"\u003C!DOCTYPE html\u003E\u003Chtml xmlns:xlink=\u0022http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\u0022 xmlns:xsi=\u0022http://www.w3.org/2007/XMLSchema-instance\u0022 xmlns:mml=\u0022http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML\u0022\u003E\n  \u003Chead\u003E\n    \u003CMETA http-equiv=\u0022Content-Type\u0022 content=\u0022text/html; charset=utf-16\u0022\u003E\n    \u003Cmeta name=\u0022viewport\u0022 content=\u0022width=device-width, initial-scale=1\u0022\u003E\n  \u003C/head\u003E\n  \u003Cbody style=\u0022font-family:sans-serif; font-size:100%;\u0022\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d40f78986b734ed393ffd810ab0a160b\u0022\u003EWednesday, 21 May 2003\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223ac0161387a34e01861bc84ac2487a5f\u0022\u003EWednesday, 21 May 2003\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000002\u0022\u003EMr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000004\u0022\u003EPrayers.\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00220996806097bb44439f5f1e5f817ea316\u0022\u003EVisitors\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002280aa02f3c65b44e7bffe91d71b41ff1a\u0022\u003EMinister of Textiles, Republic of India\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022 data-id=\u00222445d88def2449a7b4dbd4ca2a2f9a48\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222445d88def2449a7b4dbd4ca2a2f9a48\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I have much pleasure in informing members that the Honourable Kashiram Rana, Minister of Textiles of the Republic of India, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, is within the precincts of this Chamber. I am sure members would wish that he be welcomed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b9f76e6d558a4911ad59219da39d98c6\u0022\u003ECommittees\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00228651a8c52ba84af3b973047876ffdb7f\u0022\u003EBusiness of Select Committees\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022540020a2b3674035b609b12688bfaa0a\u0022\u003EReporting Dates\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002272e48ab0-e7ae-427f-bedc-793b7a91adba\u0022 data-id=\u00228dd3642542b7425c9277f7b29b9e17fd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002272e48ab0-e7ae-427f-bedc-793b7a91adba\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228dd3642542b7425c9277f7b29b9e17fd\u0022\u003EHon MARK BURTON (Acting Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E I seek leave for the time by which the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee must finally report the Rodney District Council (PENLINK Toll Road) Empowering Bill to be extended to 8 September 2003, and for the time by which the Health Committee must finally report the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill to be extended to 13 February 2004.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c7d9ea37165b4f5eabc6d6e234f1b040\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Is there any objection to that course being followed on those bills? There appears to be none.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00228137c0c1672243dbb21641c7ac573df7\u0022\u003EQuestions for Oral Answer\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022db46f393c31e4d0b8b8f272259623320\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002259b5481b5fd14aada8f3e4c5f5e46e18\u0022\u003EFinance, Minister\u2014Confidence\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002277ff70c8fafc4bfb926fad05d2f24af4\u0022\u003E1. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader\u2014NZ First)\u003C/span\u003E to the Prime Minister : Has the Minister of Finance kept her informed of taxation matters, and does he have her confidence?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022 data-id=\u00228787c506dd7a45028cbd2a76b7b25a76\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228787c506dd7a45028cbd2a76b7b25a76\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN (Minister of Transport)\u003C/span\u003E, on behalf of the Prime Minister: The Minister of Finance has the confidence of the Prime Minister. He is a hard-working, conscientious, and witty Minister, and he keeps her informed on policy issues through the Cabinet process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b97c97adefdb4282b16b37988609cae3\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: If that is remotely the case, why was it that the Prime Minister, in front of 500 Auckland business people last Friday, walked off the stage when she was asked, not once but twice, to explain why it was that certain M\u0101ori enterprises received a special tax cut when the rest of business in this country did not; she could not explain it the first time, or the second time, or was she again informed but confused?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e091b656d38048b39a54e782a1b6ef3b\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: Given the fact I was not there, that question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002255d872f80ac6407ebd0008ebfc721de3\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, that answer is not satisfactory.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022da1cfd91dff2415ba82be8993d641a9e\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: The Prime Minister was there; I personally was not there. I imagine what the Prime Minister was saying about the tax relationships related to M\u0101ori charities was that, because of the fact of the arrangements of those charities and organisations there needs to be an arrangement for the low-income people who receive revenue from those organisations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221744ea9e81f84f37b01fbc9f34006d2f\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I was of a mind to do this before the question was asked, but this Minister clearly does not know what he is talking about, and I ask now for leave for the question to be deferred.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227e1fd9c010db42cf85da2666071e26c3\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is. Carry on with the supplementary question. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a34fb320a870459691d589e3a047cc6e\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I wonder whether I can help the House. I actually do know what happened and I am quite happy to\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bdc386bfdafb4413be95e397e8663232\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Helpful though the member often is, on this occasion that is not a point of order. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f04a7fb5f5fa4f1e921b6991ed9a8b83\u0022\u003EHon Bill English\u003C/span\u003E: Can I ask\u2014[Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb6cbccead0e49598a1dd4d8b656708d\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: This is the only warning I will give. When a person has been called to ask a question, anyone else making any comment today will be leaving. I have called the Hon Bill English only.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e3d7346a03c044b8a1fa78d978a0ca36\u0022\u003EHon Bill English\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Prime Minister believe that the $200 million levy on power consumers is indeed a tax?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ac6854ef8d384c68828073de55ec927d\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, no. It is an insurance premium.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002211e2a7d21bae4df2a038140f950a3d03\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I ask the Prime Minister, through this Minister: how did he end up answering that question, which was put down on the Order Paper with 4 hours\u2019 notice, if he had no idea whatsoever what the issue of taxation was about, or the circumstances of the Prime Minister\u2019s very ignominious departure at a huge meeting of the chamber of commerce last Friday at lunchtime; if he had no idea, why did he accept the job, or was he just one of those losers? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002221feb471da124268bc56a8fb9b167984\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The last part is to be ignored. The first part can be answered.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b24e1f7567614c499aaeefd4d6dcbffd\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, given the nature of the question, there was, potentially, a wide range of issues, so, as part of the advice, I prepared a range of things. If the member had wanted a specific question answered, he should have put it on the Order Paper.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe997179fa7d488fb49490049d1044ca\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Prime Minister think it is satisfactory that the Prime Minister of New Zealand should speak to 500 business people at the chamber of commerce after the Budget, and when asked, when it was opened up to questions, \u201CAs the Labour Government clearly favours lower taxes, because the Labour Government has lowered taxes for M\u0101ori business, when are lower taxes going to be offered to all other businesses?\u201D, and there was a second part to the question; \u201CDoes this Labour Government believe in one law and one citizen for all?\u201D, does she think she is up to the job when she is unable to answer the question, then walks off in a huff?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228ddeab459d044797979d5935c62a24f7\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, I am sure that the Prime Minister is up to the job.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002276e4b8b7-c205-49d8-a21e-5d7a3ddf1330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227f552b0260f44918911d181b3e364bcb\u0022\u003EMark Peck\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister confirm that no M\u0101ori taxpayer gets an advantage over and above any other taxpayer in New Zealand; will he confirm that it is simply that M\u0101ori authorities are being taxed at the rate of 19c in the dollar and that the wash-up will be tidied up when there is a final reconciliation at the end of the tax year? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022098f7a872a7c40768f66fe1a94a602b9\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The member cannot authenticate that statement. It is just not true.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002210ff7cbaff4c4855a1863304789fac46\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: And the member cannot raise a point of order that is not one.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228da199819f2d48ce97e4b3c06d05d202\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, I do recall some advice along those lines.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002290cea2ca85cd446fbc52fc9854e68500\u0022\u003EEmployment\u2014Assistance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223afe4dd7f0fe444985a64dbbb68bb5c2\u0022\u003EGEORGINA BEYER (NZ Labour\u2014Wairarapa)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What is the Government doing to assist more New Zealanders into paid employment?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022 data-id=\u002265d03afe2ae74106aae87019e59e302a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002265d03afe2ae74106aae87019e59e302a\u0022\u003EHon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister for Social Development and Employment):\u003C/span\u003E The Government\u2019s efforts have assisted a record number of people to move from unemployment into paid work. Unemployment now stands at 5 percent. There are under 100,000 people on the main unemployment benefit, and more New Zealanders are working than ever before. That is the result of a focus on training, apprenticeships, youth transitions, partnerships with communities and business, and moving people into real jobs with real wages. It is a story of success.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002211b52dc42f64446d9bae7801196de82a\u0022\u003EGeorgina Beyer\u003C/span\u003E: What reports has he seen on alternative approaches to the Government\u2019s welfare policy? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229f48a9bd4b5b4facbaa82ab00e1b45f8\u0022\u003EHon STEVE MAHAREY\u003C/span\u003E: Alternative approaches often rely on such policies as the work-for-the-dole scheme, time-limited benefits, vouchers for the poor, and penalties targeted at low-income families. Those policies were prevalent during the 1990s and can be found in the previous National Government\u2019s Code of Social and Family Responsibility, which was rejected by a public that did not want to go down the road of beneficiary bashing. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226cc65132da6345fa833e48a2a56833b3\u0022\u003EHon Roger Sowry\u003C/span\u003E: In the light of the fact that the number of invalid and sickness beneficiaries has skyrocketed under Labour, and that the bill for those benefits is predicted to increase by $650 million by the time of the next election, when will the Minister tell us what his solutions are?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221185de30a1de45dea224e87f4a1adbb8\u0022\u003EHon STEVE MAHAREY\u003C/span\u003E: The Budget figures demonstrate that $269 million less will be spent this financial year on working-age welfare than was forecast in 2001. When the National Party was in power, working-age beneficiaries peaked at 410,000, and they are now at 345,000. That is a story of success.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ada859dbfa5c48c79eab781674b4f3d6\u0022\u003EHon Roger Sowry\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The question was about the fact that invalid and sickness beneficiary numbers are skyrocketing under Labour, and asked what his solutions were for that. In no way did the Minister come anywhere near to addressing that question. He did not refer to sickness and invalid beneficiaries at all.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f1830293532a498a9fa7987c4cfa6ca4\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. I listened to the Minister\u2019s reply carefully, and he did address the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e2a3977e2b5f4a84814bf9b9e2dde823\u0022\u003EHon Roger Sowry\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I want to know how you can determine that the Minister addressed a question on sickness and invalid beneficiaries when he got up and talked about a completely separate group of beneficiaries, the unemployed. On that basis, he could be able to get up and talk about any group of beneficiaries, regardless of what was asked.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c5d15a5cc5764afcaad68dc5986f1d24\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: If that was all that the Minister had done, I would have called him up. He did actually address the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f8b92f47-d078-4e6a-b4c6-136913bda55d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226280a2e721594d1b90cb0deea3a35edc\u0022\u003ESue Bradford\u003C/span\u003E: What progress is the Government making on extending and improving the abatement regime, which has such a negative effect on people moving between benefits and work, and when does the Minister expect to be able to announce the shape of any likely reforms to the system, if there are any?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002209773eb38f1b46d09ab9904eae149595\u0022\u003EHon STEVE MAHAREY\u003C/span\u003E: There has been excellent progress. The domestic purposes benefit reforms that we passed through the House late last year are now being implemented. We have seen a major change in the abatement regime, whereby, for example, a person in a part-time job will retain up to $35 or $40 in his or her hand as a result of those changes. We will watch those changes closely during this year, and, as the Minister of Finance has signalled, if circumstances carry on as they currently are, with there being surpluses, we may be able to move on abatement across a wider range of beneficiaries.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220d9640b0-d861-43d8-b321-e7ba56dbe362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b28baba89a2640e1b587a17213389bf0\u0022\u003EJudy Turner\u003C/span\u003E: How does the Minister reconcile the paradox between the significant number of people who still remain on the unemployment benefit and the claims of skill shortages around New Zealand?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f56db6c8f9354fc1970b416ac5068277\u0022\u003EHon STEVE MAHAREY\u003C/span\u003E: The paradox, as the member puts it, is simply one of often finding people in the wrong place with the wrong skills around the country. If we were to go to a place like Tasman-Marlborough today, we would find that the register dropped to as low a level as 80 people over the summer period, because of the success of the seasonal worker programme. If we have the right skills, with people in the right places, we will get them employed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220d9640b0-d861-43d8-b321-e7ba56dbe362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022520c8682580f4ef9936b0254150a166b\u0022\u003EJudy Turner\u003C/span\u003E: In the light of the fact that employment shortages and surpluses tend to be geographically concentrated, does the Minister then agree that it makes sense to encourage internal migration in order to reduce those disparities, and will he consider extending assistance to those who are prepared to move to take up work?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe5f715d6a784495bae5f3c037621704\u0022\u003EHon STEVE MAHAREY\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I do agree that it is an idea for people to shift, although it is not as easy as it sounds. For example, people are often tied into a community by the fact that they own a house, and their ability to shift is therefore always subject to those kinds of conditions. However, we already do offer relocation allowances. We often literally drive people from one town to another via a bus to ensure that they can take up a job, so we are doing those kinds of things already, and will do more.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220d9640b0-d861-43d8-b321-e7ba56dbe362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002271d0758491614735b3e4be240ff8334b\u0022\u003EJudy Turner\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister agree that a form of compulsory training for the unemployed would be more effective than a compulsory work scheme, given that it focuses on getting people into real jobs rather than keeping them occupied in building an autobahn from Auckland to Wellington?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f9e4bbbac18944d6a39c61ae048d0319\u0022\u003EHon STEVE MAHAREY\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I do. I seek leave to table Towards a Code of Social and Family Responsibility, which is the response to the report in 1998.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003EDocument, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe6a5d9419cc4e1c81c3898ce5840449\u0022\u003EHon STEVE MAHAREY\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to table the Work and Income evaluation report, The Outcomes and Impact of Expanded CTF and Community Work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022605133aa-6c88-4150-82dd-7d9fcf1824b4\u0022\u003EDocument, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e3097eb7a4e54904b492517136422ae9\u0022\u003EOil and Gas Reserves\u2014Nationalisation\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ed1478b7df7e4937a646ab50253a739d\u0022\u003EHon BILL ENGLISH (Leader of the Opposition)\u003C/span\u003E to the Prime Minister: Does she have the full support of her executive for her comments that \u201CThe 1937 nationalisation of oil and gas reserves took place in the public interest,\u201D; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022 data-id=\u002211b36cea5b58474da73ce32cac4ab9de\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002211b36cea5b58474da73ce32cac4ab9de\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON (Attorney-General)\u003C/span\u003E, on behalf of the Prime Minister: Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225281f34661ce401a9e182e1cfadb1c23\u0022\u003EHon Bill English\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Prime Minister conscious of statements made by the Hon Tariana Turia that the Government\u2019s stated position resulted in \u201Ca further loss of property right\u201D and that \u201CM\u0101ori had been short-changed.\u201D; if she is conscious of those statements, what action, if any, will she take in relation to them?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002239c6fdac253b43a6a3878692a9ed297a\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister is conscious of those statements, and, as she is reported as saying in the Dominion Post, M\u0101ori MPs have a right to advocate for their people, but at the end of the day it is the Government that has to decide the position to be taken, and it is that position that is to be supported.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022783b20169b6b4105bb97d166c144db17\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Can I ask the stand-in Minister this\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eacad9df6ea5416ab5567481374bcbeb\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Ask the Minister.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022447aa6b830c8414c84fd6d6f4a679d05\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: The Prime Minister, I presume.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022547e9fa5bdd54de2b7c82cd4bf0cded8\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. Do not use the word \u201Cstand-in\u201D, please. There is a proper term for that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e10a5604d4264cac97efe1636ab9f9c5\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I ask the acting Prime Minister this: given that in 1937 the M\u0101ori people from that area backed the Labour Party in the M\u0101ori seats, why would the M\u0101ori members in her party now wish to go back on that support by their ancestors at that time?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229edf45182659459993d621a03141cda0\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, the M\u0101ori people support their members\u2014which is indicated by the fact that all the M\u0101ori seats are held by Labour members\u2014because the Labour Party was the only party that decided to redress the historical grievances and to enable those to be settled.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dea1d3cc7cad42f6975f58b251aea276\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: Can the acting Prime Minister tell the House whether there is one rule for all Cabinet Ministers, or is this Government being inconsistent and are there different rules for M\u0101ori Cabinet Ministers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002274e2f41249214693a50db4528c83bbe5\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, there is, of course, one rule for all Cabinet Ministers, and those rules are applied flexibly and with an understanding of the position of the members.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc8ab326-1806-41d3-8c41-cd58c95dcb45\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ec26d5dcdb204dc4abb88568995b4cc3\u0022\u003EMetiria Turei\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Prime Minister consider that the interests of M\u0101ori are subservient to those of the oil and petroleum industry; if not, will she enter into a good-faith dialogue with Ng\u0101 Ruahine to work through the recommendations proposed by the tribunal?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b86d0926db824f95950a2a1f939727bb\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, the whole process of nationalisation meant that all individual interests were subservient to the national interest. In respect of the second part of the member\u2019s question, the Government will consider the report and the recommendations from the tribunal.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f555a23a-d230-4f03-80ba-a44e6ec8bd29\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227a0cec96856d47dd8f8e93d48f4e61cb\u0022\u003EHon Peter Dunne\u003C/span\u003E: Will the acting Prime Minister assure the House and the country that all New Zealanders will continue to be treated the same, under the spirit of that 1937 legislation, regardless of the outcome of today\u2019s tribunal finding?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022acb4fcf3127145e28a522ef66efbf711\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002277794ae1900e46b788f134bc5f0ec582\u0022\u003EHon Bill English\u003C/span\u003E: What does the Prime Minister say to M\u0101ori who believe that Labour raised their expectations with quotes like this from the Prime Minister, in relation to M\u0101ori mineral claims: \u201CYou couldn\u2019t get anyone more sympathetic than me on these issues.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002269c19a107cf34cc5ad549d3d4d243bed\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, I am not certain what the honourable member is referring to or what context that statement was made in. However, the statement certainly rings true in terms of the record of this Government on the settling of grievances, and also on the acknowledgment of social and economic deprivation through the provision of resources.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002205f02572a6754f55928c7d22e27f7321\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Could the acting Prime Minister tell us whether she thinks the tribunal\u2019s about-to-be-announced decision is wrong in law; if it is not, will she therefore change the law that gave the tribunal the right to make that decision, which in legal terms is correct?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002242968dd11e734c3a944a0c9900f6fd79\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That seeks a legal opinion, but the Hon Margaret Wilson can comment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229a2b0d1326934a0994cfb1f43f683bc2\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, we are still considering the tribunal\u2019s report, which officially, I understand, may have just been released. But my understanding at the moment is that on the questions of law\u2014I think that is what the member means\u2014the report is correct in acknowledging that the nationalisation was perfectly lawful. We will look at the recommendations in terms of the other matters raised, and after we have had an opportunity to consider them we will duly make a statement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e3e13de8df6b4783bc88a663c1db78fa\u0022\u003EHon Bill English\u003C/span\u003E: Given the Prime Minister\u2019s earlier answer on collective responsibility, does she believe that the Hon Tariana Turia breached collective responsibility with her attacks on the Government\u2019s position today; or does she believe the Minister did not breach it and the Government will not worry about it, anyway?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221f488ef28db34f159046c18cb60f6ddc\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Prime Minister, I do not believe that the Minister has attacked the Government. She has expressed a view representing her constituents, and she has made that quite clear. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022bbc96a548ee34b1fbecb3af4208acdd4\u0022\u003EElectricity\u2014National Grid\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cee6a89-68e3-40fd-b2d8-d8adb0ba5da0\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fb538de684c745bfa0fd0ec43c09bca4\u0022\u003EGORDON COPELAND (United Future)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Energy: Has the Government received any reports from TransPower New Zealand Limited regarding a need to upgrade the electricity transmission lines that comprise the national grid?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022 data-id=\u0022b00a046c15484cf4b2a370dc07982a3b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b00a046c15484cf4b2a370dc07982a3b\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN (Minister of Transport)\u003C/span\u003E, on behalf of the Minister of Energy: Yes. Transpower\u2019s business is the maintenance of the national grid, so it produces considerable information on investment requirements, such as its asset management plan. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cee6a89-68e3-40fd-b2d8-d8adb0ba5da0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c15147f0460b420e82ef75c356a5b5f6\u0022\u003EGordon Copeland\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister concerned that without an urgent upgrade to the transmission lines many regions could suffer electricity supply problems in the near future; if he is concerned, how would such an upgrade\u2014estimated by some to cost as much as $1 billion\u2014be paid for?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002231e64d12955c4cf99543c26cd4fa0d96\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Minister: yes, I am concerned about that matter. One of the problems in the past is that the market system has not been able to sort out what investments should be made, and who should pay for them. The recently announced Electricity Commission will fix that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226dc1c31a2d084f1298770655b0d89d1b\u0022\u003EDarren Hughes\u003C/span\u003E: How will the decisions announced yesterday about the Electricity Commission help investment in the national grid?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022db92ab2c088941fa94a8412b691df886\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Minister, I reply: the commission will be responsible for establishing, as a high priority, a decision-making process in transmission pricing methodology that will enable necessary investment in the national grid to proceed. Under the current market arrangements, as I have said, there is no agreement in the industry about who is responsible for making those decisions about new transmission investments and who should pay. As I said, the Electricity Commission will fix it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224264942c282c46c3ab1f771f7ce19ad1\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: Given that the Government has sat by for 4 years and seen Transpower argue that it is not responsible for new transmission lines where there is new generation or new need, why does the Minister believe that this commission, without specific statutory authority to do so, will be able to make any difference at all?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002209bd4291c06d4462b3fb2b1be37b9349\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: In fact, for a number of years the industry was calling for self-regulation. It did not work. That is why, in the interests\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022055d972f6481407c92275635b2083b11\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: They are Government SOEs.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a270440592954f41bc5932837fca2030\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, and in the interests of all New Zealanders being able to have hot showers, the announcements were made yesterday. The important thing is that there will be legislative arrangements to allow for the announcements that were made yesterday to be implemented.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225f8ec118a730464e9324cc934e2577eb\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Today is a very unusual day\u2014we know. There are a lot of Ministers not here, or not able to answer their questions today, so we are getting quite a number of transfers. But there is a point at which the Opposition\u2019s right to question a Minister is completely abused, and that point is when a Minister who is answering a transferred question simply does not know what he is talking about. I would like to seek leave\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227f03987f7fcd495ba349767f0c17765d\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The member can seek leave, but, so far, he has not raised a point of order. He can now seek leave. What does he want to seek leave to do?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224a2c52bd0442421fad120f6fbba2f53b\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order\u2014 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222e409796d2fa431ab33e9918baa09b1f\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The member is on a point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b64cfef169804bc98d071ca454fca57a\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. What I want to say to you is that you can stand up and tell me that I am not making a point of order, but the reality is that the Standing Orders require the House to behave always in an orderly fashion. They also require that the House is a place of relevance, and that, in question time, there is an opportunity for Opposition parties to put Ministers under some scrutiny. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E I suggest that that concept of the Standing Orders becomes abused when we get a Minister who simply does not know what he is saying and has no idea of the question that is being asked of him. For him to answer a question\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b36842efe76440e895dbbcc4f3e874e2\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The member will please be seated. He has gone on for far too long. The member has made his point. I adjudge that the Minister did address that particular question, as he did the previous two. Does the member want to seek leave for something?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022259ddca7afcb4e64b86e8f936697f480\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002293a73a9de48a47ee892083c289a7b199\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, please seek it now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b38ba329daa843919d11e09deadce64c\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave for this question to be held over until the Minister of Energy can answer it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b2fd9833f5c044df81604d22b24338f6\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leave has been sought for the question to be held over. Is there any objection? There is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022296c47b1fbb74180aa1d5ec04de053b4\u0022\u003EHon Ken Shirley\u003C/span\u003E: Did the Minister read the reports from Transpower to the Minister of Energy following both the 1999 and the 2002 general elections, and did the Minister of Energy ever read the report to the Minister of Energy, of June 2000, on the inquiry into the electricity industry; if so, why on earth did he not heed the recommendations on what was required for Transpower, which could have averted the current crisis we are facing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225da16713029f46b0b03c1a6de3f5ec6c\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Minister I can say that the Minister most assuredly did read those reports, and the point\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ba5190924fa4ddf810e9c2acf4f88c0\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: Did he understand them?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223529e2b20e0749b7b1f6e453a7f404a0\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, he did understand them. He understands them better than that member, who says the solution is more market. He is the only person in New Zealand, virtually, who believes that somehow the market is going to solve the cold showers and blackouts in New Zealand. What the Minister announced yesterday was a comprehensive plan to get the problem of capacity resolved by setting aside some capacity. The vast majority of people now in New Zealand will be proud of the fact that we are finally resolving the problem. More market ain\u2019t going to do it, and as long as the ACT party keeps doing that, it will always be in Opposition.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223c0aa4feb7e047aeab93fc90c3c50ca3\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That answer was too long.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002225647d0796374da0b64e4b029e70ec6c\u0022\u003EHon Ken Shirley\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave of the House to table the report to the Minister of Energy, commissioned by the Minister, on the inquiry into the electricity industry of June 2000, with reference to the recommendation for transmission, calling for more market.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002274cb5f8051514120bd1dfd0a4f7b2c0e\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b24ec8875d9b44f58b4cd5ac306189dd\u0022\u003EJeanette Fitzsimons\u003C/span\u003E: Has the Minister seen reports from Orion, the Christchurch lines company, that show it has managed to defer an $80 million transmission upgrade and postpone $100 million in other expenditure through cost-effective demand management, and what steps is he taking to ensure that Transpower takes a similar approach throughout the country?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d8c9ef04aa1d41cfa00aacc96a4fa6e0\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: I am sure that the Minister has read those. Of course, demand management is an important aspect of Government energy policy. The problem is, though, that it does not resolve the dry-year problem we are facing at the moment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cee6a89-68e3-40fd-b2d8-d8adb0ba5da0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aaff64f71e0246cdb538c94974c35a31\u0022\u003EGordon Copeland\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister aware that one of the other major impediments to upgrading the national grid transmission lines is that under the Resource Management Act Transpower has to seek the consent of every local authority the lines run through, from one end of the country to the other, and that an objection by just one of them can derail the whole process; if so, does he have plans to address this situation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022035da5b462d043309405c1004daac48e\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: I am aware that there are some issues with the Resource Management Act. The Minister for the Environment is currently looking at a range of issues to do with this, but I think it is fair to say that, even under the current arrangements, a lot of new generation has been approved under the legislation that some people are criticising.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227526e742add54d45805c5c7996f6c11a\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister stand by his answer to the Hon Ken Shirley today, when he said that the Government announcement yesterday had fixed the problem of blackouts and cold showers for New Zealand; and does that mean that there will be no such thing and the crisis is all over this year?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002276d747225c124d9ca790071527c8a29a\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: One of the things that New Zealanders have been asking for is a solution to the problem, and the Government is confident that the problem of capacity, particularly in dry years, and the inability to be able to plan for that, will be resolved by the announcements that were made by the Minister yesterday.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220c592d7888da40dd9f5f0bc456695889\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. He may well have addressed the question, by your ruling, but the question was specifically about this year, and we never got an answer. The public would like to know.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221c14ec0c77a746fb9a9b20fcc666f9db\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: All I can say is I heard him say twice that he was confident the problems had been resolved. I would have thought that was addressing the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c27c319e92474278a0238695183766a0\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary question, Jeanette Fitzsimons.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bbd66ce623694924876597d2f5ab658a\u0022\u003EPeter Brown\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222be13a0da8e74b48a75debb9b0d31391\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I am sorry; I would have given Mr Peter Brown one.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022922657c6ea0e4e69b0251e1804bdea7d\u0022\u003EPeter Brown\u003C/span\u003E: This is a very important question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022348c9025a27f4dfe8f5d0c4921e69e10\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Does the member want a question?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e657daa823b047a499019fda90b07878\u0022\u003EPeter Brown\u003C/span\u003E: I want a point of order. I want to point out to the Minister that he has said something quite different today from what his Minister said yesterday.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f8fe52a7a1cf41f984708b205eaea171\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Would the member please ask the question. He has the opportunity; he has not had a question yet.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226cdecec20bbd4d23b4f29cffa0fe10e8\u0022\u003EPeter Brown\u003C/span\u003E: The Minister has told this House\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228c18826655ff4f6d8618e1c190028cab\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Would the member start with a question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225d10a6134dea4a6cb1f59c38e6992ba7\u0022\u003EPeter Brown\u003C/span\u003E: I am not asking a question. I have a point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022036ecbb496e5414482c0641b16570f0a\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, that is a way of getting extra work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228c8908cc105a488d85f720a2b4ed6005\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I am not sure whether you can do anything about this\u2014and I will try to put it more briefly than Mr Brownlee\u2014but we do have a problem. We have an acting Minister, and we have to assume\u2014as an exercise, so to speak\u2014that he knows everything the Minister knows, yet he is giving us answers that are contradictory. He has actually made an attack on me, saying that no one is asking for more market. I picked up the report and it actually states that part of the problem is that Transpower does not face effective competition. It is quite clear to me that the acting Minister\u2014[Interruption] The Minister may have, but he clearly has not read this report. I think that the Government should put this question and the next one to the Minister of Energy on to a day when the Minister of Energy has returned.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e04907e230da44c9b89eb9ad538c0f9f\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Let us put it this way: we put the question of leave to the House, and the leave was denied.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cee6a89-68e3-40fd-b2d8-d8adb0ba5da0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c98755dfdd8d44bfb0c1198ec60ae279\u0022\u003EGordon Copeland\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister aware that the transmission lines supplying the West Coast are already running close to full capacity and will have to be upgraded before the region is left without electricity all together; and is he also aware that such an upgrade will mean electricity pylons will have to cross the Department of Conservation estate, whereas the region\u2019s electricity needs could be serviced by the proposed Dobson hydro scheme, and the surplus exported on existing lines to the rest of the nation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226724ac61e7b04852ad61b98135ad44ef\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Minister: yes, I am aware that there is transmission loss. It is just a by-product of the transmission system. Of course, what has to be weighed up are the long-term needs of energy versus some of the environmental implications, which the member has raised. The Government is actually currently addressing those kinds of issues.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222bb500a9f4de41acb35bf2006f7bcec9\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. That answer was very interesting but it bore no resemblance to the question that was asked. The question was quite clear. It asked: did the Minister know that the West Coast line was near capacity\u2014that has nothing to do with transmission loss\u2014and did he also know that if the Dobson project went ahead it would not need to be upgraded. Instead, we were told an interesting scientific fact that there is energy loss every time it goes over a transmission line. That is not an answer. It is not even an attempt at an answer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d29c727fc9384414bd54874063088b97\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That is not correct. He did address the question; he did not satisfy the member, but the answer is not going to always.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225fbff34ac77649dda7c14f840ac26e0a\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. That may all sound well and good and fine, except that this House has been asked twice for leave to have a Minister, namely the Minister of Energy, answer questions that this Minister clearly cannot, and, both times, his colleagues have declined that request, which would sound to be reasonable and fair in that case. This Minister should have to sustain a whole lot of questions to determine whether he is fit to do the job, at all. Otherwise we are just wasting Parliament\u2019s time. They were asked fairly: how about we put it off for the next time the Minister is here, and, both times, in their rabid fashion, they declined it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002272e48ab0-e7ae-427f-bedc-793b7a91adba\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229fc8af4ac868424d838c5b77c816c6ec\u0022\u003EHon Mark Burton\u003C/span\u003E: The facts are simple. The members have asked the questions; the Minister has provided satisfactory answers. You have ruled\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223932465476364aa7811999a7d6af2539\u0022\u003EPeter Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Look at the Hansard!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227542af601fad4e3faa4a880ff2d21232\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: This is a point of order, not questions and answers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002251330d7d8d1140bd9d1880d1414fbd01\u0022\u003EPeter Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Well, we have to get something sensible.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224358fe942a6946278db66ebf1c4b2269\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That is Mr Brown\u2019s final warning\u2014or he will go. I said that during a point of order no one comments, and that includes him.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002272e48ab0-e7ae-427f-bedc-793b7a91adba\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222ee69c31361543568ae3fd93242bc4ce\u0022\u003EHon Mark Burton\u003C/span\u003E: You have ruled, Mr Speaker, that the Minister has addressed the questions. There the matter must end. Members cannot relitigate your rulings.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eacec0bd697f41dd9731786d9de26852\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: All I can say is that any member is entitled to seek leave, and they have, and the leave has been denied, and that is also entitled to be done.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a7797641bb1941aab6e069b6b58fc52d\u0022\u003EPeter Brown\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I wish to point out to this House that it is a serious situation that we are in in this country. The Minister of Transport, in all sincerity, has given an answer today but it is totally in conflict with what the Minister of Energy said yesterday.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002207f1c1c9c4bf49f498d80b99835af3d5\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That is a matter of opinion, and that is not a point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227aea47647f584e68934ebb30984d190d\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Can you clarify this for us. Does a Minister answering a question in the House speak for the Government?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225bcb31c038a6456e97f022f3ef37e3f1\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, he does. He has a range of information given to him, on behalf of the Minister\u2019s office, and of course the Government has to stand by the answers given. The member, I think, was well aware of that fact.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002262d8f357c5bd44daae6bb3a8cff54e07\u0022\u003EJeanette Fitzsimons\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister aware that economic growth has continued in Christchurch while peak electricity demand has stayed constant, thanks to demand management efforts by Orion, and that, in its own words, prices are lower and resource use is more efficient; and what is he doing to encourage a similar energy-efficiency culture on the West Coast?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ae490a5c60c6432d84f8ec0e2857053e\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: I am certainly aware of economic growth in that particular part of the country. I am not particularly aware of the correlation the member raises, but I am aware of the point she is making about energy efficiency and economic growth. The Government, as the member knows, has a comprehensive plan for energy efficiency.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223e1c94f4962647d9b00e087979567a2a\u0022\u003EQuestion Time\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022 data-id=\u0022767db3bcb680428ea29953979c3e77e8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022767db3bcb680428ea29953979c3e77e8\u0022\u003EHon ROGER SOWRY (Deputy Leader\u2014NZ National):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I waited until the end of the question because I did not want to disrupt it. You have given a very clear ruling about members not being able to use computers\u2014PCs\u2014or electronic gadgetry in the House. I ask whether you would also revisit the issue of knitting, because the member for Hamilton East, Dianne Yates, sits and knits during question time. I think that we have got to the stage where that does bring the House into disrepute. Members are not allowed to sit in the Chamber and use a computer as part of their work\u2014they are not allowed to access any research they have on a computer because they cannot have a computer in the Chamber\u2014but if a Government member sits and knits, then that, I think, does bring the place into disrepute.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eb260f1a05354a58a7d795432c7ef392\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The member has raised two issues. The first issue concerns laptops in the Chamber, and, of course, they are permitted provided that they are battery powered and remain silent, except for a beep when turning them off. There has never been any objection to that. I have the ruling here, which the member can have. Secondly, as far as knitting is concerned, I have made a ruling that any Minister in the chair cannot knit, but at other times I have not ruled that matter out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022 data-id=\u002285ed967a94b84ac4855e06eda6b460c0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002285ed967a94b84ac4855e06eda6b460c0\u0022\u003ERON MARK (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Thank you for clarifying that. Can I just have confirmation; one of my hobbies is restoring an Austin A35, and I have a carburettor that needs working on. Is it OK if I bring it in here and work on it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ca709288ba2e476c81c6197e601e0595\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, that is taking the time out of the House on something that is irrelevant. I have said that if it is silent, yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022 data-id=\u0022006f6d59710a4c4ea909c22d3ada743f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022006f6d59710a4c4ea909c22d3ada743f\u0022\u003EHon ROGER SOWRY (Deputy Leader\u2014NZ National):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I think you might want to reconsider that\u2014I am not sure whether repairing a carburettor would be silent, but it would be messy. I am asking whether you could reconsider your ruling on knitting\u2014I am not asking for a ruling now\u2014because I think that, particularly during question time, a time of a lot of importance when the gallery is full, for the member for Hamilton East, Dianne Yates, to sit there and knit brings the House into disrepute.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c36149c3668d499fbec188e177fda704\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Put it this way. I would be very happy for any member of the House to write to me about that matter, or any other matter, and it will get immediate consideration. As far as Mr Mark is concerned, I am not an engineer, and I do not quite know what he was meaning, but if he is reasonable and fair, then of course we will allow his request.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00225d7d14eb0c1a4edf9f701fa9c1ad9b29\u0022\u003ETe M\u0101ngai P\u0101ho\u2014M\u0101ori Sportscasting International\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bc1e9f65-e08b-4939-867c-22ef093e2a4e\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bb03a1cec34b4f57b1eddf4d3071f165\u0022\u003ERODNEY HIDE (ACT NZ)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs: Since receiving from me the emails between Te M\u0101ngai P\u0101ho\u2019s Mr Tame Te Rangi and M\u0101ori Sportscasting International, what action has he taken, and does he now accept that Mr Te Rangi accepted \u201Cpayment for services\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022 data-id=\u0022721a549792a5431297747320a4d2355a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022721a549792a5431297747320a4d2355a\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA (Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E I sought information from the Chief Executive of Te Puni K\u014Dkiri on the origins and authenticity of the email. The board will be reporting within the next few days.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bc1e9f65-e08b-4939-867c-22ef093e2a4e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e4bb56d40184e70b2b572fbc46eff3c\u0022\u003ERodney Hide\u003C/span\u003E: Is he aware that a former M\u0101ori Sportscasting International employee has told Te Puni K\u014Dkiri and Treasury that he saw an email last year from Mr Tame Te Rangi to Mr Waaka stipulating that, for a weekend, Mr Te Rangi wanted a rental car, all his meals paid for, accommodation taken care of, and $500 cash, and could he explain to the public of New Zealand why he has not called in the police to investigate that case of bribery and corruption?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fbcccfceeb85428cac3b302df08343a8\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: The first three parts of that member\u2019s question I read in the email he gave to me yesterday. There was no reference to $500 cash. I assure the member that the board is about to report independently on the matter.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bc1e9f65-e08b-4939-867c-22ef093e2a4e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223c57fcc1b48c41989facb3b75298dbb5\u0022\u003ERodney Hide\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. We have a difficulty, in that the Minister did not address my question. What he did was address my primary question. I asked him whether he was aware that a former employee had spoken of another email to both Te Puni K\u014Dkiri and Treasury. I have not had an answer to that. He has not addressed it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f8baa747aa5743059a2b2a671d4870a3\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Another email?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bc1e9f65-e08b-4939-867c-22ef093e2a4e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ada33f9881a4f2dbb3c12ed2d094a5b\u0022\u003ERodney Hide\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f455d26f70d4af0b4305ae13bc1cde1\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Was the Minister aware of another email?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226676ca7a4aa94b6dbd431ec2db87f13b\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: No.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002263dfbdcc5234491895b19a373c9a4a22\u0022\u003EMahara Okeroa\u003C/span\u003E: When will the external review be completed on Te M\u0101ngai P\u0101ho?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bde80aea7494433f9bd72a97b6a7594c\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: I understand that the review is nearing conclusion and the board of Te M\u0101ngai P\u0101ho will be provided with a copy of the report early next week.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225192f6d3-dca6-43c8-a55e-381e1d7c1225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e13deaa6d9ec4d508089e61c70857f31\u0022\u003EHon Murray McCully\u003C/span\u003E: Can the Minister explain how Te M\u0101ngai P\u0101ho came to fund Mr Hemana Waaka\u2019s two companies to the tune of $613,000 in one year, while Mr Waaka was already employed full time as cultural adviser at the Department of Corrections, and can he assure the House that Te M\u0101ngai P\u0101ho was not influenced by Mr Waaka\u2019s claims that he had friends in high places, in the form of the Hon Dover Samuels and the Hon John Tamihere?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ccb836e024cd4ef19454aaed2e5ae55a\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: I cannot assure the member of that. However, I can remind him again that the independent investigation into the activities of Te M\u0101ngai P\u0101ho staff is nearing conclusion. Appropriate action will be taken when the report is received.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b4ffd38726034f7a9f95e6e067e9d6f0\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Can the Minister remember the very scurrilous attack led by the Labour Party on one Tukoroirangi Morgan in respect of a pair of underpants he bought with his own money, in contrast with this case, which demonstrates significant misuse and abuse of public funds; and is it not fair to ask that the Minister, not being aware of it, even today, should resign?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002264d03b9e5d98472f9a158331fd94f88e\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: I am more than aware of the attack on Mr Morgan. I have no intention, whatsoever, of resigning, as those people who developed Ka Awatea at that time did not do what we are doing now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222ec91f10c6f9475e871bf917cd32c4df\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. It is a fact that those who developed Ka Awatea were never involved in corruption or misuse of public funds. In fact, it was an inspiration for M\u0101oridom. However, my point is this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228dc97a5e4fdf464f85444ab872f9c415\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, what is the point?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022df08bd2c901b48279267d0fb2d2d23be\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: That answer has nothing to do with the question, whatsoever.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c7898e297a074f1087a0c93bca992aaf\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, the Minister did address the question. In fact, he gave a direct answer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bc1e9f65-e08b-4939-867c-22ef093e2a4e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b6aa3963528743dab472781d08d61393\u0022\u003ERodney Hide\u003C/span\u003E: Can the Minister confirm that Te M\u0101ngai P\u0101ho has kept on funding Mr Hemana Waaka\u2019s two companies, when Mr Waaka himself had been suspended from his job at the Department of Corrections, after being arrested and charged for declaring there was a bomb in his colleague\u2019s bag, when boarding an aircraft at Auckland airport the very day after September 11, and that Mr Waaka himself wrote to Mr Tame Te Rangi and to Mr John Tamihere thanking them for their character references, believing it to be their intervention that saved him from being convicted?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e64e5d909aac48b1816e75f779062616\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: I acknowledge some of the points made by that member. A full Treasury-led investigation into the overall matter is nearing conclusion. As Minister, I will await the report before making final conclusions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bc1e9f65-e08b-4939-867c-22ef093e2a4e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228964f68698ae4dc2a1c344b5ce67dd07\u0022\u003ERodney Hide\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave of the House to table a New Zealand Herald article dated 14 September.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222a0eb1fc957f4f0eaada9bbf484b8182\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought to table an article in the New Zealand Herald. Is there any objection? There is objection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bc1e9f65-e08b-4939-867c-22ef093e2a4e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022269737fbeb8e4c1bade9100e8a27927b\u0022\u003ERodney Hide\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave of the House to table a letter from Mr Hemana Waaka to, amongst others, Mr John Tamihere and Tame Te Rangi, dated 29 April 2002, thanking them for their character references.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bc1e9f65-e08b-4939-867c-22ef093e2a4e\u0022\u003EDocument, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b17cd6ee4049460fa68f2aeb884585a5\u0022\u003ERural Communities\u2014Government Policy\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3657952-0eec-4a34-918d-677d93c1b281\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002244cb2540b42a4f598ecfa27168146d65\u0022\u003EIAN EWEN-STREET (Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Rural Affairs: What steps is he taking to ensure that Government policy takes into account the views of rural communities?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022 data-id=\u0022899478aef5e641f6b294ae1b54116e55\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022899478aef5e641f6b294ae1b54116e55\u0022\u003EHon JIM SUTTON (Minister for Rural Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E I ensure that my Cabinet colleagues and Government agencies consult rural communities as part of the normal process of policy development. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry provides advice to other departments and to the Government on the likely impact of policy decisions on rural communities.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3657952-0eec-4a34-918d-677d93c1b281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220e406c03b32f40718f4e9938f068d6c9\u0022\u003EIan Ewen-Street\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister respect the views of the 80 percent of farmers who do not want to grow genetically engineered organisms (GE) on their farms, and the 50 percent of farmers who want the moratorium extended beyond October, as identified by the findings of the recent Lincoln University study; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002236ed83fc67b64e7fb6ba03aed2da4a79\u0022\u003EHon JIM SUTTON\u003C/span\u003E: Through the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification inquiry, the Government had the most extensive consultation process possible with all New Zealanders and, indeed, people from outside New Zealand. The outcome of that investigation was an advice to proceed with the use of the technology, but with caution. We prefer considered advice to that of ad hoc responses to polls, which can too easily be manipulated to produce misleading figures.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002258713ff283f54a5c964642fd3ba678c3\u0022\u003EDavid Parker\u003C/span\u003E: What recent feedback has the Government had from rural community representatives on some of its Budget initiatives?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022166922c475fd46a69a933847591344d5\u0022\u003EHon JIM SUTTON\u003C/span\u003E: Following the delivery of the Budget last week the Government received extremely positive reporting on, among other things, our increased spending on biosecurity and trade development. It is fair to say that rural New Zealand thinks it has the best Government it has had for a very long time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022beca94dcdcfa48c89ed55c4bb9c0ae93\u0022\u003EShane Ardern\u003C/span\u003E: In the light of that answer, what is the Minister\u2019s view on the closure of six Taranaki rural schools with rolls of up to 80 children, and of an undecided number of schools in Otago and Wairarapa; the slashing of Targeted Funding for Isolation for rural schools; and further reviews under way resulting in more closures of rural schools with a proven high academic outcome and proven sustainable roll numbers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022289538dbcd9448aca0d28719205300be\u0022\u003EHon JIM SUTTON\u003C/span\u003E: Rural communities are always consulted when the Ministry of Education recommends that schools be closed. We always treat local views with respect, and they do frequently result in considerable changes in policy. The Labour Government policy, of course, is aimed at achieving the best education outcomes possible for all New Zealand children.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b7fc826bd3ba426abcb2682366de6619\u0022\u003EHon Brian Donnelly\u003C/span\u003E: What are the views of rural communities towards the adequacy of the formula for Targeted Funding for Isolation for rural schools, and can the Minister explain how the Government has taken regard of these views?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002255e70712da7348068f4fc9157e87fc95\u0022\u003EHon JIM SUTTON\u003C/span\u003E: It has been my observation and experience from responses to the changes, that those who gain from the changes think they are good and those who lose from the changes think they are not very good.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3657952-0eec-4a34-918d-677d93c1b281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002283770634f46c4a3ab330ae7e1a854875\u0022\u003EIan Ewen-Street\u003C/span\u003E: Why does the Minister not respect the views of rural communities in New Zealand, as his counterparts have in the state Governments of Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia, which have listened to their rural communities and extended the moratoria on GE crops by 3 years?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e4f259889a074844bbffb458b2d39e46\u0022\u003EHon JIM SUTTON\u003C/span\u003E: I have already answered the member\u2019s question on genetic modification, but I assure him that the overwhelming weight of evidence given by representatives of rural communities to the Government, through all the sources and routes available to them, has been in support of the careful proceeding with genetic modification technology.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00220ec9bf2e21f84e0ebe753be2ccb1944c\u0022\u003EFarming\u2014Sustainable Farming Fund\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022acb6a053-bcf3-4936-8684-af4d6876983d\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022735f5ef4c4b24c3bb11ca5aff8cfc853\u0022\u003EJANET MACKEY (NZ Labour\u2014East Coast)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Rural Affairs: What reports has he received on the Government\u2019s decision to extend the Sustainable Farming Fund for another 3 years?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022 data-id=\u0022660671fe719e4caaadd66b09d5d045e9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022660671fe719e4caaadd66b09d5d045e9\u0022\u003EHon JIM SUTTON (Minister for Rural Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E The response to the announcement that the Sustainable Farming Fund was to be extended has been overwhelmingly positive. Applications have already been received for the next round, and those applications close on 6 June.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022acb6a053-bcf3-4936-8684-af4d6876983d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022393207a1010f4b36bfd71e4a6ad6dd5c\u0022\u003EJanet Mackey\u003C/span\u003E: What has the Sustainable Farming Fund achieved so far?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222e7121af-c8f1-4d5c-b1f5-5646e4d9ca70\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222c55322451fa4537a40c7fc9fda61a20\u0022\u003EHon JIM SUTTON\u003C/span\u003E: In the last 3 years, 184 projects have been provided with grant support from the fund. An independent evaluation of the fund has demonstrated that the fund is achieving its intended purpose of supporting community-driven projects aimed at improving financial and environmental performance of land-based sectors.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022fde37bd04ce044478422e80830f4b048\u0022\u003ETreaty of Waitangi\u2014Oil and Gas Nationalisation\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bd0c1181403d408c8ba7039907a917ea\u0022\u003ESTEPHEN FRANKS (ACT NZ)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations: Under what circumstances does she consider that the national interest should override rights under the Treaty of Waitangi, and does she agree with the Prime Minister\u2019s reported rejection of a treaty claim in respect of oil and gas on the grounds that: \u201CThe Crown considers it [nationalisation] still to be in the public interest\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022 data-id=\u00228fe5dab4f9fd4f6681fde6e550c33617\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228fe5dab4f9fd4f6681fde6e550c33617\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON (Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations):\u003C/span\u003E I consider that the national interest, by definition, includes the interests of all members of our community, including the treaty partners; and, yes, I agree with the Prime Minister\u2019s reported statement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b4566f440e1e4a4591706eb16423125e\u0022\u003EStephen Franks\u003C/span\u003E: If there is a new principle of the treaty that claims are not valid if they are not in the public interest, why not apply it immediately to claims for native plants and animals, foreshore and riverbed, radio spectrum, taniwha under the motorway, and partnership veto powers of elected local governments; and, if the public interest is not the overriding new principle, what treaty principle is the Prime Minister using?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223132a84eadf44f74a423009f01f38f02\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: I was not aware that there was a new principle. The Prime Minister was, in fact, articulating that there is a national interest that overrides all other considerations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002225c22a83-ff2c-474c-a092-883be2dd63d3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002258a0b102909b49d29038c01e0b30e7df\u0022\u003EDave Hereora\u003C/span\u003E: Do the Waitangi Tribunal\u2019s recommendations in respect of petroleum mean that existing treaty settlements will need to be reopened?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e63b5497c2164256a623c9bba6768cae\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: No. First, while the Government does respect the role of the Waitangi Tribunal, its recommendations are not binding on the Crown. Secondly, the settlement of historical claims is final and comprehensive, and this has been agreed to by iwi and is reflected in the settlement legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220d27694ca0a94aac83b45dcecea1ee11\u0022\u003EHon Bill English\u003C/span\u003E: Can the Minister confirm, or otherwise, a statement she has just made that it is now Government policy that if the Government decides something is in the national interest, or perhaps in its own political interest, it will override the treaty?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022022cfe6b-bae4-4028-b68a-ccffb4269442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002262857244d9a24154809c1c31ffcd1233\u0022\u003EHon MARGARET WILSON\u003C/span\u003E: No, the reference for this debate relates to the nationalisation of petroleum, so all the comments have been made in that context.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022da670cf4aea34426978b349535b88266\u0022\u003EWaste Management\u2014Waste Strategy\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223623b973345a4c65b29a0ffc0524d050\u0022\u003EDr ASHRAF CHOUDHARY (NZ Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for the Environment: What progress has been made towards implementing the New Zealand waste strategy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221583b5cb-f4e0-4981-97ba-193c338ff404\u0022 data-id=\u00224343682ebf444c56b54591c15cc77a5c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221583b5cb-f4e0-4981-97ba-193c338ff404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224343682ebf444c56b54591c15cc77a5c\u0022\u003EHon MARIAN HOBBS (Minister for the Environment):\u003C/span\u003E Very good progress has been made. Most councils have adopted the strategy. We are working with the private sector to help meet the strategy\u2019s targets, and last month we launched the Reduce Your Rubbish campaign, aimed at encouraging individual people to reduce waste.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221f69801e0cbb4403808ff6cd3d82dbdf\u0022\u003EDr Ashraf Choudhary\u003C/span\u003E: What evidence has the Minister seen indicating that the targets in the New Zealand waste strategy are being met?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221583b5cb-f4e0-4981-97ba-193c338ff404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b0b45da85ec948af9f0901c36a9d3656\u0022\u003EHon MARIAN HOBBS\u003C/span\u003E: The 2002 landfill review and audit shows that over 200 sub-standard landfills have been closed and that remaining landfills will be closed or upgraded in order to reduce their harmful effects. That indicates we are making excellent progress towards achieving our goal of closing or upgrading landfills by 2010.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3657952-0eec-4a34-918d-677d93c1b281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224c718478ec634f51a3ab6b848fed9a9d\u0022\u003EIan Ewen-Street\u003C/span\u003E: Given the statement by Barry Carbon, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry for the Environment, to the Local Government and Environment Committee that the only two quantifiable targets in the waste strategy\u2014their targets that relate to the recycling of organic waste and access of the population to recycling services\u2014were unlikely to be met, does the Minister think that that represents good progress? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221583b5cb-f4e0-4981-97ba-193c338ff404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ad0896fb3354d5a8ca4d8b33e0bf883\u0022\u003EHon MARIAN HOBBS\u003C/span\u003E: I refer to the introduction of kerbside recycling as a target. As it was introduced in Dunedin last month, 90 percent of the population now has access to community recycling. So I think we are well on the way to reaching the targets set out in the New Zealand waste strategy of 95 percent accessibility by December 2005.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223f0c3c88c0364486acfb3019424abaa4\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 10 to Minister\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022a5cfc9ddb4e44fa69d26af4dc203c19c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a5cfc9ddb4e44fa69d26af4dc203c19c\u0022\u003EGERRY BROWNLEE (NZ National\u2014Ilam):\u003C/span\u003E Given the difficulties the House had with question No. 4, I feel obliged to appeal to the better judgment of Government members and seek leave for this question to be held over to the next day on which the Minister of Energy will be able to answer it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dc74aa04dbf8402e90ddf09eb23d1c12\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? Please ask the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022005f31c7132f4fd88c2c11b072d0f911\u0022\u003EElectricity\u2014Consumer Levy\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022be10c4a1e62149f0b1ab6a53d0cf1749\u0022\u003EGERRY BROWNLEE (NZ National\u2014Ilam)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Energy: Does yesterday\u2019s announcement that electricity consumers may soon pay a levy to fund reserve generation, which would be made available at a higher price to flatten out price spikes in dry years, mean consumers will pay twice for that reserve electricity; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022 data-id=\u0022fab95cfeb66b4b44863a968d7cb893d0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fab95cfeb66b4b44863a968d7cb893d0\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN (Minister of Transport)\u003C/span\u003E, on behalf of the Minister of Energy: No. The Electricity Commission levy will recover the cost of securing reserve capacity, minus the revenue from any electricity sold from the reserve generation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b737d15b7da7426b8bbdc5095cc4f102\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: How can the Minister of Energy say \u201CNo\u201D, when consumers will be paying some $200 million of extra tax, levied for reserve generation, and the Minister\u2019s statements yesterday made it very clear that, should that reserve capacity be required, the electricity produced from it would be made available in dry years at a much higher price?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220fa492e5ffae4e47a9006cf7171298c1\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: As the Minister pointed out yesterday, one of the problems is trying to get generators to produce capacity for the dry years, because nobody wants to take the risk when it may well rain. Therefore, the problem is capacity in a dry year. What the measures announced yesterday are about is ensuring there is an insurance premium so that when those dry years occur, we have the ability to bring that on stream. It is really interesting to know that the Consumers Institute, representing consumers, is cautiously optimistic about the plan.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002249de2e61610845df99bfb53fe320a831\u0022\u003EH V Ross Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the Government confident that the cost of securing adequate reserve generation will be less than half a cent per unit on the price of electricity?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d46ca63434e14a349894ad8a80e07d85\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: The cost is low because the reserve generation portfolio will comprise relatively low capital cost plant, plus heavily depreciated old plant. The fuel, though costly, will be rarely used.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022502ab6b81e704c3887393c2e5c0bcc4a\u0022\u003EPeter Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister aware that the Minister of Energy stated yesterday that the announcement he made would have no impact whatsoever on this year and that New Zealanders must continue to save; noting that, and noting we are also short of generation capacity, will the Minister tell us whether the Government is considering any initiative, financial or otherwise, that will encourage the development of increased generation capacity, in order that New Zealanders can have an abundance of power and thereby reduce the likelihood of calling on that reserve capacity?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a6eb1002558247f4be8710c4fcaef02d\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I am aware of the comment made yesterday. This is designed to fix the problem in the long term. Of course, in the immediate term, people in New Zealand are still required to save, and the 10 percent target for New Zealanders is still a live target. As far as incentives, etc., in the future are concerned, there have already been a number of announcements from the Minister\u2014for example, encouraging wind power.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002209c9c2adf8fd4f78a75004c34376fbc4\u0022\u003EJeanette Fitzsimons\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the Government refusing to allow this levy to purchase contractually guaranteed, specific-demand reductions, as well as increases in capacity, and what analysis has been done to show which would be cheaper for the country?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223615f49e1eed4374a93982d8a4032d80\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: This is a specific targeted measure for dry-year capacity. That is the issue, and, as the member knows, there are a number of other initiatives aimed at energy efficiency. However, this is a specifically targeted issue, aimed at dry-year problems.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022acedca12ca7844498824d722c2d90a2c\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: If the Minister stands by his statements to the House yesterday that he expects some 700 megawatts of normal generation to come on stream in the next 3 years, and that there will be additional reserve generation during the same period of time, how will he differentiate between normal generation and reserve generation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f532e440952d447494fe7bbc7732622f\u0022\u003EHon PAUL SWAIN\u003C/span\u003E: That will be the job of the Electricity Commission.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d4d2cc73f5294e97a5f09b5e543228ec\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Can you tell us what our remedy is now that we have conflicting answers given by the Minister to questions Nos 4 and 10?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228fb3a193941246e9bcb3b291f7414d92\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: All I can say to the member is that if he cares to write to me about the matter, there is a perfect way in which he can do so. I will then give it very careful consideration.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022793f495d88724de7a7ea810712d41677\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The issue at hand is whether this country is still in the grip of an electricity crisis. In question No. 4 the Minister said: \u201CNo, it\u2019s all over. We\u2019ve fixed it.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ba6fde7e-93f4-4636-9ce2-02c07007973a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225db63dde945f4a7db0934f9e8d9a5037\u0022\u003EHon Paul Swain\u003C/span\u003E: I did not say that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221a741e71d51e4083b504ccbe2fadaade\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I tell the Minister to read his Hansard. Then, in question No. 10, in answer to Peter Brown, he said exactly the opposite. It may be in the country\u2019s interest if the Minister were given a moment to clarify the matter.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022094a8e4246514578bfacc6066f48383a\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. That is a debatable issue, and there is a Budget debate coming up very shortly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002286e800b586314f35a3da279f7da0a590\u0022\u003ECrime\u2014Asian New Zealanders\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226dcad86c791941758f1d3ef3cb514556\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader\u2014NZ First)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Police: Does he agree with the comments of the Prime Minister made in respect to an oral question last week: \u201CI can say that for Asian New Zealanders the rate of crime is actually rather low.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022 data-id=\u002278765f7a0c3e4f7e99ef57d08de52b99\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002278765f7a0c3e4f7e99ef57d08de52b99\u0022\u003EHon GEORGE HAWKINS (Minister of Police):\u003C/span\u003E Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225e533d0ec19f4f279a9cfc6d47365aa6\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: If the Minister is able to say that, how does he account for Senior Constable Steve Lamb being hauled over the coals in Auckland as we speak, because he said he would be far too busy to answer normal calls because of theft, fraud, fighting, assault, intimidation, vehicle crashes, disorder, domestic stabbings, and a sideline of extortion and weapon-carrying on the part of Asian students in Auckland, and one kidnapping a week, as reported in today\u2019s and last week\u2019s New Zealand Herald; how does he account for that when he gets up and repeats the Prime Minister\u2019s bland line that Asian crime is not up at all?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c1af41587b594daab545bb4339631d2e\u0022\u003EHon GEORGE HAWKINS\u003C/span\u003E: I have been advised that Senior Constable Lamb has stated to the office of the commissioner that, on average, he has attended fewer than one incident a week so far this year where the offender, the victim, or the witness has been identified as Asian.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e6a718314ffc4accb57a8d8c7032495e\u0022\u003ERon Mark\u003C/span\u003E: When collating crime statistics by ethnicity, why does the Minister target M\u0101ori, Indians, and Negroes, whilst lumping all other races together under such broad group headings as \u201CAsiatic\u201D, \u201CCaucasian\u201D, \u201CPacific Islander\u201D, \u201COthers\u201D, \u201CUnknown\u201D, and \u201CNull Ethnicity\u201D, and how can he justify his focus on M\u0101ori, Indians, and Negroes, when M\u0101ori apprehensions have increased by only 3.3 percent, and Asiatic apprehensions\u2014to use his own figures\u2014have increased by a massive 77 percent?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002285a0546c696e48b6b9ee717c3160e2a8\u0022\u003EHon GEORGE HAWKINS\u003C/span\u003E: I advise the member that those are the terms the police have been using for a long while. I believe that the term \u201CNegro\u201D is not in common usage nowadays by any group other than the police, and I hope they will change that shortly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223a0e52c8-5bb1-4325-9870-21f4e3eb3702\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f72a0826df194a84b93320b3455e6aee\u0022\u003EMartin Gallagher\u003C/span\u003E: Is it possible that Asian people in New Zealand do not report all the crimes committed against them?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ef9cc76c73a64574a40d82f992c1c5cf\u0022\u003EHon GEORGE HAWKINS\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, and there are many reasons for that, including a lack of knowledge about the New Zealand system of policing, which may be quite different from what they have experienced in their country of birth. Sometimes there will be a concern about having their own activities investigated, as the member of the Opposition will know himself.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022815fa644ef0745fbb81660e5767d970b\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Why is it that the Minister gets up and gives those assurances when he knows full well from his own statistics\u2014if they are properly collated and analysed\u2014that, for example, in dishonesty crime, Asian crime is up by 200 percent, compared with Caucasian crime being up by 4.8 percent, M\u0101ori crime being up by 5.4 percent, and Pacific Islander crime being up by 0.5 percent, and, on the question of extortion-type crimes and kidnapping, the Asian level of criminality is up by 760 percent; why would he want to deny those facts?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb8d11ccae68450fba946d94a0dd30c4\u0022\u003EHon GEORGE HAWKINS\u003C/span\u003E: The facts are that the Asian population is 6.6 percent of New Zealand\u2019s total population, and it commits 2.1 percent of the crime. I am concerned that the member is attempting to cast aspersions on a generally law-abiding community, when its offending by percentage represents half that of the rest of the population.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002213a63518c68b41efaf60233f5cac5394\u0022\u003EM\u0101ori\u2014Government Relationship\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eb6fb09d7f964d468c9f35e5e1773289\u0022\u003EHon ROGER SOWRY (Deputy Leader\u2014NZ National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs: Does he have any concerns regarding the Government\u2019s relationship with M\u0101ori, given that Whanganui River Trust Board chairman Archie Taiaroa said yesterday that M\u0101ori were losing confidence in their MPs and \u201CM\u0101ori are saying, \u2018Where are the politicians?\u2019 I know our people are wanting them to come out and start talking.\u201D; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022 data-id=\u0022a7976dc446344f94972185db3fa15616\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a7976dc446344f94972185db3fa15616\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA (Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E There are approximately 15 M\u0101ori MPs in the House at the moment. This Government has a good relationship with M\u0101ori and, as with all relationships, we must keep working to ensure that the relationship is strong and beneficial to all involved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ce0c8244e8c547b18312a1a4e75bafd6\u0022\u003EHon Roger Sowry\u003C/span\u003E: Does he support the Government\u2019s stated position that the nationalisation of oil and gas reserves took place in the public interest, and does he believe that this position provides the \u201Cbest benefit for M\u0101oridom\u201D; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002263d7f3e1051f4514b5d1e05fc6e5b6d7\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: In the sense of the historical redress claims related to petroleum, those things are being worked on. The framework for contemporary settlements is an issue that we are continuing to work on as a Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002244ae4fd2170f415ab97e0059d1322689\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The Minister was asked a very specific question, and no doubt it was for his M\u0101ori seat colleagues, as well. He was asked what his position was, and he did not in any way address that issue. It is a highly political question, I know, but he is bound to answer it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220d361f874fbd42c292556cf171f7d85a\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The Minister was asked a specific question. I would like him now to address that question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022347077d5dc764879a22e25449e4e0575\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, and we are considering the details in the report that has just been presented.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221937cb639720414f99decd3650a5a771\u0022\u003ENanaia Mahuta\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister think that MPs should be vociferous in advocating on behalf of their electorates?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c7ac04c0a8534ea3a33e1f71fb9d2db9\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of all the M\u0101ori members seated in this House today, I say that they have to be vociferous and that they are hard-working, conscientious members.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b6e72ce0a29b4c6180e32d5ee3354cba\u0022\u003EStephen Franks\u003C/span\u003E: Is it fair to summarise the debate that there may have been between those hard-working, vociferous members as being about whether the Prime Minister was right to state a principle that means \u201CThat was then; this is now. This is embarrassing, so let\u2019s move on.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002244349abc72bb4c479823eb05a7d5c53e\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: No. Can I repeat that we have a proud record of relationships with regard to the historical redress claims. The contemporary issues are things that we, as a Government, are working on at this stage.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a87c178-9f60-439e-aa9b-0f1336c37ea9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f03a200e20264c8f9da58a276cb723ce\u0022\u003EHon Roger Sowry\u003C/span\u003E: Given his earlier answer, why did he refuse to appear on Linda Clark\u2019s radio programme this morning regarding the petroleum claim, and does he believe that his Associate Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs, Tariana Turia, should have broken ranks against the Prime Minister; if so, why?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022 data-id=\u0022cf22ec76d2a548e18340b9982d915c1b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d52e59e3-2195-4c95-a654-665c11b39b63\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cf22ec76d2a548e18340b9982d915c1b\u0022\u003EHon PAREKURA HOROMIA\u003C/span\u003E: I have a well-set diary over a long period of time, and Minister Turia did not break ranks. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00224473b21a4b5642e9b19774130ae47a92\u0022\u003EPoints of Order\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022305754895f604d3faf1c8a4c6b7c71c7\u0022\u003EReferral of Supreme Court Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022 data-id=\u002284af94c2f2ae4b608e700c87661eb514\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002284af94c2f2ae4b608e700c87661eb514\u0022\u003ESTEPHEN FRANKS (ACT NZ):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move members\u2019 notice of motion No. 2.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220b8fd397652344a3970662a5889efc6d\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The member has sought leave to move members\u2019 notice of motion No. 2. Is there any objection? There is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00227a065ded10f14615b40f255b637f4f7c\u0022\u003EBudget Debate\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e4555c0a3d2c4597837cb7563f96d5e6\u0022\u003EBudget Debate\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000272\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 20 May on the Appropriation (2003/04 Estimates) Bill\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f4da5811-fb5a-4721-b57a-518446bd7796\u0022 data-id=\u0022063ef8d611e5419ab3e5d5cd0f0b015d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4da5811-fb5a-4721-b57a-518446bd7796\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022063ef8d611e5419ab3e5d5cd0f0b015d\u0022\u003EDAIL JONES (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E This is a good place in which to start this speech, because on the Justice and Electoral Committee we have had M\u0101ori submitters, time and time again, ask the Labour M\u0101ori members of Parliament to oppose the Supreme Court Bill, and what do those members do? They are out there supporting it. And those members say they are conscientious and hard-working! They are nothing like that\u2014nothing like it, at all. They have no regard for their M\u0101ori electorates. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022014651a1-9604-485f-a1d1-4f752fff8c59\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ef61491cb5e140f58e2f359d4cd1982d\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I know what the member is going to raise. I will not have that sort of noise. I know some members have to leave the Chamber to go to committee work, but I want there to be no more noise. I was involved in an important discussion, and I do not want to have to raise this matter again or people will be leaving.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4da5811-fb5a-4721-b57a-518446bd7796\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002272d585aa510b41d0a3365cf2a79086fd\u0022\u003EDAIL JONES\u003C/span\u003E: The issue becomes a question of access to justice. We are to have $39 million now being spent on a Supreme Court, and we have M\u0101ori New Zealanders who struggle to get access to justice for all their cases. The M\u0101ori members have no regard for their electorates whatsoever. The report of the Law Commission has looked at the question of access to justice and has made it clear that it is usually people in the lower socio-economic group, like many of our M\u0101ori citizens, who are unable to start court cases because of costs. Claims are not pursued because the costs would probably exceed any recovery. People plead guilty to criminal charges in order to close the matter more quickly, and end up with a criminal record that is with them for ever. They sometimes have to represent themselves because of the cost of hiring a lawyer, they have difficulty in assessing and calculating the costs of legal action, and they have large personal debts from litigation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4da5811-fb5a-4721-b57a-518446bd7796\u0022\u003EWhat is this Government doing about that? It is doing absolutely nothing. We have seen the vote for legal aid, for example, being reduced from $85 million in 1998-99 down to $78 million in 2000-01. This Government should be ashamed of itself insofar as its regard for the hard-working people of New Zealand is concerned. The Law Commission has stated that the cost of access to justice is the biggest problem facing New Zealanders, and this Labour Government is doing nothing about it, other than using $39 million to have a court that the M\u0101ori people, in all their submissions, have stated they do not want. That is $39 million to replace a court that currently costs us absolutely zero and is regarded as one of the best courts in the world. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4da5811-fb5a-4721-b57a-518446bd7796\u0022\u003EI just want to touch briefly on another matter. The Labour member for Waitakere last night said that in 2007 there will be seven schools in Waitakere City. But I have news for her. We have seven high schools already. I have a list of them: Rutherford College, Massey High School, Waitakere College, Henderson High School, Kelston Boys High School, Kelston Girls High School, and Green Bay High School. That member should get out into her electorate more often.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022fd427be0-7196-4605-b39e-d665553240b0\u0022 data-id=\u0022b95129b6d0d54b1ba9304dff9949957c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000279\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fd427be0-7196-4605-b39e-d665553240b0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b95129b6d0d54b1ba9304dff9949957c\u0022\u003ELYNNE PILLAY (NZ Labour\u2014Waitakere):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I wish to clarify a matter. The previous speaker said that I said there were a number of schools in Waitakere\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ed9ad81-05c1-4171-80c6-24fa02cade42\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e987f08547604061962338390401044c\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Clem Simich)\u003C/span\u003E: I ask the member whether she is saying that a previous speaker misquoted her. Is she saying it was a mistake?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fd427be0-7196-4605-b39e-d665553240b0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223acd7a2f408a4bbab213b67f1303faa4\u0022\u003ELYNNE PILLAY\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ed9ad81-05c1-4171-80c6-24fa02cade42\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223bf38e339a9c40fda66592d7b6829914\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Clem Simich)\u003C/span\u003E: She can correct it then, on a point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fd427be0-7196-4605-b39e-d665553240b0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022746b22cd1b0246c7af60f1127ded2713\u0022\u003ELYNNE PILLAY\u003C/span\u003E: The previous speaker said that I said there were seven schools in Waitakere, yet I was speaking last night about the number of schools that would be taking part in the Gateway programme.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f4da5811-fb5a-4721-b57a-518446bd7796\u0022 data-id=\u0022e1789d72620944fdb95203113373af04\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4da5811-fb5a-4721-b57a-518446bd7796\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e1789d72620944fdb95203113373af04\u0022\u003EDAIL JONES (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I heard the speech, and, as I understood it, the member said there would be seven secondary schools in Waitakere City in 2007. I say that that is how many there are now. I got the impression that more were going to be built. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000285\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ed9ad81-05c1-4171-80c6-24fa02cade42\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f447fbc8df7e4f78bb0dd10381df73ba\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Clem Simich)\u003C/span\u003E: That is not a point of order. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022 data-id=\u0022687bcf397e8246b8b1765ccb9e127ae6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022687bcf397e8246b8b1765ccb9e127ae6\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader\u2014NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. If that member does not alter her words in Hansard\u2014and she cannot now\u2014and she has misled this House, then that is a breach of privilege matter. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ed9ad81-05c1-4171-80c6-24fa02cade42\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b7179e23736b46839fbdf1f60fb6f476\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Clem Simich)\u003C/span\u003E: The member was quite entitled to correct what had been said about her. There is no right to enter into a debate about what the member said.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225e0681e6bd63435ba125c7a5b95c065c\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: But you would agree, though, that if what she said is not in accord with the Hansard record, then there would be an action somewhere else?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ed9ad81-05c1-4171-80c6-24fa02cade42\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a920b7469ac44aa29ff3ec3a934ffeb3\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Clem Simich)\u003C/span\u003E: There is no need for me to agree to that. It is hypothetical. I thank the member.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022 data-id=\u0022ac0660d590ac4d0788ade1647b2dc869\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ac0660d590ac4d0788ade1647b2dc869\u0022\u003EHon HARRY DUYNHOVEN (Minister of State):\u003C/span\u003E As I am the Associate Minister of Energy and the Associate Minister of Transport\u2014both subjects that I have had a long interest in\u2014people might expect me to spend much of my time in this Budget speech on those items. But I am not going to, because, firstly, I am the MP for New Plymouth, and I have looked at this fine Budget with a view to what it means for ordinary people, such as those who live in my electorate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003EBudget speeches are an opportunity for members of Parliament to talk about how things are going in their electorates and how the Budget affects the people they represent. It is really important for an MP not to lose sight of the people who have elected him or her. They want to hear their own area being spoken about in the House. A point I think I should make is that it may well be useful for the House to consider having, perhaps once a year, a \u201Cstate of the electorates\u201D debate, so that other members of Parliament might be informed about what is going on in the electorates of MPs who represent them. I think that many people would be surprised to find out what is happening. For example, there are many people who would not know that Port Taranaki is one of the major export ports of this country, and growing, and that, I believe, it actually ships more cargo out of New Zealand now, as exports, than does the Port of Wellington. That is an example of a statistic that most people would not be aware of. Unless we have the opportunity to speak in the House and tell them, they would not know those sorts of things. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003EThis Budget is about a Government that is actually doing what it said it would do\u2014keeping its word. We campaigned on getting more people into work and on making life better for ordinary people. I want to look at a few aspects that have been pretty dear to my heart over the years, and, being one of the very few members of Parliament ever to have been a tradesman, I say to the House that, in particular, I am absolutely delighted at the success of the Modern Apprenticeships programme. Over 5,100 people were doing new apprenticeships under that programme as at 31 March this year. Over 5,000 people have been placed in apprenticeships since this Government came into power, and that is a marvellous\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221fb8d8db-3e96-49c7-ab1c-b7916a50e30e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222f13ab4256404ba28118d3025dc81d18\u0022\u003ESteve Chadwick\u003C/span\u003E: Fantastic!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002290d9788c3a954e1682bbb45d6a01562d\u0022\u003EHon HARRY DUYNHOVEN\u003C/span\u003E: My colleague is absolutely right\u2014that is fantastic. And we are well on target for the figure to be 6,000 by the end of this year. More New Zealanders now are working than ever before. Since December 1999, the number of New Zealanders employed has increased by 132,000. I sat in the Chamber\u2014regrettably for only 6 of the 9 years that Labour was in Opposition\u2014hearing Government MPs of the day prattle on, time after time, saying what a wonderful thing it was they were doing. Their efforts were insignificant compared with what this Government has already done in that regard. I tell New Zealanders that this Budget invests in their future. We have done a huge amount\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022289b0ca687cb456cb67a6ce3b3054fe6\u0022\u003ESimon Power\u003C/span\u003E: Unless you are a student.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b5322a67f8a94268a556fee54242afcc\u0022\u003EHon HARRY DUYNHOVEN\u003C/span\u003E: I will come to that, too. We have done a huge amount, particularly with regard to New Zealand\u2019s trade situation. Investment New Zealand has been established, with the merger of Trade New Zealand and Industry New Zealand, and at the Federated Farmers\u2019 conference on Monday I heard our excellent Minister for Trade Negotiations and Minister of Agriculture, Jim Sutton, commended\u2014by Federated Farmers, no less\u2014for the tremendous work we are doing in terms of growing New Zealand\u2019s international trade. He was complimented on his performance and on the way the Government is putting effort into that area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003EThe Budget approaches the whole issue of a sustainable growth rate as a whole-of-Government approach. If offers certainty and stability in a world that we would have to say has been pretty dysfunctional in the last year or two, with things like tourism incidents, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and all the rest of it. We ask: \u201COK. What can the New Zealand Government do to give stability?\u201D. I say that it is actually doing it. This Budget reinforces New Zealand\u2019s reputation. Moreover, it reinforces Labour\u2019s reputation as being fiscally prudent and economically pragmatic in terms of\u2014as National wants us to do\u2014spending everything. National has both sides of the argument. On the one hand, my National colleagues on the other side of the House say we should be spending more on this, that, and everything else\u2014and I hope someone is tallying up all the things they want us to spend money on, because Don Brash will not be happy about that\u2014and, on the other hand\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002225e5bce326e34278afb3512c396045fe\u0022\u003ESimon Power\u003C/span\u003E: He is not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002236e5c8e8a45b44cd97ab3167257f9b9b\u0022\u003EHon HARRY DUYNHOVEN\u003C/span\u003E: I am sure he is not. Simon Power agrees with me that he is not happy about the promises National members are making. On the other hand, Mr Brash says: \u201CNo, no, no. We have to ensure that the budgetary constraints are put on tightly. We shouldn\u2019t spend anything. We should drop taxes.\u201D They cannot have it both ways. The Minister of Finance has done a huge job in getting things structured and well ordered for the future. We all know that next year will be a tough year. We all know that the drought has reduced production, which means that next year\u2019s export receipts will not be quite as high as they have been. We all know that we are being affected by our terms of trade, especially the value of our dollar against the US dollar. But our Minister of Finance has structured the Budget in such a way that ensures we prepare prudently for the future. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003ELet us look at some of the areas in which the Government has spent money wisely. Health has received a 9 percent increase in funding, and industry and regional development has received a 43 percent increase. Those are two key areas for the future. I have young children, and I want to be sure that for as long as possible they have a Government that acts in the way this Government is: ensuring that spending is prudent. Let us look at economic growth. Our growth rate at present is one of the strongest in the OECD. We are looking at 4.4 percent growth. That is what we know our growth rate is. Next year is not going to be as good; we know that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002213cae03547fa4abf9dff1f2a50f427c8\u0022\u003ESimon Power\u003C/span\u003E: Like 2 percent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f2a26a1095db418fa3f88f722f94b15b\u0022\u003EHon HARRY DUYNHOVEN\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, it may be 2 percent, but I say to the member opposite that I think successive National Ministers would have been delighted to achieve what we have in such a short time. Next year we will see, perhaps, a little more than 2 percent growth, but then it is expected to rebound to more than 3 percent. Growth will still be above the OECD average. Let us look at our debt as a proportion of gross domestic product. It is at the lowest level since Treasury began collecting the data. It also is forecast to drop further, to 23 percent by 2006-07. Look at superannuation. We have fully funded it this year. The complete amount, $1.879 billion, has been transferred. Anyone knows that unless we prudently put aside and save for our future we will have problems in the longer term. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003EThe Budget contains a number of specific initiatives. I particularly want to turn to what we are doing within the framework of growth and innovation, because that is a really important Government policy for the future. Over the next 4 years, $140 million, excluding capital, is to go to research, science, and technology; $73 million is to go into promoting overseas trade; and $44 million has been allocated to attract migrants to New Zealand\u2014migrants who have the skills the economy needs; technical skills that we do not naturally have ourselves. Those are the sorts of areas the Budget is addressing. My own electorate of New Plymouth has already dramatically benefited from that. At present, New Plymouth has a very strong growth rate. We have had a number of initiatives, many of them long term\u2014not just the movie that has been filmed there in the last 6 months, although that brought in a tremendous amount of skills and enterprising entrepreneurs who have got out there and used that to best advantage, but a whole lot of things that have been going on for years and years. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000304\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003EI had a dream 15 years ago, of a shipyard in New Plymouth. Reclamation was undertaken. I did the legislation for it. It is in place and happening today. That does not come across as something that can be done overnight, but it is\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a11ce4e-9fb3-4738-b0be-5a9f81d975da\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c08d6b6572674f3bb040ba9d3f4fb340\u0022\u003EHon Maurice Williamson\u003C/span\u003E: \u201CAh had a dream.\u201D!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000306\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221772e9f5-5379-4bfe-9d9b-eaffb4c61b02\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a01ca6d4c0cc4f40b61d2a067ad881b0\u0022\u003EHon HARRY DUYNHOVEN\u003C/span\u003E: The member Maurice Williamson is quite right. But it is happening, and we are building yachts. Fitzroy Yachts is doing a marvellous job, creating jobs, employing local people, and bringing new people to the area. It is benefiting Taranaki\u2019s economy with its skilled, high-tech approach. That is the sort of enterprise I want to see generated, and I have lots more ideas. I recommend to the Speaker that we have some opportunity\u2014once a year, perhaps\u2014for each electorate member of Parliament to talk about what is happening in his or her electorate and what they would like to see in their plans for the future. I think that would be tremendous. The Budget speech is probably not the best place to do it, but it is a marvellous opportunity. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220d9640b0-d861-43d8-b321-e7ba56dbe362\u0022 data-id=\u002290be83529acc49aa94c11e2348bdd405\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220d9640b0-d861-43d8-b321-e7ba56dbe362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002290be83529acc49aa94c11e2348bdd405\u0022\u003EJUDY TURNER (United Future):\u003C/span\u003E I start by saying that United Future is extremely pleased that families got a mention in this year\u2019s Budget, and we are obviously thrilled that a chunk of that will be invested in the long-term best interests of the family through the establishment of the Families Commission. The $11 million promised for a safe and positive parenting media campaign will be a welcome inclusion in the United Nations Year of the Family in 2004. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220d9640b0-d861-43d8-b321-e7ba56dbe362\u0022\u003EBeyond that, we need to foster a culture in New Zealand that views parent education as an important investment. United Future looks forward to exploring with the Government ways to facilitate parent education courses for families during those seasons in family life when some help would be most appreciated. These are easily definable moments, such as the birth of the first child, the entry point into school, and the onset of adolescence, when parents are often the most open to the opportunity for some helpful tips. These definable moments also coincide with families making contact with health and education providers, and so provide the ideal chance for the Government to give vital information about community resources that are geared towards helping parents. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220d9640b0-d861-43d8-b321-e7ba56dbe362\u0022\u003EReviewing the thresholds for family support is welcomed. However, United Future would have preferred to see the threshold for family support take into account the inflation rates since 1998, when the current thresholds were set, and we would have preferred to see a budgeted promise to have those thresholds reviewed yearly against the inflation rate as an ongoing and automatic process. Strategies for improving family income are hugely important, and United Future waits in anticipation for the promised improvements signalled to be included in the 2004 Budget. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000310\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220d9640b0-d861-43d8-b321-e7ba56dbe362\u0022\u003E Getting more people into sustainable employment is a family-friendly focus. The $59 million budgeted to better support low-income parents entering full-time work is a great start. The increase from 37 hours of subsidised childcare per week to 50 hours will make a difference for parents transitioning into employment. However, United Future asks for consideration to be given in the future to families of pre-school children who would like the chance to have a parent at home for those important formative years. The window of opportunity that families get when their children are in their pre-school years to invest personally in those formative years is made all the more difficult by the increasing struggle for families to establish themselves on a single income. United Future looks forward to the day when families with dependants can be targeted with tax relief through income splitting, to give those families greater work-life flexibility and choice. If New Zealand families of the future are to be able to service the parents\u2019 ongoing student debt, save for their retirement, and pay off a mortgage, then the Government is going to have to seriously address the disposable income levels of low and middle income families. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220d9640b0-d861-43d8-b321-e7ba56dbe362\u0022\u003EFinally, I have to say that United Future is disappointed at the failure of the Government to give any clear signals to the thousands of kinship caregivers in our nation as to their status and level of financial support they can expect for the contribution they make. We recommend that the Government give kinship caregivers distinct recognition that includes definitive policy and guidelines for those considering their status, and that those caregivers be entitled to either a benefit or a tax credit that reflects the real cost of the care they provide. We suggest that kinship caregivers be entitled to the same range of additional allowances received by foster parents, and that they are automatically entitled to legal aid once their role has been investigated and established by the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services. We think it is time that increasing reliance by social services on, in particular, elderly family members caring for their grandchildren, needs to be recognised and addressed. United Future remains committed to making MMP work, and looks forward to engaging with the Government on these essential family issues.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225caeb43f-d5eb-4780-bddc-0fc23950543a\u0022 data-id=\u00224645fa8a414f4075a49275cd02dfd20c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225caeb43f-d5eb-4780-bddc-0fc23950543a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224645fa8a414f4075a49275cd02dfd20c\u0022\u003EMURRAY SMITH (United Future):\u003C/span\u003E United Future was delighted to see the provision of $895,000 in this Budget for a second claims development team, and to see that this provision is not just for this coming year but for subsequent years as well. I was also very pleased to see there was a commitment in the Budget to claim development and pre-negotiation as important focuses of the Labour Party and the Government. United Future specifically requested that those claims funds be put into the Budget, and we are very pleased that the Government has responded to that request from us. However, I note that the Office of Treaty Settlements significantly underspent its budget in this financial year. As I said in a speech last week, it is important the office is now proactive\u2014especially now it has a second claims development team\u2014in bringing iwi and other significant M\u0101ori groups to the point where they can negotiate and finalise treaty settlements so that we can get the process speeded up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225caeb43f-d5eb-4780-bddc-0fc23950543a\u0022\u003EThe second thing that United Future is very happy about is the increased funding for the Waitangi Tribunal. Again, that is something we have been pushing for. The sums of $320,000 this coming year and $500,000 in subsequent years will go some way towards helping to spread the case management system that has been trialled to other case management solutions. Even as recently as last week I was calling for more to be done to speed up the process, and therefore we are very happy with the commitment the Government has made to that. However, this does represent an astonishing turn-round by the Labour Party, and I think that that is due to some extent to United Future\u2019s pressure on, and influence with, the Government, both publicly and privately, to have that process speeded up. I have given many speeches and asked many questions over the last year to that end, and it is nice to see those labours bearing some fruit.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225caeb43f-d5eb-4780-bddc-0fc23950543a\u0022\u003ELabour has been vague and woolly with regard to the treaty settlement process up until now. In its manifesto Labour says: \u201CThe process must maintain its integrity. Labour will not compromise the integrity of the settlement process by speeding it up beyond the capacity of those involved to a point where the fullness and finality of settlements must be brought into question.\u201D The Minister for Courts, last year, on 17 October, in response to a question from me about funding for claims involving research planning and casebook research said: \u201CEven if research funding was available for all those claims at once, the resources required in terms of personnel and counsel, etc. would not be available to hear all those cases at once. The claimants themselves would probably not be ready.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225caeb43f-d5eb-4780-bddc-0fc23950543a\u0022\u003EIn response to that answer, in a speech later in the House I asked: \u201CWhy does the Minister simply dismiss the underfunding of the tribunal by saying that even if the research was completed, the claimants would probably not be ready to proceed? How can she know that? Surely, if the Crown were able to go to the claimants and say \u2018We\u2019ve got our act together; when will you get your act together?\u2019, it would provide a substantial spur to the claimants to get going. However, as it is,\u201D I said, \u201Cthe claimants say: \u2018Oh, well, the Government has not done its part yet, so there is no urgency on us.\u2019 How serious\u201D, I asked \u201Cis this Government in trying to get the settlements through? Moreover, why does the Government not provide the funding that is necessary in order to see all this process through into the tribunal, and to get these matters out of the way so that they can be discussed, negotiated, and settled?\u201D .\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225caeb43f-d5eb-4780-bddc-0fc23950543a\u0022\u003EWe have now seen a turn-round from the Government. Members may like to contrast the response from the Minister quoted earlier with the answers she gave last week to questions I asked her in the House. I asked: \u201C\u2026 will she commit herself to doing all that she can to ensure that enough resourcing is provided to the tribunal to implement the new approach for all claims, given her promise to the House on 17 October 2002 that if the Government could resolve historical grievances before 2010, it would?\u201D. Her answer was \u201CYes.\u201D I asked: \u201CGiven the Minister\u2019s commitment to assisting the tribunal to complete its investigations by the 2010 deadline, is she willing to commit herself to a target date of 2015 by which to have 90 percent of historical treaty claims fully settled;\u201D. She said: \u201C\u2026 yes, we will put forward our best endeavours to be able to achieve that target.\u201D I think that that is an amazing turn-round in terms of policy, and I am delighted to see it. I will be holding the Government to account on that commitment, so that we can see all historical treaty grievances settled by 2015.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225caeb43f-d5eb-4780-bddc-0fc23950543a\u0022\u003EUnited Future has undoubtedly had a significant impact on this Government\u2019s priorities and policy implementation. In this Budget alone, $140 million has been spent on United Future initiatives and requests. In contrast to the role played by the other minor parties, United Future is making MMP work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022 data-id=\u0022e51ce85ac7c24d348b2bdf53f8b44d6d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e51ce85ac7c24d348b2bdf53f8b44d6d\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Conservation):\u003C/span\u003E This Government cares about future generations. We want to ensure that our children\u2019s children inherit an economically prosperous country. We want to ensure that future generations inherit a united country\u2014one that is not riven by racial intolerance or greed. We want to ensure that future generations inherit sensible solutions to problems that we, in our old age, will help to create. All of that is evident in the Budget before this House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003EBut what is also clear in this Budget is a real desire by this Government to ensure that future generations also inherit a sense of identity. That is why a total of $15.2 million has been put aside in the Budget for the preservation of New Zealand\u2019s historic places, stories, and artefacts. As part of this package, $4 million will be spent over the next 4 years to upgrade and restore some of New Zealand\u2019s most significant historic sites managed by the Department of Conservation. The department\u2019s resources have traditionally been used to protect New Zealand\u2019s flora and fauna, and our mountain hut and track networks.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003EThe preservation of our nation\u2019s biological wealth and its breathtaking landscapes is indeed vital work, but so too is the role of the Department of Conservation in historic conservation. The department manages about 12,000 heritage sites around our country. Most of these are archaeological sites that require less intervention than buildings in order to conserve their values, but about 500 of those sites require what the department calls \u201Cactive management\u201D to ensure they are there for future generations. Until now, the management of these sites has not been as active as it should have been. Important maintenance work has been constantly deferred\u2014but not under this Government. The money set aside in the Budget will ensure that the most significant of those sites receive the attention they so richly deserve.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003EThose to get immediate attention are Ruapekapeka Pa in Northland, and I know that the Opposition senior whip will be delighted about that, and North Head fortification in Auckland, and I am sure the National member for North Shore, Mr Mapp, will be delighted with that. The Dominion Observatory in Wellington; Godley Head fortifications in Christchurch; and Jacks Hut at Arthur\u2019s Pass in Canterbury are all iconic sites.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003EThe beauty of these sites is that by investing in them the Government is also investing in the tourism infrastructure of New Zealand communities. We are starting to see in New Zealand a gradual recognition that conservation, be it environmental or historic, has significant economic benefits for our economy. All over the country there are examples of innovative communities, reared in a culture of extraction, embracing the sustainable economic opportunities of historic and environmental conservation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003E I have recently set the Department of Conservation the task of trying to identify and quantify the extent of the contribution that conservation is making to the New Zealand economy. The work is at a very early stage, but is focusing on three broad areas. The first is the direct contribution that the department\u2019s assets and services are making. I am thinking here of the sizable infrastructure of huts, tracks, information centres, and sites maintained around the country that contribute directly to tourism and recreation. The Department of Conservation manages over 11,000 kilometres of track, 1,000 backcountry huts, 1,600 toilets, and 80 visitor and information outlets. Frankly, no region of the country would be the same without those assets.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003EThe second area the department is looking at is the contribution that conservation makes to tourism. The whole tourism industry in New Zealand floats on the foundation of the public conservation estate. Tourism provides hundreds of thousands of jobs, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that many of those are reliant on conservation attractions for their very survival. Within the boundaries of Tongariro National Park there are 1,000 jobs directly dependent on the mountains. Over 1,000 tourism operations hold concessions to operate directly on conservation land.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003EIn the past 2 years some concessionaires in some regions have seen an increase in business of over 100 percent. I recently met the Mayor of Rodney District, John Laws, who gave me a report from the Rodney Economic Development Trust on the economic contribution that the Leigh Marine Reserve is making to the Rodney district. That report estimates that the 260,000-plus visitors a year that the reserve receives are bringing in $12 million to the local economy. The trust predicts that the tourist trail to the reserve could generate up to $40 million in the future. That is not bad for 5 kilometres of protected coastline!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003EThe final area in which I believe conservation is contributing economically is the provision of ecosystem services. I recently opened the Te Papanui Conservation Park in Otago. This is an outstanding example of an ecosystem service derived from the conservation estate for Dunedin City. The park protects a vast tract of unbroken tussock grassland that, due to farming and ploughing, is now rare and vulnerable in New Zealand. The park sports a diverse range of fauna and flora, with some 547 different species of insect alone found within its boundaries, many of which live nowhere else in the world. Te Papanui\u2019s unusual beauty will no doubt make it a tourist and recreation destination, but it has another value as well. Intriguingly, the area is also critical to Dunedin City\u2019s water supply. Over 60 percent of that supply comes from the eastern slopes of the Lammermoor Range and over the Te Papanui plateau. Tussock grasslands are good for water supply. Their fine foliage can intercept tiny water droplets and fog as it blows over the plateau. The water supply is consistent, regardless of the weather. The Dunedin City Council is so convinced of this benefit that not only did it contribute over $600,000 to developing Te Papanui to protect its water supply but it is replanting tussock in other parts of its water catchment area.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000327\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003ESo I challenge the Opposition to start seeing the conservation estate as an asset. ACT is probably a lost cause. It is more interested in destroying New Zealand\u2019s historic and environmental heritage. Look at its views on the Resource Management Act\u2014development at any cost and never mind that future generations will pay the price. Look at the National Party\u2019s view on the Dobson Dam. Just last weekend I was on the West Coast and visited the site. Some National MPs boasted in this House a few weeks ago that they were going to go down to the West Coast to look at the proposed Dobson project. They went down there, but it was raining, so they never got out to the site. I, on the other hand, went and stood in the Card Creek ecological area and saw why that area was gazetted as conservation land in 1983, under a National Government, and I saw why it deserves the conservation status it has now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000328\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003ESome National MPs want to destroy an ecological area that a previous National Government thought was important enough to protect for our children. They have seized on a power generation proposal that would rip the heart out of a conservation asset, when there are literally dozens of other far more significant alternatives being discussed by everyone else in the country except them. What a pathetic state National Party members are in; they cannot see the trees for the gorse. When are Opposition members going to realise that in neglecting a historic site or destroying a conservation area they are destroying an asset. This Government recognised that fact long ago, and our Budget funding increase for conservation reflects that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003EI have just a couple of minutes left, and I would like to mention education. This Budget delivers for education. I have 27 schools in my electorate of Te Atatu. I visit them all; in fact, I call into them very regularly. As a former teacher, I am passionate about education. I can report that virtually every one of the schools in my electorate has engaged, or is engaging, in major building projects\u2014projects that have been dependent on funding that has come from this Government. More teachers are being taken on, and more resources are being developed in our schools because this Government passionately believes that education is the ticket to a good future for the young people of our country. I applaud what my colleague Mr Mallard has done in education. I thank him, on behalf of the parents and children of the Te Atatu electorate and I look forward to more resourcing going into the vital area of education.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4506109-be18-4b9d-9a79-1e15e2e2cd41\u0022\u003EThis Budget has delivered for New Zealand. It is wide and comprehensive, and has seen major funding in all important portfolio areas, which are investments for the future of our country. Not the least of those is conservation, which has done so very well under this Labour Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022 data-id=\u0022f00864f375154cd5ae8f2131b8cffd90\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f00864f375154cd5ae8f2131b8cffd90\u0022\u003EDr MURIEL NEWMAN (ACT NZ):\u003C/span\u003E The 2003 Budget is an utter disgrace. It cements New Zealand on a path to failure. We are facing the most uncertain uneconomic time in recent decades, and Labour\u2019s response is to bend to ignore the major constraints to growth, and squander taxpayers\u2019 money. We have the America\u2019s Cup, M\u0101ori television, treaty education, and now we hear that Labour wants to slug the poor old taxpayers with a new $200 million power tax to bail it out of the power crisis it helped to create. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EI heard on the news this morning what is going to be a beginning trend, caused by Labour\u2019s meddling in local government\u2014a 300 percent increase in rates for Aucklanders. This is a tax-and-spend Government. It taxes people to the hilt and then asks them to spend more in user charges, stealth taxes, and regulatory fees. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EI say to the Labour Government that a core responsibility is to ensure that conditions are in place to allow a country to grow, to enable an economy to prosper, to raise the standard of living, and to increase opportunities. But what has Labour delivered in this Budget? It has delivered a halving of our growth, from 4 percent to 2 percent, so that working families who are struggling to pay the bills and feed the kids can look forward only to a harsher future under this Labour-United-Green coalition Government. On behalf of the taxpayers of New Zealand I say to Labour that that is simply not good enough. Taxpayers deserve better. Hard-working families deserve what the Australian Government delivered to them last week\u2014a tax cut. Small businesses also deserve a tax cut. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000334\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EWe have done a survey of taxpayers in New Zealand. We have had thousands of responses to our petition. One of those respondents said: \u201CAs a small-business owner I would like to be able to offer employment for two or three more people if I were given some tax relief.\u201D Another said: \u201CGive small businesses a break. We are the backbone of the country and we\u2019re being hammered by over-governance and growing compliance costs.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003E The reality is that a tax cut would boost the economy. With tax cuts we could achieve a 4 percent growth rate and a rising standard of living, especially if it were combined with a bonfire under the bureaucratic compliance costs that this control-freak Government is introducing, as it regulates the free market to death. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EThe fact is that the values of this Labour Government are out of step with the values of New Zealand families. It is a Government obsessed with power and control. As one of our petitioners stated: \u201CYou do not own the citizens of this country. We are free individuals. You have no right to determine how our wages are spent. That\u2019s a decision solely for the rightful owner of those wages\u2014the individuals who earn them.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003ESince being in Government, Labour has created a culture of racism, lawlessness, and dependency in this great country of ours, so that a growing number of New Zealanders have now had enough. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EHere is another quote: \u201CLike many people, I am tired of working 60 hours a week to support more and more people who are being paid by the Government to do nothing.\u201D; and another quote: \u201CAs the sole income earner in a family with a young child, I am crippled by tax to support non-workers. Something needs to be done about our welfare State\u2014too few workers supporting too many unemployed; it can\u2019t be sustained.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EBefore Labour changed the welfare system in the early 1970s, there were 28 full-time workers to every full-time person on a benefit. Today there are 4 full-time workers for each beneficiary, and the Budget figures show that that situation will get worse. But I have to say that the information is not easy to find. The Government left the welfare numbers out of the Budget. If it had not been for Treasury posting them on its website, we would never have known that welfare spending is set to increase by $2 billion over the next 5 years, and that all categories of benefit are set to grow, with the sickness benefit and the invalids benefitset to sky rocket. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EThis soft-on-welfare Labour Government has signalled that the next Budget will be a welfare Budget as it prepares to buy votes for the next election. But along with the United Future party, as each day goes by, this is a Government that is increasing welfare dependency. For every person whom Labour entices on to welfare in the long term, that is a Kiwi life it ruins, and children whom it damages. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EThe Government\u2019s own research shows that children and families dependent on welfare fail to do as well in all areas of life as those with parents who work, and that children and families without a father are at even greater risk. That is why it is outrageous that Labour and United Future have failed to tackle the problem of 32,000 New Zealand children who do not know who their father is, because their mothers who are on the domestic purposes benefit choose not to name the fathers of those children. ACT believes that every child has a right to know who his or her father is, and we would make naming of the father a condition of domestic purposes benefit eligibility. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003ELabour and its United Future puppet try to pretend that they care about families and children, with the $28 million bureaucratic monster, the Families Commission. Well, they are misleading the public, because if they really cared about families and children, welfare reform would be their urgent priority. I want to use this opportunity to put on record that ACT\u2019s plan for welfare reform is based on the belief that those who can work should work, and that only work should pay; that we need to help the unemployed overcome the barriers they have to work, with childcare assistance, transport help, and the like, so that when they are offered a job there are no hurdles. But our priority is to reduce long-term dependency, reinforcing that welfare is not a lifelong right. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EWe would introduce time limits to create a sense of urgency, with guaranteed job placements for those who reached their limits. We also believe that the welfare system should replicate the real world of work, and we would require that those who are able-bodied take part in a 40-hour-a-week programme of work training and organised job search to help them develop the skills, habits, and disciplines of the workforce. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EIf welfare is modelled on the workforce, it sends a very clear message that welfare is there to provide a temporary helping hand in times of need. But in return we ask that those on welfare have an obligation to have the same 40-hour workweek as the rest of adult society. That plan would turn round the lives of the poorest New Zealanders, because everyone knows that common sense tells us that the only way out of poverty is through work. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EBut there is another compelling reason to introduce real welfare reform, and I hope that the Government is listening to this. It is not very politically correct to talk about it, but it is the real link between welfare and crime. If one talked to the police, one would be told that over half of all criminal offences are committed by a person on a benefit. The majority of those people committing those crimes come from families without a father. But it is not only that. The majority of all of the victims of crime are poor families on benefits. So the fact is that Labour\u2019s soft on welfare and soft on crime agenda is hurting the most vulnerable people in society. In fact, it is hurting its own voting base. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EThe Budget shows that there will be more family breakdown over the next few years, more children will be growing up without fathers, and there will be more welfare dependency. All of that tells us that crime will rise. What has Labour done about that? One looks in the Budget, and what does one find it has done to support the police? To my astonishment, in spite of the police being understaffed, overstressed, and outnumbered by the gangs in New Zealand by three to one, the police budget has been squeezed. When Labour took office, 1.9 percent of all Government spending was spent on police. In this Budget 1.6 percent of Government spending will be spent on police. That is a 15 percent decrease in spending on the police by this Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b62240ad-adda-430d-887a-8f999ef4bbc4\u0022\u003EThat means that when Labour was voted into office in 1999 it ignored the 92 percent of New Zealanders who said to get tough on crime and to put more resources into upholding the rule of law\u2014into law and order issues. What has Labour done? It has slashed police funding. It is no wonder the police are overwhelmed. It is no wonder they cannot investigate basic crime any more and are telling people to try to do it themselves. It is no wonder the methamphetamine crisis is running out of control, and gang problems are escalating. This Labour Government has failed the people of New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022 data-id=\u002298a80302640d49b680a94121e3b48052\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002298a80302640d49b680a94121e3b48052\u0022\u003ELUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN (NZ Labour\u2014Mana):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora, talofa lava, and warm Pacific greetings to all. This Budget is a further demonstration that this Labour-led Government has managed the economy carefully. In spite of the difficult times, this is a good-news Budget, and a very good-news Budget after the last speech. It is easy to say that this is a good-news Budget, but let us look at the facts. The levels of the operating surplus, growth rate, and debt as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP), are three accurate indicators of economic management. They are hard facts. Last Budget the projected operating surplus for the year was $2.3 billion. This year the projected surplus is expected to be over $4 billion. At 4.4 percent, our growth rate is up from 3 percent last Budget, and one of the strongest in the OECD. Last Budget, gross debt was forecast to fall to 28.6 percent of GDP, down from the 36.8 percent when the Government took office. In this Budget, gross debt is forecast to fall to 27.2 percent of GDP. That is the lowest level of gross debt as a proportion of GDP since Treasury began collecting the data in 1971. The hard facts stack up. The levels of the operating surplus, growth rate, and debt have all shown significant improvements since last Budget. My congratulations to Dr Michael Cullen! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022\u003ELast Budget the Opposition said that Labour had got lucky, that the global economic conditions had been good, and that Dr Cullen was just riding on the good times. The Opposition said that global economic conditions may get worse. That was one prediction they got right. But Dr Cullen has managed the economy well during the bad times as well as the good times. Dr Cullen continues to show that he has a safe pair of hands. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022\u003EWith each Budget Dr Cullen has demonstrated the wisdom of prudent financial management. Steady, sensible financial management may be boring, but it is good for our country, and as a result the New Zealand economy is in good heart. The key economic indicators bear this out. Negative international factors will slow the growth rate next year, but it will bounce back because we have the fundamentals right. Inflation is within the target range, and unemployment is continuing at its current low level. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022\u003EThis is a good-news Budget. This Budget is good news for all New Zealanders. This Budget is good news for the people of Mana. The people of Porirua City and up the Kapiti Coast are experiencing a period of economic growth. Steady economic development is the good-news story for the people of Mana. According to the latest edition of Regional Outlook, a publication of the Wellington Regional Council, Porirua City enjoyed an economic growth rate of 5 percent in the year ended March 2002. Kapiti Coast district also faired well, at a respectable 3.1 percent. The report prepared by Infometrics, an independent economic forecaster, shows that there is good economic growth in Mana. Why is that? One reason is that Government policies are working on a regional level, and complement the excellent work done by groups like Business Porirua, the Porirua City Council, the Kapiti Coast District Council, and the initiatives of the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022\u003EThe retail sector has been an important driver of growth in our area. The report notes that retail trade at the new Porirua MegaCentre adds to the already substantial North City Shopping Centre and was a key contributor to the expansion of the business sector over the year to March 2002. However, the increase in value was spread across many industries. That is good news. It demonstrates that growth in Mana is broad-based and should be sustainable. Mana is home to many, many smart and successful businesses that are benefiting from the Government\u2019s sound economic management. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022\u003ELet me tell the House about one smart and successful company run by a smart and successful local businessman. Murray Treweek runs Effuzi International, a company that manufactures high-quality seating systems for lecture theatres, auditoriums, and stadiums. Murray\u2019s job is to put bums on seats. He is doing that throughout Australia. Some examples are the Auckland Town Hall, the Bruce Mason Theatre in Takapuna, the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, the 2,070-seat Lyric Theatre in the Sydney casino complex, 18,000 seats at the Bay Park Speedway, 20,300 seats at the Waikato Stadium, 18,400 seats in the new west stand at Jade Stadium, and seating in virtually every university in New Zealand. Effuzi International is exporting over 70 percent of its products. Effuzi International, based in the humble suburb of Elsdon in Porirua, is just one example of successful local companies that are growing and providing jobs for New Zealanders. I can give the House many examples of local businesses that are doing well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022\u003EThe Government is providing the right conditions for economic growth, and appropriate assistance when required. Labour is transforming the economy. Economic innovation is at the heart of this Budget. To have innovation we must have better education. This Budget places a high priority on education\u2014$1.186 billion in new education spending over the next 4 years has been announced in this Budget. This includes $422 million for the new tertiary education funding system, $400 million for new school buildings, $167 million on an additional 774 teachers, and $84 million to increase the numbers in industry training. Young people who study at the Whitireia Community Polytechnic in Porirua are amongst those who will benefit from this Budget. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022\u003EThe Modern Apprenticeships scheme will receive $56 million to increase the number of places available. This is really important. The Modern Apprenticeships scheme is one of our great successes because it provides opportunities for our young people who will not go on to other tertiary education. In the year 2000, 30 percent of Porirua school leavers left without a qualification. That was not good enough. This Government is putting real money into education to turn round the statistics of educational failure that were the product of 10 years of neglect. We have not forgotten that good education starts at a very early age\u2014$55 million will improve access to quality early childhood education. Some of this funding will go to early childhood centres in Mana. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279f87abf-aaab-44ff-96db-2e33d763670a\u0022\u003EThis Budget demonstrates the responsible leadership that the Prime Minister has provided to New Zealand, and the careful fiscal management of the Minister of Finance. Health, education, economic development, overseas trade, new technology, and the police all receive a funding boost, and at the same time $1.879 billion will go to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund to be set aside for future pension payments. This Budget is good news for the people of Mana, and it is good news for all New Zealanders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022 data-id=\u00220f580b37b8ba4d098aa4866be21932a6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220f580b37b8ba4d098aa4866be21932a6\u0022\u003EPETER BROWN (Deputy Leader\u2014NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E I know that the member who has just resumed her seat is a very sincere member. I have a regard for her sincerity. She called this a good-news Budget. I remind her, when she leaves her office tonight, to please switch the light out, because we cannot afford it. That is good news? I do not think so. This country is being treated terribly. This is a do-nothing Budget. It is a politically correct, do-nothing Budget. I notice that when Dr Cullen sat down after he had announced the Budget, everybody bobbed up and gave a standing ovation, with the exception of United Future members. They were looking at their shoes. They could not have looked any further down. I had to look to see whether they were actually in their seats. They were under the counters. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003EThey now say that but for them this Budget would have been tame and that they captured the spirit of what this Government is about. I heard Peter Dunne say on the radio that the United Future Families Commission Bill, which it has funding for something like $28 million, is the jewel in the crown.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f69ea06f63df421db7d531f7ee76cbe9\u0022\u003ESimon Power\u003C/span\u003E: Of what?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b64f7807809b484284d28113fe28e093\u0022\u003EPETER BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, of what? There is no definition of family. This is the party that voted against the Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Bill because there was no definition of stress. That party will now vote for a Families Commission Bill where there is no definition of the family. The family is the backbone of this country. It is the greatest institution that this country, and, indeed, all countries in the Western World, have ever produced. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003EIn the last election campaign when I was going around the country I stood against a number of people who stood for United Future. One of those people was a Baptist Minister. He outlined what he believed this country should do for the family. He outlined just who and what a family was. I have to say that United Future has sold him down the river. It has hung him out to dry. If United Future does not take stock of this position and have a definition of the family put in that bill, then the bill is not worth the paper it is written on. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003EI remind United Future members that should the Prostitution Reform Bill go through\u2014and probably even if it does not go through\u2014under United Future\u2019s bill a family could consist of three or four prostitutes and their pimp living in the same house. The member over there is squirming. She does not believe me. I can tell her that a group of prostitutes living in a brothel with their pimp, will constitute a family under the Families Commission Bill as it is written. I really do not believe that United Future members want to go along those lines. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003EHowever, help is at hand. My colleague Dail Jones has a bill in the ballot entitled: the Commission for the Family Bill. It has not been drawn yet, but it has a definition of a family. I will put it in Hansard, because there is no doubt that we will move this as an amendment if and when the United Future bill surfaces in this House: \u201CA family is defined as a family group including an extended family\u2014(a) in which there is at least one adult member, and (b) in which the members have a biological or legal relationship.\u201D We will be moving that as an amendment, I am absolutely certain, to United Future\u2019s bill, and I challenge United Future to vote it down. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003EBut, having said that, one has to say that Labour is responsible for a significant area of growth in this country, namely crime. Violent crime has increased 13.3 percent since this Government came into office, and I have the figures right in front of me if any member wants to dispute that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226da67310af294908b87de95c54cb7014\u0022\u003EJill Pettis\u003C/span\u003E: Now tell us how low burglaries have gone down.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f074d3b49fea44debacf4cbd0220eba7\u0022\u003EPETER BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, the member is interested only in burglary? Let me talk about what real New Zealanders are concerned about. In the year ended December 1999, according to police statistics, 39,688 violent offences were committed in this country. In the year ended December 2002, 44,960 violent offences were committed in this country. That is a shameful growth in crime. To offer the police a token increase of 50 police in total for Auckland is an insult. That same Minister is determined to see more and more violent crime in this country. He is sitting on his hands when these films that depict graphic violence and explicit sex come into this country. He is doing nothing. There is a film out now, and I will not name it, but it has a 10-minute rape scene, and a homosexual rape I might add\u2014a young woman, I understand, is raped by a homosexual male. The film also has a scene where a man\u2019s head is bashed to pulp.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b5657ef76d2c4e56bae10a83e740fe78\u0022\u003EHon George Hawkins\u003C/span\u003E: Have you seen it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d846e48226404b7ab07eed20c485b141\u0022\u003EPETER BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Has the Minister seen it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002219bced9bdf5744319905016da963b704\u0022\u003EHon George Hawkins\u003C/span\u003E: No, I don\u2019t watch violent TV.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c403a16d70d042e690502eb4ba1663fd\u0022\u003EPETER BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Nor do I. But if I were the Minister it would not be coming into this country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022479b7cb3a92f40969844ca52bedcc5e5\u0022\u003EJill Pettis\u003C/span\u003E: How do you know, if you don\u2019t watch it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224e5fa7fa4659425484404c39084537f8\u0022\u003EPETER BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Because I have read the reports. The member should take an interest in what is coming into the country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a0184424594145f881c25318f9791b70\u0022\u003EJill Pettis\u003C/span\u003E: I do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222baf3bd0d6ed4a2eadb329e46d756fe4\u0022\u003EPETER BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: She takes an interest in what comes into the country through our borders\u2014the meat, the biscuits, and other things, but she should actually be taking an interest in things coming in that affect the mind, particularly the minds of young people. This Government\u2019s approach to crime, and everything associated with that, is an absolute disgrace\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e8b53e9a38134e9fa3559c8aae26e8c3\u0022\u003EJill Pettis\u003C/span\u003E: As a responsible parent I just made sure my children didn\u2019t watch them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022500999e411424a319b6e0ecbfcec541e\u0022\u003EPETER BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: That is a good question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222e1418e0b8cc41fc882b5b1885427413\u0022\u003EJill Pettis\u003C/span\u003E: No, it\u2019s a statement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022701c7490554c45a3965f224d10ce7bb7\u0022\u003EPETER BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: It is a good statement. I hope the member will take a call and enlarge upon it. Let me tell that member, because clearly she has an interest here somewhere, that I believe that the law should be on the side of responsible parents, not on the side of those who want to make money out of parents having the anguish of kids watching those sorts of videos. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003ELet me come back to electricity. Two years out of the last 3 years, the Government has had to plead with New Zealanders to use less power. This year it is not even cold, and we are pleading with New Zealanders to save 10 percent of power. What will happen to the elderly when it does get cold? The Minister told us yesterday that the announcement he made yesterday on the reforms will have no impact on this year at all\u2014none whatsoever. It is an absolute disgrace. The Government has had a year in-between to do something, but it has done nothing. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003ELet me turn now to another issue that concerns me: namely, transport. Roading in this country has not kept pace with traffic volumes or vehicle type. There is urgent need to address this problem now. I think the new Minister of Transport has picked up on that, and he has the Land Transport Management Bill before the select committee. But I do not believe that that will do it, and I think, frankly, nor does he. There is urgent need for funds to develop our roading, and if necessary, and I believe that it is necessary, the Government should be prepared to borrow from the Superannuation Fund to get on with the job and get our roading up to speed. Debt is under control. Net debt is currently about $18 billion, and there is plenty of scope for borrowing to address our roading needs, and indeed our other transport needs. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e3dc3d88-a571-4ed7-a4b4-b66dedd6134b\u0022\u003EThis Budget is a King Canute Budget\u2014talk loud enough and one might stop the waves. Well, it will not. This Budget is a \u201Cdo nothing\u201D so that next year Labour can offer a few little monkeys and lollies to the electorate to vote for Labour again. I hope the electorate is much more wise than it is right now, because New Zealanders are not being well served by this Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022 data-id=\u002261e23e1ded8a4b0e87aa4644fdd51003\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002261e23e1ded8a4b0e87aa4644fdd51003\u0022\u003EDARREN HUGHES (NZ Labour\u2014Otaki):\u003C/span\u003E I rise in support of the 2003 Budget delivered by the Hon Dr Michael Cullen in the House last Thursday. I do so with a real sense of pride in the work this Government is doing, and the programme that this Government has presented to the country for all the people of this country. I believe that there is good reason for the House to congratulate Michael Cullen on his stewardship\u2014his fourth Budget out of probably the dozen he will deliver in this Chamber. Mr Peter Brown, the deputy leader of New Zealand First, thought we had some big plan to spend lots of money next year. Well, we have plans to spend money, and raise money, in this country for the next 16 years of this 20-year Labour Government. When Opposition members see what is still to come, they should be frightened about the effect this Budget will have in terms of the confidence of the people in this Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EI think the Government was able to come to the House with a sense of pride and purpose in the Budget that was presented. New Labour members of Parliament who joined the Government in its second term\u2014Lynne Pillay from Waitakere, David Parker from Otago, Russell Fairbrother from Napier, Dave Hereora, Dr Ashraf Choudhary, and myself\u2014joined a team that has very much a good purpose for our country. It has been very much an exciting time for us to see what the Budget contained, and to know that the country is moving forward in a steady, firm, logical, and compassionate way. That was made very clear as more of the information about the Budget has come out. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EI would also like to congratulate colleagues who have had promotions in recent times\u2014particularly my friend Rick Barker, who is moving into Cabinet roles\u2014and also other colleagues who are stepping up into the ministry. It shows that there is a depth of talent in this Government that cannot be matched by Opposition parties. I believe that when our team gets into full swing, the Opposition will be even more gobsmacked than it has been in the last 4 years. It is a coalition Government, and the Progressive party has played a huge role in the development of this Budget. I acknowledge it, and also our colleagues in the confidence and supply arrangement we have with United Future. It always amazes me how quick Opposition parties are to get up and attack United Future. It is a small and independent party, but it has some influence in this Government and in this House. National and New Zealand First climb over one another to attack United Future, simply because it is a relevant party in this Parliament. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EWhen one looks at the information in the Budget statistics, particularly around economics, there is much to be heartened by. A 4.4 percent growth from a Labour-led Government is something that Opposition members, at the beginning of our term in office, said was absolutely impossible. The sky was going to fall in when Labour took control of the economy. But what we have seen is history repeating itself. Labour Governments have been fantastic stewards of our economy, and this Budget is proof of that. We will deliver growth in the economy that is higher than the OECD average this year, next year, and the year after. That is something that members of the House should celebrate. We have been consistently above that average. Inflation is heading down to below 2 percent for 2004-2005, so the monetary policy of the Government is very strong. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EThere are other economic statistics in the Budget that have not received much attention. I refer members to the debt figures. Although the Budget has been in surplus now since 1994, people often forget that the country carries a significant amount of debt that future generations will have to pay off. When this Government took office in 1999, 36.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) was gross debt. Today that figure stands at 27.2 percent. That is quite a large drop-off\u2014almost 10 percent of our gross debt. When one looks at our net debt figures when we became the Government, replacing the National administration, 21 percent\u2014nearly 22 percent of GDP\u2014was the value of net debt. That is now down to 14 percent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224eef822ca87644929ac7672a84714b8b\u0022\u003EHon George Hawkins\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s pretty good.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000388\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225ec6b87806e44ec2ae7798a202ac9421\u0022\u003EDARREN HUGHES\u003C/span\u003E: As Mr Hawkins says, 14 percent is pretty good going. What it shows is that not only are we governing for today, we are also governing for the future by making sure that future Governments are not shackled by lots of debt. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EIn my electorate of Otaki, which stretches from Paraparaumu on the Kapiti coast through to the Horowhenua just south of Palmerston North, there is much to be excited about in terms of what is happening in our area. The Budget reinforces the positive work that is being done. I am working very closely with the member for Mana, Winnie Laban, who spoke previously in the debate, to ensure that we get the kind of growth and jobs we need to lift living standards for all the people who live in our area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EOn the health side of the equation, construction has begun on a new health facility in Kapiti that fits in with the district health board\u2019s redevelopment of services. In Horowhenua, we are working hard to get Government funding for a new health facility to sort out the health issues there, as well. On transport, Winnie Laban and I are fighting very hard and lobbying Transit New Zealand to upgrade the priority of McKays Crossing\u2014which, as members will know, is about 40 minutes north of Wellington City, and where a railway track goes through the middle of State Highway 1. Every time a train goes through and the barrier is lowered, traffic builds up, and in peak times never recovers. It is a ridiculous\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000391\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220e11c8eedf04463198896d87af4dbf10\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: I blame Richard Prebble for that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000392\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d56d14736066485c88e02b85758f23b5\u0022\u003EDARREN HUGHES\u003C/span\u003E: Richard Prebble got rid of a lot of those kinds of things when he was Minister of Transport, but he did forget McKays Crossing. Under Paul Swain\u2019s visionary leadership, I am sure we will see that occur. It will open up the coast, which is a very popular place with people from Wellington. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000393\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EMention has been made of the Government\u2019s investment in skills training, which is a very important thing, not only when people are in the schooling system, but also when they are in the workforce. How we match up the pool of people who are unemployed to make sure they have skills that match the job vacancies in the economy is a real challenge for the Government. We have to put a lot of effort into that. Sure, while people are at school, we need to make sure that they have competencies in things like reading and writing, information and communications technology, but when they have left the formal structure of schooling and are out there in the workforce, we need to make sure that they are continually upskilling. That will be a big challenge, but through programmes like the Gateway scheme, we are beginning to meet that challenge. As we begin to get people thinking about lifelong learning and making sure they have relevant and appropriate skills in the workplace, we have set the goal of having 150,000 people in industry training. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000394\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EI am pleased that the Gateway programme will now be rolled out to include more schools in my electorate\u2014Horowhenua College, Otaki College, and Waiopehu College in Levin. Manawatu College in Foxton is already part of the scheme. That is a practical and positive way that the Government is getting on with the job of skills training. We have 48 modern apprenticeships, and I am keen to see that number increase. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000395\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228e686b62-8dc4-4f03-a7b6-2d0f9c874e9a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002238b159bad9f44cbca35b4bf8b3f313d3\u0022\u003EHon George Hawkins\u003C/span\u003E: What a good member!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000396\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fb3a81522fe74a9a9c3e49eab2b1a167\u0022\u003EDARREN HUGHES\u003C/span\u003E: The member is working as hard as he can. Representing the oldest electorate in the country means that the needs of superannuitants and senior citizens\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fd427be0-7196-4605-b39e-d665553240b0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002253abe11aff4d4686b061e853625e1467\u0022\u003ELynne Pillay\u003C/span\u003E: The youngest MP in the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000398\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226cae1b0220a34821a0aa22823fbbc2a6\u0022\u003EDARREN HUGHES\u003C/span\u003E: The youngest member representing the oldest electorate\u2014it is a funny old world. We are trying to make sure that we look after our senior citizens. We have done that with the cost of living adjustment to superannuation on 1 April that put about $3 million extra into my electorate. We are also moving on asset testing, with a $200 million \u2013 plus policy to begin the removal of asset testing. What we are doing for future superannuitants is putting aside the surpluses from today to save for the generations of tomorrow. The current generation of retirees had lots of children. Many members of the House are members of that generation, but the generation that is currently middle-aged did not have enough children. People of my generation, who have to pay all the user-pays charges that other generations got for free, now have to try to fund a large group of retirees from a small pool of people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000399\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EThat is why I support Dr Cullen\u2019s New Zealand Superannuation Fund, because it is putting aside money to ensure that we can meet the pension bill for the future. My parents should be able to retire at 65 years of age, and they should have certainty in their retirement income. Unless Governments of today\u2019s generation\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000400\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022581d641636734dc0bf2e5679aa0928eb\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: If it was up to me, you could retire at 25.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000401\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225b4e4803892f45928efd34cf4d20e088\u0022\u003EDARREN HUGHES\u003C/span\u003E: It is up to people of my generation to make sure that the money is there to ensure that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000402\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EOn the other side of the House, we see a National Party in total disarray. In his Budget speech, the Leader of the Opposition did not propose one single policy that was different from those in this Budget. There were no new ideas at all. There was no policy on the family in his speech on the Families Commission Bill the other day, either, or any alternatives to what National had done. The one last chance Bill English now has is to put all his eggs into the basket of trying to turn the Treaty of Waitangi and M\u0101ori issues into some sort of division in our country, in order to get coverage so that he can try to lift his flagging profile. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000403\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EIt is a great shame that a constitutionally significant document like the Treaty of Waitangi becomes something that members of Parliament parade around and try to denigrate, rather than trying to use it as a document we can be proud of\u2014as something that makes us New Zealanders and New Zealand a special country that is different from others. It is an enormously sad thing to me when I look at other countries around the world and see how proud they are of their history and their past. Day after day in this Chamber, we are subjected to denigration of, and political point-scoring against, the indigenous people, when, surely, we should all be trying to work together. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c437bda8-4741-4ac5-89ab-b0818e1ab9fa\u0022\u003EMembers on the other side of the House have proposed abolishing M\u0101ori seats that have been in Parliament since 1867. There would be no consultation or referendum, or anything like that. They would do it purely for the votes. When it comes to the Supreme Court, they want endless consultation and a referendum, all for something they believe in, yet on the other side of the equation they are prepared to disenfranchise M\u0101ori voters who have elected to go on the M\u0101ori roll. That is a sad and tragic thing. Then again, members of the brat pack inherited the National Party at 47 percent of the vote when they arrived in 1990, and they have driven it down to 20 percent with their so-called political genius. They are a joke.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b8383f38-c78c-4e5d-8324-677d91e95c49\u0022 data-id=\u00229e1dd7637ed3401db8b955fe021f79ee\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000405\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8383f38-c78c-4e5d-8324-677d91e95c49\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229e1dd7637ed3401db8b955fe021f79ee\u0022\u003EKEITH LOCKE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E New anti-terrorism or security spending comes up in a number of Government departmental budgets. There is a large category of $19.8 million in the immigration budget, supposedly to \u201Cmanage immigration risks\u201D. No doubt, some of the anti-terrorism spending is justified, but there is also an overreaction to imitate what is happening overseas. It is not so much to keep up with the Joneses but to keep up with the Bushes\u2014that is, George W Bush. It might be fair enough to strengthen security at our embassies overseas, but do we really need to be spending a lot of money on detaining asylum seekers here in New Zealand, when before September 11 we almost always let them out into the community while awaiting their refugee status? I have not been able to find in the Budget papers, or through inquiries to the Minister\u2019s office, how much we are spending on detaining asylum seekers this year. This year\u2019s Budget is much less enlightening than last year\u2019s in terms of breakdowns. Last year\u2019s Budget had an expenditure of $601,000 on detaining asylum seekers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000406\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8383f38-c78c-4e5d-8324-677d91e95c49\u0022\u003EThere will be virtually no terrorist threat to New Zealand unless our Government is silly enough to hitch itself to the arrogant interventionist policies of the United States. All international terrorism\u2014as opposed to domestic terrorism\u2014over the last few years has been targeted at Israelis, Americans, or people from closely allied countries. Of course, the Greens are utterly opposed to and condemn such terrorism, but we have yet to see any evidence of the targeting of New Zealand or New Zealanders, or even Western countries as a category. Keeping out of the war in Iraq was a big plus for New Zealand, although we will make few friends in the Middle East by having our Orion and our frigate in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman under overall American command. According to the Budget, that deployment will also cost us an extra $5 million,. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8383f38-c78c-4e5d-8324-677d91e95c49\u0022\u003EThe Greens think we should fight terrorism in both its main forms. The predominant form is State terrorism, which we have seen an explosion of this week with the invasion of Aceh by Indonesian troops. We see it on the West Bank in Gaza with Israeli troops again firing on Palestinians. We see it with Russian troops continuing their human rights violations in Chechnya. The Greens favour the use of considerable sums from our foreign affairs budget on political and diplomatic efforts to fight that State terrorism, and it is good to see the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Phil Goff, visiting the Middle East. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000408\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8383f38-c78c-4e5d-8324-677d91e95c49\u0022\u003EThe second form of terrorism is small-group terrorism, as we have seen in Saudi Arabia and Morocco recently, and which continues amongst Palestinians in the form of suicide bombers. We also very strongly condemn all of that terrorism, which is born and sustained by the anger and despair felt by many people in the Islamic world and in other less-developed countries. It is anger towards domineering American Government policies, and in cases like that of Palestine, it is the despair of people who live in an occupied country without any real control over their own future. But military action and over-the-top security measures do not defeat that small-group terrorism. They merely help them recruit, as we have unfortunately seen with the recent atrocities in Saudi Arabia and Morocco. Instead, we should help empower the people of poorer countries and help their socio-economic development. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000409\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8383f38-c78c-4e5d-8324-677d91e95c49\u0022\u003EIn that context, it is good that the aid being sent overseas by New Zealand is rising from $230.4 million in last year\u2019s Budget to $245.6 million\u2014a 6.6 percent increase\u2014in this year\u2019s Budget. But it is really only a catch-up for inflation, because in the first three Labour Government Budgets, aid increased by a total of only 5.2 percent. We will still be languishing at around 0.25 percent of gross national income (GNI), compared with the international standard of 0.70 percent. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000410\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8383f38-c78c-4e5d-8324-677d91e95c49\u0022\u003ENew Zealand aid is now correctly focused on poverty reduction, on building the capacity of communities, and on human rights. I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I think there is a second\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000411\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ed9ad81-05c1-4171-80c6-24fa02cade42\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226ab16523cc614a308b7c0635fe27233c\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Clem Simich)\u003C/span\u003E: You will have a bell at the end of your 5 minutes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000412\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8383f38-c78c-4e5d-8324-677d91e95c49\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225baa72cfbee64ddcb5d2f9b27f58964c\u0022\u003EKEITH LOCKE\u003C/span\u003E: I would like to pay tribute here to those many New Zealanders who are posted overseas, helping more needy countries to build a better future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022 data-id=\u002297d12b02e5954b86a64d38a0f179d7f7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000413\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002297d12b02e5954b86a64d38a0f179d7f7\u0022\u003EJEANETTE FITZSIMONS (Co-Leader\u2014Green):\u003C/span\u003E We are in the middle of an electricity crisis, and the Government has allocated a miserly $1.4 million extra to the one agency that could help us to solve it. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority is charged with promoting both efficiency, which is technical improvements that will give us long-term reductions in demand for no change in output, and energy conservation, which is simply common-sense behaviour and wise use that can also save money and save us from the effects of this winter\u2019s lack of rainfall. It is conservation rather than efficiency that can get us through this winter. There is not enough time to put in the energy-efficient plant that would have an effect this winter; that is what we need to do for the future. Rather, it is energy conservation\u2014the simple, sensible things like remembering to turn things off when one leaves a room, and the host of other issues that have been talked about\u2014that could have an effect this winter, and that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority could be helping us to implement now. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000414\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022\u003EThe Government has taken on board the need for energy efficiency. It supported my bill and passed it, and I was pleased to work with the Government on that. The strategy that the legislation requires is in place and approved by Government, but it is not being funded. At the same time, the State-owned enterprises that generate and sell electricity are profiting from the high spot prices that have been charged in the market. How much they are profiting is not entirely straightforward. For example, Meridian Energy has a lot less water to sell and low-price contracts to Comalco to fulfil, but Genesis Power, which has been running its thermal plant\u2014which is not affected by the lack of rainfall\u2014flat out for months, and collecting high spot prices, must be making a windfall. Last year those State-owned enterprises returned to the Government $100 million from Meridian Energy, $11.8 million from Genesis Power, and $19.2 million from Mighty River Power. This year the balance will be very different, but we can predict that there will be some windfall profits.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000415\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022\u003E I call on the Government to plough those windfall gains into solving this year\u2019s crisis through conservation, and into solving future dry-year crises through efficiency. The Government can do that by funding the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. We could have a bunch of experts visiting every big commercial premise in this city and others, and working with its engineers to show it how to reduce its energy demand without being miserable, without dropping production, and without affecting well-being. The authority could do the same with retail premises. It needs to have the people on the ground, helping people out there to make the practical savings that can keep the lights on and the water hot, but that is not happening. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000416\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022\u003EIf we are to have an energy-efficient economy in the future, we have to build capacity. We do not have enough trained energy auditors, and we need to train more. We do not have enough people trained in retrofitting houses. Of the new money, $1.2 million is going towards retrofitting cold, draughty, damp houses, and I strongly support that. But we do not have enough trained teams on the ground to do that, and the quality control is not always adequate. If one asks for a solar water-heater to be installed, one is very lucky if one does not have a plumber come along and put it in with the thermo-siphon working backwards, using electricity to heat the sky. We need a lot more training right through all the energy-efficiency and renewable energy professions, if we are to build a culture and an industrial sector that are capable of running on energy efficiency. That would be good for the economy, would reduce climate change, would protect the environment, would be better for people\u2019s health\u2014because buildings are warmer and drier\u2014and would create jobs and well-being. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000417\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022\u003EMembers should compare that miserable $1.2 million for the retrofitting of houses with the $7 million that has just been wasted by David Caygill and the industry\u2019s self-regulating Electricity Governance Board, which is described very aptly by Saturday\u2019s New Zealand Herald as a $7 million flop. That board fell over on Friday and now has to be replaced by a Government-appointed board. We support the appointment of a Government-appointed board and a regulator. We have said for 2 years that that is needed, but let us look at the money that has been wasted! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000418\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209278070-a54a-41e9-8a27-45166301277e\u0022\u003EMembers should also compare that $1.2 million for retrofitting with the $1.2 billion\u2014a hundred times as much as that\u2014that is being spent on the next power station, Project Aqua. I say that $1.2 billion could buy a great deal of energy efficiency, which would make new supply unnecessary. The numbers are out of kilter and the balance is wrong. It is time that we started to fund the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy that we have so wisely put in place.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022 data-id=\u002221ec37a9a10a4165a343e77e75d2a5df\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000419\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002221ec37a9a10a4165a343e77e75d2a5df\u0022\u003ETIM BARNETT (NZ Labour\u2014Christchurch Central):\u003C/span\u003E They say home is where the heart is, and, after such a watertight and progressive Budget, I, for one, have been happy to return home to Christchurch Central to measure the Budget\u2019s impact on the ground. Of course, as many of my colleagues have observed, this is an early Budget in what will be a long series. A measured approach is a virtue when it is driven by a coherent strategy, and that is at the heart of this document. Saving for the future through the Superannuation Fund, flagging major new spending from 2004 onwards to help low and middle-income families, and focusing on growth, innovation, and education are classic investments for our future success as a nation, as is driving down the gross debt as a percentage of gross domestic product. That is now at the lowest level since Treasury started collecting data in 1971. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000420\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003EBut what does all that mean to a person sipping a long black outside Le Cafe in the Arts Centre of Christchurch\u2014which is the Christchurch Central equivalent of the archetypal man on the Clapham omnibus? Well, I have drawn out 10 themes in this Budget that will bring particular pleasure to my electorate, but first, let me set the scene. Like any inner city electorate, Christchurch Central is one of extremes. It contains the most expensive real estate and the poorest neighbourhoods in the South Island, only three blocks apart from each other. It is increasingly multiracial. It is young. It contains more single-person dwellings than virtually any other electorate. My office caseload is dominated by work and income, housing, and immigration issues. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000421\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003EFor me, theme one in the Budget is a growing recognition that investment in State education is an effective way to lessen some of the inequities in our society. There has been real growth in early childhood education, with at least 15 new teachers being employed in my electorate, and the  money for new buildings for Christchurch Central schools has grown by 25 percent, to the equivalent of $7 million over the next year. On the visits that I make to local schools in my electorate, an incessant theme is the need for more support for those young people who are failing in traditional education and for extra-curricular activity.  The Budget includes spending for the vital Social Workers in Schools programme, which started in Christchurch, and also $11 million for additional sports coordinators in secondary schools. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000422\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003ETheme two in the Budget is health. We all know that even to sustain current health standards will eat up an ever-greater percentage of Government spending worldwide. It is right and necessary that health spending has grown by 9 percent in this Budget, but we are going further than that. The development of the primary health strategy has been fast, efficient, and inspirational to health providers on the ground. In its development, it has drawn much from Pegasus Medical Group, the primary health-care provider that includes nine out of 10 general practitioners in my area. Over the years I have written countless letters advocating funding for such agencies as the 198 Youth Health Centre, which was the nation\u2019s first dedicated health centre for young people, and the Christchurch Union and Community Health Centre. Now that they are part of the city\u2019s first primary health organisation, such vital places will receive adequate reward for those years of struggle. In growing primary health, we are realising a dream. We will be remembered for that in the years to come. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000423\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003EThe third theme is justice, and I am happy to take as my text in this area the 1999 referendum on law and order, which I opposed but which 85 percent of the people in my electorate supported. That vote showed that people wanted tough but tender justice policies: longer sentences for the very worst offenders but home detention for those who offer minimal threat, more support for victims, the expansion of restorative justice, and accessible and affordable legal advice. This Budget develops all those themes. The money is there for the cost of those longer sentences. There is also $2 million more for victim support, real growth in tenancy services, and 4 years\u2019 funding to cut the unacceptable waiting lists for the services of the Privacy Commissioner. I am also delighted that in the last year funds were freed to secure the future of community law centres, which National is on record as wanting to close\u2014even though they cost the taxpayer nothing. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000424\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003EThe fourth theme is the spending on social development. I am delighted about both the immediate interventions in the Budget, such as $59 million to increase the childcare subsidies and to raise the income tax thresholds for family support and the child tax credit. There is also extra investment to help migrants to become work-ready, and there is the promise of more fundamental changes in our welfare system to come. The benefit system, which has been built piecemeal over many years, has to be substantially reformed if money is to be used to best effect and if people are to able to access what they need and are entitled to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000425\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003EThe fifth theme is housing. Christchurch has comparatively fewer State houses and more private rental housing than the average New Zealand community. It also has the country\u2019s biggest local body housing stock, which is expanding further under our enlightened city council. On the basis of the dollars and cents for housing in this Budget, I look forward to an improvement in the growth of the city\u2019s State housing stock, and also to expanded partnership arrangements between the council and the Government. There is $63 million in the Budget for that partnership work nationwide. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000426\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003EThe sixth theme is economic development. Labour and the Progressives are steadily growing the spending in this area, which mainly means grants, training, and advice to companies and entrepreneurs on the ground. That spending has increased from virtually zero when we were elected in 1999 to $192 million in 2003-04\u2014with a 43 per cent increase just in the last year. Thanks to an interventionist local body, Christchurch has had a long history of active support for innovation. The Canterbury Development Corporation has risen to the challenge of the new era, and has an excellent cooperative relationship with Industry New Zealand in the city. The range of clusters it is addressing includes information technology and fashion, and it is also leading the nation in the development of business incubators. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000427\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003EThe seventh theme is community. Christchurch contains over 3,000 voluntary organisations that face common challenges, including compliance costs, management performance, addressing the growing diversity of our society, and the recruitment and retention of volunteers. One of the Government\u2019s quieter success stories of the past 3 years has been in building its relationship with that voluntary sector, in growing our understanding of those problems, and also in improving our ability to solve them. It has been a triumph for consultation, for partnership and for the development of whole-of-Government approaches. The Budget includes funds to establish an office for the community and voluntary sector in the Ministry of Social Development, and continued support for volunteering, including volunteer centres. More than in any other area of Government, that is value-added work. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000428\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003EThe eighth theme is local government\u2014an example of an area where the Government spends, comparatively, very little. It has also been one of the seminal issues of the past 12 months. The Local Government Act was a resounding answer to years of complaints from local bodies. It is visionary, it is of constitutional importance, and it marks a significant shift of power in our society towards the people. That Act was inspired in so many ways by the leadership role played by the Labour-influenced Christchurch City Council over the years. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000429\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003ETheme nine is the arts. My electorate contains the Southern Hemisphere\u2019s leading cultural precinct. Its shimmering jewel is our brand new art gallery, its heart is our arts centre, and its future is our museum, which is soon to undergo major renovation. Over the last year the Government has invested in all those projects. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000430\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9a94bf3-a948-4410-8413-403a7454114b\u0022\u003EFor me theme ten is actually conscience matters, which are currently dominating many MPs\u2019 mailbags. Most of them are of minor influence on the Government\u2019s Budget, yet they are especially important matters in inner city areas. The next year will see decisions on prostitution law reform, on whether to pursue the debate on euthanasia, and on expanding the smoke-free law. Parliament should be looking at plans for civil union law, and our Health Committee will be reporting on cannabis law. That is an unprecedented clumping of conscience matters, and I guess it shows that this Parliament is properly focused on issues of human, as well as of financial, concern.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000431\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222fd23e5b8d314f01bff83d6ed52f8305\u0022\u003EDr DON BRASH (NZ National):\u003C/span\u003E Last week the Minister of Finance presented his fourth Budget. I am bound to say that it was a profoundly disappointing document. The Budget was not surprising, but it was disappointing. I will not attack the Budget for being boring and predictable, as being predictable is, in fact, desirable\u2014indeed, it is mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1994 introduced by one of the Minister\u2019s most illustrious predecessors, a former National finance Minister. Nor will I attack the Budget for proposing to run surpluses, as running surpluses is entirely appropriate at this stage of the demographic cycle and, indeed, with a buoyant economy. However, I will argue in a moment that the surpluses proposed are far too large. Rather, I want to attack this no-growth Budget for doing almost nothing to get to grips with the big issue facing New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000432\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003EThe big issue facing New Zealand is the gap in living standards between New Zealand on the one hand, and Australia on the other. Last week\u2014in fact, just a few hours before the Budget\u2014Mr Jim Anderton gave a speech. I do not often agree with Mr Anderton, but in his speech he said that if we had grown at the Australian growth rates over the last 30 years, it would have meant extra income for the average worker of $175 a week, and it would have meant for health another $3.7 billion a year and for education another $4.2 billion. He also said if our gross domestic product had grown at the same rate as Australia\u2019s, we could have invested twice as much per capita on our transport infrastructure over the last 30 years. I agree with Mr Anderton on that point. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000433\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003ENone of us can do anything about the past; what we can change is the future. The Australian Budget assumes growth of 3 to 3.5 percent a year over the next few years. Ours will average less than 3 percent over the next few years; it is projected to average just 2.5 percent a year over the next decade. So the gap between our living standards and those in Australia will not only fail to become smaller but will continue to widen. In terms of our achieving a goal that the Government used to have\u2014namely, getting New Zealand back into the top half of the OECD within a decade\u2014there is not a dog\u2019s chance of that happening. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000434\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003EThe gap that exists between our living standards and those in Australia\u2014the gap that will widen over the next decade\u2014has serious implications for New Zealand society as a whole, and it should have been the main focus of the Budget. Instead, we have had a little fairy dust sprinkled around: a little more money for industry training, some small incentives to commercialise public sector research and development, and a modest attempt to ease the compliance costs arising from the taxation system for small business. There was not even any pretence of changing the taxation system to make it more growth supportive. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000435\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003EThis Government spent millions of dollars on commissioning a major review of the taxation system in 2001, led by some of the best taxation experts in New Zealand and one or two from Australia. But the Government has totally ignored the recommendations of that committee. As a consequence, we still have a company tax rate that is one of the highest in the Asia-Pacific region. We have a situation where people earning over $38,000 a year\u2014and most full-time workers in New Zealand now earn more than that\u2014pay more than 40 percent of their income above that level in income tax and GST. Most full-time workers now enter that taxation bracket, and, of course, those who earn above $60,000 pay almost half their income above that level in income tax and GST. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000436\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003EThe reality is that this Budget proposes to continue overtaxing hard-working New Zealand families and New Zealand businesses. The Minister of Finance sometimes dismisses the idea that growth has anything to do with taxation, and points out that the tax cuts in 1996 and 1998 were followed by a recession. The reality is, of course, that those tax cuts were followed by a serious international downturn and two successive serious droughts. No serious economist doubts that the amount of taxation raised, the marginal taxation rates affecting those inclined to invest and to work harder, and the nature of Government spending are all relevant to future growth. This Budget failed to make any growth-enhancing changes to the taxation system. For a mere 10 percent of the projected surplus, the Minister could have reduced the company tax rate to equal the Australian rate. For less than half the surplus, he could have given significant tax reductions to all full-time workers in New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000437\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003ENor did the Budget make any attempt at all to rectify the problems experienced with the roading system in Auckland, Tauranga, and various other parts of the country. Granted that it makes sense to run a Budget surplus at present, why does it make sense to invest those surpluses in foreign shares and bonds? Why invest them in foreign shares and bonds? I do not propose that the surpluses be squandered on low-yielding projects of marginal value, but the Prime Minister herself has said that traffic congestion in Auckland costs this country $1 billion a year. Transfund has a 4:1 benefit-cost ratio hurdle before it will fund roading projects. There is an abundance of high-yielding infrastructure investment projects available in New Zealand that that surplus could have been invested in. Instead, the Minister is proposing to squander it in low-yielding international shares and bonds, at considerable risk to the taxpayer. It is worth mentioning that the Budget itself provides a 6 percent reduction in Government spending on transport and communications between this year and next\u2014a 6 percent reduction in that spending. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000438\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003ENor did the Budget make any real attempt to deal with the serious problem of underachievement in our schools. Yes, there was quite a bit of money to pay teachers of pre-school children on a par with primary and secondary teachers, and more money to further subsidise the education of tertiary students, but there was only a trivial amount to deal with the serious problem of illiteracy. There was $15 million spread over 4 years to reduce illiteracy in years 1 to 8 in our primary schools. That is a totally inappropriate allocation for such a serious problem. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000439\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003EThe Budget did nothing about reducing welfare dependency either, a serious issue that has been hidden by the fact that the Budget has simply dropped out of sight the traditional forecast of the number of people on benefits. We know that the number of people on benefits is projected to keep on rising over the next 4 or 5 years, but we are denied that information by the Budget. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000440\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003EWhat has been the reaction to all that? The National Bank states: \u201CThe Government\u2019s plans have little growth-enhancing initiative. Effectively, they have just reallocated the pie and have done little to make it grow any bigger.\u201D The Employers and Manufacturers Association says: \u201CThe Budget abandons economic transformation and the growth of the economy as the primary goals for New Zealand. It demonstrates the Government has given up on getting New Zealand back into the top half of the OECD.\u201D Even Chris Trotter, who can often be relied on to find something positive to say about the Government, concluded: \u201CThe Budget was delivered on a theme of smart growth. Frankly, I am sceptical. According to economists, the key to long-term economic success is a sustained improvement in labour productivity. But Michael Cullen\u2019s Budget contained nothing that suggested such an improvement was imminent.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000441\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d48244fc-ceef-4ef5-9cee-851e4d439468\u0022\u003EThe Minister had a great opportunity to contribute to a faster rate of economic growth. Tragically for New Zealand, he muffed it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022 data-id=\u0022862402f908c140cdbdf9fc01db0741c2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022862402f908c140cdbdf9fc01db0741c2\u0022\u003EHon TAITO PHILLIP FIELD (Minister of State):\u003C/span\u003E That speech was very disappointing. Even the press releases by the National Party finance spokesperson suggested that this Government is spending too much money, particularly in the welfare area. Yet we have other members of the National Party, including its leader, saying we are not spending enough. That party is completely confused. Some of the party are pulling in one direction, and the rest are pulling in a different direction. No House divided against itself can stand, and I suggest that divisions within the National Party also indicate that it has not got over its leadership problems. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000443\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EIt has a finance spokesperson who, in the dead of night, at 5 o\u2019clock\u2014and I am just wondering who picked the slot for the National Party finance spokesperson, and whether it was Bill English who picked the slot that is buried halfway or three-quarters through this debate\u2014finally gets up to speak about the Budget. That is a very poor state for the once-proud National Party to be in, and I am very disappointed that the former Governor of the Reserve Bank, a financial spokesman of some repute, ends up being buried three-quarters of the way through this Budget debate. I need to ask why he has this slot. I want to know who put him there. Was it Bill English? We are concerned about Her Majesty\u2019s Opposition and the state it is in. Enough of that, because the previous speaker is continuing to preach discredited economic philosophy, and nobody really wants to take any notice. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000444\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EI want, firstly, to congratulate Dr Michael Cullen, the Minister of Finance, on a very responsible Budget. There is no question in the minds of most New Zealanders that the Minister of Finance in this Labour Government is very prudent and responsible, and has absolute credibility when it comes to financial and economic management. As far as I am concerned, a $4 billion surplus is an indication of the success of that economic management. There is no question that New Zealand\u2019s strong economic growth under this Labour Government, at the top end of the OECD countries\u2019 economic performance list, also indicates the Hon Dr Michael Cullen\u2019s performance as an outstanding Minister of Finance. There is no question about that, and when members start talking about performance, they should remember we are already near the top of the OECD countries. That is something to be proud of. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000445\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EThere is no question that there are problems in the world economy. We have just had a war in Iraq. We have had the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic. We have had a drought in New Zealand, and certainly that is creating problems in generating electricity. We all know that. We also know there is an increase in the value of the New Zealand dollar, and there is the uncertainty of the US and the world economy. It is obvious that we need to err on the side of caution. There is no question about that, and this Budget represents that cautious, responsible approach that we need to take to the management of our economy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000446\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EDespite that responsible approach, this Government, I believe, still shows New Zealanders that we have a heart. We do have a heart as a Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000447\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002220add5d8df3240d1b5f91b0cad9e73c3\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: Will the member answer a question?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000448\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ce9eb6b2b72409b86c51873b816db32\u0022\u003EHon TAITO PHILLIP FIELD\u003C/span\u003E: The member wants to talk about hearts. Some of the things that ACT is coming out with indicate it is a heartless party, but at least Labour continues, despite responsible economic management, to indicate that we do have a heart and we will deliver policies that are balanced, and we will promote the interests of those who are most vulnerable in our communities. This Budget indicates a very coherent and highly credible programme, not only for this year but for next year too. It strongly supports economic growth through innovation and through funds that support good public services and good infrastructure in terms of the initiatives we need to take to promote economic growth. Without economic growth we do not have the means to deliver on social policy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000449\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003E Debt is another area shown up by this Budget. We inherited from the National Party Government a debt that was 36 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). That is a disaster. But this Government in the short time of 3\u00BD years has reduced debt from 36 percent of GDP to 27 percent, and it is projected that by 2003-04 that level will go down even further to 23 percent of GDP. That is a success story. It is certainly a success story that the National Party in its 9 years in power could not match, and it is an achievement this Government can be proud of. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000450\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EThis Budget is a responsible one that looks at key areas of welfare. Admittedly, there have been only some small movements in those areas, and some people in the community are not happy, but there is no point in making significant changes that we cannot sustain in terms of benefits and changes to the benefit system. So I am pleased there has been some improvement, particularly in the threshold of tax credits and in family support, for those with the greatest need. I reckon that is a movement\u2014already there is a signal\u2014that significant changes will be looked at for next year to help significantly those with the greatest needs in our community. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000451\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EIn the social area, I congratulate the Hon. Steve Maharey on the initiatives he has put in place. I have been proud to work closely with him in social services. We are going to pursue those initiatives that are reducing unemployment, and in this country that is another proud record this Government has achieved over the last 3\u00BD years, because unemployment is at the lowest level for 20-odd years. The unemployment level has dropped from the highs of 12 percent\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000452\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022df788c48-b9be-42fd-b8f2-76629a5572b8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a6c5833c5b194cdeb9ec52057fbb9e88\u0022\u003EDr Wayne Mapp\u003C/span\u003E: Dr Cullen says it\u2019s going to increase.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000453\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e3439ed762214e8e93059d00ca1e30d7\u0022\u003EHon TAITO PHILLIP FIELD\u003C/span\u003E: For Pacific people, I can tell the member that it is down to 7.5 percent. That is quite an achievement\u2014dropping from something like 15 percent under National. The M\u0101ori unemployment rate is also tracking down, and that is as a result of the initiatives that this Government has put in place. So we have laid the strong foundations for, and bedded in over the last three Budgets, a course that will maintain a strong position in these times of uncertainty. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000454\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EThe funding that this Government has put towards health is something we can be proud of. The total spending, particularly in the area of primary health-care, is important for M\u0101ori and Pacific Island communities. I say that, because an extra $435 million has been dedicated to the promotion of primary health-care. There are 34 primary health organisations established up and down this country, and I am proud to have assisted recently in opening one of those, Ta Pasifika, which is already making positive contributions within the community.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000455\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EThose primary health organisations are making significant improvements in the situation of low-income people in my area. They have cut the cost of visits to the family doctor for those children and other low-income people. An illness like diabetes is an example of what is important about the Budget, and what it is investing in\u2014that is, health and education for our low-income communities, in particular for M\u0101ori and Pacific Island people. It is also an example of the importance of the money we can save through effective primary health-care. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000456\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EI want to quote a small extract from an article that indicates the seriousness of diabetes in our community: \u201CPreventable diabetes-related hospital stays are costing taxpayers $500 million a year\u2014more than twice as much as previously thought\u2014a major health group says.\u201D Diabetes New Zealand patron, Don Beaven, said that the figures are far more than what was originally estimated at $250 million, and show that the Ministry of Health urgently needs to do more to halt a growing diabetes epidemic.\u201D That is an important aspect of the programme this Government is putting in place in the primary health-care area. Prevention is better than cure, and too many M\u0101ori and Pacific Island people are heading towards renal failure and then expensive treatment by means of renal dialysis. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000457\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003EThis Government can be proud of its record as a competent, responsible economic manager in all sorts of areas, and, in particular, in education. I compliment the Minister of Education on the millions of dollars that have been put into that area, particularly the extra $55 million put into the promotion of early childhood education. That is very important for Pacific people, because until our infant children get a good start their chances of failure in the education system will continue at a very high level. A 62 percent participation level by Pacific Island children is an appalling situation in terms of their chance of succeeding in our education system. I compliment the Hon Trevor Mallard on the $55 million he has dedicated to early childhood education, particularly for M\u0101ori and Pacific Island children, to get increased participation levels amongst those two communities. The investments are there in this Budget for the future of our economy and our country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022 data-id=\u0022dbac430480ea4e248d73922878bf4ea8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000458\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dbac430480ea4e248d73922878bf4ea8\u0022\u003EDr LYNDA SCOTT (NZ National\u2014Kaikoura):\u003C/span\u003E I have just been speaking with South Island mayors, and receiving their impression of the Budget. Do members know the very best ranking they managed to give it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000459\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e8ecc34c4824a20b76a501809be33b6\u0022\u003EJudith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: What is it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000460\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022669750361efe415fb6e6065aa2f74b29\u0022\u003EDr LYNDA SCOTT\u003C/span\u003E: It was five out of 10. That was the highest ranking they gave it. None of the mayors put it over that; most of them gave it three out of 10. That is what they thought of this Budget, and they are there today talking about how hard done by they feel with regard to Transit\u2019s 10-year plan. This Government changed the rules. It changed the rules from the benefit-cost ratio to what it said would be the local area\u2019s priority. Well, guess what! Our local priority for Nelson-Marlborough is the Awatere bridge, but that is not on the 10-year funding plan.  What about the roadways where all those people are getting killed down south? There have been seven people killed in 7 years. Another person died last week. What has Transit said? No, that is off the list for 7 years. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000461\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c5f68e5bea064c79b3725d92ba67b88c\u0022\u003EClayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: Was the member at the meeting?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000462\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022689bfa94802b4216a94b81182f5e7b18\u0022\u003EDr LYNDA SCOTT\u003C/span\u003E: It is absolutely outrageous. We are having one ourselves right now, so the member should not talk about what he does not understand. At the meeting I have just been attending with the mayors it was stated that they are very, very unhappy with this Government and the Budget. What did the Budget do for the electorate of Kaikoura\u2014that is, North Canterbury, Kaikoura, and Marlborough? It did nothing. It did absolutely nothing to fix infrastructure problems. It did nothing to fix the Awatere bridge, which is 100 years old. It did nothing for business. Did it do anything to reduce red tape for business? No, it did not do a thing. Did it do anything to fix the Resource Management Act? No, it did not do a thing. Did it reduce tax for any of these businesses? No. Who makes the money for this country? It is made by hard-working New Zealanders and businesses. They make the money, and this Government and this Budget did nothing for my electorate in that regard. So the mayors are not that happy at all; nor are the other people of the Kaikoura electorate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000463\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003EBut I really want to talk about a couple of things, because I am the Opposition spokesperson on senior citizens and on health. I will start with senior citizens, and ask what they got from the Budget. They got a sherry tax! Well, I thought they were really looking forward to that\u2014a sherry tax and a port tax. They got those, and they will get cold showers, for the privilege of having to turn off their heated towel rails. Well, hello, some people do not actually have heated towel rails. We might tell Trevor Mallard and our Prime Minister that. Some people do not have towel rails to turn off, but they have to have cold showers, and for that privilege this year they will have to pay an extra $50 electricity tax. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000464\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003EWhat about the funding for aged care? We had a petition before the Health Committee and in that petition representatives of aged-care institutions said they had to cut care, cut corners, or close. Is there anything in this Budget for aged care? No, there is not. This Government is so determined to keep people at home. I have just had someone\u2019s son on the phone to me, talking about how his father-in-law has had both his legs cut off as a result of the appalling care he received. Because of pressure areas and appalling care, he lost both his legs. His care plan was absolutely inadequate, and this Government has done nothing for aged-care funding or home-support funding. There has been nothing\u2014absolutely zilch. There has been no increase for geriatric hospital-level care since this Government came to power\u2014not one bit. The Health Committee said the Government had to look at that area, and expected something out of this Budget. It got nothing. What else have the elderly got? Most of them have been culled from the waiting list. Twenty-five thousand elderly New Zealanders have been culled from the waiting list\u2014waiting, then cut off the waiting list.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000465\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226984d661-9f65-4ed6-b29c-3285b598582d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e71bb5669e0547ffadbac82f299a4da5\u0022\u003EJohn Carter\u003C/span\u003E: Surgically removed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000466\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002223e2d7c00c3c415b82a06d93029d4330\u0022\u003EDr LYNDA SCOTT\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. They are waiting for hip, knee, cataract, and hernia operations. This Government should be called \u201Cthe truss Government\u201D. It is back to the days of the truss, because people cannot get hernia operations in our public hospitals these days. But nobody makes trusses any more\u2014they thought those days were gone, so people have to make their own. That is what the elderly have got. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000467\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003EThen there is the matter of the raising of the asset level for those people going into residential care. During two elections this Government promised it was going to do something about that, but it has not done anything. The Government is not reducing income and asset testing; it is just raising the asset level. That is the Government\u2019s spin. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000468\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003EI need to get on to actual health and the health budget. I have to say that $9.6 billion is a great deal of money. We do have an aging population. We do have a diabetes epidemic. We do have an asthma epidemic. We have higher rates of cancer than Australia. New Zealand does face some immense challenges. But I want to pick up on some of the points that the last speaker made. I worked as a doctor in the Hokianga. There was free health-care, free prescriptions, free everything, but there was no evidence that the outcomes for M\u0101ori were better\u2014no evidence at all. So if the Government is going to pour money into primary health-care, untargeted money, based on location, then Government members ought to know that it is actually going to deliver. There is nothing to show that primary health organisations will deliver. Why should it be that one person\u2014I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I think I have put up with quite enough. There has been a total barrage of interjections for 6 minutes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000469\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fae7af0d-c48d-4dd4-88f3-928ccaa3a984\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229bbebf1abaf2436cae4abbdffc606b9b\u0022\u003EMadam DEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: There has been quite a lot each way. I ask members to keep it down.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000470\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228c83ccb65fb74d8abeca4ef95d2279d8\u0022\u003EDr LYNDA SCOTT\u003C/span\u003E: Quite a lot each way? I thought I was the speaker. I thought I was supposed to be speaking, but anyway, $9.6 billion is a lot of money. Primary health organisations\u2014and I hope the Government will actually listen, because this is quite serious\u2014have had money put into them, untargeted. So if someone is a poor white person who has high health-needs and lives in the South Island, does he or she get increased ability to go to the doctor\u2014increased funding? No, that person does not, I say to Clayton Cosgrove. But for those who are M\u0101ori and live in Te Rawhiti, or in Auckland, it does not matter whether they have a high income because they will get increased funding to go to the doctor. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000471\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003EThis is the way that primary health organisations get funded\u2014only 50 percent of its population has to be M\u0101ori, Polynesian, or low-income with high-needs; the other 50 percent does not. This is untargeted funding being put in, based on location. At the same time that the Government is culling the waiting list, and severely rationing secondary services and surgery, it is pouring money, untargeted, into primary care. That does not make sense, and National would not accept that or agree with it. National will go back to targeting. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000472\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003EIn relation to secondary care, we think that if somebody needs surgery, it costs more not to treat that person. I have someone who has been ringing me over the last couple of months. He is 72 years old. He has high priority for a hip replacement\u2014he has 90 points. His surgeon says it should be urgent. He has been waiting for over a year. He was booked for surgery. What happened? An acute case bumped him off the list. This guy is on morphine. He has so much muscle wasting that it will cost the Government more to treat him and rehabilitate him. The Government does not care about the financial situation\u2014that it will actually cost more. It is a ridiculous situation that we have found ourselves in. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000473\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac23eedf-0a53-4d88-a49b-d5b440483616\u0022\u003EThere are many other things that we should talk about in the health area\u2014like $35 million going to the America\u2019s Cup. The people out there, the 25,000 people dumped off the waiting list, think: \u201CI can\u2019t get my surgery. I am in pain. I am in need. I can\u2019t get my surgery but this Government is going to give $35 million to the America\u2019s Cup.\u201D Then there is the increased level of bureaucracy. There are 21 district health boards, and all of them are in deficit. No, sorry, there is one that is not. There is one that is actually managing to operate on the borderline. The rest are in deficit. Michael Cullen said he was really pleased the boards were making some progress, but they will still come in with a deficit of $180 million.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022 data-id=\u00227c4ddb64b47d4df4bb150746548efade\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000474\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227c4ddb64b47d4df4bb150746548efade\u0022\u003EHon RICK BARKER (Minister of Customs):\u003C/span\u003E It is with considerable pleasure that I rise to speak in the Budget debate. I want to say that this will go down as one of the all-time great Budgets.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000475\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022df788c48-b9be-42fd-b8f2-76629a5572b8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221dfb2abb3d4a4fda9f00f909c7a322d2\u0022\u003EDr Wayne Mapp\u003C/span\u003E: Oh!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000476\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022080705cf74714fef9b01f71a9b6f1499\u0022\u003EHon RICK BARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Mapp can scoff. But I say to him that there will not be, for a long, long time, a National Party Minister of Finance, and a National Party Minister of Finance will not deliver a Budget that has 4 percent-plus growth registered in the economy\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000477\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ca9afd1d04d54ba7a1db0c052e6ef6b4\u0022\u003EGovernment Member\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s 4.4 percent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000478\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022814e31ee835046f18d00003f27b72f1f\u0022\u003EHon RICK BARKER\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014yes, 4.4 percent\u2014substantial surpluses, money put away for superannuitants\u2019 pensions in the future, increases in health funding, and increases in education funding\u2014increases everywhere. We had the dead hand of Bill Birch giving Budgets for a long time. The dead hand of Bill Birch built an economic theme park of disasters around this country. The dead hand of Bill Birch cut, slashed, and burned into services in this country, and left a legacy of financial debt and social debt. This is the first time we have had a series of Budgets that has invested heavily in the economy, our social infrastructure, and our people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000479\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003EThe point I want to start with in this Budget debate is about the Customs Service. I have the privilege of being the Minister of Customs, and the Budget is a very good-news Budget not just for the Customs Service\u2014which has had substantial investment\u2014but also for New Zealand security, for regional New Zealand, and for our international trade. I do not think that many people have reflected upon the consequences of the September 11 event in New York. One of the consequences has been that the United States has become very conscious of security issues. It has made dramatic changes in its border agencies, and it will make further changes. The United States is also very concerned to ensure that what goes into the country is exactly what it says it is. In the review of its security after September 11, the US came to the conclusion that millions of containers are going into the United States, and that it has very little knowledge as to the contents of those containers. As a consequence of that, the United States now requires overseas countries to give an assurance about those containers\u2014from the port or the country they go from. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000480\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003ENew Zealand has over $4 billion of trade with the United States. We send 70,000 containers there. If we do not meet the security standards of the United States on the container trade we put that trade at risk. There is another issue: if we cannot assure the Americans about the contents of those containers and that they are secure, then the Americans will in fact do the work themselves, and that could mean New Zealand \u2013 sourced containers sitting on a wharf in the United States for between 3 and 5 days. So this is a trade issue for New Zealand. New Zealand exporters could not afford to have their containers held up on US wharves for over 1 week, possibly. To meet this demand, and this issue for New Zealand, the Government has invested in this Budget a $9 million increase to the Customs Service for its operating expenditure. This funding will employ up to 130 additional staff and give them the resources necessary. The Government has also budgeted for an increase in X-ray technology of between $15 million and $25 million. With this investment, the New Zealand Customs Service will be able to have a non-invasive inspection of containers that are of interest to the New Zealand Customs Service, or to the United States customs service, to ensure that the paperwork about those containers actually reflects what is in the containers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000481\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003E But, better than that, the New Zealand Customs Service is developing a whole-of-Government approach to ensure the supply chain. In the past, the United States customs service has made agreements between itself and ports. What we in New Zealand are asking for is for the customs service in the US to have an agreement\u2014which we have with it; an interim agreement\u2014for the New Zealand Customs Service. Without this, some of the trade from some of our smaller ports would be put in jeopardy, because they would simply be too small to be able to comply with the requirements of the United States.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000482\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002229931060380c4bccbb4fba7dc452c742\u0022\u003ESimon Power\u003C/span\u003E: Tamihere is nodding.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000483\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c18a0ea479684454b6004065180daada\u0022\u003EHon RICK BARKER\u003C/span\u003E: The National Party member scoffs at this issue, but I ask him this: how is he going to be able to sustain, for example, the port of Timaru or the port of Nelson to be able to export containers to the US? If he could not, what would that mean for the viability of those ports? If the economic viability of those ports is not of interest to the National Party, I can assure the member that it certainly is of interest to this Labour-led Government. We are going to invest heavily in container security, to ensure that we are able to guarantee our exports to the United States. So there are reasonable development issues with this, and there are also trade issues. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000484\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003EThe other point I would like to make is this: in the event of a terrible disaster in the United States, if we have such an arrangement with the United States about container security and we are able to offer them the certainties, or the sureties, that are necessary, our trade will continue, or is very likely to continue. If we are unable to give those assurances to the United States customs service, then our trade will be put at risk. I will repeat the figure\u2014we are talking about $4 billion worth of trade. Another very important improvement for the Customs Service in the Budget was $1.98 million to employ a further 16 new investigators at the border, for drug enforcement. I was the Opposition spokesperson on customs during the 1990s, and I am sorry to say that I witnessed the decline in funding in the Customs Service under the National Government. That decline in funding has left the Customs Service very hard-pressed to meet its commitments. One of the areas of great concern to the general public is the rise in the use and sale of methamphetamines and P-type substances. The New Zealand Police have successfully raided about 150-odd laboratories in the last 12 months, but it is also of concern to the Government that these drugs may be coming across the border, and there is strong evidence to suggest that is the case. The Customs Service has had a dramatic increase in the number of seizures of methamphetamines and P-type substances. The increase of almost $2 million to the drug investigation teams will ensure that we have an increased capacity to be able to catch the people who bring the drugs into New Zealand, and not only intercept the drugs but also prosecute the people concerned. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000485\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003EThe other point I would like to raise concerns Work and Income, for which I have delegated responsibility. I am pleased to see that there has been a substantial increase in investment in the Ministry of Social Development. There is $42.75 million of new money, which will enable us to develop more long-term sustainable plans for people who are on our records. We will be able to help people get into jobs, identify the skill shortages, help people gain the skills that are necessary to get the jobs, and generally improve on the work that has already been done. It is with some considerable pleasure that I can say to the House that we have seen the number of registered unemployed steadily fall under this Government. Every month there has been a steady fall in the number of unemployed. Contrary to the assertions of the National Party, the total number of people on a benefit in this country is fewer and fewer every month, and that is something that the National Government in the past could not achieve. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000486\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002203bc0052-6dd8-4807-998a-4768a4732e0b\u0022\u003EIn conclusion, I would like to say that this Budget is not only good for the Customs Service and the people of New Zealand generally; it is also very good for the Hawke\u2019s Bay electorate of Tukituki that I represent. There is increased funding for education and health. We now have a primary health organisation established in Hawke\u2019s Bay. There is better funding for mental health in my area, and the mental health services in Hawke\u2019s Bay, after decades of foregoing the client, are on the turn-round. There have been improvements in funding for innovation. There is more money for my people to be certain about their superannuation. Income-related rents continue to be a policy of this Government, meaning that people on a benefit and who are in a State house have more money in the hand. We are also seeing housing upgrades. We have security of our exports. There have been improvements on every front. I can honestly say that in the decade I have been the Hawke\u2019s Bay member of Parliament, for both Hastings and Tukituki, I have never seen the province so prosperous and so looking forward to the future. This Government has been fantastic to Hawke\u2019s Bay, and I expect it to continue to be re-elected.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022 data-id=\u0022cb470ae622944e41abbd33359eab3cde\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000487\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cb470ae622944e41abbd33359eab3cde\u0022\u003ESIMON POWER (NZ National\u2014Rangitikei):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I noted during the member\u2019s speech that he made reference to the fact that he has delegated responsibility for Work and Income. I wonder whether you could advise me as to whether the delegations for the new Ministers have been tabled, and if they have not, under what time frame that would normally be expected to occur.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000488\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fae7af0d-c48d-4dd4-88f3-928ccaa3a984\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220b28484e4e10484991ccfb4e0f786e8e\u0022\u003EMadam DEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The new schedule of delegated ministerial responsibilities has yet to be tabled. I am sure the Leader of the House will attend to that in due course. There is not a set time frame, although I note that the present Minister of Customs was Minister of Customs previously, and the delegation for Work and Income was previous to that, too.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022fc82cea8-c84d-4ab7-8597-31916dbedc43\u0022 data-id=\u0022e1707f936cd342ab871617ad0bcbca93\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000489\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc82cea8-c84d-4ab7-8597-31916dbedc43\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e1707f936cd342ab871617ad0bcbca93\u0022\u003EEDWIN PERRY (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E We have just heard from the Hon Rick Barker how well this Government is performing. I have listened to a lot of Budgets over the years, and, of course, this Budget, as Mr Cullen has said, has been a careful Budget. [Interruption] After sitting through the Budget last week, I would call it \u201Che moe Budget\u201D, a very sleepy Budget, I say to Mr Ririnui. I just want to get back to some facts that my colleague Dr Lynda Scott mentioned. The taxpayers of this country deserve better. They expect whatever Government is in power to deliver the essential services that their tax money provides for. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000490\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc82cea8-c84d-4ab7-8597-31916dbedc43\u0022\u003EThe Government is saying that, yes, it is doing this and doing that. I want to touch on a lot of the issues and a lot of the services that the Government says are working. The airlines were bailed out, for $800 million. The railway system is in a mess. We do not know whether the Government wants to buy it back, or buy portions of it back. It is in a mess. The roading system is in a mess. Health is in a mess. We have just heard from Dr Lynda Scott that 25,000 people have been cast off the waiting list. The very people who paid for the roads and the railways of this country have been denied that service. I refer to defence. If a conflict broke out today, we would not stand a chance. The Defence Force is in a mess. In respect of education, we have only to read the Dominion Post recently to see that principals of prominent schools have said that the money provided in this Budget for education is a pittance. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000491\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc82cea8-c84d-4ab7-8597-31916dbedc43\u0022\u003EI was walking the streets of Wellington today. I say to the Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs, who is not in the House, that he should have taken a h\u012Bkoi down Lambton Quay today. He would have seen a wh\u0101nau not only singing for their supper but also singing for school uniforms for the children to go to school in. Is that what he calls closing the gaps? I do not. The police are pussyfooting around the methamphetamine problem and pussyfooting around the gangs. The M\u0101ori members of the Labour Party know, after the hui at Waiwhetu last week, what the consequences of that are for our young people. More police are required. The 50 additional police officers that have been allocated are, quite frankly, not enough. What have we heard about power in the last few weeks? It is in a state of shock. Even today, taxpayers have been asked to turn off this and turn off that. It is a disgrace. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000492\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc82cea8-c84d-4ab7-8597-31916dbedc43\u0022\u003EI turn to immigration. There are 60,000 to 70,000 people coming into this country. [Interruption] I say to Mr Tamihere that today we hear that Asian students are out of control in Auckland. We should look after ourselves first\u2014before we start to look after them. Mr Barker spoke about Work and Income, and this afternoon the k\u014Drero is being presented on how well it is working. Funding used to be $10 billion, now it is $14 billion. The investigators have 8 months\u2019 work ahead of them investigating allegations. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000493\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc82cea8-c84d-4ab7-8597-31916dbedc43\u0022\u003EWe heard from Mr Barker about how well the rural sector is going. I tell members that in 3 or 4 months\u2019 time they will soon see how the rural sector is operating. The high dollar is encroaching on the purchase of equipment that is required, such as tractors, cars, and field equipment. I say to Government members that the Government has ridden on the back of the coalition Government of New Zealand First and National. Its monetary systems have not changed. It has ridden on the back of the coalition\u2019s policies that were put in place, and the rural sector has made sure that the urban sector has improved. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000494\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc82cea8-c84d-4ab7-8597-31916dbedc43\u0022\u003EI want to touch on the M\u0101ori members over there. What have M\u0101ori got out of this Budget? This Budget gives $34 million to the America\u2019s Cup, and it gives $150 million for M\u0101ori television. What should the Government have spent that money on? What should M\u0101oridom have got money for? The money should have been for housing, land development\u2014[Interruption] Hang on; what is in the Budget for marae development? Those members sat there quietly and never said a word. Education is the key to M\u0101oridom\u2019s success. What about kapa haka? What did that receive? I see that all the other cultures got plenty of money in the Budget, but what did kapa haka get? At least New Zealand First can say that it did put money into kapa haka. What the Government wants to do is spend that money on that hit-and-miss M\u0101ori television station. On Sunday the Hon Parekura Horomia said on television that the survey showed that M\u0101ori want television. But he never put up housing and television\u2014and I know what our M\u0101ori people would have gone for. It would not have been television, that is for sure. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000495\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc82cea8-c84d-4ab7-8597-31916dbedc43\u0022\u003EFunding of $6.5 million has been put aside to educate M\u0101ori and the public on the Treaty of Waitangi. Have members ever lived on a farm and seen a pig trough that is V-shaped? Imagine those people! They would have their snouts and pork trotters tucked in there sucking out the $6.5 million. Over the next 3 years, they will do nothing. If people have not learnt about the treaty now, they never will. [Interruption] At least New Zealand First put $3 million into marae development. At least we got free health service for the under-sixes. Those M\u0101ori members ought to go back to their Government and ask: \u201CWhere is the partnership in the Budget?\u201D The Budget states that there have been significant improvements in the position of M\u0101ori. I ask those members: \u201CDo you approve that 53 percent of prison inmates are M\u0101ori males?\u201D. Do they think that is an improvement? I do not. I think that the number of M\u0101oris in prison is disgusting. I do not care what Government is in office; we have to improve that level. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000496\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc82cea8-c84d-4ab7-8597-31916dbedc43\u0022\u003EAgain, those Labour members talked about how unemployment, and how employment has improved for M\u0101oridom. In Ruatoria, a little wee place, 240 people have just been put out of work. Those members should look at unemployment again. With regard to the M\u0101ori agencies that assist the Government to get a better working relationship with the agencies, I say, in closing, to the M\u0101ori MPs that the money that is going out for M\u0101ori initiatives needs to be more controlled. Te Puni K\u014Dkiri should have a body that makes sure that whatever money goes out is spent correctly and the people in Te Puni K\u014Dkiri should have the knowledge to be able to assist those people, so that the money does not go astray. I finish by saying there is a great cartoon in the paper. It shows Michael Joseph Savage, 1872-1940, New Zealand\u2019s first Labour Prime Minister. The cartoon shows him turning over and muttering something about millionaires\u2019 bloody yacht races, and he asks: what about the working man?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f349039e-f016-4db0-a8d0-c374551be708\u0022 data-id=\u0022d4b27af1c53b4a1bb2d61a9e60251664\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000497\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f349039e-f016-4db0-a8d0-c374551be708\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d4b27af1c53b4a1bb2d61a9e60251664\u0022\u003ECRAIG McNAIR (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E I have 3 minutes to say a lot. [Interruption] We are all singing from the same hymn-book, so it does not matter. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000498\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f349039e-f016-4db0-a8d0-c374551be708\u0022\u003ENew Zealand\u2019s economic performance has been poor since the mid-1980s. We have seen a focus on the reduction of inflation, and, for the most part, a mean-minded approach to social spending. New Zealand is now placed at the lower end of the developed countries, and our position has been deteriorating. Real and lasting national prosperity will come only via real economic growth. New Zealand First recognises that our lifeblood has always been trade. Export-led economic growth is the key to our future development. For example, New Zealand exports only US$3,600 per man, woman, and child, compared with Ireland, which exports about US$19,000 per man, woman, and child. We may then compare a small nation like Singapore with a beautiful country like New Zealand, which is just so rich in resources. It is quite staggering that Singapore exports US$34,731 per man, woman, and child, compared with a beautiful, rich-in-resources country like New Zealand. Mita Ririnui is looking at me as if to say, \u201CWhat\u2019s wrong with that?\u201D, well, that is a big difference\u2014$3,600 compared with $34,000 is bad news. Clearly, we have underperformed as a country, and that is certainly our problem. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000499\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f349039e-f016-4db0-a8d0-c374551be708\u0022\u003EThere are a number of major factors affecting that poor performance, and an emphasis on the interests of the financial sector at the expense of those of the productive sector, and exporting is one of the problems. Another problem is our overvalued exchange rate, coupled with high interest rates. What is the exchange rate now? It is nearly 60c to the US dollar. What is that doing? It is hurting our exporters and our farmers. What are we going to do about it? What is this Government doing about it? I have seen nothing in this Budget to show that the Government is trying to stem the growth of that exchange rate as it heads upwards. All that is helping is the big import giants like the Warehouse, and so on. They do a great job in our community, but my question is what are we doing for our exporters? What is this Government doing? It is not doing a hang of a lot, if one asks me. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000500\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f349039e-f016-4db0-a8d0-c374551be708\u0022\u003ELast night I heard David Parker\u2014the guy who kicked out Gavan Herlihy\u2014say how great the Labour Government of the 1980s was. He was heralding how amazing the Labour Government of the 1980s was. I was not very old in the 1980s\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000501\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f670082784bc4067b3dc73ff8a185cf3\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: You still aren\u2019t.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000502\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f349039e-f016-4db0-a8d0-c374551be708\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225687e31bffda4f90a4744f7396049572\u0022\u003ECRAIG McNAIR\u003C/span\u003E: I thank Mr Prebble for the compliment. I still remember that that Government sold Air New Zealand for a song\u2014for the value of three Boeing 767s from the 200 series. That is what the Government sold a 34-aeroplane fleet for, with trucks and everything else under the sun that went with it. The Government that David Parker is so proud of also sold Telecom. That is the Labour Government\u2014[Interruption]. Red is red; it does not matter. Labour MPs today are still under the Labour banner, and I tell them that that is exactly what the Labour Government of the 1980s did. It sold New Zealand Steel, Petrocorp, Postbank, Land Corporation, and Telecom. Last night David Parker was saying how great it was when the Labour Government could be proud of that kind of thing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022 data-id=\u002278f7ada0755a43b09bd43a0a40125233\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000503\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002278f7ada0755a43b09bd43a0a40125233\u0022\u003EDr ASHRAF CHOUDHARY (NZ Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Firstly, I congratulate Michael Cullen and this Government on presenting a very balanced and careful Budget. This Budget reinforces the Government\u2019s reputation for fiscal prudence and economic pragmatism, guided by its social conscience. I am proud to be part of this Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000504\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EThis Labour-led Government has a clear set of policy priorities. Those are to achieve higher living standards for all by restoring New Zealand to the top half of the OECD in terms of per capita income, to support a cohesive society by funding good public services, and to achieve socio-economic outcomes that we can all be proud of. This Government has consistently pursued those objectives since taking office 4 years ago, and this year\u2019s Budget takes some further important steps in that direction. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000505\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EThis Budget has put more money in the Government\u2019s investment in the education sector and in the growth and innovation framework, and continues its record of strong investment in health and social development, which is an investment for the future of this country. This Budget shows an integrated, whole-of-Government approach to lifting the sustainable growth rate, and it offers certainty and stability amid a threatening, confused, and insecure world environment. It is about educating for a successful and innovative society; implementing the growth innovation framework; creating opportunity and security, which are key to a successful society; and creating infrastructure sustainability through transport, energy, water, and technology. I will concentrate my contribution on the education and science areas, because I believe that the economic health of a country is pretty much dependent on education and innovation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000506\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EEducation is important for the opportunity it provides not just to individuals, but also to the economy. This year\u2019s Budget has provided nearly $1,200 million\u2014a 6 percent increase\u2014in new education spending over the next 4 years, plus a further $128 million for capital investment. More specifically, we have put a lot more money into early childhood education, we have increased operating funds for schools, and we have provided $400 million for new school buildings, and over $400 million to increase the student component of tertiary funding, which will increase by 3 percent in 2004. We have also introduced a new fee maximum policy at tertiary level, which will both provide long-term fee predictability and contain fee increases, and which will give surety to a lot of students in terms of what they will have to pay. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000507\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EThe Budget also contains $23 million over 4 years for bonded scholarships and research fellowships to attract people into specialised professions that are critical to our success. It is very important to make sure that good students are welcomed and well regarded. There is additional money in the Budget to provide for 774 teachers, which includes funding for teacher supplies. The Tertiary Education Commission has been set up to steer development in the sector. So there are a whole lot of new initiatives in the education sector. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000508\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EI will talk just briefly about industry training and Modern Apprenticeships. This Budget allows an increase in the number of industry trainees from 100,000 to 150,000 by the year 2005. We have an additional $14.6 million for Modern Apprenticeships. There is a whole lot of new money for training in the Gateway programme, and so on. Additional funds are going into research, technology, and science. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000509\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EThis Budget continues the Government\u2019s commitment to the innovation and growth framework to strengthen the economy\u2019s capacity to grow, which is important. For example, I know that a huge amount of money is going into the new research, science, and technology area. There is funding for a pre-seed accelerator funding programme, and that is very important. As a scientist, I know that I had difficulties in years gone by\u2014one could have a good idea that one wanted to promote, but there was no funding at the pre-seed level that could be used to promote one\u2019s particular idea and to take it to the next step in terms of commercialisation. It is very important to encourage scientists to actually bring their technology into the commercial arena. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000510\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EWe recently announced $6.4 million to increase the highly successful business incubator programmes, and that is very important, also. It will encourage new initiatives in terms of innovative parks and regional development, and it will create more employment. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000511\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EThe Budget provides $44 million to attract migrants to New Zealand with the skills that the economy needs. It is very important for us to target funding to get people who can contribute to the economy, or who can be employed before they actually arrive in this country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000512\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EIn addition, there is a whole lot more money in terms of biotechnology, information and communication technology, and design and screen production. I am delighted that a whole lot of innovative initiatives are taking place in the industry, and also in small and medium-sized enterprises. This Government is putting together a package to assist small and medium-sized enterprises, which will include some clever and highly practical tax changes. A special forum will be held next year to discuss those changes, and a small advisory group will be established. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000513\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EI now want to talk briefly about ethnic New Zealanders. I have heard a lot about Asians and other ethnic people coming under attack from the other side. It is a shame to hear those attacks over and over again. Someone on the other side just mentioned Singapore, for example, saying that it has done well, and that it is going ahead. I am aware of that, but who are Singaporeans? They are Asian people, and members should not forget that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000514\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EThis Government has taken steps to recognise the growing ethnic and cultural diversity of New Zealand. Our country was built on a bicultural foundation, but today it is home to many peoples. There are about 400,000 ethnic New Zealanders, and some, like early Chinese settlers, have been a part of our society for almost 150 years. We recognise that some migrants, and especially refugees, may have high settlement needs. It is important to address those needs, and to ensure that ethnic people feel accepted in New Zealand, so that they are able to integrate into our society, and contribute to its culture, growth, and prosperity. I am delighted that the Labour Government has established the Office of Ethnic Affairs as a permanent policy and advocacy body for ethnic people. Since its beginning in 2001, the office has expanded and consolidated its resources, and now has branches in Auckland and Christchurch. That initiative aims to encourage participation by ethnic people in all spheres of life, and to recognise those individuals who have left a mark on New Zealand society. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000515\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EWe have recently launched the language-line pilot\u2014that is, the Government\u2019s 30-language, free-to-use telephone interpreting service, which is intended to allow ethnic people easy access to Government agencies, such as the Police, the Accident Compensation Corporation, the Immigration Service, Work and Income, and Housing New Zealand. We have also recently launched a policy on English for speakers of other languages. There are 50,000 non-English speakers in this country, and that strategy will allow those people access to learn the English language, and it is very important that that is being done. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000516\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EFinally, this Budget has allocated over $21 million over 4 years to improve the employment services for migrants and refugees through an Auckland metropolitan migrant and refugee strategy\u2014that too is important. A key component of the strategy is the establishment of specialist migrant and refugee work track and work action programmes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000517\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212f01718-dc1f-4307-b0b3-451098ab73df\u0022\u003EI am delighted that this Government has taken initiatives that are very balanced, that look forward to growth in the economy, and that put money into education and science, in particular.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022 data-id=\u002277de0f3c60fb4ef79489e3d0a9d0f2b0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002277de0f3c60fb4ef79489e3d0a9d0f2b0\u0022\u003ESIMON POWER (NZ National\u2014Rangitikei):\u003C/span\u003E I am delighted to follow my colleague from the Manawatu. I have to say I did not agree with a word he said, but I am delighted to follow him in this Budget debate. Two things struck me as I sat in the Chamber while Dr Michael Cullen read the Budget speech\u2014and this is the fourth Budget I have sat through. Firstly, I was stunned that not once during the reading of the Budget did anybody from the Government clap at any one initiative. That is the first time that has ever happened in the four Budgets I have heard since I have been in this House. Secondly, I was absolutely stunned to see at the conclusion of the Budget speech delivered by Dr Michael Cullen that members of coalition partner, United Future, sat on their seats.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000519\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E They sat on their seats and did not get up and applaud the Minister. They did not get up and support the Government. It was very noticeable that, while we on this side of the House sat, on cue all the Government members leapt to their feet. But United Future members who sit over in that corner of the Chamber, who support this Government, and who, no doubt, will vote for this bill at the end, did not get to their feet. Nor did the Greens get to their feet during the course of that speech, and I found that absolutely fascinating. The reason was that this Budget was lukewarm at best.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000520\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003EI want to concentrate on the three areas of the Budget I am concerned about, and then on one area in particular at the end that I know will interest my colleague the Hon Richard Prebble. I will spend a bit of time talking about what has happened to the convention of individual ministerial responsibility, but before I do that I just say how disappointed I am that defence did not get one mention in this Budget. There was not one word about defence or foreign policy in this Budget. I thought that was appalling. It was appalling for two reasons. Firstly, the Minister of Finance started this debate by saying that we live in an uncertain environment and that the Government has to be fiscally prudent in what it does. He did not explain anything about that uncertain environment. He did not explain what this Government is doing to support a credible foreign policy. He did not say what this Government would do to bolster up our defence force to meet that uncertain environment. There was no mention of any of those things, at all. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000521\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003EWe have done some forecasting on this side of the House, and we know this: defence spending is now at 0.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), falling to 0.8 percent in 2005. Compared with other figures over the last 15 years, that is an appalling state of affairs. But worse, when we compare this Budget with the Australian Budget that came out last week\u2014a Budget with a major focus on defence and on foreign policy\u2014we saw increased spending of A$2.1 billion over the next 5 years. More significantly than that, up to nearly 2 percent of GDP is to be spent on defence\u2014double what this Government will be spending on defence over the next short while. That is a sad indictment on this Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000522\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003EOne other thing was missing from the Budget, which I thought was very interesting\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000523\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221fa415efb95b4b84991ec5716ea35b9b\u0022\u003EClayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: Have a drink.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000524\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224a9e902237be440484ac2379ce95e4b4\u0022\u003ESIMON POWER\u003C/span\u003E: To give him credit, Clayton Cosgrove did notice this, although it did not get him into Cabinet. In all the discussion about a $4 billion surplus, not one mention was made of agriculture\u2014the very industry that delivered that $4 billion surplus to the Government. Did that industry get a word of thanks or a word of recognition? There was nothing\u2014zip. There was not even a mention of those people who are the backbone of this economy and the backbone of New Zealand\u2019s economic state of affairs. I tell the people of Rangitikei that this Government does not care that they have provided the surplus for it to spend. The Government will take the money but will not give thanks where thanks is due. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000525\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003ESpeaking of giving thanks where thanks is due, I point out that during the course of this Budget debate we have not heard a lot about the missing generation\u2014the generation of students who will have to stare this Government down over the fee maxima. In 1999 a very young and airbrushed looking Helen Clark made a statement on the credit card\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000526\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b0d8b0e0-3ece-4865-9145-5eb5983fc54c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a66be8a7337049aaa82c0be2a36186f8\u0022\u003EHon Richard Prebble\u003C/span\u003E: Is that who it was?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000527\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228d0f475e0c394ee4be96acdf192453ee\u0022\u003ESIMON POWER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it could have been anyone, actually. Helen Clark made a statement on the credit card that her commitment was to cut the cost to students of tertiary education. Wrong, gone, finished, end of that! Then, on a second credit card, is a picture of a very different-looking Helen Clark\u2014it could be the same person, although it is difficult to pick; obviously, the computers were down that day, but it looks sort of similar. It states in the third point under the headings \u201CThe Next Steps\u201D and \u201COur commitments to you\u201D that Labour will \u201CKeep tertiary education affordable.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000528\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f059f41ccc59493696b7d2e37c79f99a\u0022\u003EHon John Tamihere\u003C/span\u003E: I didn\u2019t see that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000529\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224cfbe2dea81b43768f057176a080d6f3\u0022\u003ESIMON POWER\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, Minister Tamihere has not seen that! The fee maxima will see the average cost of a BA go from $3,000 to $3,900 overnight. Those Government members have to understand that those credit card promises are breached. Those covenants are breached, and they mean nothing. I look forward to standing on the platform at the next election with the candidate who is put up for Labour in Rangitikei and asking how those credit card promises are coming along and whether there have been any breaches. Well, I can tell members that that promise is the first of six to go. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000530\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003EThe port and sherry tax\u2014\u201CNo other taxes will come along\u201D\u2014is another example of how this Government is introducing stealth revenue-gathering activities, while the people who matter most to this imagined knowledge economy, the students, will be left out in the cold. What worries me most about that is this Government saying those credit card promises would be kept, no matter what. Well, I am looking forward to the media reports of Helen Clark at Otago University tomorrow. I bet $1 they will not be favourable. The reception will not be favourable. I see John Tamihere having a quiet chuckle there, and wishing her well at Otago University. I tell those members sitting opposite that students now do not trust Labour. That party has come full circle, and students do not trust members on that side of the House from this point on. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000531\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003EI want to spend a couple of moments talking about the convention of individual ministerial responsibility. I have noticed over the course of the last 3 years that, in particular, Minister Dalziel and the Prime Minister are very good at blaming officials when something goes wrong in their portfolio areas. But in the last 2 days we have seen a complete erosion of the convention of individual ministerial responsibility with the Hon Parekura Horomia\u2019s total reluctance to take responsibility for what his officials have done. I thought it was worth spending a bit of time looking at what Geoffrey Palmer had to say about these matters. He said that the idea of ministerial responsibility is often said to be one of the great protections of our constitutional system. Well, so much for that. I worried when Bob Semple said: \u201CI\u2019m responsible, but not to blame.\u201D, and did not resign as a result of the tunnel works that were not up to scratch; or Jack Marshall, with the corrections issues. Those are Ministers who carried on in their portfolio areas. Denis Marshall, my predecessor, was caught in exactly the same predicament over Cave Creek in respect of individual ministerial responsibility. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000532\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003EA spectacular example of where the doctrine of individual ministerial responsibility worked most\u2014and my colleague Richard Prebble will remember this\u2014was in 1986, when Budget documents were released prior to Budget day. Roger Douglas went to David Lange and said: \u201CI am responsible for my officials mucking up, and I will resign.\u201D The doctrine of ministerial responsibility was invoked in the environment properly. David Lange said \u201CNo.\u201D The point is this: in an MMP environment individual ministerial responsibility is a far more important convention than it was under the Westminster system, because it is the only mechanism by which multi-parties have the opportunity to pin Ministers down to the departments they are responsible for. It is not good enough for a Minister to come into this House and blame officials for their department\u2019s work, when that doctrine, which is one of the pillars of the Westminster model, is being eroded by this Government in a disgraceful way\u2014and that Prime Minister has a lot to answer for.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000533\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003ESitting suspended from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022 data-id=\u00223e890de6559b4b71a76ff43e9dff3547\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000534\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223e890de6559b4b71a76ff43e9dff3547\u0022\u003EJILL PETTIS (NZ Labour\u2014Whanganui):\u003C/span\u003E It is an absolute pleasure to join the debate on the 2003 Budget, because this is a fantastic Budget. I have heard our critics say that it was boring and there was nothing in it for ordinary New Zealanders. I have to say that, while we on this side of the House express some concerns about literacy rates in New Zealand, that makes me question even further the literacy rates of some of those who sit on the other side of the House. Even the most casual reading of the Budget will tell members how much there is in the 2003 Budget for all New Zealanders\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000535\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226c6e4e63bd364fb9978d8e3c5af9f691\u0022\u003EHon Ruth Dyson\u003C/span\u003E: Even those from Northland?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000536\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e1f3a68223d04dedbb6be394f64e0c0f\u0022\u003EJILL PETTIS\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, even those from the most northern parts; I am not suggesting that that member has any problem with literacy. There is something for everybody in this Budget, and one of the most fascinating and fantastic aspects of the Budget from my perspective and from that of my electorate of Whanganui is the attack that we as a Government have been able to make on unemployment. This Government has invested heavily in youth. That is an investment in the future and an investment that is paying off already. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000537\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a4a99a7-292a-4829-ade5-e825f9be4940\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228da28958e5d145e895e1ba0cb2dba192\u0022\u003EHon Taito Phillip Field\u003C/span\u003E: Record employment levels.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000538\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226b673d4b2c7a4eb5b429b0a69f3a8047\u0022\u003EJILL PETTIS\u003C/span\u003E: Absolutely! As my colleague Mr Field says, we have record unemployment levels: the lowest for 14 years. That is a fantastic achievement. In the Whanganui area, in particular, there are now 600 fewer people unemployed than in the period when the previous National Government was in power. That is a wonderful achievement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000539\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003EWe are not claiming that we did it all on our own. We know that there have been some very positive contributing factors to it, particularly the excellent commodity prices that New Zealand has been able to benefit from. But nothing stands in isolation. A combination of a whole range of efforts and initiatives have gone into achieving that wonderful reduction in unemployment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003EMy colleagues, in their contributions, have talked about the Gateway programme, and I too want to mention it, because it is an initiative that has been particularly successful in our secondary schools, and more schools still in the Whanganui region are to be included in it. Hawera High School and Wanganui City College are already engaged in the programme, and it is now being extended to Patea High School, Waverley High School, Opunake High School, Kokohuia School, Cullinane College, and Wanganui Girls\u2019 College. That programme will give our young people further experience at making that transition from school to work, and we are receiving fantastic reports that are very positive, from the young people themselves, from their teachers, and from their parents. It is a real investment in the future of New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000541\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003EOne of the comments made by some of the detractors with regard to the Budget was that there were no surprises in this Budget. Budgets are not like Christmas presents. They are about planning for the future, which is the strength of this Government and of this Budget. It is about planning for the future. Those of us who have been around for a while remember one of those dreadful Budgets that was packed full of surprises. It was named by the Minister of Finance herself at the time as the \u201Cmother of all Budgets\u201D. My constituents reeled from the shock of what that surprise Budget meant for New Zealand in the cold, hard light of day. That Budget lead to so many negative aspects for New Zealand. It put this country into a depression\u2014not only a financial depression but also a depression of the spirit\u2014and it has taken a lot of hard work to rise up from that. We experienced some terrible times in which the most vulnerable in New Zealand were under attack.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000542\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003EBut, in a more positive vein\u2014because there is so much to be positive about\u2014I want to say that under this Government health spending has risen dramatically. It now accounts for 20 percent of all Government spending. That is an investment in today and in the future. The other fantastic investment that this Government is making is in the whole social service area, and in education in particular, and that is in line with typical Labour Budgets and policies. Access to education is the most important thing we can give young people. Our education policies are not only about the young; they are also about continuing education, about assisting people with second-chance education to help them contribute to our society in a whole variety of ways.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000543\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003EAnother investment made by the Government that I would particularly like to comment on is the investment in arts, culture, and heritage. I am pleased to see Mr Ardern in the House tonight, because he was heard on the radio on Friday making derogatory comments about this Government\u2019s investment in arts, culture, and heritage. We have invested $76 million in arts, culture, and heritage, and I am proud of the commitment we are making to that very important policy area. It, too, is about investing in ourselves as a people and as a country. It is about recognising ourselves as New Zealanders, recognising those values that we have as New Zealanders, and recognising that we can express ourselves in many artistic forms.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003EIt is not just about art galleries, although I suspect Mr Ardern will be there in Taranaki when the Puke Ariki art gallery has its official opening. He will want to be seen amongst the crowd, glad-handing and trying to take credit for that wonderful initiative of the people of Taranaki and the Government, that shared investment in arts, culture, and heritage. He will not be saying he thinks it is just a waste of time, and all those artists are just a bunch of woofters. He will not be saying that when he is standing there at the ceremony. He will be smiling and trying to bask in the reflected glory and the hard work of the Labour Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000545\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003EI also want to mention the investment this Government has made in the Defence Force. This Government puts its money where its mouth is. It is not all bluster and blank bullets. We have given our armed, trained personnel a pay rise, which they never got under Mr Ardern\u2019s Government. We have invested in capital expenditure, and have also assisted our trained personnel by giving them a pay rise. Historically, Labour Governments have invested more in defence capital expenditure than that party ever has. It talks tough, talks big, and rattles sabres but never puts its money where its mouth is. Labour does, and I am proud of that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000546\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222a849ed4-a817-45a7-8b86-dbc9dd210193\u0022\u003EThe other aspect I want to cover, in closing, is the many comments that have been made from that side of the House about the levy that was applied to drinks with a high alcohol content some weeks ago. I want to correct any misconception that the good people of New Zealand might have from listening to those people over there, who try to imply that this country is made up of a bunch of lushes. We are not saying that. New Zealanders do not spend their life drinking sherry and that other stuff. That levy was about protecting young people, and about making sure they can make a contribution to the future of New Zealand\u2014a New Zealand that has been made stronger by this Labour Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000547\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e7a5e68165743328e19980441fd3b2e\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: I advise all members of the House that the Green Party is going to split its call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002285712e72-b25f-4850-b4d9-90035064fde3\u0022 data-id=\u0022ead197572ac84fdeb16572fa8ab3e326\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000548\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285712e72-b25f-4850-b4d9-90035064fde3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ead197572ac84fdeb16572fa8ab3e326\u0022\u003ENANDOR TANCZOS (Green):\u003C/span\u003E The Green co-leader Rod Donald and previous Green speakers have already expressed our general opposition to this Budget. I am particularly concerned about the issues around tertiary funding, in particular the continued unwillingness of this Government to address what I think are the real issues of funding in the tertiary sector. I am referring to the levels of funding that are needed to ensure that facilities and services are maintained at an acceptable level, and that staff salaries are able to be internationally competitive, or even remotely comparable. That is on one side. Of course, on the other side are the issues around the student loan scheme. Although I acknowledge that there is an expanded eligibility for the student allowance, and that some students will benefit from that, there is a lack of anything in this Budget for the majority of students. A lot of students were hanging out for the fee maxima, and we are sad to see that it has largely been set at a level that provides for significant fee increases for the majority of students. Postgraduate students have been left out altogether. So we are saddened by those things.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000549\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285712e72-b25f-4850-b4d9-90035064fde3\u0022\u003EI will concentrate most of my speech on a different area. I acknowledge that the Government has taken some small, but useful, steps in the area of drug policy. The Green Party has been calling for more focus on effective drug education and treatment since we became an independent Green Party in this House. We led the way with the first new initiative around drug education for many years, last year, when we negotiated half a million dollars with the then Minister of Youth Affairs, Laila Harr\u00E9, for work in a critical area where there was a glaring gap in knowledge, and that was simply what effective drug education is, how one does it, and how one knows what is good. That was envisaged as a first step to better funding for that area.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000550\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285712e72-b25f-4850-b4d9-90035064fde3\u0022\u003EI was concerned that, with the new Government, that would be dropped, as it was my idea. To its credit, the Government has picked up and continued that funding. We are seeing the funding rolled out over 3 years. In the first year it will be around information gathering and analysis, and literature reviews identifying evidence-based best practice and key messages. In the second year, 2003-04, it will be around resource developments, guidelines for effective evaluation, standards for effective drug education, and criteria for purchasers of drug education to use when deciding which programmes meet their needs. In the last year, 2004-05, it will be around publishing standards and guidelines, and developing options for community pilots. It is good to see those things going ahead. That is to the credit of Mr Anderton and the ministerial committee on drug policy, and it is good to see that moving forward.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000551\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285712e72-b25f-4850-b4d9-90035064fde3\u0022\u003ECredit is also due to the ministerial committee on drug policy for following through on a number of other useful initiatives. We are seeing funding going to 15 community action initiatives based on the model of the Community Action on Youth and Drugs programmes. We are seeing $2.5 million go into those per year, and that is extremely good, because those are some of the few programmes that have shown any evidence of being useful. The Minister, Mr Anderton, is announcing a 19-point programme to deal with methamphetamine. Although the details are sketchy at this stage, he has said the emphasis is on dealing with those who supply and make the drug, but also on having compassionate treatment facilities for the victims. He says: \u201CWe need to rehabilitate those who are on the drug, and show no tolerance for those who are manufacturing or selling it.\u201D That is more like the right approach. We need to take a less punitive approach, and we need to recognise that the issues of drug abuse will not be solved by the police, but by education and treatment. There is also funding for police teams for the clean-up of methamphetamine labs, and that is also extremely good, because there are real environmental risk problems with clandestine methamphetamine laboratories.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000552\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285712e72-b25f-4850-b4d9-90035064fde3\u0022\u003EI congratulate the ministerial committee on drug policy on those issues. In the past, I have offered to work with the Government on those kinds of issues, and although that has not been taken up, I would like to repeat that offer. Although Mr Anderton and myself often disagree on drug policy issues, I think the Minister does deserve some congratulation on those efforts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022fc8ab326-1806-41d3-8c41-cd58c95dcb45\u0022 data-id=\u0022858a9c2f0eac4869a0e61cb30b1ef322\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000553\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc8ab326-1806-41d3-8c41-cd58c95dcb45\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022858a9c2f0eac4869a0e61cb30b1ef322\u0022\u003EMETIRIA TUREI (Green):\u003C/span\u003E In my view, there are two serious omissions in the Budget. The most significant omission is the failure to provide any additional funding for the Waitangi Tribunal, but perhaps the Government\u2019s recent response to the two latest tribunal reports is a clear explanation of that omission, with those responses being characterised by arrogance and a dismissal of M\u0101ori views.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000554\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc8ab326-1806-41d3-8c41-cd58c95dcb45\u0022\u003EThe Office of Treaty Settlements has received a huge boost in funding in the Budget. It will get about $10 million more, which will be directed toward pursuing direct negotiations on the Government\u2019s terms, but it is the tribunal that is best placed to give an independent assessment of the historical injustices and the Crown\u2019s complicity in those injustices. The Green Party supports increased resources for the Waitangi Tribunal, including adequate resources for claimants to prepare and present their cases, and for increased transparency and accountability. That is necessary if the tribunal is to develop a diversity of models for restitution and nationally sustainable compensation over time. It is those roles and the tribunal\u2019s independence, along with its contribution of extensive research, quality assessment of external research, and hearings of complex legal and historical information, that give the tribunal the legitimacy that is essential in such a charged area of governance. But there is no new money in this Budget for the tribunal.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000555\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc8ab326-1806-41d3-8c41-cd58c95dcb45\u0022\u003EI personally am appalled that Murray Smith from United Future can stand in this House, and, with a straight face, claim credit for the funding of the Office of Treaty Settlements. But it is not only that; he also claims credit for funding of the tribunal that does not exist. I believe that that is an example of extreme, patronising arrogance. The tribunal funding this year includes a drip feed of money that was set out in last year\u2019s Budget. So, unfortunately for Murray Smith, he is wrong, despite his sincerity. The money that the Government has committed to treaty settlements that it often talks about is directed to its own agency, not to the tribunal, which advocates for a fair and just assessment of the wrongs committed in the past. The tribunal has been deserted by this Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000556\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc8ab326-1806-41d3-8c41-cd58c95dcb45\u0022\u003EA second great omission is the total lack of support for children with special needs and with behavioural difficulties. No new funding has been provided for special education, despite the Court of Appeal ruling this year that the Government had failed properly to provide for those children. That is a disgrace, and a smack in the face for those families who are struggling to meet those children\u2019s needs.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000557\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022fc8ab326-1806-41d3-8c41-cd58c95dcb45\u0022\u003EIn addition, despite the rhetoric from the Government about suspensions and stand-downs, no money is being directed to helping those students, or the schools that have to manage and provide for those students\u2019 needs. Suspensions and stand-downs have a huge impact on a child\u2019s education. Research shows that the punishment generally arises out of problems to do with drugs, assaults, and continual misbehaviour. Some of the schools with the highest levels of suspensions and stand-downs are having to cope with extra levels of security for students, are dealing with low-level drug use, and are having to provide counselling and other support services to try to keep those children in school. Indeed, it would not even be very expensive to provide for those schools, given that the problems are concentrated in only a few schools\u20141.5 percent of schools are responsible for 24 percent of the suspensions and stand-downs, and low-decile schools are more likely to have those problems. But this Government has paid no attention to the needs of those children and those schools, which are seeking more constructive ways to manage the children\u2019s behaviour that do not leave the students isolated, demeaned, and labelled as bad kids. Those children have also been deserted by this Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022 data-id=\u00221c4b69626368452c9afb0785d256b14f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000558\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221c4b69626368452c9afb0785d256b14f\u0022\u003EHon RUTH DYSON (Minister for ACC):\u003C/span\u003E It is fantastic to be able to contribute to this debate in support of our Budget, the fourth Budget presented by the Hon Dr Michael Cullen. It is one of which I am particularly proud personally, because I am in Cabinet for the first time. It is a great responsibility, privilege, and honour to represent my constituents, and the sector for which I have responsibility. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000559\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EI would like to give a little attention to my portfolio areas: how they were voiced in the Budget, how that is reflected, and what we are going to do with the additional money that has been given to us. Within my area of disability issues, and as Associate Minister of Health with responsibility for aged care, I can say that we have had a lot of concern about the increasing workload of caregivers. Caregiving is across the board, and involves providing support in people\u2019s homes, in rest homes, and community facilities, and of course includes those who are employed in providing support through the Accident Compensation Corporation. Those caregivers have never been recognised as the integral part of the health system that they are. I am delighted we have recognised that, in the work we have done over the last 3 years. We now have a specific focus on improving quality and safety issues for caregivers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000560\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EIn this year\u2019s Budget we received $1 million for a project that looks at quality and safety issues, including specific workforce issues for caregivers. That is backed up by the work the community support services industry training organisation is doing in developing a nationally recognised certificate for caregivers. The aim is to address quality and safety issues so that we can be confident of the level of care that caregivers are providing. We also want to be confident of care workers\u2019 safety. In return for an increased level of qualification that is nationally recognised, we are sure that the improved funding that providers of caregiver support receive will be passed on to the paid workforce. This will be a win-win situation for the workers, the people who are receiving the service, and of course the general public. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000561\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EThis year, in the areas of disability we have focused on tertiary education, and that is sorely needed. People with disabilities are under-represented in their attendance in tertiary institutions as students, and we are determined to continue to address that. So this year we have seen an increase in the total funding for the special supplementary grant, and an ongoing commitment from the Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary Education) and myself to continue to look at how that special supplementary grant is spent, and how best we can improve access to tertiary education for students with disabilities. We have also made a commitment to fund accessible format material for blind tertiary students, for another year. This is critical, because if students cannot access the material from which they are to learn, then their learning will be of very low quality indeed, and that would not be acceptable to us. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000562\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EAn innovation that has significant funding is to improve the coordination of the support resources for deaf students in tertiary education. We are now working through with all the key stakeholders how we would operate a resource centre of excellence, offering support primarily through sign language interpreters and note takers. This will be based in the Auckland region in order to pool the resources and share them fairly amongst the different tertiary providers there. It is a huge step forward. I look forward to the collaboration and cooperation of all the tertiary providers in the Auckland region so that we can work together to improve access to tertiary education for deaf students. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000563\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EA little while ago the Minister of Communications and I announced the establishment of a telecommunications relay service as a telecommunications service obligation under the telecommunications legislation. In this year\u2019s Budget we have $540,000 to fund equipment for deaf, hearing-impaired, and speech-impaired people, so that they can access the telecommunications relay service. This is fantastic news for people who are looking forward to the opening of the relay service. Deaf, hearing-impaired, and speech-impaired people in New Zealand can finally access the telephone system in the same way as people who are not hearing impaired or speech impaired. That $540,000 grant will enable people to access the equipment they need to use the relay service. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000564\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EFinally, I would just like to move on to my other portfolio of Accident Compensation Corporation, and talk about the additional money that it has received in the Budget to improve subsidy levels for health providers. Every time accident compensation claimants go to a health provider, the Accident Compensation Corporation gives the provider some money, and the claimant gives the provider some money. That money is called the Accident Compensation Corporation subsidy, and it was set in 1988. In 1992, the then Accident Compensation Corporation Minister, Bill Birch, looked at the level of subsidy and said: \u201CThat\u2019s not very much money; what shall we do with it?\u201D. He cut every health provider subsidy across the board by 15 percent, and the subsidies have stayed at that level ever since. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000565\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EThat is not acceptable to this Government, which believes in funding high-quality health service at a fair level. So this year we have had increases in the subsidy level for health providers for the first time since that was altered\u2014slashed\u2014by Bill Birch in 1992. For physiotherapists an additional $12.3 million has been allocated across the board, which will enable the Accident Compensation Corporation to roll out the endorsed provider network over the next few months. Physiotherapists will now have a higher level of qualification, there will be improved reporting to the Accident Compensation Corporation, and the claimant has no co-payment at all. In my city of Christchurch\u2014home not only of endorsed provider network physiotherapists, but also of the Crusaders\u2014the whole city has access to free physiotherapy treatment for accident compensation claimants. We have increased the subsidy for dental treatment for under - 18-year-olds, and we have increased the subsidies for primary practice treatment materials, for practice nurses, for counsellors, and for rural general practitioners. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000566\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003ESo this is really fantastic news for accident compensation claimants. It has been a real pleasure working alongside the Minister of Health, Annette King, to ensure that accident compensation and health work in tandem, rather than operating separately as they have done in the past. This has particularly been the case with the increased subsidies of rural general practitioners and practice nurses. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000567\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003ECanterbury has been a real winner out of this Budget. Not only will we win the final on Saturday night against that team from the secondary island of the north, but we have also been good winners in\u2014I am not going to talk about the netball, because Canterbury has not done as well in that, but it does not matter. In the areas of health and education particularly, the people of Canterbury can be very proud of the gains we have made. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000568\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EI want to mention one other measure that has been long called-for in Canterbury and that has been achieved in this Budget, and that is the youth residential drug rehabilitation centre, which is part of the youth suicide prevention centre. It has a $620,000 operating expenditure, and $250,000 in one-off capital expenditure. That has been very warmly welcomed in Christchurch, and I am very pleased to stand alongside my colleague Jim Anderton, who has been a very strong promoter of that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000569\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EIn my own electorate, another special announcement that I want to mention briefly is the urban search and rescue team. It is based in my local area of Woolston and has had a significant increase in the amount of funding that it has received. They are an internationally recognised best-practice team. I am particularly proud of them as the local member, so is the whole of Canterbury, and so is the country, just as we are of the Budget.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022 data-id=\u0022de0f823b18974de2a6e93e73c4523a66\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000570\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022de0f823b18974de2a6e93e73c4523a66\u0022\u003ESHANE ARDERN (NZ National\u2014Taranaki - King Country):\u003C/span\u003E Never in the history of New Zealand has there been a Government with so much financial good fortune that delivered so little. We have a Prime Minister who has developed an ability to generate so much spin that if we could harness it to a turbine we would be able to solve the energy crisis.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000571\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226984d661-9f65-4ed6-b29c-3285b598582d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226376684ed4eb43fe98380a1343496b0a\u0022\u003EJohn Carter\u003C/span\u003E: Only if she were conscious.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000572\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227573739f658d4b0f907ef12064d04478\u0022\u003ESHANE ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, absolutely. We have had \u201CPicturegate\u201D, we have had \u201CCorngate\u201D, and we have had \u201CGoregate\u201D, and when she is not apologising for public statements she has made consciously that have offended our trading partners around the world\u2014the very trading partners she depends on to give us the good economic fortune she has had\u2014she goes around trying to apologise for things that none of us have had any part in. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000573\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003EI want to bring the House\u2019s attention to a letter that was sent to me by a former Taranaki \u2013 King country constituent who now resides in the US. He is a good National supporter, of course. He wrote: \u201CThe Prime Minister, Helen Clark, does not speak for all of us Kiwis. I can\u2019t express how personally sad her strategic error makes me.\u201D That is what he wrote. \u201CI would have thought I would have been happy to see her bungle give the National Party a bit of an edge. However, the damage to the country transcends any political advantage, real or imagined. I watched the interview with President Bush and the Australian Prime Minister at President Bush\u2019s private ranch in Texas, and closed my mind to the damage that was being done to New Zealand.\u201D That is what he said in his letter to me, and that is exactly so. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000574\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003EUnder this Government we have seen the arts\u2014and my colleague in the south has referred to that\u2014the America\u2019s Cup, and a whole range of other feel-good, do-good, socialist engineering get a big dollop of money, but what have we seen going into defence and biosecurity? We have a Government in this country that, quite clearly, does not understand that this is an export nation. We have a Government that quite clearly believes that an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff is better than a fence at the top. We have a Government that does not realise that this economy depends on exports. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000575\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003EIn response to public concerns, the Auditor-General did a most comprehensive report on biosecurity, and he noted that the overall emphasis was that the response to incursions was too slow and the funding process too complicated. So what do we have? We have disjointed departments, no clear objectives, no cohesion between groups, and a lack of ability to react quickly to incursions. If we look at the recent painted apple moth debacle in Auckland, which has cost $90 million thus far\u2014and the meter is still ticking on that eradication programme\u2014what we have is a dog\u2019s breakfast.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000576\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224baaab61718d4a8ea25e3e5ffbf54303\u0022\u003EClayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: Sounds like the National Party caucus, mate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000577\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d415980ae5c24e2ab10f3428eec5cb95\u0022\u003ESHANE ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: No, no, what we have is a dog\u2019s breakfast over on the other side of the House. What sort of wake-up call does this Government need before it does something about it? How much insurance is too much, and how much insurance is not enough? That is the question this Government needs to ask. Last year, 8 tonnes of meat came into this country with people. We had 15.9 tonnes of fruit, 3.6 tonnes of seeds, 3.2 tonnes of dairy products, 3.2 tonnes of fish products, and 5,800 plant species introduced into the country or brought into the country on someone\u2019s person. What concerns me is how much was not picked up. The Ministry of Agriculture, in its own audit, said that there is about 10 percent that it does not pick up. That is far too much meat and other potential foot-and-mouth material coming into New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000578\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003EA recent Treasury report stated that as much as $12 billion would be lost to the New Zealand economy, with a foot-and-mouth outbreak. And what do we get in the Budget in response to that? Zilch! We get a reduction. To eradicate the problem, we need to educate the public and increase the penalties. Where was there any evidence of that? There was none at all. Today we have learnt that the bee varroa mite has escaped right across the North Island. It was being contained in the northern part of the North Island, but it has escaped right across. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000579\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003EWhat are the long-term costs of that? Let us look at the response we get from the Government. In response to a question in the House, the Acting Minister for Biosecurity, Marian Hobbs, told us that she thought that finding only six incursions in the last fortnight showed that we were really good at surveillance. Well, what does one say? This is the Minister who often acts for the Minister for Biosecurity, because as the Minister for Biosecurity told the Federated Farmers conference in Taranaki last week, in regard to a recent trip overseas: \u201CThis was the third trade mission I have led this year, and just one of the many, many overseas trips I will be making this year.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000580\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003EWe have a Minister for Biosecurity who says at the Federated Farmers conference that he will be out of the country most of the year. As Minister for Trade Negotiations, that is absolutely right and proper. So we have an associate Minister who actually handles biosecurity, and who believes that finding six incursions in a fortnight is a very, very good response. What hope do we have? We have a problem, and one that urgently needed addressing in this Budget, and what did we get from the Minister? Nothing, absolutely nothing\u2014that is what we got. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000581\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002283409c0538ed4c38824e28b89a6c8162\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: Order! I refer members to Speaker\u2019s ruling 51/5(3).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000582\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d7299550b44648cb9506b0bf2dbebe2b\u0022\u003ESHANE ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: The more they heckle, the better the speech, but I am thankful I have your protection. We have a $4.2 billion surplus, which is plenty of money to deal with the border control problems, and what do we get? We get nothing at all. Last year, 420,000 sea containers came into New Zealand. We have a problem with incursions through sea containers. How many of these containers do we inspect? We inspect 24 percent of the high-risk containers, and a recent Ministry of Agriculture audit showed that of the 24 percent we inspected, as many as 1,700 containers contained further incursions of insects and spiders. I think the figure was an increase from six to 71 spiders that the ministry had not found in the initial inspection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000583\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c598ffd3-4771-4027-a15f-5d1f643631e0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227ba28cca31d14c6f8991f733b4f28514\u0022\u003EBrian Connell\u003C/span\u003E: Sounds like the Labour caucus.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000584\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223fedd02e3d0248708c305217234d9f37\u0022\u003ESHANE ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: Exactly. It does sound like the Labour caucus. Quite a few spiders are hidden in amongst there. The containers themselves are very host-friendly. One would have thought there would be some mention in the Budget of how the Government was going to deal with that problem. But there was not a thing. We did not see a thing in the Budget about that. There is a suggestion that the Government will introduce some further process in this regard, but where is that? And when is it? When will it happen? How big a risk do we have to take before this Government wakes up and understands what this will be? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003EIn the last 6 months we have had a number of incursions, and the number we have had is increasing steadily\u2014and the Government is doing nothing. The only good thing we can say about the consistency of our defence is that it is consistent. We seem to get a new incursion every week\u2014and this Government sits on its hands, at a time when it has a huge fiscal surplus like no other we have seen in the history of this country. So I say to this Government that it is time it did something about that, it is time we saw some investment in this area, and it is time we did something to eradicate the problem we clearly have with our biosecurity. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000586\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003EI warn the Government to fix it, because otherwise its $4.2 billion surplus will turn into a $10 billion deficit. A recent Treasury report that said $12 billion would be lost to this country if we had a foot-and-mouth outbreak. That amount could expand when we take the flow-on effects of tourism, and from the evidence we have seen from overseas it could expand to as much as $60 billion. I suggest to this Government that it take some action while it still can.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022 data-id=\u002265a442a449534e3f9ec31b615c815286\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000587\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002265a442a449534e3f9ec31b615c815286\u0022\u003EHon JOHN TAMIHERE (Minister of Youth Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E E te Kaihaut\u016B me te whakaruruhau ki a m\u0101tau, a Ross, aroha ki a koe; Mr Speaker, I pay special homage to you. As a Labour Party Minister and member I speak in favour of, and commend, the Budget to the House. I want to acknowledge, as usual, the real workers of the country, in whose name we produce the Budget, whether it is the Clerks of this House, the messengers who run our errands, the security officers out there, or our VIP drivers who drive VIPs around the country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000588\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EIn that respect, I want to pause and pay a special mihi to one of our VIP drivers who passed away last night\u2014Richard  Mangu. E te rangatira ki a m\u0101tau Richard, e aroha ana ki a koe. K\u0101re e warewaretia e m\u0101tau, me ng\u0101 mahi maha ki te awhi i a m\u0101tau. K\u0101re e warewaretia. N\u014D reira, Richard, moe mai, moe mai i te moenga roa. E te wh\u0101nau pani, he aroha ki a koutou mai i ng\u0101 mema o te P\u0101remata. E Richard, he aroha. He aroha ki a koutou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000589\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003E[To you Richard, a noble one to us, our affectionate regards. You are one whom we will never forget, including the many cherishing things that you did for us. These things will never be forgotten. So slumber there, Richard; sleep the long sleep. To you the grieving family, affectionate regards from the members of Parliament. To you too, Richard, fond regards. Regards to you all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000590\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EI was paying homage to a great worker who used to drive a number of Prime Ministers, members of Parliament, judges, and Cabinet Ministers, regardless of their colour, race, or creed. He was a great bloke and I wanted to pay homage to him since he has passed away and been taken north to his people to rest in peace. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000591\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EThis is what Labour Budgets are all about, and this is what being a Labour member is all about. It is about acknowledging the real people, not the big people in this country who can look after themselves, fend for themselves, organise lobbying at Parliament, and always get a good deal. These Budgets are about the big masses of Kiwis\u2014the good old Kiwi battlers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000592\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EJust before I progress to giving some detail of the Budget, I want to say a few things about the ACT party. It is great to have the ACT party in this House\u2014absolutely great. I want to give a special acknowledgment this evening to all the drongos who vote for them, because having wonderful honourable members like Rodney Hide in this House\u2014the No. 1 scamster and crook from Fiji putting smear campaigns out\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000593\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221ffe2f6467174b1ca0bde564fc4036d9\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: The member cannot use that word. He will withdraw and apologise. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000594\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ba90ea668c341609f8dad169ebacb19\u0022\u003EHon JOHN TAMIHERE\u003C/span\u003E: I accept that. I withdraw and apologise. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000595\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4da5811-fb5a-4721-b57a-518446bd7796\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229a4f092ede7e4af8b2fdfd62ca86d81a\u0022\u003EDail Jones\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I ask that the member be asked to withdraw and apologise. I could not hear because there was so much interjection coming from members on the Labour benches. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000596\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c20ea0ec95334774b6679dce83b05a55\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: I remind members that it is unparliamentary and unacceptable to interject during a point of order. People have been ordered from the House for doing that. The Minister did acknowledge it, and did withdraw and apologise. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000597\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4da5811-fb5a-4721-b57a-518446bd7796\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b9f675da095a4c1fb6b796e8ba8c342c\u0022\u003EDail Jones\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a further point of order, Mr Speaker. When you are speaking, I expect that all members should be seated, including the Minister, who refused to sit at any stage during my point of order and even when you were speaking. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000598\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d31d212746d445cc9528743a30c5698d\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you. The member is now seated, and I call him. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000599\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022375548e3bb1b41daa2e448c8a09ab6da\u0022\u003EHon JOHN TAMIHERE\u003C/span\u003E: It is interesting, because with the member coming from the wonderful ACT party we knew about those pyramid-selling programmes outside the precincts of this Parliament from one of its members, Owen Jennings. We all knew that Mr Hide attended a scamsters hui worth $10 million in Fiji. He was first to the buffet over there, had a wonderful trip on behalf of the organisers of that hui, and gave it great credence. We also know that he is very interesting in the urinal, particularly on Waiheke Island. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000600\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EWell, I shall put that to one side, and move quickly on to the Budget. I want to make the point very carefully and very clearly tonight that the record of Labour Governments is absolutely amazing and significant in the way in which they have set infrastructure in place. Labour Governments have set First World nation precedents in respect of the way our economy should conduct itself. The National Party has always tried to portray itself as the party of sensible economic management. History does not support that view. It is Labour Governments that have run surpluses; it is National Governments that have spent them. Labour Governments have done the hard work of setting in place structural settings. We have to sort out infrastructure right now\u2014basic as it is\u2014for roading and transport, for airlines, and all the way through the transport system. Labour Governments have to conduct the best economic management programmes that this nation has ever seen. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000601\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EIt was the hard work of Nash and Nordmeyer that enabled Holyoake to surf the good times. History will show that this Budget, under Cullen, sets the platform\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000602\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002264b168449ad840d99f07a23344fc146a\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: Speaker\u2019s ruling 6/1 (Supplement) says a member cannot be referred to by one name, but should be referred to by his or her title, portfolio, or by the term \u201Cthe honourable Minister\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000603\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022960ab6bc95914902ba6bf8d602a07d8f\u0022\u003EHon JOHN TAMIHERE\u003C/span\u003E: As you please, Mr Speaker. Moving along, I want to make another point, about numbers. National Party members opposite will struggle with it, but here we go. I will try to give them a sort of a mathematics lesson in economics 101. In the year to June 1999 when the Labour-led Government came into power, revenue was about 33.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Expenditure was about 33.3 percent of GDP. Government debt was 35.6 percent of GDP\u2014very large. Net debt was 21 percent of GDP. In the year to June 2003\u2014and I will labour this point because I know that Dail Jones does struggle; but for his benefit I will say it very slowly and he can read my lips\u2014revenue is 33.2 percent of GDP, and expenditure is down to 32.1 percent of GDP. Who says that Labour Governments spend surpluses, in the light of what the Tories did? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000604\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EThe evidence is not on the table. Government debt is down to an all-time low of 27.3 percent of GDP, and net debt is down 7 percentage points. That is huge\u2014$7 billion. I tell Dail Jones to get his mind around that. I know he will be struggling. Lindsay Tisch, the National Party whip, is nodding because he agrees with me. He is getting his mind around that and he understands it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000605\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EMoving on again, I ask what the response of the leader of the National Party is to that. He says to spend the surplus. Don Brash is the leader in waiting, with Simon Power as his deputy. We saw that today when they walked into the Chamber together and there was definitely a clump of the National Party caucus in the Chamber. They say we are not to spend. So, somewhere over in the National Party caucus, one day its members might sing off the same song sheet, but we should not hold our breath over it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000606\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EWhat often happens is that they say to spend it all now and damn the consequences\u2014that is Bill English for us\u2014but we are a sensible Government, supported by United Future. Simon Power asked us today why United Future members did not get on their feet and clap Michael Cullen for a great speech. Well, I say they were too busy on their knees saying \u201CAlleluia!\u201D. That is why. I want to acknowledge United Future members, because they knew where it is at. The United Future colleagues in this House, great Kiwis as they are, the stabilisers of the Government, called \u201CAlleluia!\u201D. That is what I have to say to members. This is marvellous stuff! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000607\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EJust before I conclude, because I am sure I have some injury time over from spurious points of order raised, I want to acknowledge a great colleague of the Labour Party, and former Deputy Speaker of this House, who has just entered this Chamber\u2014Geoff Braybrooke. On behalf of my colleagues I acknowledge his presence in the House today. He was a great Deputy Speaker, who used to be able to put the Tories in their place. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000608\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226de7f1d9-7be9-468a-b27c-06000416b96a\u0022\u003EBut moving along, I say that the Budget shows why this party will continue to sit on the Treasury benches, and why this party is the natural party of government. We can pick and choose amongst the liquorice allsorts over the other side of the Chamber as to how things work up and down, but, basically, we are here for a long time. At the same time as promoting an exciting agenda of change and innovation, we are keeping our eyes on the fundamentals. We are delivering economic management unrivalled by our trading partners. We are increasing social spending, and building infrastructure, but doing so in a prudent and appropriate manner. Clearly there is more to be done, and this Budget is all about securing the foundations of the future, and giving us a stable platform to build on. On behalf of the Labour Party, my colleagues in Cabinet, and members, I want to say to all Kiwis out there that we are down here hunkering for them, and I can assure them the Opposition is not. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022 data-id=\u00227b95164a318b40688793f0f0050a0240\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000609\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227b95164a318b40688793f0f0050a0240\u0022\u003EHon BRIAN DONNELLY (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E At the start of my speech I would just like to tautoko the mihi of the previous speaker to Richard Mangu and his family. I also want to say to the previous speaker that, having looked at this Budget, I now know why the Taranaki M\u0101ori are making claims on the gas and oil underneath the ground. It is because there was nothing in this Budget for the economic development of M\u0101ori\u2014I can assure members of that. Taranaki M\u0101ori have looked at the Budget, too, and they thought they had better go down the other track. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000610\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003EEarlier this year, New Zealand First embarked on a crusade over the issue of the increase in National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) fees, which was callously dropped on parents when their children began this school year. This Labour Government, this so-called worker-friendly Government, has increased fees by as much as 233 percent, in some cases. As I pointed out the implications of those ministerial decisions on low-income families, in particular, I can report that Labour members on the Government side of the House showed great embarrassment. Their body language was obvious, and it said the Minister had mucked that one up. I challenged the Minister to get up and say that, yes, the Government had got that one wrong and would bring the fees back down. I said that if he did that, he would earn our respect. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000611\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003EAs everyone knows, New Zealand First is a party that always keeps its promises. So I say to the Minister of Education that he has won our partial respect. He has not brought the fees down for middle-income earners, but he certainly has done something for lower-income workers and for those with more than one child sitting qualifications in the same year. Therefore, to the Minister we offer our partial respect. I also generously add praise to the Minister for the provision of funding for 16 and 17-year-olds in tertiary education who have completed year 13. But the point is this: had it not been for that campaign by New Zealand First\u2014supported, I might say, by no other party in this House except by the body language of the Labour members\u2014those Budget initiatives would not have occurred.  New Zealand First was prepared to take up the cudgel for the battlers on \u201CStruggle Street\u201D, and in this case we have had a success. That goes to show we are the party that asks \u201CCan we fix it? Yes, we can!\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000612\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003EI will take that one step further. When the Labour Government took office, it inherited a design for a school qualifications system that an overseas expert had claimed could be the best system of any country in the world, if it could be successfully implemented. All that Labour had to do was to implement it properly, and it could not even do that. By the end of 2002 it was obvious that we had a shambles on our hands, and it was then that Parliament itself stepped in, in the guise of the Education and Science Committee. Through a careful investigation that committee demonstrated that the NCEA was in danger of becoming a disaster, because of underfunding. I give credit to the members of that committee, acting as an agency of Parliament itself. I believe that the members of that committee gained the essential additional funding of $78 million to support the implementation of the NCEA and the administration of other qualifications. However, the question has to be why the Government could not work that out for itself. What is wrong with this Minister that it took a select committee report to get him to understand what was staring him clearly in the face? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000613\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003ETo understand this Budget, it is necessary to face the reality behind the spin. For example, an extra $61.2 million was announced for schools operational funding. That sounds good. I have to admit, it sounds good\u2014but it is over 4 years. When we break that down to the increase over 1 year, we find it works out at about 2 percent, which is slightly less than the predicted rate of inflation. In other words, the schools are going backwards. Then there is the $55 million for early childhood education, to ensure that more children can access quality education before they get to school. That is also over 4 years. When the New Zealand First \u2013 National Government put its first Budget together in 1997, we put up an additional $55 million for early childhood education\u2014and those dollars were worth more than they are now\u2014and the present Minister of Education said that that was mean and miserly. Well, if that was the case, then this $55 million over 4 years must be even more mean and miserly. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000614\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003EWho are the big winners in the Budget? Kindergartens are the big winners; they are to be funded at a rate of $3.97 per hour. Other early childhood education providers will receive $3.13 in the first half of the year, and $3.18 in the second half. So those providers will receive 27 percent less funding in the first 6 months of the year, and 25 percent less in the rest of the year, than kindergartens. Those providers have to deliver the same curriculum and operate under the same Desirable Objectives and Practices. But here is the rub: kindergartens will deliver, according to this Budget, half a million fewer hours of early childhood education next year than they have delivered this year. The providers who are to receive 25 percent less than kindergartens in funding will be the ones who will be producing the two million additional hours of early childhood education. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000615\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003EI turn to the early childhood assistance grants. That is the money that the Government gives out for the provision of more accommodation in the early childhood education sector. It is money for new buildings. That money has been cut by 16 percent\u2014by $1.6 million. United Future members are saying they will vote for that. In fact, they are saying \u201CHallelujah!\u201D to this particular Budget, according to John Tamihere. Yet we are cutting that money for early childhood education by 16 percent. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003ELet us look at some of the other areas of Vote Education. I totalled together all the increases in the Vote Education departmental classes. I will go through them. In terms of policy advice, ministerial services, ownership advice, provision of information, administration of regulations, and administration of education sector resourcing\u2014in other words, the bureaucracy\u2014the funding has gone from $160 million last year to $182 million in this Budget. That is an increase of $22 million for the bureaucrats. I will look at another area: supporting parenting. One would think this Government would really get in behind the supporting parenting programmes, especially with United Future here in the House. United Future wants to see the delivery of Parents as First Teachers programmes and Family Start programmes, etc. Those programmes have an extra $109,000, compared with the $22 million increase for the bureaucrats; that shows where the priorities are. But when we look a little closer at that increase, we see that 1,000 fewer families will have access to parenting support programmes next year under this Budget than the number having such access now. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000617\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003EThat is down to United Future. That is the Budget that United Future is saying \u201CHallelujah!\u201D to. United Future got $28 million for the Families Commission, but the Families Commission is not, by statute, actually allowed to deliver anything. We are talking about the programmes at the coalface, the programmes that deliver and that help parents to bring up their kids and make them better citizens. This caring Government, supported by United Future, which is the family party, has reduced the access to those programmes by 1,000 families. But the good news is that we have $28 million for the Families Commission. Taxpayers do not mind paying additional funds for positive, constructive programmes that will build our society. But why are we cutting into the very ones that we know are productive and, instead, putting all that extra money into the bureaucracy?  \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000618\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003EOne of the big issues facing education at the moment is the industrial issue. I say that although in this Budget the Government has poured huge amounts of extra money into teachers, I have never in my life known the teaching profession to be so disgruntled. It is disgruntled because of the mess that Trevor Mallard made of the collective contract negotiations, which were then caught up in an early election and had to put over to an alternative disputes resolution panel, which ended up giving the secondary teachers more than they had asked for in the first place. But a whole lot of people were alienated from access to that settlement, and a severe breach of the social contract occurred with those teachers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000619\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003EThe anger in our schools is immense. It is immense not just from those teachers who have not actually received the G3 plus increases but also from those people who did. Even the ones who have received them feel that the whole thing is unfair and unjust. The Minister of Education has a tiger by its tail, and every time he tries to fix up a pressure point here, another pressure point pops over there. We now have hundreds of millions of dollars going out purely and simply to resolve industrial issues that should have been resolved in the first place. That is not adding one jot to an improvement in the quality of education for our young children. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000620\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221a59d3ae-788b-4b19-b7dd-7d0e29a626fc\u0022\u003EI finish by saying that this Budget is a nothing Budget. People need to look below the surface to see the reality of it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022 data-id=\u0022ec8c114ce2cc488eb610e0aae60491b4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000621\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ec8c114ce2cc488eb610e0aae60491b4\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA (NZ Labour\u2014Te Tai Tonga):\u003C/span\u003E Before I start I will make a comment about the previous speech. It was so full of information as to be inarticulate. Essentially, that member has my respect as a fellow educationalist, but maybe he had too much in his speech to make an impact.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000622\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003EKa t\u016B mai ahau ki te tautoko mai i te mihi poroporoaki ki t\u0113tehi o ng\u0101 rangatira e tiaki mai i ng\u0101 Minita katoa mai r\u0101 an\u014D. Ko te tangata r\u0101 hoki, hoki atu ki tana k\u0101inga \u016Bkaip\u014D. Ka t\u016B mai ahau ki te mihi mai ki t\u0113n\u0101 e tautoko mai i te k\u014Drero o t\u014Dku nei hoa a Tamihere. Kei a koe hei whakap\u0101kehatia.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000623\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E[An interpretation in English was given to the House.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000624\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E[I rise to endorse the farewell tribute extended to one of the respected persons who has looked after Ministers for a very long time. That person has indeed returned to his maternal home. I stand to acknowledge and support the tribute made by this colleague of mine, John Tamihere.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000625\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003EI just want to take a slice of the Budget. The slice I am talking about is worth $6.5 million.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002278483481e13c4bce98276a18b0ae6c23\u0022\u003EGerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: Nothing. Waste of time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000627\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c534616037894ccea16a0b0a0eeacfbf\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: That member would not know about it. All that he represents is a very centrist view, with regard to New Zealand society as it is. All that the National Party\u2019s policies aim for is to appeal to a certain sector of our community, which in my view is retrospective and retrograde. All that that party\u2019s policy does, with regard to the Treaty of Waitangi\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000628\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f4de91fdee9d4cba9e28df5cd7e89aee\u0022\u003ERon Mark\u003C/span\u003E: How are the mining rights going?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000629\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022763adc3705f84887991778c237125728\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: That member has a chance to speak. When his chance comes up, he can talk. Until then, Kahungunu, me noho, noho puku ai.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E[until then, Kahungunu, you should sit down and not say anything.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000631\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003EThere was a great man\u2014and he does not have any tribal affiliation in New Zealand\u2014named Martin Luther King, who said: \u201CNothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.\u201D The member for Ilam is not prepared to listen to reason, and we understand that. What Martin Luther King was referring to was the commitment of this Labour Party\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000632\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223178807cc71d43dfb7c1302a8024dbed\u0022\u003ERon Mark\u003C/span\u003E: He didn\u2019t even know its members.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000633\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002298fde129360b4466913c0262705ed418\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: I find that member\u2019s humour, coming from a recently reborn M\u0101ori, ill-fitting. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000634\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003ELabour, if I may say so, is committed to leading a nation where the Treaty of Waitangi is understood. [Interruption]   If I may be allowed\u2014there is a windbag sitting in the corner who is absolutely full of nonsense\u2014I will say this about a former Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations by the name of Sir Douglas Graham. He was the first treaty negotiations Minister, from 1991 to 1999, and he said that those 8 years were a massive learning experience for him. Why should he as a former Minister of the Crown, and especially as a former Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, say that those 8 years were a massive learning experience for him? It was because like the honourable member sitting in the corner, Sir Douglas Graham was totally ignorant of a whole range of factors that were very, very significant to M\u0101ori. If the member does not mind my interrupting him, I thought I would give that as an example of where the National Party is today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000635\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003EThe National members do not know anything about treaty issues. All we get from that party\u2019s leader is a one citizenship party. What does that mean? It means to me, as a member elected for Te Tai Tonga, together with the six other M\u0101ori electorate MPs, that this is a one nation thing and it is all about assimilation. I tell that member that the dynamics of New Zealand society have moved on from that. That member is appealing to a group of people who are still living in the 1900s, the 1920s, the 1930s, the 1940s, and the 1950s. I say that member should wake up. The dynamics of our society have changed, as Sir Tipene O\u2019Regan said. He said that Ng\u0101i Tahu did ask, as did Waikato-Tainui, for the then National Government to run a treaty awareness and education programme for the wider public. What happened? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000636\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003EIn response to that member over there, the newly reborn M\u0101ori, all that I have to say is this: what is the price of ignorance? The price of ignorance is about making those kinds of comments in response to a commitment by the Labour Party. That commitment is about public awareness\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000637\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a236a46d12d54782b5b1cf84dc5af59d\u0022\u003ERon Mark\u003C/span\u003E: How far will $6 million go?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000638\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002231bd12083a3d474486f77df7a369ec51\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: It will go a helluva lot further than what you might have put in if you were in Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000639\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f2b5ec6fae244cc5bb311e278252d6ad\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: The member must not bring me into the debate by using the word \u201Cyou\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000640\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222f57f099b2cb476888fdaf1d37e4c249\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: I am referring to the honourable member who keeps interrupting my speech because he has nothing else to do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000641\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002292a92a1e764a45db8f3b079737684f0e\u0022\u003ERon Mark\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s my job.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000642\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224f7c8b7bf030443ab81b3ce65c868205\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: If that is the member\u2019s job, then I have a real aroha for him.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000643\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224029b198-a7b2-4eea-867c-79ef46cafeb9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022527cfab22ae84fc9838e53493f506e6e\u0022\u003EHon Dover Samuels\u003C/span\u003E: You are overpaid, bro.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000644\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c5ab9ec0f560401e91e84ee4bdc67402\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, he is overpaid for interrupting. We could do that for $5 an hour.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000645\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002285d97f54382f46ee97cb3f26e1c34cd2\u0022\u003ERon Mark\u003C/span\u003E: How much will $6 million get?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000646\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225356b273246f47a0862a49b2b77c9862\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: The Government, as far as I am concerned, can\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000647\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a58f567c8ce74f7e91284ec3efad8be4\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: Running commentaries are out of order. If the member wants a speech\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000648\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002222c57da7de3345ac846bbb23e8944feb\u0022\u003ERon Mark\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The member is deliberately engaging me in direct discussion. Tradition allows me to respond to him. If he wishes to continue to draw me into his debate, then that is a choice he makes and he is entitled to receive a reply to the questions he puts to me. That is fair; that is normal debate in this House. If I was throwing interjections at him consistently and he was not inviting me into his debate, that would be a totally different story. But he is deliberately inviting me in.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000649\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a1539712559d4edc91e19b359614a9fe\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I am not inviting the member into my debate. All that he is doing is occupying himself by interrupting.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000650\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ec9c5483c5bf4ccb95931325488dd607\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: There has been a bit of toing and froing tonight, and given the nature of the debate we will let that pass. But members should be mindful of the Standing Orders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000651\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225bc7f1f90255443fba53657912069819\u0022\u003EMAHARA OKEROA\u003C/span\u003E: All that I am trying to do is to eliminate the price of ignorance. The interruptions acknowledge the level of ignorance that exists.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000652\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003E As a member of this Labour Government I am very pleased to stand here and say that the Government wants to ensure more information is made available about the Treaty of Waitangi. The treaty provides the basis for building relationships of respect and recognition, and it is important that New Zealanders are able to debate the significance of the treaty in an informed and a positive way. I think that is the core of the policy. I think it is absolutely critical that those who avail themselves of the opportunity can gain that knowledge, so that ignorance does not sit there unchallenged. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c5b3ede3-ae58-4862-b45d-b4c8f3280960\u0022\u003EAs my concluding comment, I say I totally support anything that adds to the knowledge of the members of this House. What this issue is about is that knowledge is power, and once people are empowered we can in future have an informed debate about the treaty. Kia ora mai t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022333e94f2e4654b01995ed4397e000569\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000654\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022333e94f2e4654b01995ed4397e000569\u0022\u003EGERRY BROWNLEE (NZ National\u2014Ilam):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Throughout the previous member\u2019s contribution to the debate I was brought into the debate, without my having made any comment. There are, of course, remedies available to me in the Standing Orders, but I think that in the circumstances those would be somewhat extreme. I simply say to the member that if he thinks he can achieve all that for $1.50 a head, kia ora to him.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000655\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bf481642d84e4b61882c020523836a2c\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: That is not a point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022 data-id=\u0022868803e0192d442cb2efbe5248190f5d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000656\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022868803e0192d442cb2efbe5248190f5d\u0022\u003ESTEPHEN FRANKS (ACT NZ):\u003C/span\u003E Nothing in the Budget covers an item that may represent one of the biggest financial embarrassments for this Government over the coming year. Nothing in the Budget covers the indifference by the justice establishment, presided over by this Government, towards people who are wrongly imprisoned\u2014who could be languishing in prison on false evidence; people who may be in prison on the basis of perjury; people who are in prison on charges labelled rapist or murderer, and who may be in prison for many, many years. I see nothing in this Budget to recognise that in some of those cases the liability, in terms of the principles announced by the Minister of Justice himself, may be as much as $600,000 per person. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000657\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EPerhaps some may think that this is a strange issue for ACT to raise. We are the party that believes in truth in sentencing and zero tolerance, and is tough on crime, but believes in justice. We believe in the principles of justice, and we will defend those principles. We will defend innocents. We will even defend those who may not be innocent, but who have raised reasonable prospects of doubt about their conviction. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000658\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EA month ago I mentioned the case raised by Peter Hartley, of the two Dale brothers and Mr McLeod, in prison on the evidence of one Melissa Antunovic. She has since been convicted of false complaints against others, using almost exactly the same fabrications. I have another deeply disturbing saga. Again, a miscarriage of justice may be involved, perhaps involving people who are no angels. However, I draw to this House\u2019s attention that in this case the cost of dithering, the cost of refusing even to advise the Governor-General promptly on a petition for pardon, could run into millions of dollars. That case involves Rex Haig, whom the Minister, no doubt, would say is a scumbag, just as he has described the others I have previously mentioned. The man is certainly no angel. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000659\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EIn 2001, 17 months after Rex Haig\u2019s first petition, it was rejected. Since then, with fresh evidence\u201412 affidavits, two respected former police officers in support, and two senior lawyers, including a QC, in support, at, I understand, no expense\u2014a fresh petition has been lodged. But 17 months have passed since that fresh petition was lodged. The central allegation in the Haig petition is that Haig was wrongly convicted of the murder of Roderique, on the pivotal testimony of his nephew, David Hogan; that Hogan has portrayed himself as the real killer to a string of friends and former associates; that Hogan is not only a killer but arranged a second murder to silence a man to whom he confessed; that the Solicitor-General may not have had all the relevant evidence before granting Hogan immunity from prosecution. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000660\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EWith that petition are sworn statements from 12 people who directly, or indirectly, implicate Hogan in Roderique\u2019s death. They allege that Hogan admitted sole responsibility for the killing on five separate occasions. Comments allegedly made by Hogan about Roderique, the murdered victim\u2019s disappearance, included \u201CI knocked him off.\u201D, or, \u201CI blew him away.\u201D Roderique was described in one conversation by Hogan as \u201Cfish bait\u201D. Hogan was also stated to have told friends and former associates that he framed Haig for murder. Those admissions were made in the 5 years following Roderique\u2019s disappearance\u2014that is, the 5 years before 1999\u2014to people in the Christchurch, Greymouth, and Invercargill areas. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000661\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EPolice were well aware of two of those alleged admissions, before Haig was charged with murder. That raises a critical question. How rigorously did the police and the Crown test Hogan\u2019s story before deciding to grant him immunity? The Crown Law Office has rebuffed the request by Nigel Hampton QC to source the information on which those immunity decisions were based, and the communications between the police and the Crown solicitor, and the Solicitor-General\u2019s office were deemed to be privileged. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000662\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EOne of the two witnesses to whom Hogan allegedly confessed, prior to the arrest of Haig. was Anton Sherlock, and in a September 1994 statement to the police, Sherlock said that Hogan had admitted killing someone at sea. Sherlock later told police: \u201CHe said he would kill me if I said anything.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000663\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EIn March 1995, 9 days before the Roderique murder depositions were to begin, Sherlock was bludgeoned to death at Lumsden. A Nigel Johnstone was convicted of murdering him over drug money, but that conviction, too, is challenged through the Haig petition. Sworn statements from new witnesses alleged that another man, Greg Iverson, also known as Butterfield, had killed Sherlock at Hogan\u2019s bidding. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000664\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EWhy is ACT raising this in the House? Why do we care? Because we are a liberal party. We are tough on crime, but we believe that the law should not be brushed aside for convenience. We believe that innocence matters, and that the Minister should not have been waiting for 17 months after receiving that petition, when the innocents may be in prison, however unfavourably he may regard them. We believe that this is symptomatic of a smug attitude to justice, and we will speak out against it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000665\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EI want to draw the attention of this House to another smugness, and it was a smugness that was finally lost today. The Government was exposed as totally unprincipled in an area that has cost this country billions\u2014that is, in treaty settlements. The Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations confirmed today that the public interest prevails over the Treaty of Waitangi. All the wheels of the treaty gravy train fell off this afternoon. We have tried to get principles of the Treaty of Waitangi for more than 2 years in this House, and today we learnt the most important one. The most important one is that the treaty does not stand against the public interest. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000666\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EThe Hon Dover Samuels told us the same thing yesterday, and I quote: \u201CI think you can see clearly that in fact in the interests of the nation it would be appropriate that those resources be vested in the Crown\u201D, he said, referring to oil and gas reserves, and, I think, to the royalties from them. \u201CI think that common sense applies, and I hope that the people will see it that way.\u201D I tell him that New Zealanders have been crying for common sense for at least 15 years. A little common sense applied to the treaty would not have had the trust set up for the radio spectrum. A little common sense applied to the treaty would not have had local authorities all over this country spending millions trying to understand how far they must subject the decisions of elected counsellors to the consultations, veto rights, or involvement of unelected representatives of people with inherited brown skin. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000667\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003ENew Zealanders will be wanting to know from this Government just why it is that the national interest did not prevail and send packing years ago the claim to native plants and animals\u2014the ownership of every native plant and animal species in this country. Why is Wai 262 still before the tribunal, if common sense, as the Hon Dover Samuels says, or the national interest, as the Minister Margaret Wilson says, is all that is needed to prevail over the treaty industry? New Zealanders will be wanting to know whether the foreshore might now be safe or whether the Queen\u2019s Chain is no longer open to being claimed. They might want to know whether the national interest, which now plainly trumps the treaty, can protect them from some of those other myths, the thousands of lawyers and other consultants who are making a living out of interpreting the completely uninterpretable provisions this Government has been putting into legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000668\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EWas it a presentiment of a change of heart that let us see cultural landscapes, spiritual values, and ancestral landscapes dropped at the very last minute from the Resource Management Act? What about the rest of the Resource Management Act veto powers\u2014the powers that have given the stand-over rights that have allowed Ng\u0101i Tahu to extract $1.5 million from Contact Energy; that have allowed thousands of ordinary New Zealanders to be subjected to a treaty toll gate across the roads of their property? In essence, to be subjected to claims under the treaty that had no foundation in the treaty, claims that were based purely on spurious principles\u2014on principles that never existed, that were inserted into the law by this Government\u2014and claims that do not stand scrutiny. These so-called principles we have never been able to find, but, plainly, they do not now stand against the national interest, or even common sense, as Dover Samuels said. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000669\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003EWhy has this Government refused, through 2 years of Parliament, to tell us what the principles were? Lurking in the back of its mind we apparently had a principle that all claims need to look to the national interest. Thank goodness for the national interest! This Government should have been looking to the national interest well before it sent these billions of dollars to waste.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022 data-id=\u0022a877c45b2a6f4b048d32b13aa3fb5195\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000670\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a877c45b2a6f4b048d32b13aa3fb5195\u0022\u003EGEORGINA BEYER (NZ Labour\u2014Wairarapa):\u003C/span\u003E It is always a privilege to speak in the Budget debate, and I appreciate it very much. I would like to compliment the Minister of Finance, Dr Michael Cullen, and the Ministers who have brained out a very prudent Budget for this particular year. A prudent Budget can give the country some confidence that there are safe hands on the tiller\u2014a clich\u00E9 oft used by this side, but one that is nevertheless true\u2014and provides a sense of certainty and stability in which the nation can move forward. Mix that with the vision, growth, and innovation that we as a Government offer this country, and we have the basis of a winner. In my own electorate of Wairarapa, for example, the kind of winning in this particular Budget has certainly been highlighted within the education sector. I know for certain that there will be a nearly $400,000 increase for operational funding in that electorate, and that will be welcomed. That, of course, is on top of what is already provided for those matters in the Wairarapa, which is about $17 million. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000671\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003EThis Government has also shown that it has a commitment to the young people of this country. I would like to highlight something from the newsletter of Makora College, Masterton, published on 16 May\u2014a day after the Budget was delivered. Its opinion of how that Budget affected the school goes like this: \u201CThe Budget this week contains significant funding for education. The initiatives announced will have a positive impact on Makora College. All secondary schools will receive increased staffing from next year. There will be an increase in the operations grant, and there will be extra funding for schools like Makora to assist in transition from school-to-work programmes. Interestingly, the Budget also included significant money for network reviews. There will be another ten areas around the country where they will take place\u201D, and the article goes on. That is just one of the colleges in the Wairarapa. Its response to the Budget with regard to its particular interest was positive and very quick, and that can be said for many other areas around the country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000672\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003ESince this Government came on to the Treasury benches after the 1999 election, we have built a baseline improvement where we wanted to see things happen. We knew that the out years would lay a solid foundation and add to the stability and certainty that we want this country to feel in very trying times. Many members have referred to those times in relation to a number of issues of international significance, and we are, of course, part of that global world. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000673\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003EThere were those who criticised the surplus that Dr Cullen highlighted as being a feature of this Budget, but he also tempered it with the reality that a lot of it is paper figures, and that the true aspect of the surplus is much less than that. No, he will not go out and spend it wildly and willy-nilly, simply because a Government must take a certain amount of responsibility for what can be seen as potentially insecure for the future of the economy of the country. That has been highlighted by a number of members who mentioned the decline in some economic areas that we might see in the next wee while. One does not go out and spend the reserves\u2014for want of a better term\u2014when they might well be needed by many in our producing industries to offset any of the negative impacts that could happen globally in the future. We are reinforcing ourselves. I believe the country should take some comfort from the fact that it is a responsible Government that does that, and does not just blow all the money when it feels like it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000674\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003EObviously, health has been another area of improvement. A significant amount in this Budget has again been applied to the health area. In order to have a thriving nation, one must have a healthy nation. We have had many years of neglect, of upheaval, and of change. We are now looking to temper that and make sure that those who most need access to the services will receive them, and certainly as we can afford to make that access more available to a much wider group of people. For example, if people are living in an adequately healthy home environment, then the possibility of disease and other ailments that might clog up our hospital corridors could perhaps be minimised. The rolling out of public health organisations, which has proven to be successful and welcome around the country,  has to bring benefits to very many New Zealanders. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000675\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003EWe must improve on that, of course. This is no time to sit down and be complacent. That would be irresponsible. We must always be striving for the betterment of this nation. This Government is genuine and sincere in its intent to do that, given some of the difficulties that lie around us. I guess it is the nature of Parliament and these kinds of debates that it is the job of the Opposition to whinge, moan, grizzle, and give us a hard time over it all. However, at the end of the day, there would be a lot more whinging and moaning if the coffers were empty and there was nothing to secure us for the future. We are, indeed, keeping a lid on that kind of extravagance and flippancy, which certainly would not be helpful. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003EFrom the social services point of view\u2014and I have an interest in that area as chairperson of the Social Services Committee\u2014I look forward to seeing the application of some of the funding that has been mentioned in the Budget, and, in particular, the $20 million-plus going towards the Families Commission. That again reinforces the very networks of our society that help to make us strong and lead us forward. There are many complex factors to be addressed, and we hope that the legislation that is now before the select committee will try to address them. Some of the funding that has gone in behind that measure will reinforce and secure some certainty in that area for the future. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000677\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003EAt this stage of a Budget debate it is very difficult to mention new things, because there is just so much good news in the Budget. People have mentioned that it has been boring, and that there is not much in it. However, that is not exactly true. In regional development and through Industry New Zealand, we are still maintaining the importance of our creative industries. In the film industry, for example, we have production and products that are out there showcasing our world. That applies not only to what we attract here via The Lord of the Rings - type productions, or The Last Samurai, but also to what our Kiwi film makers are doing out there in the international world. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000678\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226f6e1ae1-8aa5-4f71-8e73-30bb378026c4\u0022\u003EAlthough I say it ever so modestly, I am very pleased that the documentary about my own life, which has since picked up six awards internationally, is about to play in June to 250 million Americans, which is a very large audience. That particular programme encapsulates not only the story of my life, but is a story about New Zealand. It happens to be a good news story. It is a little disheartening that the producer of that film received some funding assistance from our agencies here in New Zealand, but she still struggled and had to go overseas to pick up the rest of the funding. It is quite amazing that that purely New Zealand product\u2014except for most of its funding\u2014will now be out there helping to highlight some of the great features, and the humanity and compassion, of this country. In conclusion, I believe that humanity, compassion, and prudence are some of the features of this particular Budget.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ac169d29-4849-42c2-a4a7-f344fd416503\u0022 data-id=\u0022154c3ff01b7c436c911a014d8ec8d18f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000679\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac169d29-4849-42c2-a4a7-f344fd416503\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022154c3ff01b7c436c911a014d8ec8d18f\u0022\u003EDr the Hon LOCKWOOD SMITH (NZ National\u2014Rodney):\u003C/span\u003E One of the more insightful comments on this year\u2019s Budget was one penned by the business editor of the New Zealand Herald. He said this: \u201CThis year\u2019s Budget is akin to putting mag wheels and an in-car satellite navigation system into the same old Holden Barina and sending it out for speed trials on an increasingly badly potholed track.\u201D He went on to say: \u201CA successful economy needs a powerful engine, and as with time trials, faster growth can only be achieved on a good track.\u201D He said the engine of economic growth in New Zealand was business, but that it continued to be held back by excessive Government regulation and inadequate infrastructure. To Jim Eagles, I say, \u201Chear, hear!\u201D That is a very apt description of this year\u2019s Budget\u2014lots of frills around the edges, little bits of money for this and little bits of money for that, while it fails totally to address the main issues holding back growth in this country. They are excessive bureaucracy, excessive red tape or regulation\u2014whatever one wants to call it\u2014excessive compliance costs, and inadequate infrastructure. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000680\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac169d29-4849-42c2-a4a7-f344fd416503\u0022\u003EIt is fascinating to look at the Budget and see what the Government is allocating for infrastructure development in this next year. I searched through the great pile of media statements and I did find something on infrastructure. It said, wait for it\u2014$550,000 for a stocktake of infrastructure in this country; not $550,000 to actually to do something about our inadequate infrastructure, no sir, but for a stocktake. I found another bit too: another $1m over 2 years, which, of course, is $500,000 a year, to investigate\u2014not to do anything at all, or build any more infrastructure\u2014but to investigate pricing and regulatory treatment. So there we have it\u2014in the next 12 months there will be half a million dollars for a stocktake and half a million dollars for an investigation into pricing and regulatory treatment. That is why the business editor of the New Zealand Herald said that this Government\u2019s Budget did nothing to address the serious infrastructure issues. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000681\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac169d29-4849-42c2-a4a7-f344fd416503\u0022\u003EI would like anyone in the Auckland region listening to this Budget debate tonight to take note of that in particular, because that is what this Government has done in this Budget to fix the massive transport and motorway problems in Auckland. There is an infrastructure crisis in Auckland, and the Government allocates half a million dollars for a stocktake of infrastructure and $500,000 for an investigation into pricing and regulatory treatment. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000682\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac169d29-4849-42c2-a4a7-f344fd416503\u0022\u003ENow on Monday night this week, the National Party held a forum in Orewa, in my electorate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000683\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002238aaa7e4fbf24fb38ec8948b2fa738d7\u0022\u003EHon Damien O\u0027Connor\u003C/span\u003E: Two people turned up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000684\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac169d29-4849-42c2-a4a7-f344fd416503\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bf19afc9e5674b879ffcc032fdeaba6d\u0022\u003EDr the Hon LOCKWOOD SMITH\u003C/span\u003E: I tell the Hon Damien O\u2019Connor that it was probably the biggest political meeting in the region for 15 years. Four hundred people were packed into that facility in Orewa; they were hanging from the rafters. What is important is not the fact that there was a huge crowd, but what was revealed. Transit New Zealand had a court ruling that it had to complete the extension of the motorway system north of Auckland by 31 December this year. Until 31 December this year, the Environment Court had approved the use of what is commonly called the Link Road, or Westhoe Road, down through Orewa, where the motorway ends in the middle of nowhere. So many tens of thousands of people know all about that as they try to head north of Auckland on weekends, not to mention during the week. From 31 December this year, Transit no longer has consent to use the Link Road, so the motorway stops up in the northern part of Orewa and goes no further. Back in 1999 when National was in Government, the money was available to build that road right through to Puhoi. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000685\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac169d29-4849-42c2-a4a7-f344fd416503\u0022\u003EAt that forum, we heard that Helen Clark had meddled in the funding. I do not know whether that is true, but that was what one of the speakers claimed. There were four speakers at the forum: a property developer from Orewa, whose property development the Link Road runs down through, and who is inevitably involved in the whole thing; the chair of the Auckland Regional Council\u2019s transport committee, Catherine Harland; Transfund\u2019s Auckland regional manager, Dave MacDonald, and the national highway manager of Transit New Zealand, Rick Van Barneveld. But what one of the speakers claimed is not the most important thing. It is that Transit New Zealand told that forum of 400 people that it had applied for consents to use the Link Road\u2014and that, of course, means that the motorway will not be constructed north of Auckland, and why I want Auckland listeners to hear this\u2014not for 1 more year, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 more years, not even 8 or 9 more years. Transit New Zealand has applied for consents to use the Link Road down through Orewa from the end of the motorway, which ends in the middle of nowhere, for 10 more years. The people of Auckland need to know that this Labour Government and its Transit operation say at the moment that they will not have the motorway extended north of Auckland for 10 years\u2014not till 2010. I tell a lie\u2014I was wrong there a moment ago. Forgive me, it is till the end of 2010\u20147 more years.   \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000686\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac169d29-4849-42c2-a4a7-f344fd416503\u0022\u003EWhat Transit also applied for was an extension beyond 2010, if the motorway could not be constructed because of circumstances beyond its control. I want Auckland people to know about that, because in 1999 that motorway was going to be built by the end of this year. Under this Labour Government, that motorway will not be completed for 7 more years at least. Why that is so serious is that already on weekends the traffic jams go all the way back to Warkworth. It takes people hours and hours to access Auckland from the north. One-third of this country\u2019s economy is being strangled by the lack of infrastructure, and Labour in its Budget has allocated $500,000 to do a stocktake. We do not need a damn stocktake; we need a Government with the balls to get up there and build that motorway. There is no other way to describe it. That lily-livered bunch opposite that gives $500,000 for a stocktake should be ashamed of itself, because until Monday night no one knew that Transit, on behalf of this Government, had applied for an extension through to the end of 2010 for the use of the Link Road down through Orewa. By then, there will not even be room to put the cars on the road, let alone for them to be driven anywhere. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000687\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ac169d29-4849-42c2-a4a7-f344fd416503\u0022\u003EThat is a shocking indictment on this Government. It will put $2 billion into the \u201CCullen Fund\u201D\u201470 percent of which will be invested on the New York Stock Exchange, while our people in Auckland and to the north cannot even travel between the north and Auckland without it taking several hours. It is an indictment on this Government, and the people of Auckland now know about it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000688\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ed9ad81-05c1-4171-80c6-24fa02cade42\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b3aacb25c17541388108246cf514be6e\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Clem Simich)\u003C/span\u003E: The next speaker will take 5 minutes. The bell will ring at the 5-minute mark, followed by a 5-minute bell at the end.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224ad02d80-0242-43c0-a0b6-862d72b3f978\u0022 data-id=\u0022803390e602a945df9d931b51fb22aaa9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000689\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224ad02d80-0242-43c0-a0b6-862d72b3f978\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022803390e602a945df9d931b51fb22aaa9\u0022\u003EBRENT CATCHPOLE (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E I walked into the House on Budget day with high expectations of an exciting Budget. After all, this Government had a $4 billion surplus, but what I heard of this Budget was dull, boring, and lacked anything to do with the real issues facing this country right now. The Minister of Finance, Michael Cullen, told us yesterday that the $4 billion surplus was a paper surplus only, not really cash in the bank. The real truth about the surplus\u2014and what the Government is not telling the people\u2014is that Michael Cullen has no idea where it came from and he is salting it away for a rainy day. That rainy day is the election year. Promises will be made to win votes, but immediately the election is over, the promises and the surplus will evaporate. The people are being set up to be conned yet again by this Labour Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000690\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224ad02d80-0242-43c0-a0b6-862d72b3f978\u0022\u003EThis Budget allows funding for an additional 50 police in Auckland only, spread over 4 years. Auckland is short by more than twice that number right now, caused by the mass exodus of people leaving the police because of overwork and the futility they feel when they look at the bulging cabinets of incomplete case files\u2014files where the identity, name, and address of the perpetrator is known but the police do not have the personnel or the resources to get the cases to the courts and finality. The Minister of Police, George Hawkins, proudly stands in this House and tells us how close police manning levels are to the budgeted levels, but the Minister is not giving us the figures for the approved levels, which are quite different to the budgeted levels. For example, a station with an authorised level of 30 has a budgeted level of 20\u2014sorry, that has just been reduced to 19 in this Budget, and the actual level is 18. We are constantly told that the station is one person short only. In fact, that station is 12 short of the authorised level, which was set 20 to 25 years ago. Members should think about that. This Government\u2019s cunning sleight of hand is nothing more than deception. The way those figures are presented make it a lie. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000691\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224ad02d80-0242-43c0-a0b6-862d72b3f978\u0022\u003EThe \u201CWeekend Herald\u201D of May 17-18 states: \u201CThe police deal with crime on priorities worked out nationally, regionally, and put into practice on a daily basis by station supervisors. Crimes of violence are given the highest priority in line with public expectations.\u201D Minor offences are way down the list and left to rot in the gutter. All of that is after issuing one speeding ticket and one seatbelt ticket per hour. Clearly, that is a directive to help compensate for the shortfall in police funding offered by this Budget. Jill Pettis screamed across the House to my colleague Peter Brown: \u201CWhat about the burglaries?\u201D Let us look at the \u201CCrime File\u201D of the week\u2019s burglaries in south Auckland\u2014the home patch of the Minister of Police, George Hawkins\u2014which was published last Friday, 16 May, in the Manukau Courier. In Mangere, there were 10 burglaries in the previous week, up to 16 in the current week. In Otahuhu, there were 12, up to 25. In Otara, there were 10, up to 18. In Papatoetoe\u2014and he would be pleased about this one\u2014there were 32, down to 21, but in Manurewa, there were 15, up to 30. Where is the so-called lowering of the burglary rate, as Jill Pettis called out? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000692\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224ad02d80-0242-43c0-a0b6-862d72b3f978\u0022\u003EDr Cullen and Mr Hawkins should get real and provide the police with the resources and manpower to do the job the public expects them to do\u2014that is, respond to the public need, solve the cases, and really reduce crime levels in all of our cities. They should give back to the police the pride they need in the work they do, and regain the respect of the public.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022 data-id=\u00229d497f193cfd4d3980678c77cc865127\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000693\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229d497f193cfd4d3980678c77cc865127\u0022\u003EBARBARA STEWART (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E New Zealand First believes that this is a bogus Budget for just about every New Zealander. It tries to portray New Zealand as a nation basking in the glow of economic prosperity with another record Budget surplus. Nothing could be less accurate. New Zealand\u2019s poverty crisis was not addressed at all. It is not a good-news Budget for low-income and middle-income families. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000694\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003ENew Zealand First believes that this Budget is heartless, hare-brained, and hazardous. It is heartless because thousands of children who are not fortunate enough to be born into a wealthy family will continue to be disadvantaged from birth, and their hard-working parents will continue to battle on to provide the basic necessities for their children. This heartless Budget continues to tolerate the fact that three out of every 10 children are living in poverty, despite the Government\u2019s own Ministry of Social Development warning that there has been an increase in child poverty and that 150,000 children under 5 live in poor families. This Budget is out of step with the needs of poor New Zealand families. It is heartless, too, for the women of New Zealand, who have suffered because of Dr Bottrill and his misreading of smear tests. That compensation process is still being dragged out. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000695\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003EThe second \u201Ch\u201D that describes this Budget is \u201Chare-brained\u201D. It chooses to keep money in the bank that could be used as a preventive measure in the areas of health, pre-school training, education, and dentistry for our young people. We all know that large amounts of extra dollars will be required in those areas before the full costs of the ageing population are felt in the economy. The Ministry of Social Development has warned the Government that there is an urgent need to increase spending on young people before 2010, when the full cost of the ageing population kicks in. Has that been budgeted for? No. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000696\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003EThe Budget is hare-brained, because families on low incomes\u2014which, New Zealand First reminds the Government, make up a huge proportion of society today\u2014are left with a miserly rise in the income thresholds for family assistance that has not kept up with inflation. There is no excuse for the Government delaying income support for families for another year. There is no excuse, either, for reducing the number of families that will have access to parenting programmes, as pointed out by the Hon Brian Donnelly. It is an unfortunate fact that the subsidised childcare provided for in this Budget is unlikely to reach many people because they do not fit the Government\u2019s poverty criteria. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000697\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003EThe Budget is hare-brained because there is nothing in this Budget for the elderly. For two elections, this Government has promised to remove asset testing, but the elderly have been told that that is still coming. They have been told that 2005 is the latest date. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000698\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003EThe final \u201Ch\u201D is \u201Chazardous\u201D. This Budget is hazardous for New Zealanders. It does not acknowledge the serious repercussions of what financial stress can do to a family. The Government has ignored the fact that many couples now have to deal with an enormous student loan debt as well as their own health and general living costs. The bottom line is that that group has little disposable income in their pockets to cater for the financial cost and stress of raising a family. There will be that $28 million for the Families Commission, but another Government department will not help those people in any way whatsoever. All it means is that extra money is being put into a bureaucracy. This may be a good Budget for some people but for families trying to educate, clothe, feed, and care for their children, this is a nothing Budget. It will extract a huge social price. The time for action is now, not next year in time to give out these cherries for the next election.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000699\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003E Nor did we ever expect to see this Government encourage foreign students to leave health debts for the taxpayer, because, as visitors to this country, they apparently bring in more money than the debts they leave. It is absolutely disgraceful, at a time when many children in New Zealand cannot access some of the services that foreign students can access, and then leave debts behind for us to pick up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022 data-id=\u00228563fe47c1c94ec2a0ba9b992aa91b41\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000700\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228563fe47c1c94ec2a0ba9b992aa91b41\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u0027CONNOR (Minister for Racing):\u003C/span\u003E I say to Barbara Stewart that the only \u201Ch\u201D word I would use is \u201Chelpful\u201D. I apologise now if I seem a little boring in my speech, but I think people in this country appreciated the fact that the Budget was boring. It was predictable, consistent, and helpful. It may be boring in some people\u2019s eyes\u2014[Interruption]\u2014but I tell Mr Shirley that it is exactly what this country needed. Labour wants to carry on with the good work that it has put in place, and with the programmes that it has laid down over the last 3 years in Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000701\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EWhen Labour came into Government we had a dollar that was overvalued. We got in there, spoke to the Reserve Bank, and got the dollar down to a reasonable and sensible level that offered security to exporters. That one move alone has driven this economy on to the stable footing we have today. I will speak briefly about rural industries, about farmers, and about the very industries that drive this economy and will do so for a long time into the future. The reality is that, in spite of all the other claims made by many other industries, the agricultural and horticultural sectors have out-performed most other industries in this country for many, many years, and they will continue to do so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000702\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EWe settled the dollar. We focused on the infrastructural needs of the rural sector, and we put some other key things in place. We put secondary schools on a good footing. We put the Modern Apprenticeships scheme in place. There are almost 6,000 modern apprenticeships now, but there were none under the National-ACT Government because it thought the market would deliver all the needs of the growing New Zealand economy\u2014regardless of the fact that the economy was not growing too well under that Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000703\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EOn behalf of farmers I say that they wanted a steady, boring, consistent Budget, because they are doing OK. I must quote from Federated Farmers, which stated: \u201CIn the light of the very uncertain economic outlook, with falling overseas demand in prices for our products, it is wise for the finance Minister to be wary of eroding the surplus.\u201D Federated Farmers\u2019 expectations are not high, and we delivered for them in a number of ways. Firstly, we committed an extra $14.2 million to World Trade Organization negotiations. That is something that the last National-ACT Government did not do. Secondly, we are going to spend an extra $6 million in biosecurity. A number of incursions occurred under the last National Government\u2014[Interruption]\u2014Mr Worth may not have been in Parliament but I tell him that it was his colleagues who played a part in those biosecurity breaches because the last National Government did not commit funding to biosecurity. We have committed funding, and we will increase it in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000704\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EOne of the joys for the farming sector is an extra $10 million for the Sustainable Farming Fund. The market gurus, and the flat-earth people in the National Party, do not think we need to intervene and facilitate any sustainable growth in the farming sector. There are hundreds of projects around the country now that are focused on growing the agricultural and horticultural sectors, on looking after the environment, and on producing better results from the money invested. There are a large number of areas in which we have helped the rural sector. We have committed $35 million specifically to rural health initiatives.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000705\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222f7f97397a1c4479b96687585fbf2c63\u0022\u003EJohn Key\u003C/span\u003E: It is not enough.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000706\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f51e1bb9527f4796aefb9b226b52dfcc\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u0027CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: That member is from the party that will cut taxes and spending, and he is saying that we did not spend enough. I tell Mr Key that we are very responsible economic managers. He will not have the opportunity for a long, long time to show how incompetent he would be in Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000707\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EWe know that it has been difficult to get medical professionals in the rural sector. We committed money and set up reasonable rostering so that medical professionals could have some time off, and we provided locum support\u2014doctors and nurses who will come in and help\u2014so that those professionals will stay in the rural sector rather than pack their bags and go. If doctors and nurses go from the rural sector then farmers and workers will follow, and that will mean a run-down of our productive sector. We are not going to stand by and let that happen as the last National Government did. We have committed money.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000708\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022343c30a392c1442abc877e18a3c5e669\u0022\u003ESimon Power\u003C/span\u003E: Rubbish!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000709\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002257c0badf68a04b4e87e43e41ae550756\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u0027CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: Does that member know why his colleagues got kicked out of Government? They got kicked out because they ignored the productive rural and horticultural sectors in this country. They turned their backs on those sectors, which kicked them out of Government\u2014for a long, long time into the future. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThat is why we are making such a commitment to look after those sectors. We have a surgical bus going around this country, which delivers surgery to rural people when they never thought such a thing would be possible. That is the kind of innovation this Government has brought to this economy\u2014growth, security, and innovation. We will continue to bring that innovation. How have we done that? What did we do this year? We have allocated an extra $140 million over the next 4 years for science and technology. We have allocated $110 million over the next 4 years to respond to the recommendations on biotechnology\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000711\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225c8173a39f0445c196b9b9b5c91de3fe\u0022\u003EJohn Key\u003C/span\u003E: You won\u2019t be anywhere near the Treasury benches to administer it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000712\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cc7792ea9bb54f54b614fd828d28ac84\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u0027CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Key probably does not understand what biotechnology is and what it can do for this economy\u2014because unless Governments are prepared to commit money to help facilitate that growth, it will not happen. We have committed that money, and we look forward to the growth in that sector, which is built on the successful agricultural sector in this country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000713\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThere are many, many other good things that this Government has done, but I have to go back and ask what the alternative would have been. What if, by a long, long shot, we are ever to have Mr Brash as Minister of Finance? What would he do? Of course, Mr Brash was going to cut taxes. We heard the age-old Tory dogma of cutting taxes, yet Mr Key says we do not spend enough money. What is the cost of cutting taxes? It is probably a couple of billion dollars. Mr Brash would also increase spending on defence and police, and do members know why? There will be so much social inequity under the next National-ACT Government\u2014which we will not see for a long time\u2014that it will have to spend that money. At least he has some idea of what might be necessary in the future. Mr Brash, in his visionary way, wants to have drug testing of beneficiaries. What a wonderful innovation! What else would Mr Brash do? He would slash Government expenditure by 20 percent. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000714\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ELabour is not prepared to undertake those draconian policies. They are the vision of the National Party\u2014if it ever works out who might be the next leader, and if it ever has someone with any vision and leadership to take it forward. Perhaps that leader will be Mr Power. He is not prepared to stand up and say he wants to be the leader of the National Party, because he knows the party will be in the doldrums for a long, long time. I ask Mr Power whether that is correct. What about Mr Key? He is an upcoming leader, but, no, he is not prepared to do anything either because he knows that he will be in the dog box for a long time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000715\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EI hope that speech was boring enough. I hope I have emphasised just a few of the key things that Labour has done for the rural sector in this country. People in the rural sector know that more apprenticeships will mean more tradespeople for the rural sector. They know that getting people into training will help drive agriculture and horticulture in the future, and they know that if we help doctors and nurses, they, out in the rural sector, will get help when they need it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000716\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThis Government has undertaken a programme over the last 3, now almost 4, years to drive this economy into the future, and we will be doing that for a long time yet. If Dr Cullen comes up with another boring Budget next year, then I will be more than happy to stand up in this House and give another boring speech in the Budget debate, because what this country wants is consistency, security into the future, and the knowledge that this Government will not sell its assets, privatise the roading system, or cut taxes unnecessarily. Those are the only alternative policies put up by the National Party or the ACT party. Thankfully, I trust the wisdom of New Zealanders not to put those parties into power for a long, long time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221e93d9c8-b183-40db-b200-833697df066c\u0022 data-id=\u0022aeccb620886c42858b7bc177afd93b43\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000717\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221e93d9c8-b183-40db-b200-833697df066c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022aeccb620886c42858b7bc177afd93b43\u0022\u003ELARRY BALDOCK (United Future):\u003C/span\u003E Most members in this House will know that ever since I arrived here I have been asking the Government to explain why all the revenue raised from petrol excise taxes is not spent on transport-related expenditure. The answer I have normally been given is that the Government could not afford to, that it would have to raise new revenue somehow to recover what was taken from the consolidated account and put back into the National Land Transport Fund, or it would have to cut expenses in some other area. The Government frequently asks: \u201CWhat hospitals or what schools will we close?\u201D If the members of this House cannot recall my frequent questions in this regard, I am sure that those who most certainly do recall them are the 900,000 members of the Automobile Association , Federated Farmers, members of the Road Transport Forum, Local Government New Zealand\u2014which, year after year, must extract more rates from property owners to pay for local roads\u2014and Business New Zealand, and the residents of Auckland, Wellington, and Tauranga who are facing increasing congestion on their streets every year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000718\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221e93d9c8-b183-40db-b200-833697df066c\u0022\u003EThis raiding of the petrol excise taxes began in the 1970s when Government began to spend less on roads than it was collecting. The situation was worse during the 1980s when income was 211 percent of expenditure, rising to a peak of 283 percent by 1990. By the year 2000 it had reduced to 165 percent, but rose again to 174 percent in 2002. Now, in this Budget, it is projected to rise to 182 percent. In fact, I was told that during the stormy years of the National - New Zealand First coalition, when New Zealand First, to its credit, was trying to get greater transparency over this expenditure, the Minister of Finance, Bill Birch, threatened to resign if any more of his precious cash cow was touched. That is the way Ministers of Finance refer to this funding.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000719\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221e93d9c8-b183-40db-b200-833697df066c\u0022\u003EThe most common response of former Governments, both National and Labour, when asked why more of the petrol excise tax money is not spent on the roads we so desperately need\u2014roads that could save lives and reduce injuries, and therefore save health and accident compensation costs\u2014is to answer with questions: \u201CWhat schools would you like to close? What hospitals would you close? What surgeries will you cancel? What taxes would you raise?\u201D But in this Budget the Government announces new expenditure on health and education, and a whole raft of other new spending, without closing hospitals or schools, or raising new taxes. The Government is able to do that because of a surplus, and it chooses what to allocate that extra revenue to without cutting some other department\u2019s expenditure at all\u2014except, perhaps, the $13 million cut, ironically, from Transfund in this Budget.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000720\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221e93d9c8-b183-40db-b200-833697df066c\u0022\u003EMy point is that this new spending announced in the Budget is possible only because of the planned plundering of the National Land Transport Fund next year to the tune of $452 million of fuel excise taxes, which will be diverted to the consolidated account, or $867 million if we simply take the excess of revenue from the petrol excise and road-user charges, which totals $1.579 billion over Transfund\u2019s budget of $867 million. The much-acclaimed surplus then is not really as large as it appears to be, and it has been bolstered only by the excess of revenue collected from the motorists of this country over the amount spent by Transfund.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000721\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221e93d9c8-b183-40db-b200-833697df066c\u0022\u003EThat begs the question of who really is paying for this new spending. That answer is simple: the New Zealand motorist is. Motorists are paying for the new health and education initiatives, as they have paid for them year after year under successive Governments. Previous Governments have raided the National Land Transport Fund to meet those other areas. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000722\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221e93d9c8-b183-40db-b200-833697df066c\u0022\u003EWe do not expect this situation to be corrected overnight. It has happened over the course of 20 to 30 years, and it will take more than a few years to correct it. But now the results of robbing Peter to pay Paul have come home to roost with this Government\u2014or should I say the robbing of Paul to pay Trevor, or the robbing of Paul to pay Annette? What worries me is whether Paul will be robbed again next year to pay Steve. We ask this Government to break with the old, bad habits of the 1980s and 1990s and commit, in next year\u2019s Budget, to replace over time the money it has raided from the National Land Transport Fund. I know that the Minister is aware of the problem, and I trust it will be dealt with.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022 data-id=\u0022ab6585dea7aa4aff8159390cf79d49a9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000723\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ab6585dea7aa4aff8159390cf79d49a9\u0022\u003EDr PAUL HUTCHISON (NZ National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E This is a Budget of huge missed opportunities. This is a Budget that was given a D minus by a leading New Zealand economist, Susan St John, who, one would think, was a friend of the Clark-Cullen Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000724\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022823cfd4c115043359ee20b85be0f7f34\u0022\u003ESimon Power\u003C/span\u003E: No friends left.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000725\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d5cc60ea8baa40a98e6dc09d552dd3d9\u0022\u003EDr PAUL HUTCHISON\u003C/span\u003E: That is right\u2014no friends left. From almost every commentator in New Zealand, from either side of the political spectrum, from the banks, from the farms, from the business community, and from the Child Poverty Action Group, is the view that Dr Cullen\u2019s Budget is a miserable failure. It is a failure because Dr Cullen had the opportunity, with a paper budget surplus of $4 billion, to put in serious policies that would promote and sustain economic growth, but he failed. He absolutely failed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000726\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002211a61c749a36486e8c1ef5716ef69411\u0022\u003EJohn Key\u003C/span\u003E: He doctored the Budget.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000727\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a3842e45f3154fc08db189cd3aab79c5\u0022\u003EDr PAUL HUTCHISON\u003C/span\u003E: He absolutely did. Dr Cullen\u2019s Budget is a failure, because it has, in the words of the Child Poverty Action Group, done nothing for 300,000 of New Zealand\u2019s poorest children. It is a failure because it has fuelled one of the most unfair and inequitable primary health systems that I know of anywhere in the world, and Helen Clark and Annette King should bow their heads in shame. I do accept, however, that the Hon Pete Hodgson made some effort by investing in more science research, and attempting to expand New Zealand\u2019s public and private research investment. I applaud that. But as Pete Hodgson himself said in this House, there is a long, long, way to go. That improvement could be totally offset by this Government\u2019s insistence on getting the fundamentals wrong. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000728\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EI would like to remind the House that in 1960 Australians were slightly worse off than New Zealanders in terms of per capita income. Today, they are $200 per week better off than New Zealanders in per capita income, for every man, woman, and child, and that is because they have looked at the fundamentals, which is something that Dr Cullen has failed to do. I would like to refer members to a little tome that came from Australia. It is that Government\u2019s innovation report of 2002. It talks about the economic framework. It states: \u201CIn recent years, Australia\u2019s economic fundamentals have improved substantially\u2014we continue to achieve strong economic growth, in an environment of lower interest rates, low inflation, and a new tax system.\u201D It is a tax system that is markedly different from New Zealand\u2019s, in that Australia has a company tax rate well below ours. The report goes on to state: \u201CThe Government continues to pursue reforms aimed at stimulating a positive environment for investment in new business development. A strong economy, profitable businesses, and a secure tax base provide the best opportunities for investment and innovation in R \u0026amp; D.\u201D The Labour Government is not moving in this vital area of getting the fundamentals right and of lowering company tax, and in 2 years\u2019 time a National Government will put that right. Dr Cullen\u2019s Budget added $1.5 billion more to social spending, but, as was pointed out by the Child Poverty Action Group, much of the social spending was inequitable, and in the case of health the principle that those most in need receive the scarce health dollar has been utterly abandoned. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000729\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EA key weakness of this Budget is that Dr Cullen has failed miserably to stimulate the engine of economic growth\u2014the small, medium, and large businesses that make up the lifeblood of our economy. The Clark Labour Government seems to have a congenital reflex to bring in regulatory hurdles. The obvious example is, of course, the Resource Management Act, but, by chance, there happens to be an excellent article in today\u2019s Independent by the National MP for Port Waikato. The article describes the Government\u2019s Pavlovian-dog readiness to over-regulate the new organisms legislation, putting it in danger of becoming the biotechnology equivalent of the Resource Management Act. That is a tragedy for New Zealand, particularly when the Government\u2019s growth and innovation strategy focuses on biotechnology as a major area to grow the New Zealand economy. It is a tragedy that the Government\u2019s own biotechnology task force talks about the possibility of a $10 billion industry for New Zealand in the next 10 years, but adds: \u201CThe biotechnology industry must have a regulatory environment that is transparent and predictable.\u201D The facts under this Labour Government are the very opposite. This is what the chief executive officer of PPL Therapeutics had to say only 2 weeks ago at a symposium at the royal society: \u201CWhile each and every ERMA application for transgenic herd production is subject to public debate, investment by biotechnology companies will dry up and wither away.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000730\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EThe morning after the Budget, I decided to go to a seminar at Auckland University to gain a perspective of how the Budget was viewed by a group other than the business community. I have often heard people say that a mark of a country\u2019s humanity and civilisation is the way in which it treats the lowest common denominator. The view of the meeting at Auckland University, the day after the Cullen Budget, was that this Labour Government had basically ignored the concerns of the 300,000 children who come from the poorest homes. That has to be an indictment on this Labour Government. It is hugely ironic that in a year with a record surplus the Helen Clark - led Government abandons children who are most in need.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000731\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022803002d1-e810-4bd8-b8e7-2e97d0d6f626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002274553f2a84f24eaaae35e634a14a5091\u0022\u003ESimon Power\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s appalling.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000732\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002287d1e03bdc2f414bb4e5fc3fa8a19c68\u0022\u003EDr PAUL HUTCHISON\u003C/span\u003E: It is appalling. The member is absolutely right. As an obstetrician, I am deeply aware of how absolutely vital the first 5 years of life are for a child\u2019s development. In fact, it is hugely important\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000733\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222f49a794917c474db1cfcbea5a112659\u0022\u003EJohn Key\u003C/span\u003E: The first 5 minutes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000734\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f5589a049b024ed58126923b331f2de2\u0022\u003EDr PAUL HUTCHISON\u003C/span\u003E: The first 5 minutes\u2014absolutely. It is hugely important for New Zealanders to realise that one of the greatest investments we can make as a nation is to ensure that all our children are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential by access to first-class education and health, from preconception, but that as adults they should exercise individual responsibility. What an irony it is for the Clark-Cullen Government that this is the second year that a huge amount of taxpayers\u2019 money will be directed towards a superannuation fund\u2014a fund that will be largely invested overseas, and a fund that could have provided far greater quality of spending if it were being used to stimulate the New Zealand economy. As I noted at the beginning of this speech, the Cullen Budget is marked as gaining a D minus grade. It is absolutely a opportunity missed, and it is another of Labour\u2019s abject failures. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022 data-id=\u0022c7492e3b85244e1dbdfc6dac95fdadfd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000735\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c7492e3b85244e1dbdfc6dac95fdadfd\u0022\u003EHon KEN SHIRLEY (Deputy Leader\u2014ACT NZ):\u003C/span\u003E The last speaker on the Government side in this debate was Damien O\u2019Connor, a Minister of the Crown. What people have to realise, of course, is that everyone has a job in this executive. There are, I think, only four people who have not got a special job. Let me tell members that it is the best way for any Prime Minister to keep control\u2014give them all a job! Buy them off! We have the biggest executive ever, I think.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000736\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002207dc4112-8a19-4dd6-a57c-878b47f8a9b6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002249940dd65b0741e6b81feb0ab0e39c4e\u0022\u003ERon Mark\u003C/span\u003E: In history.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000737\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266e67cd39cc448b08d34d2a5a1ced7a4\u0022\u003EHon KEN SHIRLEY\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, the biggest executive in history. Every week there is a new executive position and a new assistant\u2014someone else to carry the handbag. It just goes on and on. But I come back to Mr Damien O\u2019Connor. I actually have a lot of respect for Mr O\u2019Connor. He is a solid, rural member. He comes from the West Coast. But let me just tell members what he actually said, because it is very revealing. This comment came from a Minister in the Government\u2014a Minister of the Crown. He was praising the rural sector in New Zealand, and he said that his Government got the dollar down. He said that they settled the dollar. That is a very interesting concept, is it not? It is true that when the Helen Clark Labour socialist Government was elected, the dollar did take a dive. But it was actually driven down by the confidence of international investors. It had nothing whatsoever to do with\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000738\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022964420d273ed4db9a893c18934453ec3\u0022\u003EHon Damien O\u0027Connor\u003C/span\u003E: What about the targets?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000739\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002260664d0c7497443cba5b9b0162d226ee\u0022\u003EHon KEN SHIRLEY\u003C/span\u003E: He is interjecting on me now. The other side\u2014which he does not forget\u2014is that in recent months the dollar has gone up. Did the member\u2019s Government do that, too? Is that part of the targets? Is that a deliberate policy? The nice little message the member is giving to the farmers is: \u201CHey, we got the dollar down for you.\u201D Is the member now saying that the Government put the dollar up for them? Which way is it, I ask Mr O\u2019Connor. Was the Government in control when it drove the dollar down, or was that international markets? Or is the Government in control now and driving the dollar up? Or is that international markets? He cannot have it both ways. I ask him to nominate one or the other, because it is a very curious position that he has adopted. He is caught both ways, whichever way he looks at it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000740\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003EThis Budget purported to have a $4 billion surplus. Michael Cullen and all the Ministers\u2014all 27 of them, I think it is\u2014have been swanning around the country and saying: \u201CWe have delivered a Budget surplus. We can manage the economy. The surplus is $4 billion.\u201D All of a sudden, come Budget day\u2014oh no! The Government\u2019s constituents are saying: \u201CLet\u2019s have more welfare spending. Let\u2019s spend more. Let\u2019s have more for M\u0101ori television and all the rest of it.\u201D Then, all of a sudden, it is not really a $4 billion surplus. It is actually only a $1.5 billion surplus. So when the Government actually comes to spend it, it is only a $1.5 billion surplus. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000741\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003EI have been doing some work, and talking to some people who are very knowledgable on the subject. They are actually doing some further figures. They tell me that when we take the capital expenditure that is involved in this Budget and the financial investment for policy purposes, which, of course, includes the \u201DCullen fund\u2019\u2019, that great monster, their assessment\u2014and it is not final yet; I will be bringing it to the House\u2014is that this Budget, in international terms, how all other countries assess it, is actually a deficit. This is a deficit Budget. At a time of good fortune, because of a low dollar, very good climate conditions for our export crops, record agricultural production because of the favourable climate conditions over the last 4 years, and good international commodity prices\u2014at a time when all those stars are in alignment\u2014this Government is actually running a Budget deficit, because of its wasteful spending. That is indeed a very worrying situation. What have we got? We have got $34 million being thrown out on the America\u2019s Cup. Who actually believes that it is the role of the Government to be funding a sporting event for the international well-to-do?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000742\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003E Sure, we ought to have pride in the America\u2019s Cup, but is it the role of the Government to throw money at it? Government members say: \u201COh, but it will encourage investment and earnings.\u201D Well, why not give $34 million to Fonterra? Why not give $34 million to Carter Holt Harvey, which is owned by International Paper\u2014or 51 percent is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000743\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228b98d1c4edf9456ba84a79f620e4fdbf\u0022\u003EStephen Franks\u003C/span\u003E: Or EDS.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000744\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002264aa2733b8084c4e9274bd656c1d350c\u0022\u003EHon KEN SHIRLEY\u003C/span\u003E: The Government has given money to EDS. My colleague has reminded me of Jim Anderton and his \u201Cjob machine\u201D\u2014this great ministry to create jobs and help regional development. We have had Sovereign Yachts, and now it is the America\u2019s Cup. The Government actually dished out hard-earned taxpayers\u2019 money to EDS\u2014a multinational corporate monster. I am not against multinational corporate monsters. I think they are great. But, hell, do they need to have their hand in the hip pocket of the poor struggling New Zealand taxpayer? I do not think so. But Jim Anderton and this Government thought it would be a good idea to give that company a special-projects grant to develop a particular market. I have spoken to some people at EDS, and they are laughing. They think it is a joke. They have taken the Government\u2019s money\u2014I should say our money; the country\u2019s money\u2014but they despise the Government. They think the Government is a fool. The Government continues to go around the country, dishing out money to groups like EDS. Telecom got a grant under Jim Anderton\u2019s regional development scheme\u2014it got a special-projects development grant under this Government\u2019s scheme to create jobs. That is appalling mismanagement of the economy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000745\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003EI particularly want to turn to the energy sector because I think that this Government has failed there perhaps more than anywhere else. We know that the roading infrastructure is in chaos and that the Government has done nothing to address that, but our basic electricity infrastructure in this country is in a woeful state. We can read the briefing papers to the incoming Ministers in 1999, and again in 2002. The Government commissioned a ministerial inquiry, which reported in June 2000. Read the recommendations! The Government has ignored them, and if it had acted, it would have averted the crisis we are now facing. I notice that the Minister for State Owned Enterprises is in the Chamber tonight, and I welcome him. We do not see him very often. He has a responsibility for the State-owned generators\u2014[Interruption] The Minister is chirping now; he is interjecting. Do people realise that 70 percent of our total generation is controlled by Government-owned enterprises that effectively now have regional monopolies?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000746\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4030eb1-1b72-4bc3-b00d-7126013abc01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022446dccc582f74a3e8ee0245f717fd258\u0022\u003EStephen Franks\u003C/span\u003E: Strategic assets with no strategy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000747\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022847d70b7d4e24cf6b2982998010b8b98\u0022\u003EHon KEN SHIRLEY\u003C/span\u003E: Very good; I could not have put it better myself. The Minister for State Owned Enterprises is here, so let me put this to him. Genesis is a very important State-owned enterprise. It runs the Huntly power station, our biggest generator of 1,000 megawatts, or potentially 1,000 megawatts, and a whole lot more. Of course, it is not running at 1,000 megawatts. Why? Because it does not have any coal. It is that Minister\u2019s responsibility to ensure that it did have it. If we look at the stockpiles of coal that that station has had on 31 March every year since 1992, we will find that on average it was over 1 million tonnes, because that is what it required. Since this Government has been in office, and in particular this year, on 31 March, it has had less than 500 tonnes in stockpile. I ask the Minister whether that was his cunning strategy to\u2014what could it possibly be for? I cannot think. Why did the Minister not address that issue? Any Minister for State Owned Enterprises who had that responsibility would have ensured that there was sufficient fuel for the Huntly power station. Now the Government is trying to sign up contracts to bring in 600,000 tonnes of Indonesian coal to fuel that power station, and the Government is talking about bringing it into the Port of Tauranga. Let me say to members that the Government will not be able to do it. There will be huge problems. The Government thought it was going to deliver the coal by rail, but the railways are so run down that it cannot get it through. The Government is now talking about trucking it. I have the figures. There was going to be a coal truck every 20 seconds I think, heading over the Kaimais. I do not think that would be a very popular move. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000748\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219386ba0-5a6e-485e-abc0-5a3128b4e1f6\u0022\u003EI ask the Minister to please think about it: why were we caught out in respect of the coal stockpiles at Huntly, which he\u2014as the Minister for State Owned Enterprises; for Genesis\u2014is responsible for? Why are New Zealanders being asked to have cold showers? Why are our export-earning industries cutting back, and laying people off? Why are jobs, production, and export earnings being lost? It is because that Minister failed to ensure that there were adequate coal reserves. We know we have problems getting access to our own coal reserves, because of Chris Carter, the Minister of Conservation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002273f60731-048d-4a21-81c5-52d588de2325\u0022 data-id=\u0022c8ad7fa5c48e49d6a1ab08a00737c5de\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000749\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002273f60731-048d-4a21-81c5-52d588de2325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c8ad7fa5c48e49d6a1ab08a00737c5de\u0022\u003EMITA RIRINUI (NZ Labour\u2014Wai\u0101riki):\u003C/span\u003E Otir\u0101, te w\u0101hi tuatahi an\u014D tautoko ake ng\u0101 mihi ki t\u014D t\u0101tou rangatira kua huri ai ki tua o te \u0101rai. Koi r\u0101 a Rihari Mangu. Kua hinga atu nei, \u0101, hoki atu n\u0101 ki t\u014Dna w\u0101 k\u0101inga, t\u0113nei te mihi ake, poroporoaki nei ki a ia.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000750\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002273f60731-048d-4a21-81c5-52d588de2325\u0022\u003E[The first thing indeed is to endorse the tributes made to our respected one who has passed beyond the veil. I am referring to Richard Mangu. He has fallen and has returned to his homeland. I greet him and bid him farewell.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000751\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002273f60731-048d-4a21-81c5-52d588de2325\u0022\u003EI join with previous speakers of the Government in expressing condolences to the family of Richard Mangu, who, I believe, was employed by VIP Transport since 1974. I met the man on several occasions and found him a very pleasant person. My condolences to his family. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000752\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002273f60731-048d-4a21-81c5-52d588de2325\u0022\u003EThere is a reason that I am speaking in this debate at 5 to 10 on a Wednesday night. As they say, we in the Government always save the best for last. I was very intrigued by the speeches from National Party members prior to the dinner break. It is true there is a lot of division amongst their ranks, because every member who spoke had a different point of view in terms of the Budget. I shall give members some of those views. Dr Don Brash reckons that the Government spends too much. Dr Linda Scott said that it spends too little. Future National Party leader, Simon Power, had some very strong views on the Budget. However, I was kind of intrigued by his infatuation with Helen Clark\u2019s photograph. He has two of them in his pocket, one from 1999 and one from 2002. I know that he has aspirations for leadership, but surely he does not need to copy the leadership style of Helen Clark, the Prime Minister. Maybe in the future he will find that such a leadership style is of benefit to him, but I have to say that he will have a very long wait. [Interruption] There are no models in the National Party for him to follow\u2014that was going to be my next point. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000753\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002273f60731-048d-4a21-81c5-52d588de2325\u0022\u003EAlso, I was very, very surprised to hear a person like Shane Ardern say that the worst thing he could find about the Budget was that there was a $4 billion surplus. If that is bad, then having money in the bank is bad also. National is a party that wants to spend it all today and never mind tomorrow. National members want to spend it on this generation and to hell with the next. The previous speaker, Dr Paul Hutchison, said that the morning after the Budget he heard a lot of commentators condemn this fourth Budget of Dr Michael Cullen. I also read some of the comments the morning after, and this is a very, very profound one from a very well-known political commentator, Mr Colin James, who said: \u201CTraditional Labour, within the constraints of prudent budgeting and with genuflections to a high-skills economy\u2014that\u2019s Michael Cullen\u2019s fourth Budget.\u201D How much of an endorsement can one get? I shall go through some of the details of those genuflections. We are talking about a highly skilled, well-educated, fully employed future nation. The interjections from members across the House are not being heard above all the praise for this Government and its fourth Budget. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000754\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002273f60731-048d-4a21-81c5-52d588de2325\u0022\u003EIn particular, I want to speak about the commitments this Government has made to the treaty education programme. I say that because, at the moment, the Justice and Electoral Committee is in the process of hearing submissions on the Supreme Court Bill. What has become apparent during this process is that very few people understand what the treaty is and what it means to us as a nation\u2014more so, Opposition members in this House. I do not know whether they refused, or just do not want to learn about the treaty, or whether there is something in their party manifesto that says that they cannot, and shall not, and will never have anything to do with nation building as far as the treaty is concerned.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000755\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002273f60731-048d-4a21-81c5-52d588de2325\u0022\u003EDebate interrupted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id200305210e1df4e8f2ce4c7981f6de6647735b20000756\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002273f60731-048d-4a21-81c5-52d588de2325\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 10 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"