edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Hughes Gareth: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Hughes Gareth: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:13146] 
GARETH HUGHES (Green) 
: 
 I acknowledge Jacinda Ardern’s challenge to the Minister for Tertiary Education and I hope he takes it up. What we are seeing in New Zealand for the first time ever is universities closing the door to students who want to study who are prepared to take a loan and who have the qualifications. But no the door is closed to them. I would like to ask the Minister what those students will do because those jobs are just not out there. We know that there are 60000 young people who are not in work. I ask what those young people will do. Will they go on the dole? 
In this debate I would like to specifically address clause 16 of the Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill which will impose work testing on sickness beneficiaries who are assessed as being capable of undertaking part-time work. This proposal seems to be a knee-jerk response to increasing numbers of sickness beneficiaries. The increasing number of people on sickness or disability related welfare assistance is a trend that is occurring throughout the developed world. The reasons are complex and many but this Government claims it has the magic bullet through assessing beneficiaries’ capacity for work and forcing those who are assessed as being able to work to do so. The Social Services Committee saw no evidence for this proposal and it is unlikely to be successful in stopping the growth of sickness beneficiary numbers. It is not an evidence-based approach; it is a faith-based approach rooted in National’s neo-liberal ideology and the bigoted view that beneficiaries are lazy bludgers who deserve a “good kick in the pants” to use the Minister for Social Development and Employment’s phrase. 
As far as the evidence overseas goes a number of submitters at the select committee referred to a similar approach taken in Australia in 2006. An evaluation of that policy revealed that it was spectacularly unsuccessful in reducing Australia’s disability support and pension numbers. 
This bill will not do the job. It is not good legislation and we are proud to be opposing it this evening.
Smith Nick: Tabling of Documents — Question No. 3 to Minister—Accident Compensation 
Smith Nick: Tabling of Documents — Question No. 3 to Minister—Accident Compensation 
[Volume:665;Page:13128] 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for ACC) 
: 
 I seek leave to table the sensitive claims time line given the questions that were raised during question time today. It is a document that has been prepared by the Accident Compensation Corporation and provided advice to my office and it is the basis on which I gave answers to questions today. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Rick Barker) 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection. The document will be tabled. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Brownlee Gerry: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — Instruction to Committee In Committee 
Brownlee Gerry: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — Instruction to Committee In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:13124] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I seek leave for the Committee stage of the Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill to be taken as one debate with multiple calls for members and for the vote on each part to be put at the conclusion of the debate before 10 p.m. this evening. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Vote: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:13191] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendments be agreed to. 
Ayes 56 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 4 (Flavell Harawira Katene Sharples); Progressive 1. 
Noes 65 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 1 (Turia); United Future 1. 
Amendments not agreed to. 
The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 57 Noes 64. 
The question was put that the following amendments in the name of the Hon Annette King to clause 27 be agreed to: 
to omit subsection (1)(h) from new section 102A; and 
to omit subsections (3) and (4) from new section 102A.
Vote: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:13193] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That Part 5 be agreed to. 
Ayes 65 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 1 (Turia); United Future 1. 
Noes 56 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 4 (Flavell Harawira Katene Sharples); Progressive 1. 
Part 5 agreed to. 
The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 64 Noes 57. 
The question was put that the following amendments in the name of the Hon Annette King to schedule 1 be agreed to: 
to omit the item relating to section 88A in Part 5; and 
to omit the items relating to section 104A(2)(c) in Part 5.
Vote: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:13189] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendment be agreed to. 
Ayes 56 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 4 (Flavell Harawira Katene Sharples); Progressive 1. 
Noes 65 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 1 (Turia); United Future 1. 
Amendment not agreed to. 
The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 57 Noes 64. 
The question was put that the following amendment in the name of the Hon Annette King to clause 13 be agreed to: 
to omit subclause (8).
Auchinvole Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Auchinvole Chris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13123] 
12. 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National—West Coast - Tasman) 
 to the  
Minister for Building and Construction 
: What announcements has he made recently around cutting red tape and bureaucracy in the building sector? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON (Minister for Building and Construction) 
: 
 Last week I announced that the Government will introduce a range of amendments to the Building Act 2004 to help cut red tape and bureaucracy and make builders more accountable. Without compromising quality and safety these amendments will provide more incentives for builders to build it right first time and will help drive a more efficient and productive sector. These proposed amendments are the result of year-long review of the Building Act which included consultation with all interested parties. Mr Steve Brackenridge a builder who has been in the industry for 35 years said in an interview on  
One News 
 that change was long overdue and he congratulated the Government on actually tackling the problem. 
Chris Auchinvole 
: How will builders be made more accountable for their work? 
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON 
: Some of the incentives to build it right first time include introducing mandatory written contracts for any building work above $20000 that set out expectations warrantees and remedies for how any disputes will be resolved. Those doing the work will be required to explain what if any financial back-up or insurance they have to remedy any faults in the future. These measures will make it easier for homeowners commissioning building work to hold contractors to account for fixing any defects if and when they arise.
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mallard Trevor: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13120] 
9. 
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) 
 to the  
Prime Minister 
: Does he have confidence in all his Ministers? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Deputy Prime Minister) 
 on behalf of the  
Prime Minister 
: Yes. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Did that answer apply at the time that questions were lodged? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: I do not know what the member is referring to. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Did he have confidence in the Hon Heather Roy at the time that questions were lodged this morning? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: The Prime Minister has confidence in any Minister. If he did not the person would not have been a Minister. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Was the Prime Minister prepared to appoint to his ministry any person whom Rodney Hide nominated to him? 
Hon BILL ENGLISH 
: I remind the member that it is the Prime Minister’s prerogative as to who is in his executive.
Nash Stuart: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Nash Stuart: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13121] 
STUART NASH (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister of Revenue 
: Who will benefit most— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I apologise to the member. Members are entitled to sit anywhere in this House. We don’t need a barrage of interjections about it.
Peachey Allan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Peachey Allan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13118] 
7. 
ALLAN PEACHEY (National—Tamaki) 
 to the  
Minister of Education 
: How many trades academies will open in 2011? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) 
: 
 National campaigned on increasing the availability of trades training and we said we would establish at least five trades academies. I am delighted to tell the House that nine trades academies will open in this country in 2011 providing trades and technology programmes for over 800 secondary school students and a further three will open in 2012. As well as providing more career choices for students with no fees the academies will contribute to growing our economy and productivity as young people with better skills enter the labour market. 
Allan Peachey 
: How will the funding for trades academies work? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Trades academies are a collaboration between schools tertiary organisations and industries funded from existing funding streams. Students will be funded for the time they attend the school and for the time they attend the tertiary organisation. This includes a tertiary top-up fee to reflect no fees for participating students. Funding will also be provided for the coordination and administration of the programme. 
Paul Quinn 
: What reports has she seen about the establishment of the Wellington Trades Academy based at WelTec? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: I have seen a statement from the chief executive of WelTec Dr Linda Sissons who said: “The Trades Academy at WelTec will develop a strong trades and technology base for Wellington industry. … Often times there are amazing work opportunities for young people and the Wellington Trades Academy will provide a great pathway for young people into industry.” I have also seen a report from a hotel manager here in Wellington who said that the Wellington Trades Academy based at WelTec is just what the region needs. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: In light of her praise of the academies will she now undertake to approve the 104 organisations she rejected as academies as an attempt to take steps towards matching the 24000 places taken up as Modern Apprenticeships between 2003 and 2008? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: This Government was delighted to have received 117-odd expressions of interest in our trades academies. We have approved 12 and we have legislation before the House at the moment that will enable the rest of those 117 to be implemented plus the many other schools and tertiary institutions around the country that are delighted that this Government has done something to address the issue of trades training for young people rather than being like the previous Government that just wanted to keep them at school until they were 18.
Ardern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Ardern Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13116] 
5. 
SHANE ARDERN (National—Taranaki - King Country) 
 to the  
Minister of Agriculture 
: What major developments in primary sector innovation has he recently announced? 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister of Agriculture) 
: 
 This morning I announced two further major successful bids under the Government’s Primary Growth Partnership which will see $321 million invested in innovation projects in our dairy and red meat industries. These two projects involving $144 million of Government money are the biggest investment in primary sector innovation in decades and they show how serious this Government is about boosting economic growth and turning round 9 long years of neglect for New Zealand agriculture. 
Shane Ardern 
: What type of work will be funded under these projects? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: The first project involves Fonterra and Dairy New Zealand and will see $170 million invested in on-farm innovation and off-farm research. The second project is led by Silver Fern Farms PGG Wrightson and Landcorp and commits $151 million to reforming the red meat value chain to a market-led approach. Collectively those two proposals stand to significantly change our primary sector and deliver huge economic spin-offs for New Zealand. 
Shane Ardern 
: Why is the Government committing such major funding to primary sector innovation? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: Innovation is one of the Government’s six drivers of economic growth. This investment which is the biggest in primary sector innovation in decades will directly boost economic growth create jobs and benefit all New Zealanders. It shows just how serious the Government is about getting our economy back on track and about getting our vital tradable sector including agriculture firing on all cylinders after 9 years of neglect under the previous administration. 
Hon Damien O’Connor 
: How can the Minister assure New Zealanders that the benefits of the taxpayer-subsidised innovation he has just announced will remain in New Zealand given the National Government’s enthusiasm for increasing overseas ownership of our primary sector? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: This is not about a subsidy; it is about working in partnership with the core industries that drive this economy. This is some of the best news that the primary sector has seen in decades and only the Labour Party would dare to criticise it.
Hughes Darren: Points of Order — Land Transport (Safer Alcohol Limits for Driving) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
Hughes Darren: Points of Order — Land Transport (Safer Alcohol Limits for Driving) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
[Volume:665;Page:13107] 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. As advised to parties this morning I seek leave for the Land Transport (Safer Alcohol Limits for Driving) Amendment Bill to be introduced and set down as a members’ order of the day. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Smith Lockwood: Speaker’s Statements — Hon Chris Carter—Change of Parliamentary Membership 
Smith Lockwood: Speaker’s Statements — Hon Chris Carter—Change of Parliamentary Membership 
[Volume:665;Page:13107] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Under Standing Order 35(1)(c) I have been advised by the Labour Party that its parliamentary membership has changed and that the Hon Chris Carter is no longer a member of the Labour Party for parliamentary purposes. Accordingly under Standing Order 34(4) the Hon Chris Carter is from 10 August 2010 regarded as an Independent member for parliamentary purposes. Allocations of speaking slots and oral questions have been adjusted. Allocations of funding to the Labour Party and to the Hon Chris Carter have also been adjusted.
Bennett Paula: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Bennett Paula: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:13185] 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 I will note a couple of quick things particularly in relation to the Green member’s contribution about advance payments and hardship in clause 23. In the election manifesto we came into Government on we said we were going to have compulsory budgeting for those who had had I think two or more advance payments. We looked at that with the benefit of hindsight and we saw that it was not realistic. 
I acknowledge what the Green member was saying in that actually we look at them— 
Metiria Turei 
: What if they don’t have the money? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: I was trying to address what the member had said and was giving another perspective. What we were trying to do with clause 23 and what we have done is say that it is a budgeting activity. It might be more that people are sitting down with their case managers and working out what is working for them. I also thought that process might actually help them to make sure they are getting all of their entitlements. We are making sure they are getting everything. 
The other thing that we are doing with the budgeting activity is taking account of the things that are available via the Internet. One just needs to look at the Sorted website and those sorts of sites to see that they can provide opportunities for people. We also want to look at what we can do to assist people when they get further down the track so there is budgeting assistance for them there. 
In recognition of the honourable member who has just spoken Mrs King I will address the issue of 15 or 20 hours of work. The official part-time figure is 15 hours; that is where that figure came from. It is a minimum. I could not agree more that the jump for an extra 5 hours makes an incredible difference for those who are on the domestic purposes benefit but 15 hours is the official part-time figure. That is why it was chosen. It also fits in with some of the hours that they can get with jobs—for example 2 full-time days of 7 hours. It recognises some of those differences and 15 hours is a minimum. We certainly see the financial benefits of those on benefits going into 20 hours’ work. I have no hesitation in recommending that.
Smith Lockwood: Urgent Debates Declined — Accident Compensation—Sensitive Claims Counselling SAS—Allegations of Torture of Prisoners Transferred to Afghan Authorities 
Smith Lockwood: Urgent Debates Declined — Accident Compensation—Sensitive Claims Counselling SAS—Allegations of Torture of Prisoners Transferred to Afghan Authorities 
[Volume:665;Page:13123] 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have received a letter from the Hon David Parker seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the announcement that people making new claims for counselling funded by accident compensation will now be able to access up to 16 hours with a counsellor. The announcement is a particular case of recent occurrence that involves ministerial responsibility but it does not alter the process of deciding who qualifies for accident compensation cover. It is in effect part of a continuing process. Development of the sensitive claims process is ongoing and awaits the final report of the independent clinical panel. A continuing matter does not require the immediate attention of the House. The matter can be considered over a longer time frame. The application is therefore declined. 
I have also received a letter from Dr Kennedy Graham seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the revelation that New Zealand’s Special Air Service may have been responsible directly or indirectly for the torture of prisoners in the Afghan National Directorate of Security. The making of an allegation or a media revelation can never constitute a case of recent occurrence. There must be some concrete event or announcement and not just media speculation about it. The urgent debate procedure is not a means of debating matters that may or may not have happened. The event must have occurred recently and there must be an element of urgency to warrant the business of the House being set aside. The application is therefore also declined.
Tabling of Documents — Question No. 3 to Minister—Accident Compensation 
Tabling of Documents — Question No. 3 to Minister—Accident Compensation 
[Volume:665;Page:13128] 
Tabling of Documents 
Question No. 3 to Minister—Accident Compensation 
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for ACC) 
: 
 I seek leave to table the sensitive claims time line given the questions that were raised during question time today. It is a document that has been prepared by the Accident Compensation Corporation and provided advice to my office and it is the basis on which I gave answers to questions today. 
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Rick Barker) 
: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection. The document will be tabled. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Urgent Debates Declined — Accident Compensation—Sensitive Claims Counselling SAS—Allegations of Torture of Prisoners Transferred to Afghan Authorities 
Urgent Debates Declined — Accident Compensation—Sensitive Claims Counselling SAS—Allegations of Torture of Prisoners Transferred to Afghan Authorities 
[Volume:665;Page:13123] 
Urgent Debates Declined 
Accident Compensation—Sensitive Claims Counselling 
SAS—Allegations of Torture of Prisoners Transferred to Afghan Authorities 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have received a letter from the Hon David Parker seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the announcement that people making new claims for counselling funded by accident compensation will now be able to access up to 16 hours with a counsellor. The announcement is a particular case of recent occurrence that involves ministerial responsibility but it does not alter the process of deciding who qualifies for accident compensation cover. It is in effect part of a continuing process. Development of the sensitive claims process is ongoing and awaits the final report of the independent clinical panel. A continuing matter does not require the immediate attention of the House. The matter can be considered over a longer time frame. The application is therefore declined. 
I have also received a letter from Dr Kennedy Graham seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the revelation that New Zealand’s Special Air Service may have been responsible directly or indirectly for the torture of prisoners in the Afghan National Directorate of Security. The making of an allegation or a media revelation can never constitute a case of recent occurrence. There must be some concrete event or announcement and not just media speculation about it. The urgent debate procedure is not a means of debating matters that may or may not have happened. The event must have occurred recently and there must be an element of urgency to warrant the business of the House being set aside. The application is therefore also declined.
Points of Order — Land Transport (Safer Alcohol Limits for Driving) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
Points of Order — Land Transport (Safer Alcohol Limits for Driving) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
[Volume:665;Page:13107] 
Points of Order 
Land Transport (Safer Alcohol Limits for Driving) Amendment Bill—Leave to Introduce 
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Senior Whip—Labour) 
: 
 I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. As advised to parties this morning I seek leave for the Land Transport (Safer Alcohol Limits for Driving) Amendment Bill to be introduced and set down as a members’ order of the day. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is objection.
Speaker’s Statements — Hon Chris Carter—Change of Parliamentary Membership 
Speaker’s Statements — Hon Chris Carter—Change of Parliamentary Membership 
[Volume:665;Page:13107] 
Tuesday 17 August 2010 
Mr Speaker 
 took the Chair at 2 p.m. 
Prayers 
. 
Speaker’s Statements 
Hon Chris Carter—Change of Parliamentary Membership 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Under Standing Order 35(1)(c) I have been advised by the Labour Party that its parliamentary membership has changed and that the Hon Chris Carter is no longer a member of the Labour Party for parliamentary purposes. Accordingly under Standing Order 34(4) the Hon Chris Carter is from 10 August 2010 regarded as an Independent member for parliamentary purposes. Allocations of speaking slots and oral questions have been adjusted. Allocations of funding to the Labour Party and to the Hon Chris Carter have also been adjusted.
Vote: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Vote: Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:665;Page:13192] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendments be agreed to. 
Ayes 56 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 4 (Flavell Harawira Katene Sharples); Progressive 1. 
Noes 65 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; Maori Party 1 (Turia); United Future 1. 
Amendments not agreed to. 
The result corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 57 Noes 64. 
The question was put that the following amendments in the name of the Hon Annette King be agreed to: 
to omit clause 29; 
to omit clause 30; 
to omit clause 31; 
to omit clause 41; and 
to omit clause 42.
Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Shanks Katrina: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13121] 
10. 
KATRINA SHANKS (National) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: What has the Government done to ensure children in State care can have a home for life? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
 We have more than 5000 children in Child Youth and Family custody removed from their birth parents because it was not safe for them to be there. Every one of those children deserves a safe and secure home. Last week I announced a Home for Life package. This comprehensive package will support New Zealand families to provide a permanent home for life for a child in State care. 
Katrina Shanks 
: How will the package support families to take on children in care? 
Hon PAULA BENNETT 
: There are over 2000 foster carers currently many of whom may be able to offer a child permanency. This package supports them to do just that. The Home for Life support package includes eight initiatives. A few of them are financial support of $2500 up front a baby care starter pack legal costs assistance with mediation with birth parents parenting seminars respite breaks for carers and a dedicated phone line. These things will make a difference.
Hayes John: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — First Reading 
Hayes John: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13105] 
JOHN HAYES (National—Wairarapa) 
: 
 One of the lessons of life— 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker) 
: I regret to advise the member that it has gone 6 o’clock.
Vote: Appointments — Independent Police Conduct Authority 
Vote: Appointments — Independent Police Conduct Authority 
[Volume:665;Page:13092] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That pursuant to section 5 of the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 and section 32 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 this House recommend His Excellency the Governor-General appoint Ms Angela Irmgard Hauk-Willis and Ms Dianne Mary Macaskill as members of the Independent Police Conduct Authority each for a term of three years and appoint Mr Edward Richard Woods as a member of the Independent Police Conduct Authority for a term of two years. 
Ayes 110 
New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 42; ACT New Zealand 4; Maori Party 4; Progressive 1; United Future 1. 
Noes 9 
Green Party 9. 
Motion agreed to.
Garrett David: Appointments — Independent Police Conduct Authority 
Garrett David: Appointments — Independent Police Conduct Authority 
[Volume:665;Page:13090] 
DAVID GARRETT (ACT) 
: 
 I join everybody else in supporting the appointment of these people to the Independent Police Conduct Authority. I go where I am about to with some reluctance but it seems that the only proper place to raise this issue is here in the Chamber. I am referring to the delay in releasing the report on the shooting of Mr Halatau Naitoko 2 years ago. I have followed that case with interest because what occurred there disturbs me greatly. Perhaps it is a resourcing issue in which case having more people on the authority will facilitate the release of that report. It is improper to write to the Independent Police Conduct Authority to ask for an indication of when a particular report will be released. It seems to me that the only way one can raise disquiet about delays is by raising it here in the House. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy) 
: I will just interrupt the member because I want to try to help him with this. The member is right; the House is the place to bring this up but there are a variety of debates like the general debate and a range of others. The debate here is contained around the appointment of members to the Independent Police Conduct Authority. It is not on the retrospective conduct of the authority. This debate is on a motion specifically about those appointments. 
DAVID GARRETT 
: Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. Then I will simply conclude by saying that hopefully the appointment of further personnel to the Independent Police Conduct Authority will facilitate the erosion of the backlog that Mr Locke noted affected and sadly still affects a number of high-profile investigations. Thank you.
Calder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Calder Cam: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13051] 
1. 
Dr CAM CALDER (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Energy and Resources 
: How many houses have been insulated through the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation scheme? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Energy and Resources) 
: 
 Mr Speaker— 
Hon Darren Hughes 
: It depends how you measure it. 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: There is some truth in that. I am pleased to advise the House that the first year of the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand scheme has been extraordinarily successful. A grand total of 57908 homes were retro-fitted in the first year of the scheme. What is most pleasing is that around 55 percent of the houses retro-fitted are occupied by people on low incomes. I acknowledge the cooperation of the Green Party in the administration of this policy. 
Dr Cam Calder 
: Why did the Government introduce the Warm Up New Zealand scheme? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: The Government has funded the Warm Up New Zealand scheme because of the benefits that a well-insulated home has to the individuals who live in it to society and to the New Zealand economy on a wider scale. The Warm Up New Zealand scheme improves a home’s energy efficiency but more important it makes it warmer and much healthier to live in. That means fewer doctors’ visits fewer days off school and less time off work. The scheme has also been a welcome stimulus for the construction industry during an economic downturn. 
Chris Hipkins 
: In what proportion of those houses were quality or safety issues found with the insulation during the audit process? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: Over the course of the last 12 months the incidence of safety issues has been on the decline. I am more than happy to release the entire audit figures to the member as I previously had. The most recent incidence of safety issues I understand is less than 1 percent. Those of course were all rectified because the installers were required to go back over all of their work when one of those instances was discovered. 
Chris Hipkins 
: Why should the public of New Zealand have any confidence in the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme when the audit found that one-third of the homes insulated had quality concerns? 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE 
: A quality concern may mean that there was rubbish left on the site. It may mean that some instructions were not left with a heating appliance. It may mean that in some cases they could not get in to install insulation because the gap was too narrow—I should not talk about narrowing gaps this week. I say to the member that I think that 57908 retrofits indicates a very high level of public confidence in the scheme.
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
Brownlee Gerry: Business Statement 
[Volume:665;Page:13051] 
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) 
: 
 I thank the shadow Leader of the House for the initial backhanded comment. We simply say it comes as no surprise to us that on Thursday Labour is waking up to what it should have done on Tuesday. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am not sure how I would score that.
Borrows Chester: Appointments — Independent Police Conduct Authority 
Borrows Chester: Appointments — Independent Police Conduct Authority 
[Volume:665;Page:13090] 
CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) 
: 
 I rise to speak in respect of the appointments to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and I congratulate the authority on the work it has done particularly under the leadership of Justice Goddard. She has brought grunt I think to the role since it became the Independent Police Conduct Authority not simply the Police Complaints Authority. She has brought a significant amount of strength and robustness to the investigations conducted by the authority. 
I note too that Justice Goddard has Mr Allan Galbraith as her deputy. Members will recall that he was the detective superintendent in charge of the investigation of the  
Rainbow Warrior 
 bombing and later he served as the police regional commander in the central North Island so he has spent several years as an investigator and as a leader managing investigations that were brought to the table then. 
I think too that the appointments proposed today very much add to the work of the Independent Police Conduct Authority and its specific concerns now not only around investigating complaints but also in terms of making inquiries of its own volition into the conduct and processes of the New Zealand Police. Some comment has been made about the appointment of Mr Richard Woods. From my research I feel entirely comfortable with his nomination and appointment and I believe that he brings a lot to the table as well. 
The previous speaker Keith Locke made mention of a couple of incidents in relation to Mr Zaoui and to Mr Woods’ previous role. I believe that that experience will benefit the Independent Police Conduct Authority. It may well be that in hindsight all of us may have acted in a different way or we may feel that all the information was never in the public domain or for Mr Woods’ own reasons which must remain private and kept close to his chest he may have acted in the same way again. 
Nevertheless I believe that the Independent Police Conduct Authority has a significant role within our community. It certainly adds to the public perception and understanding of police work and the very difficult job that the police have in carrying out their role on our behalf. Police work is something on which every member of society has a view and every member of society believes he or she knows how the police could act in a better way but only a few are prepared to put themselves on the line in the way that police officers do. 
I commend these appointments to the House. I look forward to offering the appointees my full support as a member of this House. Thank you.
Garrett David: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — First Reading 
Garrett David: Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13103] 
DAVID GARRETT (ACT) 
: 
 I do not think that I will surprise any members of the House by revealing that I am not a great patron of the arts myself although I did go to the ballet once about 20 years ago and I have been to one or two plays over time. But in the absence of that great patron of the arts our leader the Hon Rodney Hide I will do my very best to speak on the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill. 
As members will be aware one of the things as a new member that I find most pleasing is when I am able to agree with other members of the House particularly on the Government side and even more so on the Greens’ side. I am delighted to say that until she lost me about 10 minutes in I found the speech of Catherine Delahunty refreshing. I found that I agreed with most of it until she lost me. The bit that I enjoyed and agreed with the most was the focus on Maori and Pasifika art. I think it is not unknown that I have a connection with the Pacific. At the risk of offending my colleague to my left Te Ururoa Flavell I say that I find Tongan dancing considerably more appealing than the local variant here. 
Te Ururoa Flavell 
: Of course you would. 
DAVID GARRETT 
: It is not just my wife; it is— 
Catherine Delahunty 
: It’s a matter of taste David. 
DAVID GARRETT 
: Exactly—a matter of taste. 
I am very pleased that the emphasis appears to be going away from people whom I understand are known as luvvies—who are fond of obscure plays by a chap called Pinter and stuff like that—and more towards Pacific and Maori art which has a greater connection with our country. 
Clare Curran 
: What about Tom Stoppard? 
DAVID GARRETT 
: Oh he is an English fellow I believe. I have not had the pleasure of seeing any of his works. 
That was the good bit. Now I will revert to type just for a moment and say that we were very happy to hear—it was music to our ears in fact—the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage say that one of the things this bill does is reduce the number of luvvies who hand out the money. We are in favour of streamlining and reducing numbers so that has to be a good thing. 
I was very happy to find positive things in the Minister’s speech. From what I could follow I think I agreed with Mr Robertson but I suspect that he is more of a patron of the arts than me. As I said in respect of the first bit of Ms Delahunty’s speech I found myself very capable of approving of that. Having said that I will allow my colleague Te Ururoa Flavell to speak and I say that the ACT Party supports this bill with much pleasure. Thank you.
Vote: Social Assistance (Future Focus) Bill — Second Reading 
Vote: Social Assistance (Future Focus) Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13086] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the Social Assistance (Future Focus) Bill be now read a second time. 
Ayes 64 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 4; Maori Party 1 (Turia); United Future 1. 
Noes 55 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 3 (Flavell Harawira Sharples); Progressive 1. 
Bill read a second time. 
Name changed to Social Assistance (New Work Tests Incentives and Obligations) Amendment Bill.
Vote: Social Assistance (Future Focus) Bill — Second Reading 
Vote: Social Assistance (Future Focus) Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:665;Page:13086] 
A party vote was called for on the question  
That the amendments recommended by the Social Services Committee by majority be agreed to. 
Ayes 64 
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 4; Maori Party 1 (Turia); United Future 1. 
Noes 55 
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 9; Maori Party 3 (Flavell Harawira Sharples); Progressive 1. 
Question agreed to.
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13052] 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Labour—New Lynn) 
: 
 My question is to the Prime Minister and asks: does he stand by his statement that “the unemployment rate in New Zealand is actually higher than it is in Australia”? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I have different wording on my question. I invite the member to— 
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE 
: I apologise. I should have said the “employment rate” not the “unemployment rate”. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I thank the member.
Blue Jackie: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Blue Jackie: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13062] 
11. 
Dr JACKIE BLUE (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Transport 
: How is work progressing on the Kopu Bridge 1 year since construction began? 
Hon NATHAN GUY (Associate Minister of Transport) 
 on behalf of the  
Minister of Transport 
: Excellent progress has been made on the State Highway 25 Kopu Bridge replacement project. Construction started 1 year ago. The anniversary was marked with the last of the four steel bridge beams that connect the middle span of the new bridge being lifted into place. These beams will support the concrete bridge deck. They will carry two lanes of traffic. In addition the manufacturing of the steel girders has begun in Auckland. As promised this project is delivering jobs and growth that would not have otherwise occurred. 
Dr Jackie Blue 
: How far ahead of schedule is work on the Kopu Bridge? 
Hon NATHAN GUY 
: Replacement of the Kopu Bridge was not scheduled to start immediately under the previous Government but we were able to bring forward the project as part of our $500 million jobs and growth plan. Piling and pier construction is under way in earnest and the project is on track for completion in the middle of 2012. The accelerated progress of this project follows other recent good news with the opening of the Manukau Harbour Crossing 7 months early the announcement that the southern half of the Newmarket Viaduct is to open 6 months early and the list goes on. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: I am not sure whether that had a lot to do with the question.
Macindoe Tim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Macindoe Tim: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13061] 
9. 
TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West) 
 to the  
Minister of Housing 
: What are the current challenges the Government is facing with housing? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Housing) 
: 
 I have to say the housing portfolio was left to this Government with significant problems. I am advised that over 20000 State houses are of the wrong size in the wrong place or in a state of significant disrepair. Additionally over 8 years despite the State housing stock growing by thousands the waiting list has stayed consistently at about 10000 families. It is clearly time to take a fresh look at that. 
Tim Macindoe 
: What is the Minister doing about the challenges that he has identified? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY 
: A lot more than the previous Government. For starters we are helping to address the need. In the next financial year the Housing New Zealand Corporation will upgrade another 8000 State houses and acquire roughly another 280. We are also committed to the policy of income-related rents. But this Government is open to doing things better and we actually want to have the right houses of the right standard in the right places for those who are most in need. 
Tim Macindoe 
: What advice has the Minister sought on ways to address these issues in the longer term? 
Hon PHIL HEATLEY 
: In February the Minister of Finance and I established the Housing Shareholders’ Advisory Group to provide advice on the current state of social housing in New Zealand and report back with recommendations for improvements so that we can better meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our society and on the waiting list. This group made up of experts in social housing and property investment will be releasing its report tomorrow. We now want the broadest group possible from the housing sector to comment on it and to consider the challenge. I take this opportunity to thank the group for the work that it has done. I look forward to the release tomorrow of the report and to the consequential public discussion that will undoubtedly follow.
Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:665;Page:13059] 
7. 
JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) 
 to the  
Minister of Agriculture 
: What measures has the Government recently taken to implement a fairer approach to high country pastoral leases? 
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister of Agriculture) 
: 
 This week the Government announced a new system for setting the rents for South Island high country pastoral leases. The new approach will provide a fairer rent that is simpler to administer. It allows farmers to get on with the job of farming and looking after the high country rather than fighting bureaucracy. No longer will farmers be charged extra just because their sheep have a view. 
Jacqui Dean 
: What is the new approach that the Government is implementing? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: The new approach will see rents for Crown pastoral land based on the earning capacity of each farm. This is a major change from the current formula implemented by the previous Labour Government which ignored income earning capacity and charged extra rent for views and amenity values. 
Jo Goodhew 
: What reports has he seen on the new approach to high country leases? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: I have seen reports welcoming the new approach as “fair” “rational” and “a refreshing contrast to recent times”. The most interesting though was a press release from the Labour agriculture spokesperson that called the Government’s policy a principled position and one that would be welcomed by farmers. This represents a huge flip-flop from Labour’s position when it was in Government which ignored income earning capacity and caused immense emotional and financial stress to those farmers. 
Hon Damien O’Connor 
: Given the projections in yesterday’s  
New Zealand Herald  
that sheep and beef farmers are on the way to extinction and given his lack of leadership to fix the problem does this mean that eventually the return to the Crown as the owner of this land may be zero given the earning capacity calculation that he claims is so great? 
Hon DAVID CARTER 
: I do not accept that sheep and beef farms are on their way to extinction and I can tell that member that I have done more in 20 months than his Government did for any farmer in New Zealand in 9 long years.