-power laser pointer”. The select committee members looked at what the options were and came to a good conclusion which actually assists this bill while keeping the heart of it together to achieve the purpose that Dr Cam Calder rightly brought before this House.This is a good bill. It is a bill that will actually make a difference. It will do things that are important. I would like to congratulate the member on bringing this forward and on the way that he has taken it through the House and I also acknowledge the support of other political parties in this House to make sure that this bill is passed and that we see the results of the endeavours of Dr Cam Calder. Thank you.
Roy Eric: Voting — Correction—Appropriation (2014/15 Estimates) BillText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeRoy Eric: Voting — Correction—Appropriation (2014/15 Estimates) Bill[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18429. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Does that change the outcome of the vote?Barbara Stewart: No.Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Oh it is just recorded in theJournals. I see. Right are members clear? This is just the intention recorded in theJournals. Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there anyone opposed? There is not. It will be recorded.
Stewart Barbara: Voting — Correction—Appropriation (2014/15 Estimates) BillText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeStewart Barbara: Voting — Correction—Appropriation (2014/15 Estimates) Bill[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18429. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]BARBARA STEWART (NZ First): As previously advised to the Clerk I seek the leave of the House to amend a New Zealand First vote.Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: In relation to which vote?BARBARA STEWART: I seek leave for the vote on the second reading of the Appropriation (2014/15 Estimates) Bill and the amendment proposed thereto to be recorded in theJournals as follows—Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: We will put the leave now. I just needed to know what you were doing and whether it was pertinent to the vote we had just taken or not. The House needed to know so now that we know we will put the leave. Is there anyone opposed to that course of action? There appears to be none. Leave is granted. The member may now determine to the House the action that she wishes.BARBARA STEWART: Thank you Mr Deputy Speaker. I seek leave for the vote on the second reading of the Appropriation (2014/15 Estimates) Bill and the amendment proposed thereto to be recorded in theJournals as follows: on the question that the amendment be agreed to New Zealand First—6 votes for the Ayes. On the question that the Appropriation (2014/15 Estimates) Bill be read a second time New Zealand First—6 votes for the Noes.
Wagner Nicky: Christchurch City Council (Rates Validation) Bill — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWagner Nicky: Christchurch City Council (Rates Validation) Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 28 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18428. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon NICKY WAGNER (National—Christchurch Central): I would just like to recap to the House on this Christchurch City Council (Rates Validation) Bill. What it does is it validates irregularities that came to light for the council just last year. Since 2004 when the rates resolution was simplified the council failed to specify the rates payment dates the penalties charged how penalties were calculated and the dates by which penalties would apply. Let me make it clear. All this information was available elsewhere but because it was excluded from the resolution the rates were invalid.In 2013 when this issue came to light the council undertook a thorough review of all its rates resolutions and discovered a number of other technical irregularities. These irregularities were in relation to the setting of seven targeted rates and the uniform annual general charge. Again the information was available. It was available in the funding impact statement and that gave all the details about the charges and how they were to be calculated but it was not specifically stated in the rates resolution. Again let me be clear. There is absolutely no problem about the calculation of rates and there is no problem about the amount of rates that needed to be collected so nobody has missed out through these irregularities. This is a very simple bill. The irregularities were identified by the Department of Internal Affairs and the council has acted pretty swiftly to rectify its errors through this bill.I would just like to reflect on our previous validation bills. This bill is quite different I think. Members have spoken of their dismay at having to process another validation bill and I do concur with that. It is an expensive process to put these bills through the House. But I think this is a slightly different situation than that of the Kaipara District Council or the Tasman District Council. In 2004 when the council made the changes to the resolution it did it in good faith. Those changes were made deliberately. The council was looking to simplify and to make resolutions easier to understand. It was aiming for a simple plain English resolution that everybody could understand and follow. Unfortunately in its haste to make it easy it left out essential information. But there have been no adverse consequences of these errors. I believe that the Christchurch City Council has acted promptly when errors have been found in its work and I commend this bill to the House.