edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Hipkins ChrisURGENCYHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That urgency be accorded the passing through the remaining stages of the Climate Change Response (Auction Price) Amendment Bill.This bill enables the setting of a confidential reserve price for auctions in the New Zealand emissions trading scheme. It's essential to ensure that the clearing price in these auctions reflects the prevailing secondary market prices to prevent the sale of units significantly below the market price. And the reason that this is being done under urgency is because the first auction takes place on 17 March and this change needs to be in place before that auction happens. With tomorrow being a members' day there aren't enough sitting days left to progress this bill one stage each day through its remaining stages and so hence we're having to use urgency to do it. The timescale that we put in place for this bill was designed to enable the maximum time for the select committee to consider it compared to what would have been available had we brought it back in order to pass it through its remaining stages on a more regular timetable.
Motions — COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 — Approval of Orders
Urgent Debates Declined — Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission — Mā Te Rongo Ake Report
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDMental Health and Wellbeing Commission Report—Mā Te Rongo AkeSPEAKER: I have also received a letter from Matt Doocey seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the release of the initial Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report Mā Te Rongo Ake. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. The release of a report may warrant an urgent debate but this must be exceptional especially where working through a report's recommendations will take some time. I refer the member to Speaker's ruling 208/6. Now the release of this initial report does not warrant the setting aside of the business of the House today. The application is declined.
Speaker's Rulings — Urgent Debates — Updated Procedures for Application
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER'S RULINGSUrgent Debates—Updated Procedure for ApplicationsSPEAKER: I would however like to advise the House of updated procedures for applying for an urgent debate. Speakers' ruling 198/4 requires that the written notice required under Standing Order 399 must be handed to a member of the Speaker's staff. In practice most applications are emailed to my office. Notices that are emailed will be treated the same way as hand-delivered ones. Notices should be signed by the member making the application but I will accept a notice sent from the member's email address or sent from another parliamentary address if it contains a statement that the application was authorised by the member or by another member on their behalf. That aligns the practice for urgent debates with the practice for lodging questions or notices of motion.
Urgent Debates Declined — COVID-19 — Government's Announcement on Alert Level Changes
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATES DECLINEDCOVID-19—Alert Level ChangesSPEAKER: I have received letters from David Seymour and the Hon Judith Collins seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the Government's announcement on Saturday 27 February putting the Auckland region into alert level 3 and the rest of the country into alert level 2. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. However the House has had the opportunity to question the Government following the ministerial statement made earlier in the House this afternoon. I do not think that an urgent debate is also warranted.
Interventions — Points of Order — Timing
Bridges Simon; Mallard TrevorHon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga): Point of order. The issue is it seems to me not so much what Mr Seymour's raising but rather that what you did was criticise him for not being somewhere and then in the next speech that you gave—SPEAKER: Order! Order! The Hon Simon Bridges will leave the Chamber.Hon Simon Bridges withdrew from the Chamber.
Mallard Trevor; Seymour DavidINTERVENTIONSPoints of Order—TimingSPEAKER: Now I'm just going to issue a warning to the member and that is to continue to raise points of order—it's a matter which has been dealt with very carefully in the House by me in the last week of the sitting—in a way that is inappropriate is disorderly and there is only one result of that.DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Point of order Mr Speaker. I thought very carefully about what you just said and I certainly don't wish to cause any disorder. I have listened very carefully to your previous ruling in relation to Speakers' ruling 21/7. My understanding of that and perhaps you can clarify for me is that it refers to not being able to raise a point of order if a member had been absent at the time. The point of order I raised I raised as quickly as was practicable—SPEAKER: No the member will resume his seat. The member's understanding is incorrect. We come to oral questions—
Seymour David; Mallard TrevorDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Point of order. Mr Speaker I'd like to draw your attention to Speakers' ruling 26/6 which prohibits mentioning or arguing on the absence of a member from a select committee in the House. I feel you should withdraw and apologise—SPEAKER: Order! The member will resume his seat right now and I'm going to continue with general business and note that those papers are published under the authority of the House.David Seymour: Point of order Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: The member has been here for a reasonable number of years now; he will resume his seat while I'm speaking. I just want to remind him of Speakers' ruling 21/7.Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK:Report of the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee on the Gas (Information Disclosure and Penalties) Amendment Billreports of the Environment Committee on: the Building (Building Products and Methods Modular Components and Other Matters) Amendment Billthe Climate Change Response (Auction Price) Amendment Billthe petition of Holly Dovereports of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on:the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill (No 3)the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2020-21 Feasibility Expenditure and Remedial Matters) Billreports of the Primary Production Committee on:the Organic Products Billthe petition of Debra Ashtonreports of the Regulations Review Committee on:the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order 2021the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Orders Nos 2 3 and 4 2021report of the Social Services and Community Committee on the Child Support Amendment Bill andreports of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee on:the petition of Lindsay Andrewsthe petition of Weston Kirton.David Seymour: Point of order Mr Speaker. SPEAKER: Would the member sit down. We're dealing with general business and we're going to complete it.The bills are set down for second reading. The reports of the Regulations Review Committee are set down for consideration.
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSGeneral business resumed.SPEAKER: I'll ask the Clerk to repeat the petitions.CLERK: Petition of Andy Earl requesting that the House urge the Government to reinstate the upgrade of State Highway 2 Tauranga to Katikati corridorpetition of Grant Dixon requesting that the House urge the Government Auckland Council and the HLC to set aside 11.2 hectares of Bomb Point as a reserve.SPEAKER: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee.Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK: Annual reports for 2020 of Te Hiringa Hauora / Health Promotion Agency New Zealand Health Partnerships and Te Māngai Pāhoreport of the proceedings and operations of the Local Government Commission / Mana Kāwanatanga ā Rohe for the year ended 30 June 2020Government response to the report of the Justice Committee on the petition of Charlene KraatskowGovernment response to the report of the Justice Committee on the petition of Laura O'Connell.
Ministerial Statements — COVID-19 — Recent Changes in Alert Levels (continued)
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: No bills have been introduced. Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.CLERK: Petition of Andy Earl requesting that the House urge the Government to reinstate the upgrade of State Highway 2 Tauranga to Katikati corridor.Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern: Trevor the Māori Party—the Māori Party.SPEAKER: Well—Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: Point of order Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: I can see someone calling. My understanding—in fact I'm prepared to take leave for two minutes for the member but the party is not entitled to a call because it's not a specified party; it is a matter for specified parties. If the House wants the Māori Party to have a call I'm prepared to seek leave for the Māori Party to do so. Is there any objection? There is none.General business interrupted.
Ministerial Statements — COVID-19 — Recent Changes in Alert Levels
SpeechSPEAKER: Before I call a member I think there might have been a slight communications failure but the only people who are allowed in the Speaker's gallery are members of Parliament or those people who are in there for security purposes. There are at least three people who I can see there who are not members of Parliament or there for those purposes—could I ask you to go to the other galleries thank you. I might have very poor eyesight but I think there are at least two more people up there who are in neither of those categories.
Speaker's Rulings — Ministerial Statements — Changes to Standing Orders
Mallard TrevorSPEAKER'S RULINGSMinisterial Statements—Changes to Standing OrdersSPEAKER: Before I call the Leader of the House for his ministerial statement for which notice has been given I want to explain to the House how it will operate. The 2020 review of the Standing Orders recommended that members be able to engage in a short question and answer session with the Minister giving the statement. The intention of the Standing Orders Committee was that ministerial statements could operate in a similar way to the committee of the whole House where members ask questions and Ministers answer them. So the Minister can make the statement and then members may ask questions if they wish and/or make comments. I will allow an extended time if necessary for Ministers who ask questions. Ministers are required to address these questions but are not given carte blanche to make another speech.
Mallard Trevor; Rurawhe AdrianTUESDAY 9 MARCH 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSSPEAKER: I've asked the Deputy Speaker to say the prayer today and both he and the Assistant Speakers will regularly take that responsibility.DEPUTY SPEAKER: E te Atua kaha rawa ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi mātou ki te Kuīni me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga kia mōhio ai kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei mō te oranga te maungārongo me te aroha o Aotearoa. Amene.[Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the Queen and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility for the welfare peace and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]
Thursday 25 February 2021 - Volume 750
12. Question No. 12—TransportKIERAN McANULTY (Labour—Wairarapa) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 12—Transport12. KIERAN McANULTY (Labour—Wairarapa) to the Minister of Transport: What progress has been made to restore and improve roads and rail in New Zealand's regions? Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): There's been excellent progress over the summer season. I'm pleased to report that the Northland rail line has reopened after KiwiRail replaced five bridges lowered the tracks in 13 tunnels and laid 30000 new sleepers over seven months. At its peak more than 600 people worked on it and KiwiRail contracted local firms like Clements Quarries and Busck Prestressed Concrete which helped to support local jobs. We've also made excellent progress in getting under way with Te Ahu a Turanga the Manawatū Tararua highway which will replace the Manawatū Gorge route. That project is creating hundreds of jobs in the region and it will employ 60 percent of locals on the project. The earthworks contract is already employing 100 locals and that will increase to 400 in the near future. Kieran McAnulty: What other initiatives are improving transport across the country? Hon MICHAEL WOOD: More than 2000 people are currently working on highways across the country over the summer season resealing and repairing around 1900 lane-kilometres of State highway and that's the equivalent of a two-lane road from Picton to Bluff or a single lane on State Highway 1 from Bluff to Kaitāia. It's vital work to maintain and improve—Hon Simon Bridges: The Government hasn't built anything in four years. Hon MICHAEL WOOD: —the country's State highways—something that was neglected by that side of the House and that Minister who flat-lined road maintenance funding over their nine years in office. Kieran McAnulty: What other regional projects have restored and improved roads and rail? Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Work to restore and improve Kaikōura's roads and rail after the 2016 earthquake—Hon Simon Bridges: I did that with these bare hands. Hon MICHAEL WOOD: —is practically finished. I want to thank—someone's in need of affirmation on that side of the House aren't they today? I want to thank the nearly 9000 people who worked tirelessly on this project. They not only reconnected communities and businesses they strengthened those connections. Tunnels have been enlarged to help freight move more easily which will help the region's economic recovery. The roads have been engineered up to be more resilient and safer with wider roads and guard rails along parts of the route to help save lives. The rebuild highlights the wider benefits of investing in infrastructure which is part of the Government's economic plan. The workers have bought more than 240000 meals from Kaikōura cafes and restaurants. I say well done to everyone who was involved in that project and on this side of the House we're big enough to acknowledge everyone even the Hon Simon Bridges even if his own colleagues won't.
8. Question No. 8—Arts Culture and HeritageNAISI CHEN (Labour) to the Minister for Arts Culture and HeritageQuestion No. 8—Arts Culture and Heritage8. NAISI CHEN (Labour) to the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage: What recent announcements has she made about making the arts more accessible and inclusive? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage): Yesterday I announced $18 million to support creative spaces. Creative spaces are places in the community where people with mental health needs disabled people and those looking for social connection are welcomed and supported to practise and participate in the arts. These spaces often provide also an environment where cultural practices can be shared and learnt enhancing that cultural connectedness. This funding will not only ensure that spaces are inclusive but it will engage people who are all too often at risk of being excluded from accessing meaningful opportunities. It will also enable creative spaces to increase their reach including further to Māori and Pacific communities. Naisi Chen: Why is funding creative spaces important? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: We all have a role to play in fostering spaces that are accessible relevant and inclusive. This announcement acknowledges the wonderful work being done across creative spaces organisations and community groups. They play a vital role in helping people to experience fulfilment a sense of achievement and increased self-esteem. As part of the Government's response to COVID-19 creative spaces also delivers on both outcomes of the Creative Arts Recovery and Employment Fund. This announcement underlines our focus on creating employment and opportunities to upskill as well as enhancing access to and participation in the arts and cultural sector. Naisi Chen: What feedback has she received about her announcement? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: I've received a lot of positive feedback including from Arts Access Aotearoa's executive director Richard Benge who hailed it as a milestone. Dina Jezdic a creative writer also referred to this announcement alongside our creative careers announcement in an opinion editorial stating Both these projects aren't about circulating money among the top tier organisations—they are funding those who may be lost to ways of creativity without support. There is much more to come in the $374 million Arts and Culture COVID Recovery Programme—but this appears to be a strong start.""
7. Question No. 7—Social Development and EmploymentDEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER (Co-Leader—Te Paati Māori) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 7—Social Development and Employment7. DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER (Co-Leader—Te Paati Māori) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she have concerns that for the financial years of 2019 and 2020 there has been no significant reduction of child poverty for tamariki Māori; if so what is she doing to increase income support for tamariki Māori and their whānau? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): Children in poverty are all of our concern. While I am encouraged that under this Government all nine child poverty measures are trending down and there are 45400 fewer children in poverty since 2017-18 one in five Māori and one in four Pacific children still live in poverty. We have made some changes: we've lifted benefits by $25 per week we saw indexation of benefits to wages last year and we saw a shift in abatement thresholds on 1 April last year. We also saw section 192 repealed on 1 April last year which previously had seen sole parents penalised for not naming the other—father. Those initiatives were not taken into consideration with regards to the most recent statistics that were released because they only went up to March. Is there more to do? Absolutely and we're committed to doing that work. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: Will she urgently introduce legislation to significantly lift baseline benefits to above a livable level in line with calls from tangata whenua and a wide range of organisations including her own Welfare Expert Advisory Group and if not why not? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: On 1 April this year we will see benefits lift again because we did index them to wages. That is one of the enduring changes that this Government has put into place that will see progressively benefits go up. We will also see on 1 April another significant shift with regards to abatement thresholds so that people who are on benefit will be able to work part-time and keep more of their benefit than they previously were able to do. I will not be introducing urgent legislation to increase benefits again. However I do note that we lifted benefits for all beneficiaries on 1 April last year—the first time that that had been done in decades. Is there more to do? Absolutely. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: Supplementary. SPEAKER: No I think the member is aware of the fact that the Māori Party have used their supplementaries for this week. I think if they want a more even distribution they should have a cup of tea together and sort it out.
5. Question No. 5—RevenueHon MARAMA DAVIDSON (Green) to the Minister of RevenueQuestion No. 5—Revenue5. Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON (Green) to the Minister of Revenue: Has he seen a report that the wealthiest people in Aotearoa are paying an average of only 12 percent tax on their income and 42 percent of them are paying below 10 percent tax; if so does he think that is fair? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance) on behalf of the Minister of Revenue: I have seen a report with that data in it which is an experimental estimate of effective tax rates for a sample of people. This report was advice requested as part of work to help improve data collection—in particular regarding the household economic survey run by Statistics New Zealand—and to bring New Zealand into line with the data collection methods in most other OECD countries. In response to the second part of the member's question the Government continues to work on making New Zealand's tax system fairer. Hon Marama Davidson: Does he consider Aotearoa has a progressive tax system when many of the wealthiest people are paying a lower rate of tax than nurses managed isolation and quarantine workers cleaners security guards—SPEAKER: Order! Order! Order! Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I do consider that New Zealand has a progressive tax system but the point that the member is making on ensuring that people meet their tax obligations is an important one for us. We have resourced the Inland Revenue Department to do more work to ensure that that happens and we continue to look at initiatives to improve the fairness of the system. Hon Marama Davidson: Is New Zealand's famed broad based - low rate tax system really just a broad base for the poorest and a low rate for the richest? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I wouldn't accept that as a general observation. What I would note is what I said in answer to the last supplementary question: that we do continue to undertake work to ensure that people meet their tax obligations—do not avoid paying tax—and we continue to look at initiatives that can make the system fairer. Hon Marama Davidson: What exact action will he take this year to properly tax income sources that are currently untaxed or lowly taxed particularly when this is fuelling the overheated housing market? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: With respect to the end part of that question on the housing market those announcements will be made very soon. Hon Marama Davidson: Will he prioritise taxing the wealthiest fairly—for example through a capital gains tax or a wealth tax—in the next tax policy work programme? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government has very clearly ruled out a comprehensive capital gains tax and a wealth tax. Hon Marama Davidson: What is he doing seeing as he does not fully trust this Government data from his own department to get better data on the level of tax paid by wealthy individuals? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: On behalf of the Minister I am in very regular conversations with officials about this exact area of how we measure income tax data in New Zealand. I'm also in regular conversations with the Minister of Finance about that and I have a work programme to continue to build on this experimental work.
3. Question No. 3—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 3—Finance3. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What has been the response to the Resurgence Support Payment that opened for applications on Tuesday? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): By midday today 9894 applications had been received totalling just over $29 million of value. Just over $13 million has already been approved and paid out to date and I want to thank the staff at Inland Revenue for their hard work in making that happen. To recap the payment provides each eligible business $1500 plus $400 per employee up to a total of 50 full-time equivalents (FTEs). Anyone wanting to apply should go to the Inland Revenue website to check that they are eligible and make sure that they have a New Zealand Business Number. If they don't have a New Zealand Business Number they should head to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment website to get one. Dr Duncan Webb: Why was the Resurgence Support Payment put in place? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The Government recognises that increased alert levels place a strain on some businesses—in particular our small businesses—which is why this payment was capped at a 50-FTE level. It is important to note that businesses larger than 50 FTEs can apply but they will not get more money than the cap of 50. The payment is intended to help businesses with their fixed costs such as rent and is open for applications until 23 March and is available to all businesses around New Zealand as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Dr Duncan Webb: What other support is available at the moment? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: It's worth noting that the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme is in place if workers need to self-isolate and cannot work from home. This is paid as a lump sum calculated to cover two weeks. Employers can reapply if their employee still qualifies after two weeks and this is also available to the self-employed. The short-term absence payment is also available. This covers eligible workers who need to stay at home while they await for a COVID-19 test result. Can I please encourage all employers around New Zealand to talk to their staff if they are in the position of needing to self-isolate and avail themselves of these schemes.
Sexual Violence Legislation Bill — Second Reading
Pallett SarahSARAH PALLETT (Labour—Ilam): Thank you Mr Speaker. I'm absolutely honoured to take this call to speak to this very important piece of legislation and I'd also in commencing like to thank my colleagues in various different parts of the House for their support in laying the foundations for what's really important work. It was really brought home to me how important this is when I was listening to the Hon Marama Davidson talk to this when she spoke recently. This is an important piece of legislation as my colleague acknowledged earlier as it affects—according to the research that we have as we said 12 percent of men 34 percent of women and 50 percent of trans people have experienced sexual violence and because we are aware that these figures are typically under-reported we know that the figure is probably way in excess of that. So clearly we have work to do. These are crimes that are under-reported and they don't come before the courts very frequently. So this is important. I'd also like to acknowledge victims/survivors and the people who have worked and continue to do this extraordinary work with them.Now I would like to address some of the comments from previous members' speeches to this bill but in doing so I would like to apologise—and I'll explain later—for the analogy that I'm about to use. What I would like to make abundantly clear to the House is that prior consent to sexual activity does not ever ever mean that you have present consent or future consent. For example if one of my colleagues lends me their vacuum cleaner—so thanks for that—I cannot assume that just because they lent it to me last week—and this is where the apology comes in—they have automatically given me the right to borrow it today without their permission. If they are asleep when I want to use their vacuum cleaner I am not able to take it without their permission because they're unable to give it. If they are intoxicated drunk or under the influence of drugs I am not able to take that vacuum cleaner without their permission. How much worse is it therefore—and I apologise for using the analogy of an inanimate object when we're talking about the most intimate acts between two people or more without consent. We're very clear that we need to have consent. Previous history does not determine or dictate future consent either; it's completely irrelevant. I may have lent many people my vacuum cleaner in the past; it is not relevant to whether or not I am giving consent to somebody borrowing it today.I'd also like to move forward and just talk to how important this is for people who have been experiencing sexual violence. It's very hard to sit in the House and listen to some of the comments especially with regard to consent and to the impact that this has on the victims of these crimes. I'd just like to end really by wholeheartedly commending this bill to the House and thanking everybody for their support in bringing it forward.Motion agreed to.Bill read a second time.
Special Debates — Inquiry into New Zealand's Aid to the Pacific—Report of the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee
Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question Nos. 11 and 9—3 8 and 9 December 2020
Williams PotoAMENDED ANSWERS TO ORAL QUESTIONSQuestion No. 11 to Minister 3 December 2020Question No. 9 to Minister 8 December 2020Question No. 9 to Minister 9 December 2020Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police): Point of order. I seek leave to make a personal statement in order to correct a reply to an oral question. SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none. Hon POTO WILLIAMS: On Thursday 3 December and Tuesday 8 December and Wednesday 9 December in answers to questions I said 700 alone focused on organised crime." and "This shows the impact of our 700 new cops focused directly on organised crime and what that's having." I meant to say "to be focused on organised crime" rather than "focused on organised crime.""
Mallard TrevorPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: No bills have been introduced. Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation. CLERK: Petition of Anameka Paenga requesting that the House urge the Government to adopt Māori commissioning by the Māori Health Authoritypetition of Steve Abel on behalf of Greenpeace requesting that the House pass legislation that bans chemical nitrogen fertiliserpetition of Joanna Spratt on behalf of Oxfam New Zealand requesting the House commit to doing everything it can to get COVID-19 vaccinations that are free for all and fairly distributed to everyone on the planetpetition of Katherine Rich requesting that the House support the establishment of a mandatory grocery code of conduct for supermarketspetition of Xiaosong Lan requesting that the House urge the Government to grant border exemptions and MIQ spaces to all overseas partners of New Zealand citizens residents and temporary visa holderspetition of Polina Chernyshova requesting that the House urge the Government to resume visa assessment processes for the partners of postgraduate students and allow partners with valid visas to enter New Zealand.SPEAKER: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee.A paper has been presented.CLERK: Government response to the report of the Standing Orders Committee on the Review of Standing Orders 2020.SPEAKER: That paper is published under the authority of the House.A select committee report has been delivered for presentation.CLERK: Report of the Health Committee on the petition of Nancy McShane.
Hipkins Chris; Bishop Chris; Mallard TrevorBUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Thank you Mr Speaker. Today the House will adjourn until Tuesday 9 March. Legislation to be considered in that week will include the remaining stages of the Climate Change Response (Auction Price) Amendment Bill and the second readings of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2020-21 Feasibility Expenditure and Remedial Matters) Bill the Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Bill and the Financial Market Infrastructure Bill. It is my intention that there be a members' day on Wednesday 10 March and I'm hoping it'll be a case of third time lucky. CHRIS BISHOP (National): Thank you to the Leader of the House. Is it the Government's intention to ever allow members' notice of motion No. 1 to be debated? Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Of course as an open-minded Government we do consider things on a case by case basis. We have full confidence in the Speaker. SPEAKER: No bills have been introduced—[Interruption] Well you know I didn't want to be accused of cutting that debate off too quickly.
Retirements — Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms—Jim McDonald
Mallard TrevorTHURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2021The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.RETIREMENTSAssistant Serjeant-at-Arms—Jim McDonaldSPEAKER: Before I call the Leader of the House I just want to place on record thanks to Jim McDonald the Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms who is performing his last official duty now. Thank you Jim. [Applause]
Tuesday 23 February 2021 (continued on Wednesday 24 February 2021) - Volume 750
Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.SPEAKER: Urgency has been concluded. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow.The House adjourned at 8.26 p.m. (Wednesday)
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the Hon Dr Nick Smith's tabled amendment deleting clause 5 from the Schedule be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Schedule stand part.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Schedule agreed to.
Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill — In Committee — Clause 9
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 9 stand part.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Clause 9 agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That clause 8 stand part.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Clause 8 agreed to.
Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill — In Commmittee — Clause 8
Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill — In Committee — New Clause 7A Inserting New Section 19ZGA
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put. Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the amendment be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to. Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Amendment not agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put. Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Hon Jenny Salesa): The question is that Christopher Luxon's amendment inserting new clause 7A set out on Supplementary Order Paper 8 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to. Ayes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Noes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Amendment not agreed to.
Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill — In Committee — New Clause 7A Inserting New Sections 19ZGA and 19ZGB
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 7 be agreed to.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Clause 7 agreed to.
Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill —In Committee — Clause 7
Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill —In Committee — Clause 6 (Continued)
VoteCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): The question is that the question be now put. Those of that opinion say Aye"; to the contrary "No". The Ayes have it. We now—Hon Members: Party vote.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Oh you're a bit slow. You have to be a bit quicker than that. A party vote has been called for. The Clerk will conduct a party vote.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Debbie Ngarewa-Packer's amendments to clause 6 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 6 are out of order as being outside the scope of this bill. Therefore the question is that clause 6 start part.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 6 stand part.Ayes 65New Zealand Labour 65.Noes 55New Zealand National 33; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Clause 6 agreed to."
11. Question No. 11—Workplace Relations and SafetyMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and SafetyQuestion No. 11—Workplace Relations and Safety11. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What recent announcements has he made about improving the Holidays Act 2003?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety): I'm very pleased to confirm that the Government has accepted all of the tripartite Holidays Act task force's recommended changes. Employers have found the Holidays Act's requirements hard to administer which has meant costly fixes and employees missing out on their entitlements. The changes put forward by the Holidays Act task force will make it easier to calculate entitlements in pay giving employees and employers certainty and transparency. Business and union representatives have reached consensus on these changes and we're delivering on them in line with our election commitments.Marja Lubeck: On what issues did the tripartite task force reach consensus?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I'd like to thank the members of the task force including union and business representatives and chair Gordon Anderson for their work. They reached consensus on 22 recommendations including improvements like a simpler system for calculating how holiday and leave payments will be made; entitling eligible employees to bereavement leave and family violence leave from their first day of employment; giving eligible employees one day's sick leave from their first day of employment with an additional day given per month until the minimum entitlement is reached; and removing the current parental leave override to address discrimination against parents who take time off to care for their young children. Removing the provision will mean that employees returning to work following parental leave will be paid at their full rate for annual holidays. I thank the task force members for these very helpful recommendations.Marja Lubeck: What reaction has he seen to the announcement?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: The response has been extremely positive from across a range of sectors. Business New Zealand chief executive Kirk Hope said he was glad to see the Holidays Act [that] will be finally overhauled." The Employers and Manufacturers Association says its business members will also welcome the overhaul of the Holidays Act and their chief executive Brett O'Reily said "We're looking forward to working further with the Government on the new Act". I think it is extremely positive that unions business and the Government have been able to sit down together to resolve these problems which have been around for many years and come to such positive solutions.Hon Scott Simpson: Will the Minister's proposed new legislation include provisions to pro rata holiday and sick leave entitlements for part-time employees and if not why not?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: As I just outlined the Government is accepting the recommendations of a tripartite task force made up of employers and union interests and those are not within the recommendations that have been provided by the task force."
6. Question No. 6—Social Development and EmploymentANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 6—Social Development and Employment6. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What support has the Ministry of Social Development provided to people and families affected by recent COVID-19 restrictions?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) have moved quickly to ensure people and families who have been affected by recent COVID-19 restrictions have timely access to tailored support and services. We announced the short-term absence payment for businesses whose employees cannot work from home while awaiting a COVID-19 test result—that sits alongside the leave support scheme which is for those who have to self-isolate cannot go to work and cannot work from home. On the ground MSD has supported the New Zealand Food Network with coordinating the distribution of one million facemasks to food banks women's refuges youth service providers and other organisations. In addition to that MSD together with New Zealand Police and local iwi have supported people in Port Waikato with the distribution of kai boxes.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: What specific MSD support has been put in place to support the Papatoetoe community?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: MSD set up a dedicated 0800 number specifically for the Papatoetoe High School community which has been shared with parents and caregivers of the students. It was put in place to provide support for those impacted by the tighter restrictions and local Work and Income case managers—as well as two local community providers—were briefed early and poised to assist. MSD has also worked with the Ministry of Education to provide the school community with fact sheets that traverse the different supports available—this was translated into multiple languages.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How many people have accessed this support to date?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: With regards to the Papatoetoe community the 0800 line has received more than 100 calls since opening on 18 February. This dedicated phone line was initially set up for a four-day period to support the community until the school reopened. However a decision was made for support to remain active until at least Friday 26 February. We will continue to communicate the availability of support through the school the community and public communication channels like LinkedIn and Facebook. It's important that the Papatoetoe community impacted by recent COVID cases know that there is support available and how to access this support.
4. Question No. 4—HousingGINNY ANDERSEN (Labour—Hutt South) to the Minister of HousingQuestion No. 4—Housing4. GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour—Hutt South) to the Minister of Housing: What recent announcements has she made about the Government's transitional housing programme?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing): Today along with Minister Davidson I announced that this Government has achieved its goal of delivering 1000 more transitional housing places as promised under the $300 million Aotearoa New Zealand Homelessness Action Plan. Our priority as a Government has been to see New Zealanders with immediate housing needs provided with warm dry and safe housing. Of these additional places 43 percent are newly constructed homes meaning that we are housing families but we are also increasing the total amount of housing stock available across the country. This is a Government committed to supporting our most vulnerable and our announcement today delivers on that commitment.Ginny Andersen: Why is it important that we increase the number of transitional housing places?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: It is not acceptable to have families sleeping in cars staying in overcrowded housing and living on the street. Transitional housing offers a solution to those with immediate housing need. While the additional 1000 places announced today is a great step in the right direction we must continue to work on increasing the number of places and ensuring that we are providing those with high and complex needs the wraparound support they need to get back on their feet and into long-term accommodation. Throughout the COVID-19 response we have shown that swift action is possible to get people off the streets and into accommodation and we are keeping up that momentum to prevent and reduce homelessness. Ginny Andersen: How will children and young people benefit from the increase in transitional housing?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Reducing the number of children living in poverty is a key priority for the Government and the increase in transitional housing places is a direct intervention into the lives of children and young people to ensure they are growing up in healthy and safe housing. Of the 1000 places announced today 605 are for families with children. This represents 605 families that will get the immediate food welfare health and wellbeing support they need to live good and healthy lives. I am unapologetic that Government needs to play a big role in intervening in situations that are resulting in poor outcomes for our youngest and the release of yesterday's child poverty statistics show that we're on the right track with the actions we are taking.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceHELEN WHITE (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. HELEN WHITE (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Yesterday the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) released its prediction for the March quarter. It is forecasting a V-shaped recovery with business and consumer confidence recovering. The construction sector is leading the charge in the recovery with that rebound flowing through to stronger demand in supporting industries. NZIER had predicted in June 2020 that for March this year forecast growth would be negative 7.1 percent. Its predictions now are for positive growth of 1.2 percent.Helen White: What other reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Yesterday Stats NZ released the retail trade statistics for the December quarter. They show that the total value of retail rose 4.9 percent compared with the same quarter in 2019. Thirteen of these 16 regions show higher-value sales with Auckland leading the increase at 5 percent followed by Waikato Canterbury Wellington and the Bay of Plenty. This consumer confidence is a sign that people are feeling more secure about their jobs as the economy recovers.Helen White: What is the Government doing to help keep confidence in the economy up?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Yesterday applications for the COVID-19 resurgence support payment opened and I can advise the House that by midday today 6872 applications had been received totalling a value of just over $20 million. I can also report that $6.5 million of payment has already been approved and will be paid out today.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Motion agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 5 stand part.Ayes 77New Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; Te Paati Māori 2.Noes 43New Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.Clause 5 agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members the Hon Dr Nick Smith's tabled amendment to introduce a new clause 5A is out of order as being not consistent with the principles and objects of the bill.
Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Clause 5 (continued)
Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Clause 4